[O’Connor & Co to Thomas Waters’ wife]
[from a transcript by Thomas Waters’ wife in 1871]
Callao. 22 June 1871
Dear Madam
With regret we have to inform you of the loss of the Wealth of Nations on the 13th instant and we also regret to say that your good husband and nine men are still missing, notwithstanding our having dispatched a steamer in search of them; up to date we have received no tidings of them and we have a grave fear for their safety but the Almighty that so miraculously saved Mr Walters the Chief Mate and ten of the men may also have saved your husband. On Sunday next we intend making another trip to see the Horniga Rocks [Hormigas de Afuera] where the ship was lost to ascertain if any clue can be found as to their whereabouts. We hold a balance of $1460 belonging to your husband we are at a loss to know how to act, whether to send it to the owners or to you, and await your instructions how to act.
We deeply sympathise with you for your great loss and remain
Dear Madam
Your obedient
Servants
O’Connor & Co
Mrs Thos Waters
Digby
Nova Scotia