[From Captain Thomas Waters’ widow to his sister in Hook, Surrey]
[from a transcript]
August 11th 1871
Digby, nova Scotia
My Dear Jane
I have just this moment received your note and can well judge of your anxiety, we are in a most dreadful state of suspense. I have had sympathising letters from Callao dated 22nd July the “Wealth of Nations” being wrecked on the 13th June. the mate and nine men were saved, when they wrote to me, the Captain and nine men were missing. I will just enclose a copy of the Mate’s letter and you will be in possession of all the intelligence we have up to this date.
Mr Turnbull was over last week and gave us great hope, he thinks the reason why Tom did not make any reply, why he did not come to the Mate when he called him, is that he probably had some other chance of saving his life, and two or three days after the wreck was passed but no one on it, this strengthens his hope that they may have been taken off and perhaps taken back to Guanape, the rocks on which the ship struck are only 30 miles from land. I am expecting daily to hear news that will end this frightful suspense, the ships papers are expected now every mail, as soon as I hear anything I will at once let you know.
Oh Jane if our worst fears are realized I cannot say anything more, we can only wait and hope, in the meantime we are in God’s hands, His will be done.
With dear love
I remain
Your ever affectionate Sister
Amaret Waters