From John Sillifant to his ward Thomas Waters Sr. (December 15, 1816)

[John Sillifant to Thomas Waters R.M.]

Addressed to Lieut Waters, Royal Marines, Portsmouth

Coombe, 15 Dec^r. 1816

My Dear Mr Waters,

It is many months since we had the pleasure of hearing from you, pray has your time been occupied with civil or Military engagements? I am anxious to hear from you how you have been engaged – I suppose you are now promoted to a Company. You are a fortunate fellow to be on the establishment at this time. I am sure you will be sorry to hear of the death of your good Friend Mr Prideaux some months since. However it is a great consolation to his surviving friends that He died as He lived Happy & resigned. We have no other change in our family. Mrs Sillifant & the Children are all well & desire to be most kindly remembered to you. John is at College in Oxford. I hear Miss Totness is going on extremely well in Bristol. I conclude you have heard that Her friend Miss Lockyear is dead & has left Her a Legacy of a Thousand Pound Stock.

I intend sending this Letter with a deed which Mr Smith sends for your execution, which is a transfer of your Mortgage from Taylor. I have agreed (with your approbation) to advance your Five Hundred Pounds to a Mr Nic^s. Reynolds on some Lands in Rockbere. I am informed it is a very good Security. In consequence of a very unproductive & bad Harvest, corn is advanced amazingly & the poor are much distressed. I much fear it will increase as the winter advances – do write me a long letter.

I must conclude with every good wish
   I remain yours sincerely

John Sillifant