Thomas Waters, R.M., to his wife, Elizabeth.
H.M.S. Maidstone Spithead
25 March 1824
My Dearest Love
I got on board, the day I left you, about three o Clock, after waiting an hour and half, the weather being rough, before I could have a boat from the ship and I was not inclined to give a shilling for a wherry to carry me off, we should have sailed on the following monday but the wind would not serve and the steam vessel did not arrive but the next day the wind being fair we sailed at 11 oClock without the steam vessel and anchored at the Nore about four in the afternoon, the tide being low we could not go further that day on account of the shoals- MrsRancan left the ship the morning I left you, her husband took her to town and she sailed the next day for Scotland, they regretted they could not call on you- I have got charge of the wine account. I paid Hindle 3 shillings for the two weeks past and told him I should allow him one shilling a week only while embarked he seemed satisfied
17th we remained at anchor in a fog, 18th we made some progress for three hours lashed to the Apollo steam vessel when we were obliged to anchor in consequence of the fog preventing the Pilot’s seeing the buoys, of the channel.-
19th got under weigh lashed to the steam vessel and anchored in the Downs in the evening, you remember we could see the shipping in the Downs from Ramsgate- My Cabbin is so dark, even in the middle of the day, that I can scarcely see to write without a candle. I have a violent cold in [“the” crossed out] my head, accompanied with a bleeding at the nose, I understand, the bleeding is favorable as it keeps off the headache. 20th got under weigh without the steam vessel 21st anchored at St.Hellens, you remember we could see it from Southsea beach, I have been sea sick Hindle stands it extremely well, this day has been rough
My Dearest Love I judge from my own feelings how anxious you must be to hear from me, therefore, I will finish my letter 22nd, contrary winds kept us at St. Hellens-
23, got under weigh and moored at Spithead where it is supposed we shall remain about ten days and it is thought we shall afterwards touch at Plymouth 24th I took Hindle ashore with me, he took mine and the Purser’s linnen to Mrs Chambers I found her Mrs Dill, Rogers, and Marks where we left them, was at Mrs Chambers a few minutes but found my spirits extremely low on thinking of your absence from Cecil Place where we had been so long together. Mrs Chambers has 3 children and Mrs Marks I think 6 and carrying another, your old friends were all happy to hear from you, they thought us still at Southampton- I called on my agent he gave me 15£ without hesitation and offered me more if I wanted it, I told him you would draw eighteen pounds pr Quarter he said very well, I think you have no need to regret being at Woolwich our old Quarters seemed to me quite melancholy Our old house is inhabited by a Navy Lieut. the outside looked dismall so did Lambrook row. Remember me to my sweet children, I hope to write to you again before I leave England- Dr Rancan has received a letter from Mrs Rancan she desires her Compliments to you. My cold has nearly left me. I have written to Mr. Sillifant and my Sister
I remain My Dearest Love
Your Affectionate Husband
Tho. Waters-
Addressed to Mrs. Lieut. Waters R.Marines, Mulgrave Place, Woolwich, Kent.
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