[Thomas Waters, R.M., to his wife, Elizabeth]
Addressed to Mrs. Lt. Waters R.Marines, Mulgrave Place, Woolwich, Kent.
No 9 H.M.Ship Maidstone Accra 18th June 1825
My Dear Wife
I am very much vexed at not having received a letter from you for so many months past, the last was dated the 9th of August and now it is almost August again. Mars. [Mrs.] Nicholls offered to forward your letters and I have told you that Col.Nicholls said you were to send them to Mrs.N. I know Mrs.Nicholls went to Ireland last year but she was not very long away, and now I will inform you of another method of communicating with me the Commodore has been so kind as to tell me you may enclose your letters to me in a half sheet of paper and direct on the cover
Commodore Bullen C.B.
H.M.S.Maidstone
Coast of Africa
and enclose that in another half sheet directed to
John Dyer Esq.
Admiralty
London
by that means there is little doubt but your letters will come safe to me, the letters must go to Mr.Dyer free of expense but I believe there is a packet goes from the Barracks, every afternoon, to the Admiralty. Mrs.Pilcher will willing inform you how your letters can be conveyed so far make my respects to Mr. & Mrs.P.
I know my letters have arrived safe to you, at least, those that have had time to reach England and we to get an Answer, I understand you are in good health, and the children have recovered from the hooping-cough but I want to know that and other particulars from your own hand, my time afloat thanks to the Almighty is fast sliding away, but still I think it is best in the mean to keep up a good understanding between us, both for your benefit and mine hereafter – I now trust in the gracious Almighty that a more regular correspondence will be carried on between us for the future without cause of uneasiness.
I remain My Dear Wife
Your Most Affectionate Husband
Thos. Waters