From Thomas Waters Sr. to his wife Elizabeth Waters (January 31, 1826)

[Thomas Waters, R.M., to his wife, Elizabeth]

Addressed to Mrs. Lt. Waters R.Marines, Mulgrave Place, Woolwich

No 11 H.M.S.Maidstone Sierra Leone 31st Jan^y. 1826

My Dearest Love

I mentioned in my last letter that I hoped you received 20£ last year from Mr. Sillifant and that if you did not it was my particular wish you would immediately write to him for it and also write to him that he would have the goodness to send you ten pounds in addition, I know the times must require it, I mention it in this for fear you should not get my last, as I am very anxious you should not be distressed for want of money whilst it is in my power to supply you – You say your brother Joseph is going to be married, soon, to a young Lady not rich, but if she is prudent, I will venture to say that he will never know the want of riches. at least I can answer for it as far as my experience goes, I wish them both happy in their choice, Remember me to Sam and Molly in your next to your friends not forgetting my best regards to your Aunt, sister and brothers, I am very sorry your sister is so ill, your poor Aunt we cannot expect to have her much longer with us, she is arrived at a good old age. I should like every four or five months to have a letter from you, when convenient, with yourself, but do not harass your mind about what to write, or how to send it, as, I hope, you have much more important affairs to attend to, only, as I say, write to me when convenient and I shall be satisfied. Hindle is very well he is under—steward to our mess, I dont believe it will bring him much profit, he is very brisk and attentive to his work, he has only received one letter from his Wife since he left England and that was from her in Ireland mentioning that you had written to her to come to Woolwich immediately but her letter did not say for what reason, therefore, I thought it better for her to remain where she was, her husband answered her letter, he was delighted with the lock of his child’s hair which his Wife sent him, it is very beautiful and Hindle seems extremely attached to his wife, but I believe he was much vexed at being so long without a letter as he said he had written several to her, however I believe he is now well satisfied. You must be indeed fortunate in having such an excellent neighbor as the Lady who sent our dear little children such a kind present OF Nuts and wine on the anniversary of our wedding day, (by the by, I do not approve of Joseph’s going a riding with the Gentleman), a happy day indeed to me. My letter etc, was sent by Dr.Rankine. I hope my children will be brought up hardy – Of course you have no want of imployment for your mind, your household affairs and children must fill up your time in a most interesting manner. I am sorry provisions are so dear. I am glad Mary is improving in her writing and needle. I hope she will be a good girl- I am extremely sorry John stammers, I suppose he must have got it from a stammering companion, as I cannot suppose for a moment he has been neglected.

[cross-written] HOWEVER we must trust in Providence and do our best the times will be better by and by we have no reason to despair come what will- There must be a great Many distressing objects about Woolwich I wish it was in our power to relieve them. I am sorry your sister is so much worse. your brothers seem fond of Jarjety I am sorry your Brother has been taken in but I hope he has gained some useful experience. I am very much pleased with Mary and Josephs’ writting I hope they are all good children let them have a plenty of Play there is my little box of figures for them now and then when they cannot play in the garden, send me a letter now and then when it is convenient, once in three or four months if you can but do not inconvenience yourself in so doing, consider the children as requiring your most serious attention. collars I do not wear in this sultry climate and my shirts will serve untill my return to England therefore do not send me any. Salute my Children and tell them they will be ever dear to my heart as long as they are good. Adieu my dearest Love and believe me ever Your/ truly

Affectionate Husband
       Tho? Waters

I have received your letter No 9 I perceive Capt. Taylor has put himself on half pay, I think very foolishly.