From Thomas Waters Sr. to his wife Elizabeth Waters (February 1, 1827)

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

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

No 17 H.M.S.Maidstone Porto Prayo St. Jago 1st February 1827

My most charming Love

Sorry am I indeed to find you in such excessive low spirits and still more sorry am I that you should be in such an ill state of Health. I most fervently pray to the Almighty that you may soon be better — Your Letter No 20 I received the 20th Dec., very soon I hope to be with you, my charming Love, when nothing shall be wanting on my Part to make you truly happy, do not deprive yourself of any necessary comfort, I will readily settle any little Accompt that you may have contracted when I return. I hope shortly to have some prize money. The best way to rouse and keep up your spirits is to find some amusing employment for the mind without fatigue to yourself. I should like you to ask any one that you have seen from this Ship how I pass my time, for to tell you the truth, I think mirth and good living in this climate are necessary, to keep a person in health, you must know I have been Caterer these three months past, and I think I am all the better for the additional employment, because I make it an amusement – I think I told you in one of my letters that Capt. Taylor would soon repent his going on half-pay, are you not glad that I came in as soon as I was called, now that I am so near my promotion, what a loss it would have been to us, and how vexatious, to have remained on half-pay, how much our children would have suffered in their education for want of a good school, you know Southampton was too expensive for us and so would have been any other large town. I am glad my sweet children are well, may they long continue so! and good withall! I am sorry your brother Benjimen has such a bad knee I think it must very much endanger his leg but I should hope, with proper care, it will not his life, patience and great attention, I have no doubt, will be very necessary for his recovery, And your poor Aunt’s spirits are not so good I am sorry to find, yet she is a wonderful Woman I should like much to see her again. do remember me to her and your good brothers and to our other worthy friends, I hope to see them all again – I have told young Perkins what his father says the boy is very well, I have told Hindle what you say from his Wife he is in excellent Health and his conduct is good, I gave him the note. Your letter No 19 came to hand subsequent to No 20, I do not expect to be in England before the middle of spring neither do I altogether wish it, as I think the sudden extremes of cold from the extremes of heat might have a serious effect on my health.

What a house of sickness you must have had! and What a happiness it ought to be to you that you have gone so well through with it, thanks to our gracious Almighty, strength of mind will overcome all difficulties – Adieu My Sweet Love from Your
Affectionate Husband

Tho^s. Waters

I received No 21 the 9th Instant and am glad to perceive you in better health and spirits. With  respect to the house, you do right to give notice to quit if you think you can suit yourself better. I do not expect to be in England much before the summer. it gives me great pleasure to find your Brother Benjamin is so much better and that he is not likely to lose the use of his leg. it must be very gratifying to you to find your Aunt so well and your brother Joseph, make my respects to them all – I am
  My Dearest Wife

       Your Most Affectionate Husband

Tho^s. Waters

I congratulate Mrs. Stockwell on her safe delivery I wish I could also on the prospect of her going to Ascension although I must say it is a place to save money – Of course you will not direct any more letters to me untill you hear of my arrival in England.

I wish you and my Dear Children a happy new year, (I hope you have had a chearful Christmas,) the same to your friends.