From Thomas Waters Sr. to his wife Elizabeth Waters (July 6, 1831)

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

Addressed to Mrs. Waters, 21 Mulgrave Place, Woolwich, Kent

H.M.S.Barham Spithead 6 July 1831

My Dearest love

Your letter of the 27th Ult. came to hand, it has given me great anxiety on account of the load of trouble you have on your mind, I wish it was in my power to relieve you, and I am very sorry it is not. sickness must take its course, it may be mitigated by medicine but it cannot always be prevented by it. I enjoy good health and the ship’s company is pretty healthy, we have had a little sickness, originating in colds caused, probably, from the ship having been uninhabited during the winter, and therefore, not so well ventilated and kept dry, otherwise we have no reason to complain, some ships of the squadron have, I believe, suffered more than ourselves from the same cause – I hope, and trust in the Almighty, you will support your spirits in a manner worthy of yourself- I had just written as above, for I write by piecemeal, when your own sweet welcome of the 30th Ult. came to hand and brought me great relief, my own loving wife a thought from you is every thing to me, I live I may almost say but in thinking of you my dearest charmer, how happy I am to find your mind is so much relieved. Do not disturb yourself about Rochdale matters, they will neither make us poor nor rich, your riches will not increase my happiness, let me but possess the riches of your mind, it is no use to make ourselves uneasy about what we cannot help. it is on you and not on your money, if you had millions, that my happiness depends for I would give up all to preserve you who are my life my love my every thing! may you be ever happy! and our dear children if they will be but good I shall not be unhappy– I am glad to find that Betsey is better, and that Joseph’s throat seems mending- The Ship’s Company was yesterday paid two months wages and tomorrow the squadron will sail, we expect to touch at Plymouth, how long the squadron will cruise is not known, it is said that after the cruise the Barham will proceed to the Archipelago to be Commodore, at any rate we do not think we shall go to South America-
Make my affectionate love to my children. I remain my dearest Wife
Yours ever truly

Tho^s. Waters