From Thomas Waters Sr. to his wife Elizabeth Waters (July 14, 1831)

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

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

H.M.S.Barham Off Plymouth 14 July 1831

My Dearest love

We left Spithead on the 7th, and not before I wished, for I do not like Portsmouth at all. I cannot say, as yet, how we shall get on among ourselves, for we have no gunroom steward, the excellent one that joined us the day we left Woolwich, quitted us in disgust, when he had been nearly a month with us, although he says he shall be happy to rejoin us whenever the 1st.Lieut. leaves the Ship. We do not invite the Capt. to dine with us, neither he or the 1st.Lieut, seems disposed to afford the gunroom Mess any kind of accommodation whatever, how long things are likely to go on so I cannot say, but I think they must soon get better or worse, for my part, as an individual, I am comfortable enough, I have no reason to complain, but as making a part of the mess it is otherwise- I received your letter on the 14th when off Plymouth, we did not go in but lay too, the Admiral sent in to Plymouth for the letters and papers for the squadron, he has given notice that we shall touch at Falmouth, you had better, therefore, direct your next letter for me to that Place. I did not see Col.Nicholls, I believe he was but a very short time at Spithead, I had no opportunity of paying my respects to him – You say Ann received three pounds from Hindle the other day, but he says, and so does Mr.Wilson, that he sent her four Pounds, therefore, there must be some mistake, let me know in your next. You do right to draw as much money from the saving Bank as you think necessary. I am sorry poor Benjamin has burnt his finger, kiss the sweet innocent for me, and little Betsey also, I am glad she is so much better, remember me to the children, I hope they will be good, and you happy is the sincere prayer of your most affectionate Husband.

Tho? Waters

I think if you were to speak to Mrs.Wingrove perhaps Col.Wingrove would have no objection to forward your letters to me through Mr.Dyer’s office at the Admiralty and if so Mary can leave your letters at Mrs.Wingroves when she goes to School-