From Thomas Waters Sr. to his wife Elizabeth Waters (July 25, 1831)

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

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

H.M.S.Barham at Sea 25 July 1831

My most charming Love

It is the pleasure and delight of my life to write to, and receive letters from, you, therefore, do not be surprised when I write nonsense, for if I can but know that you are well and happy, my happiness is extreme and I envy no one in existence. This sailing to and fro to and fro within half a dozen miles of the same spot for days together, and my messmates discontented, would make it very irksome, but the thoughts of you my charming Love makes me forget every thing else and at the same time makes me the happiest of beings. I think no distance can really separate those who truly love, not even death can part their affections, and I verily think that, kindred affections prolongs our life, it is certainly a most valuable cordial, what may we think but that some guardian Angel hovers over us, the Scriptures say that marriage was made in Heaven and why should we doubt it when our Religion forbids us!- Do not fear pecuniary difficulties, I hope in the Almighty all will go well, do not hesitate to take from the Saving-bank when you want, what a comfort it is to me that you have money there! Your letter of the 18th I am happy to say I received on the 22nd. I wish you to write to Mr. Chadwick, make my best respects, and say that I thank him for the interest he takes in our affairs and that I highly approve of his recommendation of your Cousin John Standring to take charge of our property in Rochdale for us. I shall esteem it a great additional favour if Mr C. would be so kind as to get some person to arrange the balance with your brother and give over the management to your Cousin John. With respect to the Balance Accompt your brother sent you may say, what with the paleness of the ink and with the carelessness of making it out, it is too difficult for you or me to understand, indeed, we have never had a clear statement from your brother since he took charge, he agreed to give us two pounds a year for the liberty of placing his cane in the garden against the stable wall, but there is no acknowledgment of it in his Accompt that we could understand. perhaps Mr Chadwick may remember the agreement, therefore if Mr Chadwick will be so kind as to have the Accompts set to right and placed in your Cousin John’s hands we shall feel highly indebted to him – I approve much of your writing to your brother Joseph, it is very pleasing to find Mr Chadwick speak so well of him, I am truly sorry to find Benjamin gets on so badly, but there is no help for it, all that you can do for him is to pray to the Almighty to lead him into the right way, I am sure I owe him no ill will, but I know I can do him no good. I recommend your writing to your Cousin John, thanking him for his good will towards us, say how we shall be if he will take charge of our premises and do what is necessary for us to the best of his judgment- I am glad to find by your letter that Ann has been so prudent as to put four sovereigns into the Saving-bank- I remain Dearest Love

Yours most Affectionately 

           Tho? Waters