From Elizabeth Waters to her husband Thomas Waters Sr. (September 12, 1831)

[Elizabeth Waters, née Butterworth. to her husband. Thomas Waters R.M.]
Addressed to Capt.T.Waters, H.M.S.Barham, Spithead, Portsmouth.
[“Spithead, Portsmouth” have been crossed out and the letter
readdressed to Devonport. Postmarked 12 NOON SP 12 1831]

  Mulgrave Place Sept.12 – 1831
5  I gave Ann my letter to take to the post office in going she met Mrs. Fillingham and Ann told her that I had told Master to tell Hindle that she had received her Ten and 6 Shil. Mrs Filling then told her to burn the letter because it would get Hindle into trouble so that was the reason Ann came back again for me to scratch it out. surely it was not stole. I never saw her parcel at all. Mrs.Fil said Hindle asked you for 17 Shillings and you refused him and that was the reason she did not wish you to know abought it – 6 I have got a sad cold, little Benjimen is taken out every Morning before Break- fast by John and Joseph, Mary too is not very well – 7 Ocl. Bealeys have got there house ful of Company some from Manchester, Devonshire and Bath, there is great preparations here for the illumination which is expected toMorrownight, 8 this has been a sad busey day, Mrs Mols and Myself bought Spermaseti Candles and gave 2/6 the pound but I have sent mine back again and got Molds instead of 3 pounds of Sperm I have got 6 of Molds which only cost the – 4s- 6d – 10 oClock I am now sitting in my best room with eight candles burning in my Window all the Children asleep except Mary. abought eight I took Mary Joseph and Miss Molsworth a little way to see the different Devices down Rectory Place and as far as Mrs.Nicholls. she had varigated lamps forming R. 1V. over the Bank there was a W. A and the Crown at Mr.Stansfields there was a W. A Crown and a Anchor. just as we got home there was a Squib thrown which fell on Marys Bonnet and burnt it a little that was the only Misfortune that happened to us 

9  this Morning we are all buisey cleaning after the illumination though we did not have so much Mess as I expected. Capt Moes came in yesterday to see if all was right. it has not stopped raining all this day and I wish above all things to be without a Girl for if you are not watching she is not working. Benjm is not quite so cross, Betsey will stand at a Chair and indeed go from one Chair to the other she is a lovely little Girl. Miss B. Bealey is very fond of her —

10  this is a very wet day again. I have got my 10 pounds this is rent month it is a blessing to have wherewith to pay. I suppose My Money from Devonshire will come this Month/ I only took Ten pounds from the savings bank and I shall only be able to put 16 pounds in instead of twenty. I shall be truely glad when Mary has left School. she does not like it near so well as she did, I suppose it is her long lessons. I have taken the girl by the Month but still to give her a Months Notice. I wish Betsy could run, as I would do without her tomorrow although I am tired by Night. She washes very well but her work is never done she has never any time to take Baby. She gives the Child Sugar when I am out that is the reason Betsy likes her so well. Miss Molsworth gave me 2 doz Candles for my illumination. Capt Molsworth has given me an invitation to visit the Tower in November or October he will be able to show us the Wild Beasts and all the jewels there [Their] Majesties wore Coronation day and other things worthy of note and he said any of my Friends might go with me. I should like to take all the Children. I am baking Potato cakes in my oven they are beautiful if I could send you one My Love I would. The Children are delighted with them.

11 We have got a Sheeps Head for dinner which I am boiling in the digestor with vegetables it cost 6d. Betsy was very ill all last Night she was very sick I think it was with eating Potatoe Cake.

I have given Mary leave to ask Miss Molsworth to Tea on Wednesday because they will have a cake then.

we shall have been Married seventeen Years and still contented with each other thank God and happy for perhaps we may see a Jubilee. there is no telling what may happen, God only knows what is good for us and it is well to look to him for support. Everything here is uncertain and happiness is seldom to be found. Without you, there would be none for me, that I am sure of.

12 Washing day therefore I shall send this away at seven this Morning. I am very anxious to hear from you it seems a long time since I had that pleasure.

Accept the Childrens Love and Mine

     ever your Affectionate Wife E Waters