From Thomas Waters Sr. to his wife Elizabeth Waters (October 12, 1831)

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

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

H.M.S.Barham Downs 12 Oct. 1831

My Dearest Love

Mary’s drawing master ought now to begin to teach her to draw sprigs and flowers as it may be useful to her to copy patterns, our first motive for her learning to draw, You had better write a note to Miss Rideout on the subject. We are getting on very comfortable now, not an individual of our mess would like to leave the ship, except on promotion, Mr W. as well as myself is very happy- I have left some part of my linen at Portsmouth, not a great deal, and we do not know whether the Barham will return there before she goes to the Mediterranean, the squadron is to remain out on the cruise until the 10th of Oct.- We have had some delightful weather- I hope you met with no accident at the coronation illumination, it seems there was no promotion, but that need not trouble you or me, as I cannot expect any that will do me good these many years to come. I hope our children behave as they ought, and of all things my sweetest Love I hope you are happy,

I have no doubt you have full employment for your time. I hope your health is better now- 24th Sept. the Squadron arrived at the Cove of Cork, on the 27th I went to Cork which is about 9 miles from the Cove and in the evening, after my return, I received what is far more welcome to me than gold, your Letters of the 12th & 19th of same month. I can assure you H. never asked me for any money, therefore, I could not have refused him, his conduct, I am sorry to say, does not give satisfaction, sad complaints have been made of him, but I find it no use to trouble my head about what I cannot help, therefore, I let things take their course- You had better write to Mr Sillifant, as you used to, when you want the money, at the same time you know you can have £5 any monday from the Saving bank by sending a request with a receipt for the same, agreeable to the printed form, and I should never hesitate when I thought I should want more money, you know it was placed there for that purpose, and I hope it will prove a comfort to you, and when that is out I hope I shall be able to let you have more, and then you may expect some from Rochdale by and by, consider my happiness and all that I have is yours, you will not, I am sure, disbelieve me. You had better request Miss Rideout not to give Mary long lessons, as it gives her the headache, I am afraid the child does not keep her bowels regular- You ought to send for Doctor Parkins, and consult him about the pain in your Breast, I wish you very much to do so, I should think he would order a blister, at any rate I hope you will not neglect to send for him, your spirits cannot be otherwise than low when you are in such pain-

I am surprised you should agree to give the girl a month’s notice, at the end of her time, I would agree with her for a week’s notice only, you know I said in one of my letter that I thought she would not suit you, and I think so still, I believe she comes from an indolent family, her mother’s temper is bad- You mentioned taking a steady woman into the back kitchen to do for you, I wish you could get one that would suit, I know it is not very easy, but winter is coming on, therefore, you may find less difficulty in meeting with a person, you are perfectly right in being particular about whom you take, there are so many vile ones.

We did not expect to remain in the Cove of Cork more than four days which is the reason I did not write you from that place but we were detained by contrary winds and continual gales- I am Dearest Love

yours most affection:

Tho^s. Waters