[Thomas Waters. R.M.. to his wife, Elizabeth]
Addressed to Mrs Waters, 21 Mulgrave Place, Woolwich, Kent
5 H.M.S.Barham Constantinople 26 March 1832
My Dearest love,
I was highly gratified with your long and very interesting letter of the 3rd Jan., indeed you have much the advantage of me in letter writing, I am delighted in being able to say you have improved astonishingly. May my love be as happy as she is good and clever!- I hope my sweet love your good management prevents you from experiencing any serious pecuniary difficulties- poor Mrs Dale, I believe her to be a well intentioned woman, but I am afraid by her mismanagement she has ruined her children, from ill-judged liberality and general want of prudence in her better days contributed not a little towards her Husbands present embarrassed circumstances; Mr Dale has been, I believe, a very careful striving man, but if he found the profits of his care and industry continually absorpt by extravagance at home, while he was toiling abroad, at the same time his children were imbibing bad habits from a want of due restraint, it is no wonder if it distracted him; and besides that being without the means of giving suitable wages for honesty and superior abilities, he was obliged, no doubt, to trust his property with knaves or fools because they would agree to serve him at his own price; money when first acquired is like an Infant, it requires much cherishing and great care; but when once it has attained proper strength it will, in a great measure, be able to take care of itself and reward its owner for his patience and perseverance, whereas had it, from its smallness, met with inattention and contempt, it might have dwindled to nothing and instead of being an aftersource for the indulgence of true liberality and genuine hospitality, its possessor might have been left in the midst of indigence, scorn and every species of misery, to die with perhaps the cutting reflection that, by his misspent time and illused prosperity, he has left his children, heirs to their parents imprudence, to wretchedness; together with all its concomitants. Remember me kindly to your brother Joseph and Mrs. Butterworth, when you write to them, make my best respects to Mr Chadwick, remember me also to your cousin John and his father, I feel particularly grateful to our excellent friends, for the interest they have taken in our affairs, I am truly sorry they should have been at so much trouble, on our account; I think we are fortunate in having the House relet, to a good tenant, I am glad it is going to be painted, as it appears that the House requires it; I should like it to be pointed also, if thought needful, and in short to be kept in thorough repair, and ensured- I am happy to perceive such friendly correspondence commencing between you and my sister, I hope it will prove exceedingly agreeable to both; remember me when next you write- Your having had the Sacrament must I am sure be a great comfort to your mind; I trust you did not forget your Husband in your Orisons- Our blessed lord and Saviour’s last supper seems to have been on the anniversary of the Passover, which appears to have been the day previous to his crucifixion, see 22nd Chap. St.Luke; the origin of the Passover you will find in the 12th Chap. Exodus. With respect to our Lord’s saying “This do in remembrance of me” I imagine it to be an Injunction to all (who believe in and endeavour to practice His most Holy faith) to celebrate the Eucharist annually and in the most devout manner, as a means of renewing a right spirit, which is subject to become lukewarm in its duties, from the imperfection of human nature- As to those generally who take all opportunities of receiving the Sacrament, my idea is that it leaves no more impression on their minds, than the grave appearance of the Church-yard does on those who are daily passing it. 25th Feb. sailed. Keep your drawers etc locked and your keys secure, it is a point of Prudence. 20th March arrived at Constantinople to attend on the Ambassador I remain Sweetest Love
your most devoted Husband
Thos. Waters