From Thomas Waters Sr. to his wife Elizabeth Waters (April 27, 1834)

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

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

H.M.S.Barham Chatham 27 April 1834

My Dear Wife

We arrived at the Little Nore [anchorage in Kent] last friday where I received your two letters of January’s date, the next day we sailed and arrived at Chatham, same day I received your letter of 21st Inst.–

Hindle has paid me two Pounds and as I owed him two pounds wages we are now quits with respect to the four Pounds, but for the £3″6s which you have since advanced, that is still owing to you, Hindle is delighted that you have lent his wife so much money and he will readily repay you he says as soon as he gets his wages– Mary spells well, and John’s letter is pretty fair, Thomas’ writing I can now read very well, his spelling he will improve in time and Joseph’s writing is in an improved hand, I shall be glad when he mends his conduct, that I may bless him as I wish to bless all my children, Benjamin is a good boy, and I hope Betsey will be a good girl, I am glad Mary is so attentive, she will like sewing better as she gets older, John’s memory will improve with time, Thomas having such a good memory, he ought to learn fast; make my love to the children- I am glad a church is building in Woolwich, I should like for us to have a pew if it is not too expensive- Your brother will do well to have our house pointed as soon as possible, and to deduct the expense from the first rent that becomes due, he need not trouble himself by sending an account of what it will cost before it is done, it will be soon enough afterwards, the ground rent for Mount Pleasent he will also deduct- I hope to be with my dear wife and children by the latter end of the week- I suppose we must remain in the same house untill Autumn when, Please Providence, we will shift, in the mean time we had better get the back kitchen floor repaired, if it wants it, (taking a receipt from the workman for the money he receives,) we can turn that room into a cooking and eating room, and by getting a bureau bedstead or something like it to place in the lower kitchen for the two eldest boys, the two youngest can have our closet and the girls the back bedroom, by that means I think we can do tolerable well for a short time, at least I do not know any better arrangement for the present. I believe we shall be paid off on Thursday. I have not received the letter you mention having sent by the Flamer- Believe me no one will be more happy to see his wife than I shall, as soon as circumstances will admit, or more grateful to the Almighty for such a blessing than I am in having such a Treasure. Believe me My Dear Wife to be yours most truly and affectionately

Tho^s. Waters

Do not draw any more Bills upon Capt. Madden or Mr.Rice, as I am upon the point of closing my Account with them, their house having given up the Agency business.