From Thomas Waters Sr. to his wife Elizabeth Waters (February 2, 1840)

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

Addressed to Mrs Capt. Waters R.Marines, King Street, Woolwich, Kent

43 Ravenhurst St. Leamington Terrace Birmingham 2nd Feb. 1840

Dearest love,

I received my Luggage yesterday at an expence of £1. 7s. l0d including 4/10 paid out, which I think must have been to a carrier from Piccadilly where, probably, Sharp’s cart took it, it appears the luggage arrived at Birmingham some hours before me, therefore, it must have been forwarded the same night.  I have written to recover some part of the charge, but I shall not know until tuesday how far I shall succeed. I breakfasted with the Pilchers yesterday, they were very kind, I declined their invitation both days to dine with them, this day I keep in the house and shall dine at 2 oClock on your pie.  I have two good sized comfortable rooms, front Parlour and back bedroom, without a cupboard or drawer, excepting the dressing table and washstand drawers, in an airy situation with a grass-plot in front, a tolerable size Garden, walled and paved with brick, at the back kept in neat order, the family consists of 2 elderly sisters- The weather to-day is fine, I have not seen much of the town, but so far I like it, since I must be from home, Hindle has not yet got a Billet to his liking, but he expects one in a day or two, he got my Milk from the Cow this morning 2d worth as much nearly as you get for 1d – with love to children Dearest Love Yours Affectionately     Tho^s. Waters

I like the steam carriage very well but saw, I may say, nothing, not a gentleman’s seat or park, we passed through no town nor scarcely a village, but through deep sunk roads, tunnels, and valleys, a lamp lighted in the roof of the carriage almost all the way, the carriages are roomy, three sitting a side, but you are the same as if you were in an easy elbow chair, not touching each other.

This letter paper I bought in the street 8 sheets a 1d – Potatoes 1/2 pr lb, bread various, I gave 8 l/2d but I am to give 8d for my next at another shop quite as good, Hindle is told, and ful weight-Houses and living are, I believe, about as cheap as with you- Do not direct to me at my residence, the Postman [who] brought your note told me I lived out of boundry therefore he had a right to charge, but direct Capt.Waters R.Marines, the Serg^t. will bring it.