From Thomas Waters Sr. to his wife Elizabeth Waters (February 9, 1840)

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

Addressed to Mrs Capt. Waters R.M., R.Marines, Woolwich, Kent

Birmingham 9 Feb. 1840

My Dear Wife,

Your note this day came to hand, and I have paid Serg^t. Hartley 11/3 for Col. Mercer.  Hindle wishes you to pay his wife 10/s which he will pay me, the remainder of the 11/3 will remain in your hands, ready towards any other transactions that may pass between us. I do not know what it is you require an answer about, respecting Mr. Grieff, you have said nothing to me about him since I left Woolwich, at all events I told you before I left, respecting the house, that I wished you to do what you thought proper, the last note I had from you was last Sunday and you said nothing about Mr. Grieff in that. I think you had better let him do what he likes with the Cess-pool, if he makes a drain, I think, it will be best if he connects the Privy with it- I found the Harrises, with whom I breakfasted before I left London, very nice people indeed- If you draw upon the Agent agreeable to the form he sent you, and Vant, or Nicholson, cashes the bill for you, it will be done without expense or risk- I was at the Quaker’s meeting this fore noon, the room was small but comfortably warmed, I suppose it would hold between 200 and 300 people, I suppose there were 150 or more in the house. An elderly female addressed the congregation and afterwards another said prayer- Capt. and Mrs. Pilcher, I suppose, are at Woolwich by this time, I believe they go on leave- I waited on Colⁿ. Thorn the Ass^t. Q^r. Master Gen¹. of this district last thursday he invited me to dine with him on the 10th at 7 oC. but I begged to decline the honor, for it is 4 mile from my lodgings, no short walk at night after a hearty dinner, I suppose you will not have to illuminate, there will be no brevet I am told.
Love to Children I remain yours affectionately

   Tho^s. Waters