[Thomas Waters, R.M., to his wife, Elizabeth]
Addressed to Mrs Capt.Waters R.M., King Street, Woolwich, Kent
Birmingham 20 Feb. 1840
My Dear Wife,
I am glad to find that Jane has cut two of her double teeth, and I hope she will soon get over her crossness, many things are favourable for us, the spring is coming on, warm weather, short nights, and all the delights of spring and summer, we must not expect to be without our drawbacks, any more than the rich and poor, one have poverty to contend with, the others sickness, besides a number of etceteras, in common to all. I am glad, you did not illuminate, and, exceedingly so, that Thomas is such a good lad, and, by his conduct, gives you no uneasiness, I do not grudge him his
holyday and am highly pleased that he kept to his time at night, and that he goes regularly to his studies, he was alway very good, indeed, when he went to London with me, I was at times out of temper last time but it was not his fault, when I bid him good bye, I was obliged to turn suddenly away, my heart was so full of grief at the thought of parting with him, I should be very glad to see him again before he goes if I could afford it. I am glad John enjoyed himself so well at Belling’s I have no doubt they were very kind to him, and glad to see him, they seem to be generous hearted people. I am also glad that he brought his friend, and companion, Paul down with him, and that they seemed to enjoy themselves over their entertainment, that John is quite well and that Mr.Miller expressed himself satisfied with him. I am glad you paid the 10/s to Ann that Hindle sent. Thomas will do right to have his box and things home if he wishes it, I believe they will send it down free, he had better choose out a good chest, let it cost what it will, and let all his things be substantial, it would be well if some person who is a judge could assist him in looking out his things, I do not
suppose that you would be able to go but perhaps Ellen’s father might be of some assistance and will not object to go, you must not suppose that the list I sent you of Thomas’ things, which he ought to have, is complete, it is only a rough calculation which may help to give you an idea, as for 6 shirts to last 3 years it is out of the question, your own judgement will tell you better, handkerchiefs and towels, no doubt, must be added, as well as some warm socks or stockings for cold weather, and others, a few, for warm weather, twenty Pounds will hardly complete him, substantially, in necessaries, for 3 years, as they told him he would have to pay double for inferior articles, for what he took up abroad, from the Captain – I am sorry Mrs. Hasledine is so ill, real distress, no doubt is the cause, not knowing which way to turn to gain a livelihood for herself and children, it is a melancholy thing, God help her for it appears she cannot help herself, but I am surprised that you should think of going without a nurse if you cannot get her, an indifferent nurse is better than none and it would be better to get your old one than go without, if you can get no one that you think would suit you better otherwise you, and the poor children too, may be neglected, my dear daughter Mary, I know will do all she can, but she cannot do every thing when so many are to be attended to, although Ellen, I hope, will not be wanting in assistance as, far as her power and ability, Benjimen and Elizabeth, I have no doubt will be good, and the younger ones will behave as well as they can, but we must not provoke Providence as Mrs. Clarkson did, and what was the consequence, her husband soon followed, and their offspring were thrown upon the wide world almost without a relation, who would assist them, although they had many, I believe, who could, but enough, I hope the goodness of the Almighty will guide you better, and send you all things needful, never, never despair, or be without Hope, what need you get up early when the children are
so good and anxious to please you, it is not the same as if you had to labour for your daily bread, what cannot conveniently be done to-day, may be left till to-morrow, or next week, when your strength and spirits may be better, you are not to suppose that I am without my anxiety. Joy to Mary’s birth day, and may many happy ones return to her. I am glad the flour is good, you will do well to have the same sort again, never mind the lasting, as long as it is not wasted, it will do the family good- Steel pens here are as low as 9d pr gross, and the best metal ones are as high 20d pr
doz. at the makers, I saw steel thimbles lined with silver (german silver) 4d each but they were very large, I was told small ones were seldom made. I saw a second hand crimping machine in an Ironmonger’s shop for 10/s he said it was a very good one and would not cut as some that are now made would, one foot was broke off but it did not seem worse, as the other three feet were screwed to wood. You may have a new one for 15/ or 17/shillings here, I do not recollect which. But there are others for crimping dresses, larger, for 30/s. I regret I could not get any coco from Greek Street, they were removing to Tower royal, where their soluable coco was, but I think John might get 3 or 4 lbs of the best, where he gets his own, but it must be soluable, else I shall not like it, and you can send it by an Escort when you have an opportunity but that is not likely to be soon, for I have no prospect yet of a single recruit, therefore a month or six weeks time will be soon enough to buy it
I have met twice, in the street, the Proselyte Jew whom we used to see at Mr. Scotts, we look very hard at each other at passing- I wish my long letter would do you good, and cheer you up, you see I
do not begrudge my trouble, or lose time in answering yours, I hope Miss Gibson will yet be with you in your, I hope, good confinement, and well getting over. I am glad she has finished the chair,
and I hope to your liking, remember me to her. Love to my good children,
Yours Affectionately
Thomas Waters