From Thomas Waters Sr. to his wife Elizabeth Waters (February 26, 1840)

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

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

Birmingham 26 Feb. 1840

My dear Wife

I think Thomas had better call on the Firm in Fenchurch Street by Saturday, as they might not have been aware that the 1^st of March is on a Sunday. I think also he had better endeavour as soon as possible [to] see the Captain to know what size Chest he may take, and the sooner that he fits out, I think, the better, as he is, very properly, going to have his things brought home and some of them may want altering and some deficiencies, probably, made up, and besides, two or three days after we think everything complete, several very useful things may be found wanting – Agreeable to a note I received from Capt. Pilcher I have paid a Surgeon’s bill for the party of three Pounds 6/s and have told him he may repay the amount to you, which you can hold for the purpose of laying out any small sums which I may require – Your last letter you said Mary was going to take to the post on Wednesday on her way to Church, now, I did not receive it untill friday, and in that case a day was lost which might be of consequence to you if you were in a hurry for an answer, if it was so you had better inquire at the office what time a letter should be put in, at the latest closing of the post, to reach Birmingham the next morning, as the time may have been altered since the opening of the rail road as it has been here, Letters are delivered out here, morning & evening, but as the Sergeant calls only in the morning at the post for letters, I do not get mine at any other time of the day than about 9 or 10 in the morning, which gives me ample time to answer yours by the closing of the post at 10 at night, it starts the same night, and you get it next morning. I hope all are well at home, Love to Children. 

Yours affectionately

         Tho^s. Waters