From Thomas Waters Sr. to his wife Elizabeth Waters (March 10, 1840)

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

Birmingham 10 March 1840

My Dear Wife,

I have sent two recruits to Head Qrs under the charge of Serg^t. Hartley who delivers this. If John has not bought any soluble Cocoa for me he need not buy any, for I can get good in packets here for a Shilling a Pound and no trouble to any one.  I send you two or three trifles, if they are not of much use they have not cost much, the large funnel I bought when I first came down, (to pour the ink through into the stand, I used to spill so much in pouring it from a large bottle) it was the smallest I could get, at that shop, it cost me 4d. I thought I was very much imposed upon, and I went into another shop where I asked the price of the fellow of it and found it was 1 l/2d and I bought a smaller one which suited me much better for 1d, the fellow of which I send to you I think it so useful for small bottles, I shall mention the price of the other things also for your curiosity, extinguisher for the kitchen 1d, shoe-iron 1d, Q^r. hun^d darning needles, one of which I have taken to mend small holes in my stockings 2d, immense quantities of needles are manufactured in this neighbourhood, and steel pens also, match box 4d, pen holder 4d, a doz pens 6d, they ought to be very good, four large ones at 20d pr doz., if John takes one with him he will be able to make a handle for them, a pair purse rings 4d- 

April 1st the above recruits deserted, but I have now 2 more, which I hope will reach H.Q^rs. send me as much of the 9d cocoa as you can spare, I shall be glad to have it I can get none here for less than 1/ pr lb. send me 2 caps, I believe I brought but 4. Your letter of the 27th Ult. reached me the following morning, I send you a blotting book 9 l/2d perhaps it will be useful to you and 4 German silver thimbles 8d I understand they wear well as you do not use the tops, I have sent you two with them you can but try one, and one perhaps will fit Mary, if they do not answer it will be no great expense, 1/4 hun. double long needles 2 l/2d, the others were rather too small, and the one that I used cut in the eye, and these I think are rather too large, so that I must go to market once more, a desk 1/11, a present for Mary, 2 black & 2 red lead pencils together 4d, or 1d each pencil if John finds they are good and cheap I can get some more, a German silver pencil case 6 l/2d with a box of a dozen lids for it 3d a present for Thomas, if it is in time, if he does not understand the method of it, ask the Sergeant and he will show him.

22nd April  I am in hopes this time to succeed in sending 2 recruits to H.Q^rs. and that Serg^t. Hartley will deliver this.

Your truly with love to children,

    Tho^s. Waters