From Thomas Waters Sr. to his wife Elizabeth Waters (March 22, 1840)

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

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

Birmingham 22nd March 1840

My dear Wife,

Your letter of the 20th came to hand this morning, I received it with very great pleasure, but the first part of it very much surprised me. In your Letter of the 28th Feb. you said “Your long letter would have been answered before this had not illness prevented me. Sunday I was obliged to be in bed all day and have a fire in my room, suffering with cold chills and great thirst, monday I was not any better, but I got up for a little while, being very weak, tuesday and wednesday I was not able to write, but on thursday I should have written had not little Jane been taken very ill when she came in from her walk etc”. now it was in answer to that, I wrote what I did, as much as to say, do not add to your uneasiness, by supposing that I shall be discontented at not having my letters more promptly answered, therefore, judge for yourself whether my motive for so writing was not likely to be from the very best feeling of tenderness towards you; it is a great misfortune when we misconceive each other’s best feelings and intentions, a misconstruction was placed on some part of one of my letters from the Mediterranean, and see what an injury it did to our affections, something I said two or three weeks before I left home for this place which was misinterpreted caused a sad to-do between us, and now after upwards of a quarter of a century married, we must be still squabbling about
expressions, for you must have been long convinced, or ought to have been, of my truest love for you and sincerest affection for the children. I must say I should like for you to see how I live and stint myself for your and their sake, and for you to know my innermost thoughts and entire devotion for your happiness, but I am afraid that that would hardly bring durable conviction of my sincerity, to your mind, when you so readily turn my best intended expressions against me, but there is one above who sees all our thoughts, and to Him I trust for our general welfare, but I must add, that it is much better to put the most liberal construction on each other’s expressions, it can do no hurt, the contrary may do much harm, particularly if there should happen to be any one present ready to sow dissension-

The Stables must upon no account be disturbed, we must not have them be taken down, what shall we do with the Mangle, mill and other useful articles we have in the stable and coach-house? do not let them touch them, lock the doors upon them, the sooner you get rid of the bricklayers etc from your premises the better, I am afraid they will add but little to our real comfort, say no more to them about the privy, if they will not empty it, we will, when we think it necessary- I am very glad John bought none of Limby’s Cocoa, I get very good here in 1/4 lb packets, (Fry’s Bristol,) at l/s pr lb, but that which John bought at 9d pr lb, I shall be glad to have, when opportunity offers. I am glad you have seen Mr.Street, and that I shall not be needed in town, as it would be a great expence, which I can but ill afford. I suppose you will, occasionally, be able to cash a bill at Mrs. Wardens, when you have groceries. It must be a comfort to you to have Miss Gibson, I am glad she is with you, it is a great and noble undertaking to endeavour to make John’s fustian dress.  I hope you have not suffered by going to town for Thomas, Mary I suppose was much gratified, you found home is home, after your cold jaunt, if it is ever so homely. I shall be glad to hear from you every week, or day if I could. Yours Affectionately with love to Children.  Tho^s. Waters-
Hindle is very much annoyed at his Wife’s not writing to him, he wishes you to find out the reason of her not answering his last letter, he would be glad to know how the children are. 

I was at the Friends’ meeting this morning, the only discourse, which was a pretty long one, was from a female, I regularly attend Sundays, there is seldom much said. the females, I think, are the most frequent speakers, we sit very composed, no one attempting to converse with another, we go in at 10 oClock and out about 12, or a little before generally, I am a mile from the meeting, I have not yet been in the afternoon, but I intend going in warmer weather, at present I keep in the house as soon as I return from the meeting. Adieu my dear Wife for the present.