From Thomas Waters Sr. to his wife Elizabeth Waters (November 1, 1840)

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

[Part of the letter containing the address has been cut off]

H.M.S.Howe Spithead 1st Nov.1840

My Dear Wife

Clifton would be glad if you would pay his Wife a Sovereign, I send you a five pound Draft which you can get cashed at your convenience for the above purpose and also for any future payment in case Clifton should make another request to the same effect-  I have written to Mr.Sillifant to request him to send the Interest to you when due, and also to supply any other demand you may make.  I believe you will have to pay 4d postage for any letters you send to the Mediterrenian otherwise I shall have to pay double or more, but I am not quite certain how it stands, you had better enquire of the Postmaster.  I should like to have brought the Malta guide with me which is in the library cupboard, however it is not of any very material consequence, only as I said before some things I would have brought that I left behind, and some things I would not have brought that I did bring, if I had had my proper recollection about me when I packed, but so it is, we are often too quick or two slow when we are taken by surprize, to make the best of our means.  We unmoored yesterday afternoon, and we sail, I believe, this Morning.  Love to all my sweet and good Children-
I remain

  My Dear Wife   Yours most Affectionately

   Tho^s. Waters