XM1573/90
LETTER: H. Thomas, from the ship Kate Thomas, at Portland O. to his son R. John. He was surprised to learn that his son had been home for two months when he thought that he was on his way to Frisco on the Matterhorn. He reprimands him on his lazy ways and suggests he goes to study navigation with Mrs. Evans. As he is now nearly 20 years of age he should be earning a living. Compares his own life to his son’s when he went to work when he was nine years old and at ten he went to sea at a monthly wage of 4/- so that his mother did not have to keep him. He is in a position to help his son along, whereas he had no one, only his own resolutions. He notices that his son would like to have his Uncle William’s watch, but he will not get it until such time as he thinks he deserves it, neither will his two sisters get the other trinkets yet. He will very likely come ashore when his ship reaches home, and in that case, tells his son to get in touch with one of his Captain friends to get a berth at once. They had arrived at Portland O. after 58 days passage. The Saint Enoch is over 100 days on from Panama for Ostend. "We have done better than you did in the Warrior". She is expected daily. He expects to sail on 20 days for Falworth.
Cyngor Gwynedd