WCP5572

[1]

Schooner Yacht Pera

Plymouth Sound

May 5th 1849

Dear Fanny,

I received your letter the first day I arrived here, which was Tuesday last, the first of May. We were 8 days in arriving here which was not very long considering we were five days before we got out of the River. Some vessels are two or three weeks if they have contrary winds, but we hadnnot [sic] much wind the first two or three days. One day we had a perfect calm, and stood still with the exception of drifting with the tide, but for two days we had a very strong wind, most in opposition to our course. The vessel was leaning over very considerably, and we could not walk either in the cabin or on deck without holding on to something. The sea being rather rough of course felt rather queer. One morning, tust [sic] as I had my breakfast which I was obliged to bolr [sic] up on deckaand [sic] pitch it overboard. As soon as I had completed that task which did not take long I went down again, and had another breakfast which I enjoyed very much. I have only veen [sic] sick once since, that was at dinner time, but I immediately returned and had a good dinner after all. I find it much better to eat as much as I can when I am likely to get sick, then there is something to throw up, but I have never yet lost my appetite, and hope it will continie [sic] the same through out [sic] the voyage. We shall no doubt have some rough weather, but I think I shall enjoy the voyage very much. We shall be detained here until Tuesday or Wednesday next. We have been obliged to take all our cargo out of the ship in order to have it properly stowed and some more coals to be put into the bottom of the vessel, for the purpose of making it more steady. I have never yet had occasion to use the Pepper tea remedy, but should I require something I shall certainly try it. I hope the house you have taken will answer your purpose and that you may have plenty to do. I think the glass in the veranda will make a very good portrait room. I perfectly understand Thomas’s¹ drawing and hope he may succeed in making good portraits.

The weather is very beaytiful [sic] here, so different to what it was last spring. I am very sorry we are losing time here, but there is no help for it. The country round Plymouth is very beautiful. I went on shore one day and walked about the town, and a little way into the country. The town is very large and the outskirts extend to a considerable distance. There are a few good streets and some large shops. There are extensive barracks in the neighborhood, and a great number of soldiers are constantly here.

I went to the Races the day I was on shore, which is about two miles out of town, in a beautiful valley surrounded by moderate hills, cultivated and wooded, with a gentleman’s seat in sight. The races were much the same as most other things of the sort, but the main part of the spectators were soldiers. It looked very odd to see so many scattered about among the rest of the people.

I have received a letter since I have been here, imforming [sic] me that he² has just received a letter from his son Alfred³ in California. It was dated in May last year. He was then in Monterey where the gold fever had just broken out. He appeared to think it a bubble, but talked of taking a trip to the mines. Mr. Townsend⁴ enclosed me a letter for him. I have besides a parcel with letters etc. for him, should I meet with him. He has also given me a dozen of his monthly Fashions for April, thinking they might be useful as I had things to sell, etc. Mrs. Townsend⁵ is quite recovering her health and spirits.

I do not think I told you in my former letters that I called on Mr. Tripp⁶ a day or two after you left town, andfound [sic] that Mrs. Tripp⁷ had died about 3 weeks before that. She died during her confinement, and the child is still living. It will be a great loss to him with four children to bring [2]⁸ up. He said if it had not been for his family, hewould [sic] go abroad directly although he says he is getting on pretty well, and has plenty to do. I shall pend [sic] this to the post tomorrow (Monday), and you may conclude we leave it here on Wednesday, but I shall let my Mother⁹ know the exact day.

I must now conclude, wishing you and Thomas every success and happiness, and believe me,

Your affectionate brother | J. Wallace.