Cranbrook,
July 27. 1836.
My Dear William,
I should, have written to you before this, but from the recollection of the necessity of being economical as your letter to me cost nearly 3/-d , but if it had cost double that sum it would have given me equal pleasure and not less happiness to us all. We felt, and I shall ever feel thankful to the Lord that your life was preserved, in that battle wherein you were engaged, I consider that your escape was truly Providential, surrounded nearly as you were. I am glad that you had so fine an opportunity to distinguish your courage, and I hope it was noticed by your superior Officers. I took your letter to Angley; and shewed it likewise to Sir D. Astley: all were pleased to hear me read its contents. However, I must insist on your leaving off that “Member of Parliament” style (as your Mother says you call it) of writing, as I am not able to make out half the good sentences you write, therefore pray write so that all persons may be able to enjoy your letters. When you or I become Members of the House I will excuse your fine illegible writing.
But now again to fighting - remember this is your profession - but never fail to bear in your memory that it is God who is your Shield and Helmet; pray always to Him, and when you are called into action, you will find your animal powers steady and active, your soul tranquil, and all your mental faculties in order; for bravery and prudence in combination produce the mighty deeds of an accomplished warrior - This distinguished Nelson at the Nile, Wellington at Waterloo; for mere animal courage belongs to those who follow the leader and with him does well, but without him it falls before an Enemy of equal or less courage, but possessed of more prudence. It is well always to recollect that in battle, he is the most secure from danger, who casts aside all fear. This is best come by him who from a good knowledge of the use of his weapon has acquired in his own powers a steady confidence; - this is our duty to yourself, - reliance on prayer for success, is your duty to God; this becomes you, as a Christian, and will adorn your character, - that is a part of your duty to your country, and will gain you laurels.
You, My dear William, have a long and toilsome height to ascend before you can acquire even an humble competency from the Service, it, therefore is absolutely necessary that you bear in mind at all hours, how guarded you ought to be in your conduct. One hasty word to your superior, and you are in danger of ruin to your advance in the Service! Let the character of Hannibal be your model in commanding, and obliging. You did not clearly explain your movement in the affair, for you did not inform us under whose orders you acted. It was a such gallant affair, all here allow, and a few more will establish your name at the Admiralty. We all consider the Legion as a disgraceful concern, but you must not say this, as it is the duty of an Officer to yield obedience, and never to question the right or wrong of the acts of his Government, or Superiors. Always recollect how much I have lost by accidentally becoming engaged with the Government, at New S. Wales. Therefore on no account ever betray your thoughts of a Superior Officer, nor join in any party against him.
I am glad. My dear William, to observe that you are all ready to pass your examination: nothing must prevent this; be as perfect as you can, so as to make interest in the minds of your passing Captains, after you pass, you will be ready for any thing that may offer.
You are. My dear William, much mistaken in your opinion of my success in private practice, I find people very healthy, and few call in the aid of medicine unless from necessity, and of these many never think of payment. You certainly shall have £5 out of every £50 I may be so fortunate to receive; - at present I have not received so much as would pay the postage of your last letter. My health is very unsteady, and even now my side is sore from a Blister lately applied. I must remain here a year or two, under all hazards, but we are obliged to avoid all company, and be extremely economical now, for there is no longer any power to draw, upon Stilwell and I am too far on his pages already, for my peace of mind. You are very kind in wishing to buy Ear rings for your mother; but you must not on any account do so; you want, My dear William, every penny of your pay for your own necessities, and you should never spend a farthing unnecessarily. It is good to keep an expense book - for it reminds one of money spent foolishly, and checks us in the future. It is very fortunate you are in a small vessel as it gives you a great latitude for shewing your abilities, and you have no rich rivals standing in your way, as you would have on board a large ship; and in a small Vessel, with care, your pay will keep you provided you avoid shore cruizes, and keep the key of your chest yourself.
We are all well. Frank is at my side learning his Latin Grammar: Mary Ann and Fanny are on a visit at Goldlie's; he is Governor of East Ashford Workhouse; it is an excellent situation; and one I should be glad to hold. They will return in September. Goldie was delighted to hear of your bravery; he desires strongly to be remembered to you; So do Mrs. G. and Angelica.
Your Mother, Mary Ann and Frank send their love, and unite with me in daily prayers to the Lord to bless you. Be a religious warrior, and prosperity will hold out a steady hand to aid you on to success. We have not heard from James.
I remain.
My dear William,
Your fond father,
James Hall.
Cranbrook
August 14th. 1836,
My Dear William,
We yesterday had the pleasure of receiving your letter which has afforded us much happiness by learning that you were well. You remind us of your being in hazard of being killed by shot; it was not necessary my dear William, to do it, as we all knew that you are living in a state of war, and we duly pray to the Lord to preserve you. But we feel grateful to His Goodness in having already protected you; and I trust you are always retaining a lively remembrance of this, and here I entreat you, and earnestly once for all to stamp on your memory this serious fact, that God alone is your protector and friend, to Him alone you are to direct your thoughts for success in all your honourable pursuits in this life, for success in your profession, for safety in battle, and for your salvation in the next world.
I no longer consider you a youth, for in March next you will attain that age, at which parental responsibility will cease, and you will become independent of it; and here I must tell you, my dear William how much it grieves me, and your Mother, to see how precarious your means of subsistence is: and what afflicts me greatly and adds to my infirmity of health,(for I am now in a very fluctuating state, one day ill, one day better) is my total inability to afford you any material hope of pecuniary assistance, and should I die, your Mother would be reduced to distress having only a pension on which to maintain all the family.
Indeed, my dear William, when poverty invades family friends disappear - and the world only smiles on those who can help themselves. God, thanks for His Mercy, has been my only friend, through a life of labour and penury, to which like I pray you may be ever a stranger; and now I look forward to leaving this world as poor as when I came into it: but my dying moments will be, I pray, cheered by the hopes of His Almighty mercies to me, and by the reflection that I have pointed His Name and goodness to my dear children, who will themselves be answerable for forsaking His Holy Laws. I much fear, my dear William, that you reflect seldom on your condition in life. You have not attended to this truth, that you are a poor young man, whose means are within himself. You surprise me by saying you are in want of another £5 for since I came home I have paid Barham, and sent you linen and a jacket besides money. Owing to your inattention to economy and not taking care of your things, you have been far too expensive for my means; and owing to it I am now, in some degree, in debt to Stilwell and only receive a part of my pay: and in consequence of our embarrassment your Sister suffers, she has no piano - Frank does not go to School, we are compelled to live quite retired, away from the town; nor have we yet had even anyone to take tea with us. Practice is very bad, only poor people, who perhaps will never pay me, but poverty will fix me here, till I can get out of Stilwell’s debt.
I wrote to you a little time ago, and paid the postage to Falmouth, as I could not afford to pay the postage via France: and from the same cause this letter will be sent to the Admiralty by a friend. But should anything, my dear William, happen to you, or to any of us here, let us know by any immediate way, as we should, do to you. I hope your vessel will not be paid off, for there would be not any chance of your getting another. A small vessel you must always keep in, because you must live on your pay, which you would be able to do, from having the Mess at your command and your chance of prize money by Smugglers, or Slave Vessels, and also of future promotion, are greater in a small vessel, than in a Ship: therefore be sure to secure another Sloop-of-War before your present one be paid off; and thus you would be able to obtain leave for a month or three weeks to go to Pass, and. come to see us, for I long to see you - and I am saving to give you £5. as soon as you have passed. It is quite out of my power to send you any books; but I send a part of your letter to a Naval Captain here, and he says the books you have are very good ones.
I am surprised that after so many years experience, you can have any doubt of your passing, with not only high credit, but acquiring, as often happens, the interest of one of the passing Captains who look out for, and tell each other of smart Mates. You are a good Seaman, therefore study well, and you will succeed. You had better sell your **a*m - do not buy any cap, or anything else, save every penny. Stick to your craft, and make a firm friend of your Commander and other Superiors? but look to your exertions and God will prosper you.
Your Mother, Mary Ann, Frank and Fanny, are all well, and send their love, uniting with me in prayers to the Lord to bless you, and shield you from all dangers.
I remain,
My dear William
Your affectionate father.
James Hall.
P.S. Unless your write more legibly I shall not be able to read your letters.
Cranbrook,
28th Feb 1837
My dear William,
We are all delighted, by receiving your letter, and we thank God you are arrived again in England and in good health. I am so very nervous I am hardly able to write, and for 2 hours we have been struggling to decide what should be done in the circumstance in which we are placed, My own feelings would prompt me to set out immediately to have the pleasure of seeing you, but our unfortunate poverty of cash ties me here, and causes me inexpressible vexation.
It is now settled that I remain; for as you cannot tell the result of your examination at the College, it would be madness in me to run any risk. May the Lord bless your exertions with success. We are all filled with anxiety as to the fate that awaits you. The experiment is to be made the proof of your abilities [will be made], and a sure reward awaits you.
Study hard, and be cool and collected when you are under examination. As we all are full of hope for your success and have no doubt of it from your high character as a smart officer, and the experience you gained under such fine officers as Capt Pigot, and Walker must have filled your youthful breast with such ardent zeal and ambition, as to make you use every exertion to ensure passing for the sake of doing credit to the name of the Barham I wish you, my dear William, to get out by the North Star, in order to be in the fighting that will take place, and continue on your Station. The present ministry think your service very valuable and should you pass, and be a Mate engaged in any smart affair, you may, by a good character, command your promotion. You have not said whether Dacres has applied for you to be Mate or Midshipman.
I suppose North Star will not be able to sail before a fortnight or ten days. As I cannot get any money from Stilwell without borrowing it out of my half pay, and as I am not able to get any money from any one of my few patients who have not paid any bills, nor will pay till Months pass, I am only able to send you herein a £5 Bank of England Note, and I hope this, my dear William will be of great service to you. I am preparing a stock of things, Trowsers, a Cocked Hat, a New Uniform Cap, etc., a Coat for you; therefore as soon as you pass at the College, make your arrangements for joining the North Star, as the first vessel of war that shall sail for passages, you will be entitled to be borne by the flag ship after you have passed. If you think there will not be time for you to come here after passing, and return to join the North Star, write instantly you have passed, and say so, and then I will come to Portsmouth, and bring the things.
When you come here bring with you, a deal box that your Mother left at Mr Chamber’s Store, in Portsmouth, it contains Scales and Mortar, etc; but remember I would wish you to take sure of returning immediately to Spain, therefore run no risk of losing a passage by coming here. Altho’ you may be sure we are all anxious to see you, yet we must bend to necessity. Give all our loves to the Misses Spencer, Mary Gallon – Sturgesses, Mrs Murray through the Miss Spencers. Remember us all kindly to Knapp, and all friends. But I shall write of all old acquaintances in my next - write as soon as you pass on Monday, saying whether you are coming or whether time will not allow you to run the risk - only in all your movements remember the money.
As I understand that Bradley will ensure your passing if you study well, you had better study six hours a day; keep no company, nor attend to any body or to any thing till you have passed. Keep close to study – be very economical in your lodgings. I shall not tell Capt. King you are in England, till after you have passed, then, if you come here, I will take you to his house - but if you should be rejected - I must never mention your name here – if you could foretell that success awaits you, and that there would not be time for you to come here, write by return - but it is impossible you can foretell.
When you intend to come here, you must leave Portsmouth by the night Coach, on the day that all is over, and should you be in want of a Pound there to pay your Coach here, you can probably get your friend to lend it to you, and I will repay it by an order on Stillwell. To come here you must take your place by the Maidstone "Tally-Ho" Coach that leaves a Coach Office in the Boro', and arrives at Maidstone in time to meet the Cranbrook Van, and. therefore immediately you arrive at Maidstone tell the Coachman you want the Van, jump into it, and desire the driver to see you down at my house. You had better not bring any luggage.
Mary Ann says have you any curiosity as she will thankfully receive it, and you and she will keep your birthdays at the same time.
God Bless you
J. Hall.
My dear William, We are full of hopes - in and fears for your passing; pray use every exertion to ensure it and manage to be with us on your birthday. Will you be so kind as to ask Oceana if she will get me half an ounce of tooth powder from Mrs. Hicks, it will only be sixpence and you can pay her, tell her I shall expect a long letter from her by you. Tell them poor Eliza Gibbs died on 7th of this month at her brother's house. Oceana will know, the tooth-powder, I mean - We cannot get it here. Do not let this letter be about.
Cranbrook,
29th March, 1837.
My dear William,
As no time can be spared I write immediately to express our great pleasure from your having arrived in time at Portsmouth. You were, no doubt, well received by Captain Dacres, for having used so much expedition. I think you ought not to regret at not having been engaged in the late affair, for however heroically the seamen behaved as the result was defeat, your services had you been in it, would not have been accounted any thing, if compared with what you would have acquired had victory resulted.
My opinion is that the unfortunate result was the consequence solely of the very superior numbers of the Carlists. If the Legion is not too much disorganized, I feel persuaded that it will again take the field and gain a victory. You will therefore not be long before you will have an opportunity of distinguishing yourself on shore in action, and when the hour arrives, put your entire trust in the Lord, and relying on his arm, do your duty like a hero: get your name mentioned in the public despatches, and thus you will carry your Commission by Storm. Depend on it, My dear William, your promotion is now before you, pursue it, keep it ever before; your eyes, persevere and you will overtake it. When I read that part of your letter wherein you mention a Shore appointment, and all that disgraceful rant about a Custom House, I almost lost my temper, and was inclined to tear your letter into pieces. You are now entered on a noble path that will bring you honour, fame and Independence, if you conduct yourself well. Never listen to, nor respond to any croakers who by indolence, and want of spirit, or ignorance of their profession have not, and never will have acquired a reputation such as you have, who growl against the Service, and talk of girls, wives, and shore appointments, let them go, encourage them rather to quit the Service, as their Country will gain by their departure, but do you stick faithful; your ship is your home, your duty to the Service is your polar Star and rewards will attend you. Never, never, never, say a word more about the Shore, see as little as possible of this, only visit it on duty, or for a healthful recreation; and thus you will not be induced to neglect your watches; nor get into bad company, nor to spend your money.
You must not think of coming round here, as travelling is so expensive. I want myself vehemently to go to London on business, but want of money prevents me. What sums you lately received from me I was obliged to borrow. You are now thank God, in a situation that will enable you to appear always as an Officer and a gentleman and have a little money always accumulating; for which I will, as I told you, give you ten per Cent Interest. You never need think of buying any things for us, all we desire and wish you to do, is to save your money, and keep close to your Ship; not changing. You are now in a good vessel, for promotion, for if there should be a Squadron sent into the Black Sea, the large Steamers would be sure of being sent. Again, I am sure of this that a large promotion of Mates would be made instantly any war should threaten. Your account of the battle is very interesting;
Captain K. is still in Ireland, the parish business is not yet settled? We are at a loss what to do, our time will be up soon and we shall be obliged to go into lodgings. Mary Ann and Fanny are now at Goldie's, as Mrs. Goldie and her brother William Warren came here a few days after you had gone, and took them away. He is a fine young man, and had just passed for a Master. He dresses well and makes presents to his sister, he always has plenty of Money, and does all this on his pay. Imitate him. We are all, thank God, in good health and should you see the Pearces give our individual love to each of them. Your Mother and Frank unite with me in earnest love and prayer for you.
I remain, my dear William,
Your fond father
J.A. Hall
You must [write] legibly
Cranbrook
27th Sept 1837.
My dear William,
Your letter came just in time to relieve us from much anxiety, which was daily increasing by your protracted silence. We had written three (I believe) letters to you, and had sent them by different ways. We are now all in good health, but your sister has been ill with sore throat. We are happy that you are well. With regard, my dear William, to your plans, as you say you do not know what to do, these are they, - Make yourself contented, in the first place, and be happy in knowing that you have employment; take care of your money in the second place, - considering that you have no other dependence for a living, till it shall please God to enable me to get rid of my encumbrances. These are the objects you must ever keep before your eyes, so that you may be prepared to assist yourself should you be unexpectedly paid off. But you must not on any account be paid off - for it would be ruinous to you, in consequence of the great expense you could incur by travelling here, for it would be impossible for you to go into Lodgings.
I now find how ill judged it was in me to depend on the hopes that Capt. K. raised, when he assured me I should make £500 a year here. I have been losing, not gaining and know not what is the best course to steer. For your sake I ought and wish, to reside in or near Portsmouth, Plymouth or Falmouth, that you might have a near home, and also that we might live cheaper than we are now doing. I expect Christmas time will decide whether we remain here, or not. Rex, whom I had not seen for 22 years, has sold his practice in Norfolk, and is going to open a Chemist's Shop in London - he wants me to join him. I would prefer a permanent situation before anything else, and I have long been trying to get one; yesterday I had an answer respecting one - it had been engaged. Under all these before mentioned circumstances you must instantly perceive how absolutely necessary it is to your welfare, and also to ultimately give you an irresistible claim to your promotion by and by, that you should always keep employed, by getting another Ship, before the one you are in be paid off. Small vessels you must always stick to, as enabling you to live upon your pay, and at the same time, giving you a better chance of showing yourself off, and increasing your claim to promotion.
I do not think there will be any more Polar expeditions as Capt. ???? failure has quieted Sir John Barrow. The Andromache is now paying off at Sheerness, my unfortunate illness has prevented my having made about £300. I have understood that two of the Mates, and the 1st. Lieut. will be promoted. I do not understand what you mean about your wishing to get clear of Stilwell? You need not send my letters to him, and can not have any need of him. You must never employ an Agent when you become a Lieutenant, for it will cause you to run into debt, and make you poor always. Agents and women have sent many a fine officer into Prison - or- brought him to beggary. Form, my dear William, no intimacy with young Ladies, remember that you have no friends to supply you with money to enable you to visit company on shore, and I am sure you have too much pride and spirit to imitate the Mates of old days who were sort of Warrant Officers and by their dress on shore, and living, when on board, shewed their poverty. No, No, although you be poor, do not seem so; your pay ought, and in fact must keep you; if it cannot you must never think of remaining in the Navy; for if you once get & character of being a poor beggarly fellow, or a Scamp, who cannot pay his debts, you will never be a Lieutenant. And I am sure you would not like the Merchant Service. As for the Revenue Service, you know that is not the Service for young Men of mettle, who wish to rise to become Post Captains - You have of your accord chosen your present line, and may God prosper you in it. Your exertions have been laudable, and deserve every encouragement; but as it is not possible for me to afford you any assistance, even if you wanted it, you mast soberly and contentedly work on, till better times arrive. Do not trouble yourself about corresponding with Miss Gell, or any other Miss. Your Ship is your lass, and every other one, to a young man, who has to make his own fortune and fame in the Service, is like a rocky bottom acting on a hempen cable. Miss Gell and Miss Goldie are well; they were here sometime, and I could very ill afford the expense. Practice is very bad, and something soon must be done. Frank, Fanny, Mary Ann, your Mother and myself are thank God now tolerably well; but my Liver is always more or less affecting me. I suppose you had something to do in the late battle with O'Donnel and the Carlists. William Warren, is now Second Master of the Redwing, and not only keeps himself as an officer ought to do; but also gives an allowance to his Sister Gell which shews you how much a careful young man can do beyond what he might previously conceive; and you also My dear William, see the goodness of God, in having given poor Gell another help in William Warren, now Goldie is no more. May the Lord prosper you, that you may be able to do for your dear Sister in like manner, should my death place her in a state to want your help, and protection. I am sure your love for her; and your generosity would be equal to his - reflect how men depends on your steps - pray be prudent - economical, and steady, be not restless but contented.
We all join in love and prayers to God to bless you, and prosper you, and I remain My dear William,
Your ever affectionate father,
James Hall.
P.S. You had better get Capt. Dacres to put you into a sloop of war before the Salamander quits the Squadron to be paid off - get into one that has a good time to run – if on the African Station the better – no large Ship or a Guard Ship as they are expensive, and the Mates who are not the sons of gentry do all the fag without getting any interest – always be on the best of terms with your Captain.
The following letter was written over the letter from Mary Anne of the same date.
17 November 1837
My dear William
As your Sister has given you all our domestic news, I have now to write on graver subjects. Among these the first that demands mention is your progress in the Service. You say that you are the oldest follower of Capt. Dacres, and on good terms with him, this information pleases me much, for all your hopes of rising to rank and fame in the Service depend on your maintaining a high character for honor, obedience to all superiors, vigilance in duty, inflexible performance of your instructions whatever the nature of the service, and a bold daring in all moments of danger, without laying aside the exercise of the mind, and combining with a bold dash whatever plans experience suggests or reflection points out.
But whilst you shew the dash that astonishes, keep all the rest known only to yourself, lest you shew others how to rival you. I always pray to God that you may be promoted, for the road is open before you and why should you not reach the temple of Fame? You are young - bold, and experienced and must have around you many young men who are indolent and ignorant besides, so that you have not any of this class to stand before you in the path of danger, never therefore hesitate to take upon yourself any service of trust with danger that they shrink from volunteering to engage in; and if it happen to be in their course of watch, do not fail to act as Jacob did, seize the thing which they despise the value of. Push on, and seize hold on Fortune, and you may make my old age happy (should it please God to spare me a few years longer) by my seeing you a Post Captain with C.B.
Remember this, as soon as ever you can spare £100, apply to the Herald’s Office in London, personally, for a coat of arms and crest, they will tell you what Memorial to write, and what it will cost: I have many years been anxious to do it for you and your brother's sake, but have not been able to spare the money. In the world a coat of arms gives respect to a fool, and in a public Service, the upper classes of Society always suppose Officers who render themselves celebrated have sprung from some body of genteel rank; if they see a crest their mind is satisfied - if they only see a plebeian their pride is wounded. I remember seeing our late King examine the seal of every one of a parcel of letters that lay before him - the common ones he threw aside to his Secretary, those with arms he opened and read. And thus all men act, who are high in rank, or hold Office.
Be determined to prosper, Love and fear God, and your industry will be rewarded. I long to see your name in the papers, as having distinguished yourself with the Spaniards; I wish General 0’Donnel would apply for you, as a Naval aid de Camp.
I must now conclude, My dear William and remain your affectlonate father.
J. Hall.
P.S. Your letter of the 7th came yesterday; and this we are going to send immediately to the Admiralty. On the 27th I shall know whether I shall have the Office of Parish Surgeon. All England, has been in stir by the Queen’s visit to the City dinner - but you will have full account of it in the Papers.
With regard to dear Frank, he will be 9 on Jan 18th and we should all be most grateful to any person who could give him a non-freeman's presentation; I should like to bring him up to my profession, if able to afford the expense, if not, he must be a Clerk under your command, and then your Purser and Prize Agent. Ask General O'Donnel if he wants a Volunteer Surgeon and I will apply to Lord Palmerston, as I must do something, if I do not get the Parish.
J.H.
The following letter was written by Mary Ann
5, Waterloo Place,
17th September, 1837.
My dear William,
I had nearly made up my mind not to honour you with a sight of my "copper plate" again, but on reconsideration, I thought it as well to take the compliment from "whence it came" and by the aid of a well mended pen do my best to write if possible my words more legible. Do not expect me to give you much news, for in this miserable place nothing passes likely to interest you, and not having many correspondents we glean little intelligence from other quarters. Suppose I tell you a few of your favourite Misses Goldie's movements. They leave their Uncles in two or three days, and have taken very good apartments in the High Street Chatham, where they intend settling. William Warren is in the other Steamer stationed principally at Wales, which is an excellent thing for him, as he will be enabled to allow his Sisters something. Poor Gel stopped with us two months, she said she had never been so happy in her life before, and it seemed such a relief having, no one to grumble at her.
Was it not lucky the Andromache being paid off at Sheerness? Father saw all his Messmates except Capt. Chads, who had left for London. The two Mates who were promoted made Mr. James a present of a very handsome Quadrant with an inscription on it, for his kindness in teaching them mathematics. And from a letter we received from him a few days since, he mentions having had his Charts forwarded from the Admiralty with a present. I think they have all been very fortunate. What say you? Several other little things I could tell you, but knowing the frequent correspondence you have with Portsmouth I fear lest they may be retailed to St. George's Square. We have been told the Spencers have a high opinion of your elegance in penning a letter. The next you send them pray give us a copy that we may have at least one emblem of your admirable sentimental and (tho' last not least) exquisite Member of Parliament's incomprehensible scrawl. Father intends finishing this therefore will tell you about the Parish which is tendered for on Monday week. We are in hopes he will get it; and are anxious for it to be settled, as it will determine whether we remain here or not. Have you written to James lately? I hope you do not forget him. Fanny and Frank go to a day school which we find a great relief during the day. They both with Mother unite with me in kindest love to you. And believe me,
My dear William,
Ever to remain
Your affect. Sister
Mary Ann.
You ask about my practising, have you heard any new marches, Overtures or Waltzes lately?
Cranbrook
Dec 20th 1837
My dear William
This letter will impart to you information of a melancholy nature and will call forth deep sorrow. While you yield to your natural feelings, keep in remembrance that the Almighty [who] disposes of human affairs is Lord of all his creation, that our sojourn on this earth is for a time so short in the longest life, as to be lost in the immensity of duration of the life hereafter, and that when we mourn one, the death of those who were dear to one, we have to pray that we may be spared a little longer time to enable us to profit by the awful warnings we have received, when we are told to put our own house in mourning.
Your dear dear brother James is, alas!, no more. This sad intelligence, My dear William, came in a letter from one of his friends a few days ago, stating that poor dear James died of Dysentery at Bombay on September 1st. His widow was very ill, and unable to write: he has left three children; the eldest a fine boy aged about 4 years, the youngest an infant. Poor fellow, what miseries his rash conduct exposed him to for some time! Now see the consequence of an indiscreet early marriage, for I know his dying moments must have been disturbed by thoughts of his wife and dear children. He was an affectionate father and kind husband, and it will, my dear William, be to you, as it is to me, a pleasing fact to reflect on that latter days were passed in the enjoyment of domestic happiness. He walked uprightly, did his duty with zeal, was kind to all his subordinates, courteous and obedient to his superiors, and living in harmony with his equals. Thus he acquired the love, esteem and friendship of all who knew him, and I know from what I saw, and from all I heard, he has left behind him a good name; and many are now suffering with ourselves that grief with which his death now afflicts us. I hope that the Masonic Society, of which the dear boy was the favourite Secretary, has, as well as the Company Regulations, made provision for the distressed Widow and Orphans. My heart may be warm with a desire to aid, my means alas, all dried up. God grant my daily prayers that you may be made prosperous and spared with long life, be able hereafter to do justice to the feelings of your generous nature, whenever it shall please the Lord to remove from you, not only your dear brother, but him whom on yourself, your mother, sister and remaining brother, look on as your friend and guardian next to a Merciful and bountiful heavenly father.
I would not give any outward sign of your melancholy loss as I feared you might be too suddenly alarmed. I trust, my dear boy you will bear up as strongly as you can under the grief this sad letter brings to you, and that you will have impressed on your mind the necessity of a well spent and industrious life, for the want of our necessities here and for the happiness of our souls hereafter.
We are thank God in good health, and pray you are so. We shall write again soon and tell you all the domestic news, but at present we cannot say other than that our affairs are as usual; no improvements. We all unite in love and prayers for your happiness and promotion.
I remain,
My dearest William
Your affectionate father
James Hall
13th April, 1838.
My dear William,
Three days ago or more we were all delighted by receiving your letter of the 26th March. I wish you would write more legibly, as you deprive us of much pleasure when we are not able to decipher your words. We are thankful to the Lord that you continue in the enjoyment of good health and we always pray to Him to bless you and prosper you. Great indeed will be my joy when you get a Commission as then I shall die in tranquillity by leaving you the Guardian and friend of your dear Sisters and Mother.
I am happy in learning from the Miss Spencers that your good conduct has acquired for you the esteem of all the Officers of your Squadron. To your father this gives joy as he builds bright hopes of your obtaining a distinguished name in your Country’s Annals of eminent Naval Officers. A good name is better than wealth; for it leads to this often; and with it alone it commands respect where wealth cannot enter. Fancy yourself introduced to your Queen by the First Lord for deeds performed in your Country's cause! And this is not an illusive prospect, for look at History, and learn and bear in memory what it records of Benbow, Boscawen, Hawke, Nelson, Collingwood, they were not better Seamen nor more fond of the Service, nor more brave than you; so that on reflection you will find yourself on the same path of Fame, notwithstanding you are a poor Mate, because your father is too poor at present to assist you. Be obedient, even to excess to your Superiors, prompt in executing their Orders in defiance of personal feelings; of mess mates or of anything that interposes, be vigilant, strict, but just and kind to those under your command, for in a moment of danger they will stand by you if they esteem you. Never stop in your pursuit of fame and fortune till you have gained Post rank, then if you like, marry - but Oh, never, never, listen to the suggestion of an idle hour when on shore, of marrying or of even forming an intimacy with any lady, even if she has money; but without Misery, Misery, Misery would increase with your years, and you would never be known among the heroes of old England.
I have dwelt much upon this, because I am old in experience and I know, alas, what bitter anguish of mind I have often felt, and am still feeling from my poverty. Did I not think of my duty in providing for your dear Mother and Sisters, I might manage to exist as some half pay thoughtless men do; and after death my dear children be in want. I am sorry to tell you that I am doing so badly that I am looking out for a change of situation. I have tried to attain several offices, but owing to various causes, I have failed.
Perhaps I shall be obliged to go to Sea again. I am now thinking of going out to N.S.Wales; in this case I should place your Mother in lodgings at Chatham where living is cheap, and if your vessel came to Woolwich you would be able to see them at an expense of only 3/s. You will always be able to get from one Steamer to another or from one Ship to another. You must always get a vacancy before you leave your Ship, for by constantly pushing, and serving actively, your Commission must come in time. Do not growl like some old Mates, who become careless of their character, for such are rarely made and never if they take to drinking, and become scamps. Always be smart in your dress, for your pay with care will always keep you - and My dear William you know now that it must do it. I am in debt, and have not a shilling to spare, for many of my patients cannot pay me what they owe. Your Mother will be put on a reduced allowance and all hands must practise the greatest self denial and economy. Therefore pray take care of your Clothes, and save every penny you can.
I am happy to tell you that your Mother, Mary Ann, Frank, Fanny (this is her birthday) and myself are all in good health, but of course all dull in spirits, because the Horizon is clouded; all send their love to you.
You complain that you have not had any letters, but we have sent three to you, by the Admiralty, the route that this will be sent. But as soon as any important affair arrives I shall write via France, and inform you of it. I particularly advise to make Capt. Dacres and Lord John Hay your personal friends, be always very respectful and attentive to their Orders, never mind if you work hard, and in battle show yourself. God protects all who love Him.
I hope you know well all the Spanish coast, and have learnt to speak and write their language as well as French.
I remain.
My dear William,
Your affectionate father,
James Hall.