8 September 1851
147 Leadenhale St
Dear Sir,

It is understood that the Midshipmen have intercourse with and associate with the Captain and passengers that they are kept entirely from the men. As to your fancying they mess with a lower class, I think that my letter stated they would live and mess with the 3rd officer who was previous to this promotion a Midshipmen. In the Indiaman the 1st and 2nd officers mess with the Captain and the Midshipmen mess with the third officers. They have no menial duty to perform. Their employment will be upon ships duty only by which they shall learn their profession.

The "Royal Stuart" the ship we offered is a new vessel. The ostensible owner is Mr Lowde the solicitor of the Fishmongers and other companies to whom the youth would be articled. The ship sails in connection with the Messrs Green and Co. and Messrs Phillips and Co. You could not have a finer ship in one in which your son could learn his profession better. In Messrs Saunders? Messrs Smith and others the terms are higher and frequently after 3 years they know very little more then when they first went to sea as they are not compelled to learn.

I am sir,

your ob. Serv,

Edward West