CLARKE, John

National Archives, Kew CO48/42, 97

11 Diamond House

Stepney Green

July 28^th 1819

Hon Sir,

I have of late observed many advertisements respecting persons emigrating to the Cape of Good Hope having long had a desire to see that delightful colony but circumstances have as yet prevented. I have presumed to address this to you to request you will be kind enough to send me a statement of the advantages held out to emigrants – the quantity of land granted, whether the persons find themselfs provisions on the voyage or if the expences are solely defrayed by the government. In my young time I was brought up on a farm in the neighbourhood of Holkham in Norfolk which land was cultivated on Mr. COKE's principal. Of late years I have been engaged in the mercantile employment owing to the impossibility of obtaining land in England by which I could get a living. My age is 27 and here are three highly respectable young men who have all been brought up to farming, one in the Essex & one in the Hereford system that would like to join me provided the advantages held out by others are confirmed by you – should wish to know whether a single young man would have to deposit what it would be for man & wife – may be the only barrier to us at present, hope that will be eradicated by you. You can have references &c from gentlemen in the different counties I'm sure be satisfactory to you.

Waiting your answer I remain Hon Sir for self and friends

Yr most obdt hbl sevt

John CLARKE