CLARKE, George
241
Newnham
Near Sittingbourne
Kent
Aug 23rd 1819
Sir,
Being in London I received your fist circular at your office in Downing Street on the 13th of this inst, which informed me the conditions of emigration to the Cape of Good Hope.
I have to inform you that I am acquainted in every part of the farming business. I know the value of land being in the habit of measuring upwards of two thousand acres, normally of different qualities, and I can’t select the number specified to be taken out as settlers all of that description of men who have been brought up to husbandry from their infancy.
I wish to be acquainted if you can inform me what capital a person taking out this number ought to have to ensure any share of success over and above the deposit paid before embarkation and which is to be repaid at different periods after landing.
I further wish to enquire immediately if I may expect any encouragement as a Surveyor and Maper of London as I see at the expiration of three years the land is to be measured at the expense of Government, but I should suppose it would be expedient for some bounds to be set out at first landing to prevent controversy among the settlers, as several may prefer one and the same spot of ground as most eligible for their purpose.
I am Sir your most dutiful and obt hbl svt
Geo. CLARKE