WOODRUFF, James
228
No.8 Willow Street
Preston
Lancashire
July 19 1819
My Lord,
Having seen in the public papers that it is the intention of His Majesty’s Government to afford the means of emigration to the Cape of Good Hope to a portion of his Majesty’s subjects I am desired by several familys in my immediate neighbourhood to signify to your Lordship their intention of availing themselves of this opportunity providing that the regulations adopted by His Majesty’s Government in reference to this matter be such as can be complied with, and I am therefore desired to request of His Majesty’s Government a particular account in what manner persons wishing to go are to be treated, both with respect to the passage and when the[y] arrive at the far end, as it is hoped from what was said upon the subject in the House of Commons that a fair prospect will be afforded them, but should any money be required of them as a deposit prior to the [obscured] off this will deprive us of any chance whatsoever of going, having family and nothing of the kind to advance, but we shall be glad to be informed of all the perticulars as soon as possible from your Lordship, and after this a perticular statement can be transmitted of the number willing to go, the strength of the family &c. After that I have received your Lordships answer I shall make known the same to all persons in this district wishing to go and it will oblige us exceedingly by favoring us with a reply with as little delay as possible.
I am with great deference my Lord
Your Lordships most obed’t humble serv’t
James WOODRUFF