FREEMAN, William
National Archives, Kew CO48/43, 226
Irthlingborough
29 Sep't 1819
My Lord
Since an emigration to the Cape of Good Hope has been spoken of I have entertained a strong inclination to avail myself of the offer made by Government.
I have a wife and two children and as the former is rather timid at the thought of the voyage, and the prospect of procuring a subsistance for the first few months; I have taken the liberty to ask of your Lordship that information which a remote country village will not afford.
I think some explanation of myself necessary as an apology for the liberty I take in addressing your Lordship. I bore a commission for three years prior to the peace of 1802 in the 1st West York Militia at that time commanded by Lord FITZWILLIAM, and in the interval of peace I went into business which did not succeed and now I keep a school which will not keep me. I shall be able to take with me two or three hundred pounds. The honor of an early reply will much oblige
Your Lordship's most obedient servant
William FREEMAN
Qn 1st. Can my family be accommodated with a passage free of expense to the intended settlement, and take with us necessary furniture?
2. Can we be sure of the grant of 100 acres of land upon the terms stated?
3. Can we purchase provision at or near the intended settlement until the first crop be fit for use; or will it be necessary to provide ourselves from this country?
4. Can we take 1 or two other families paying in every case the required deposit, and in that case will each head of a family be accommodated with 100 acres of land?
5. Is any time or times, place or places fixed for embarcation?
Please to direct
W. FREEMAN
School Master
Irthlingborough
near Higham Ferrers
Northamptonshire
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