HOWARD, John Hassall, 1820 Settler

National Archives, Kew CO48/43, 554

Minster St

Reading

July 22 1819

My Lord

The intent of my addressing you (which Liberty I hope you will pardon) is to crave your Lordships interest and support in behalf of myself and Family. I am a young person twenty seven years of age, by Trade or Profesion a Chemist, Druggist and Apothecary, have a wife about my own age of very industrious habits and two young children under four years old, but owing to existing circumstances cannot provide them a decent living. About five years back I commenced business as a Chemist Druggist and Apothecary as aforesaid in the town of Stockport in the county Palatine of Chester and for some time appeared doing well however from a very great depression of Trade which followed I experienced unpleasant circumstances, for some time my family have resided in this Town and I have been on the general look out to get into a situation of any description but have not been able to get one which my Lord I assure you has reduced me and family almost to distress. Having been given to understand a Passage would be provided by his Royal Highness the Prince Regent for families willing to go to the Cape of Good Hope as Settlers I feel desirous to go with my family, but not having the means to undertake such a voyage has induced me to make application to your Lordship to beg the favour of your Lordships interest and support. I have no objection to take a situation or I would attempt to agree with the Parish Officers of this Place or neighbouring Parishes to take out families provided it meets your Lordship's approbation and can be advised a subsistance might be procured for them. If your Lordship will condescend to advise me as to the Grants and Priviledges which might be given will much oblige

Your Lordships

Very Humble & Obedient Servant

John Hassall HOWARD

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