Hayhurst, Richard

To His Excellency the Right Hon. General Lord Charles
Henry Somerset Governor and Commanding in Chief
His Majestys Forces at the Cape of Good Hope. &c &c &c _____

The very Humble Petition of John Hartle
Late of Albany District but now of Cape Town.
Sheweth,

That after every effort in Petitioners power and that of
His Family to make , He finds Himself unable even linger
out a farther existence in Cape and fully sensible of the attention
and assistance afforded by your Excellency on a former occasion,
nothing by the most imperious and pressing necessity could
induce your Petitioner to intrude his wants on your
Excellencys Notice, incapable from Age and infirmity feeling
Himself rapidly verging on the grave and the idea of dissolution
embittered by the thought of leaving His Family a prey to
distress in a Foreign Land. He therefore earnestly & Sincerely
implores your Excellency to take his case into your serious
consideration and be graciously Pleased to afford Himself and
Family a passage to their Native Country where surrounded
by relatives and Friends he may provide for their future
comfort, certain that a further stay at the Cape will compel
Him to be a complete Burthen to the Humane & Benevolent
contrary to Both his disposition and feelings. Throwing entirely
Himself & Family on your Excellencys Humanity and well known
Philanthropy He hopes you will be induced to grant Him a
Speedy passage Home. where your Petitioner as in duty
Bound will every gratefully & sincerely Pray.
John Hartell
Boomthal 1823