Postmark (red):
8 6, London, EC, 9 SP, 76
[London, EC, 9 September, 1876]
W. Clark Esq C.E.
9 Victoria Chambers
Victoria St.
London S.W.
9/9/76
as to the present state of the question.
This I have received only this morning:
I am sorry to say it is very discouraging.
I enclose a copy of it.
[I assure you that last year I spared
no effort either with the Governor or
with the Prince of Wales’ party when
at Madras; sending out your Memo
& my own “by desire.”
At the rate they do things now, I fear
you will have drained & watered all
Australia before you are wanted
to work out your scheme at Madras.
I heartily congratulate Sydney on having
you & I bid you & your works “Godspeed”
with all my heart & soul.
I may possibly trouble you with a small parcel
for Mr. Parkes at Sydney, the ex-Colonial
Secretary of N. South Wales, if I hear
that you are kindly willing to undertake it.
F.N.