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Document number: 3526
Date: 24 Jun 1837
Recipient: TALBOT William Henry Fox
Author: JOHNSTONE F Hutchinson
Collection: British Library, London, Manuscripts - Fox Talbot Collection
Last updated: 1st September 2003

73 James Street Dublin

June 24th 1837

Sir

With sentiments of the highest respect, I have the honor to state that some little time back I address’d a letter to you, informing you of the lamentable distress, and poverty, to which I am with a large family reduced, and the heart rending causes thereof, and besought you mercifully to grant me a small aid, to alleviate the sufferings of my innocent Children. from your silence I fear my letter did not reach you or perhaps you imagined that my statement was not correct if so, if you will have the condescending goodness to apply by letter, or thro’ a friend here to Major Dawson (of the Royal Hospital) at No 5 Montpelier Hill Dublin that Gentleman has known me for many years, and will fully verify it. To describe to you Sir the misery, and misfortune I am enduring, could indeed be impossible, as I have been unable <thro?> all my exertions, to procure a situation, or appointment since my retirement from the Army and believe me that nothing but the most poignant distress, and need of the common necessaries of life, could induce me, with pain to my feelings, thus to supplicate your benevolence The smallest trifle at your humane hands, will be a blessing to my poor family which whilst I possess life, I shall duly appreciate – entreating your reply and sympathy

I have the honor to be
Sir
Your obdt, humble servt

F Hutchinson Johnstone

Late Lieut Royal <illegible> <Rangers?>

<in hand of signature but not of body of letter>

I have been obliged thro severe indisposition to have this written by another pen which I hope you will please excuse General Lord Forbes Castle Forbes Aberdeenshire if applied to: will also vouch our deep distress: in fact my poor family have not Bread to eat: such is our destitution –

Henry Fox Talbot Esqre
&c &c &c
Lacock Abbey
Wilts