Hamilton17th. October 1870. My dear Sir, I trust that you will pardon my troubling you with my troubles and if in your power assist an old Servant of the Govt. I enclose to you herewith a Copy of my letter addressed to Mr. Fox in July last to which I have received no answer of any sort the facts are I assure you true to a letter. I have been since that compelled to sell off all my Hoses save one or two (not saleable) also my Cattle to maintain my family I cannot afford to keep a Servant (Man) and had it not been for the kindness of some of my friends and Col. Lyon lending me horses I could not possibly have attended my Courts, lately; I only ask for forage for my horses to enable me to do my duty and if you can assist me in obtaining this, you will save me from irretrievable ruin for I cannot keep Horses sufficient for my duty and my family also on my Salary, or if this cannot be, if you would do me the great kindness to get me removed to some other district or appointment, I will be ever most grateful to you. From your knowledge of the extent of my district and the difficulty and expence of travelling it would be quite unnecessary for me to go into farther particulars. Trusting to your kind feelings not to allow an old friend to go to ruin without stretching out a hand to save him I am Yours very faithfully William N. Searancke.