34 JOHN PORTER OF KINGSCLERE 



bought two of the yearlings, which in due course 

 came to Findon to be trained by Goater. Neither 

 was of any value for racing. 



I have in my possession two letters written 

 by Palmer. One of these indicates the straits 

 in which he sometimes found himself. Palmer 

 wrote : 



Will you please go with the bearer to Mr , and 



ask him to send me ;^5 if he has it. If not, ask him 

 please to borrow it. Tell him it is [words illegible] of 

 necessity, as you know. Tell him how I am situated, 

 and also that I will do as much for him in return, the 

 first opportunity I have. I know he can borrow it for 

 me if he will. He shall have it back as soon as I have 

 money for you, which I hope will not be longer than a 

 week ; or else I am sure I must go to jail. God bless you ! 

 Do all you can for me. I must have the ;^5 somehow or 

 other. 



That letter was given to me many years ago 

 as a curiosity. I may say it did not concern 

 any member of my family. 



The other letter, which, like the first, is 

 undated, is of a still more poignant character. 

 Written to a solicitor, it reads : 



My dear Sir — Why the name of God do you not 

 write me whatever are you doing I am sure I am almost 

 mad and what to do I know not I did think you would 

 have written me when you was aware of the importance 

 of the case I can assure my dear fellow I want advice now 

 very much and if you will not I most certainly must 

 apply elsewhere for you must be aware that I am in sad 



