Letter to William Clark: 23 July 1875

My dear Sir,
With regard to Sir Bartle Frere’s suggestion
that I should write to the Duke of Buckingham
about your Madras Drainage scheme, it
was thought better that I should wait
until the plans came home officially:
they were expected every week. But
still they did not arrive. And under
the circumstances I wrote yesterday to the

Duke of Buckingham to entertain the
scheme kindly.
I hope that he may send for you.
I gave him your address.

in great haste
& with the warmest wishes for your success-
and may God speed the Madras Drainage!
ever your faithful serv^t.
Florence Nightingale
I do not know the etiquette in such cases:
perhaps you could learn whether it is

desirable for you to seek an interview
with the D. of B. without waiting.

W. Clark Esq. C.E.

Postmark with stamp: Cromford, A, JY 23, 75
[Cromford, A, July 23, 1875]

W. Clark Esq C.E.
9 Victoria Chambers
Westminster
London S.W.

23/7/75

Postmark: London SW, L7, JY 24, 75
[London SW, A, July 24, 1875]

Notes:

1. Stamp: “Penny Red” issue of 1858-79, 1d, Rose-red, SG 43 (K-G)