Letter from Henry Thomas Colebrooke to Belinda Sutherland Colebrooke. He has arrived in Cape Town. He will go to Hibbertots' Holland the next day and then tour some other places after Christmas. He will engage himself in scientific research alongside his 'unpleasant business'. Handwritten, dated 20 December 1821.

"Letters from Mr Colebrooke to "Belinda" both before and after her marriage to Sir C Smith", "Also on her marriage from Lady E Compton & Lady Northampton". Photocopies of Correspondence primarily between Henry Thomas Colebrooke and his niece Belinda Sutherland Colebrooke (later Lady Smith).

These letters provide a fascinating insight into the relationship between Henry and Belinda and in so doing provide information on foster care, politics, culture and life in early 19th century Britain.

Letter from Henry Thomas Colebrooke to Belinda Sutherland Colebrooke. He has been in Cape Town for three weeks and has visited his properties twice. The conditions are not that favourable but he still hopes to sell at a good price. He hopes to make an excursion for 2-3 weeks and hopes to complete his purposes by mid-summer. He reports of ill accounts of settlers, both those in the eastern part called Albany and those in the north at Clanwilliam. Those in Clanwilliam are dependent on the Government sending rations in order for them to survive. Handwritten, dated 11 January 1822.

Letter from Henry Thomas Colebrooke to Belinda Sutherland Colebrooke. He hopes that he is now over halfway through his time away. He has found conditions in the Colony worse than expected. He is making arrangements concerning his property which he hopes will make a small amount of money or at least stop the drain. Colebrooke finds the heat irksome and unfavourable to research. Handwritten, dated 10 February 1822.

Letter from Henry Thomas Colebrooke to Belinda Sutherland Colebrooke. He thanks Belinda for her letter, the only one he has received from England and which was waiting for him on his return to Hottentots' Holland after an excursion. He will shortly go to Cape Town to make preparations for embarkation. He thanks Belinda for her report of her time in the convent and also notes that the papers have arrived. The letter continues from Cape Town where he is disappointed to find his notary is confined to bed and therefore Colebrooke is unable to carry out his transactions. Handwritten, dated 12,19 March 1822.