Letter from Thomas Hardy to Land Stewart to the Earl of Ilchester, 21 March 1882

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The Avenue,

Wimborne, Dorset

Sir,

I am requiring a freehold site on which to build a dwelling-house, & the land of the Earl of Ilchester at Stinsford Hill, near Dorchester (where a board has for some time been displayed stating that sites are to be let) would probably suit my purpose, if such a plot [c]ould be [purchase] disposed of out & out to one willing to make a beginning ^there.^ the property. Should this be the case, can you kindly inform me what would be the price per acre for a piece containing from 1 to 1½ acres?

Faithfully yours

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