CAPE OF GOOD HOPE. Handwritten letter dated September 27th, 1830 from the Cape of Good Hope. Three pages, to Miss Billingsley, London, with remnants of a red seal. The letter is signed "Affectionate Sister, Helen Billingsley". Light original fold marks. 222mm x 185mm. 1830. The Cape of Good Hope Government Gazette 1830 - 1 - January to March notes the arrival in Table Bay on the 4th January of Mrs Billingsey and Miss Henderson, aboard the Cornwallis. She may have been the wife of William Billingsley, a naval captain, (died Cape Town 1848). She apologises for not replying sooner, but her sister’s last letter arrived on the eve of her departure to Jamaica, aboard the Eclipse. She asks her sister to purchase for two ball dresses, “not very expensive but fashionable” and have them made by Mrs Dukes, “our dressmaker... 40 Glaster Terrace, Commercial Road.” She is to use the patterns she has for her other sisters as that suits her perfectly. She notes that William will write to her by a separate opportunity. The dresses are to be sent to her via Captain Davis, at the earliest opportunity, and she also requests a muslin dress, and two collars to wear over a white dress.