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GSSA
The 1820 Settler Correspondence
 as preserved in the National Archives, Kew
 and edited by Sue Mackay

Correspondence 1821 to 1837.

Here only letters by known settlers or their families, or letters of great relevance to the 1820 settlers, have been transcribed, whereas ALL the 1819 correspondence was transcribed (see CO48/41 through CO48/46) whether or not the writers emigrated to the Cape.

Unless otherwise stated letters were written to either the Secretary of State for the Colonies or his deputy.The original correspondence is filed in order of receipt. Here it has been placed in alphabetical order according to the surname of the writer, with letters by the same writer in chronological order, for ease of reading. Original spelling has been maintained. Reference numbers, where given, refer to printed page numbers stamped on the letters and will enable visitors to the National Archives to locate the letter more easily.

McCLELAND, Francis, 1832

Written by Sue Mackay on .

National Archives, Kew CO48/147, 381

 

Port Elizabeth
Cape of Good Hope
Dec 22nd 1832

Sir,
    The Rev's W. CARLISLE the Chaplain of Grahams Town is about to return to England and not very likely to visit this Colony again.
    Permit me most respectfully to intreat your assistance in having me nominated his successor, or at least to have my salary increased. After twelve years service I think it not unreasonable to look for promotion, but as almost all my friends reside in Ireland the only chance of success seems to be a direct application, shewing the justice of my claims. My unhappy brother after returning from Van Diemens Land is now confined as a lunatic in Dublin, where he is supported at the expense of an only aged parent, who can very badly afford to pay for him. I have reason to suppose that my brother always looked upon you as a friend from the time he was introduced to you previous to his going as Attorney General to Van Diemens Land. Let him then in a lucid moment learn the fact that he was not deceived, and that in consideration perhaps of his deplorable state you seized the earliest opportunity to serve him thro' his brother.
    I have often officiated in Grahams Town, Colonel SOMERSET is now at home, and can testify as to the manner in which duty was done, as he can also bear witness to the lamentable decrease of the members of the Church of England since I gave up the charge. Do then Sir be so kind as to give me your good word. Believe me I shall be thankful, and that the first effect of your interference in my behalf will be the securing to my beloved brother a sum out of my increased salary that may enable him to pass his melancholy days in some comfort.
    I have the honor to be, Sir
    Your most obed't serv't
    F. McCLELAND
    Col. Chaplain, Port Elizabeth

 

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