Skip to main content
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.

SCOTT, John et al, 1820

National Archives, Kew CO48/52

The humble petition of John SCOTT, James CRAWFORD, Charles SLEE and William KIDSON, emigrants to the Cape of Good Hope now on board La Belle Alliance

Humbly sheweth

That your petitioners having paid to Mr. WILLSON ten pounds as Government deposit and five pounds fifteen shillings for Stores & Commission each feel themselves much inconvenienced by the arrangement of the ship that they consider their lives in danger during the passage – in consequence of the partition placed in the middle of the ship preventing that free current of air which is so highly necessary where 250 persons are placed in a space not exceeding 15 yards by 9 yards. Your petitioners further pray that their situation will be taken early into consideration and your petitioners will ever pray

John SCOTT

James CRAWFORD

Charles SLEE

William KIDSON

[Note from GOULBURN: Refer to the Navy Board for their consideration. 8 Jany.]

  • Hits: 6457