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

pre 1820 Settler Correspondence before emigration

ALL the 1819 correspondence from CO48/41 through CO48/46 has been transcribed whether or not the writers emigrated to the Cape. Those written by people who did become settlers, as listed in "The Settler Handbook" by M.D. Nash (Chameleon Press 1987), are labelled 1820 Settler and the names of actual settlers in the text appear in red.

ATKINS, James

Written by Sue Mackay on .

National Archives, Kew CO48/41, 33

3 Wells Street,

Poplar,

Middlesex

29 July 1819

Honourable Sir,

I presume to offer myself to your notice to go out as a Settler to the Cape. I have been brought as an Agriculturalist, am perfectly acquainted with farming. I have a Wife and 4 children, the eldest only 10 years old. I can procure testimonials of Character that will prove satisfactory - a line expressing the answer will be thankfully received by

Sir,

Your Obedient Servant,

James ATKINS

late of Plaistow, Essex

 

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National Archives, Kew CO48/41, 51

August 9, 1819

Honoured Sir,

I humbly beg you will have the goodness to excuse my troubling you with this letter but as I have already applied at Earl BATHURST office for permission to go to the Cape of Good Hope and by letter received from that office referring me to the printed circular letter which letter I am lead to understand may be had at his Lordship's office, therefore I have taken the liberty of applying for the circular letter and most humbly beg the favour of granting me one as both myself and wife are very desirious of imbarking in the cause. I myself have no other dependance but my own labour to support my self and wife and family and am in habit of working in the East India docks and my earnings doth not amount to more that about 12 shillings per week in the course of a year. I thairfore do humbly beg you will have the goodness to consider my penuary situation and grant me that advice I need.to carry the business in to effect.

I remain, Honoured Sir,

Your most obedient and humble Srt.

James ATKINGS,

3 Wells Street, Poplar, Middlesex.

PS I was brought up to the farming business and followed the same till thease last 4 or 5 years

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