BOLD, John, 1820 Settler

(see also correspondence of Richard HAYHURST CO48/43)

National Archives, Kew CO48/41, 445

32 Pall Mall

Liverpool

August 26^th 1819

My Lord,

I hope you will not deem this insulting when you read this signal, I have for years wished for an opportunity to reside among the Heathens in order to teach them the precepts of our Religion, especially young Children. Now in the Emigration to the Cape of Good Hope an opportunity occurs and the same time offers a livelihood to my numerous family. I Humbly solicit your kindliness in this case. Being from home seeking Trade at the time the Circular was Published and making much enquiry I have never been able to Collect the Precise meaning of government. I Humbly request to

know first what is the Exact sum that is required to be deposited – secondly How much to be returned and when – Thirdly respecting the 10 men are these my Lord considered as the Settlers servants and are to Have no ground but what I am or being master give them, an(d) are  they to be supported By Government. (If I must take 10 men I affraid I then not be able, this appears to be the Hardest Task) what quan(ti)ty of land allso for me with 2 of  a family – the £100 & I believe I could raise But this would be all I am affraid out of some small property I should Have at the demise of a father now 63 years  of age. I have some relatives with large families But are Poor could these Be included in the 10 men an could that Be exempt, would these relations Have the same Priveledge as the main allotment of Ground. I have 10 children But only 6 would be resident with me at least for a few years – I have

been used to instruct children as a Superintendent of a Sunday School and in this my Heart rejoices. I can get an Character for Honesty, Sobriety and Industry – and I have to this been enabled to Bring up my family so far without the aid of Charity, but with belove(d) application to the Business of a watchmaker. I find I am growing worse in my eyes – rapidly – I want the small residue of my days to Be Peaceful and at the same time useful? to my fellow creatures  - I think Mr. CLARK would give me a good Character tho he as no personal knowledge of me only he is intimate with Characters who know me. My Lord I humbly request you will condescend to let me know How far you can offer or modify any these things how much land for my family and what will be the Rent of the same.

 I have one young man I shall take, being my son and his Boy – the others are 4 daughters – I am now 46 years of age of thin But Healthy Body – my relatives have 5 or 6 children each, there are Gentlemen here advertising for residents But I am affraid of Government agents and am fearful they want to liquidate some profits to themselves. I would much rather go under the auspices of our government. I have nearly 400 volumes of Books these might be useful if I was allowed to keep them if I could so without selling any part of them – My Lord Please to Condescend let me know your mind in these Particulars -

I am my Lord your Humble

Your Devoted Servant

John BOLD

PS If Settlers going from this place Might sail from Here would wish to know whether these Gentlemen are from Government as I could not wish should you not answer be was an Error.

National Archives, Kew CO48/41, 726

32 Pall Mall

Liverpool

Nov 29^th 1819

My Lord,

I hope you will not deem this insulting when you read the Signal - since 1 of my family was received by your kindness to Emigrate to the Cape of Good Hope the following Circumstances has occurred in my family a youth betwixt 16 & of fellow Twin to Joshua who is going - who was then an Apprentice in this Town – Expecting his Master to take him entirely to Himself But has now Changed His mind he comes on Wages Dec 2 But his Master has now given him up. I wish My Lord he may accompanay me – I hope My Lord you will feel no impediment in this Case to let him go - I don't want to leave him an Orphan and unprotected – I have 9 of family he will make 10 - if permitted to go

I am My Lord

your Most Humble Most Obedt.Servant

John BOLD