BANKS, Benjamin Hathway

National Archives, Kew CO48/41, 231/232

No.9 Bridge Street, Westminster

July 23rd. 1819

Sir,

From a published circular from Downing Street respecting the emigration of the Cape of Good Hope, I beg your permission to ask a few questions. I shall take the liberty of subjoining in under that I may be better acquainted with the nature of Soil and of the undertaking and objects.

I have been accustomed to agriculture in different branches and particularly the new cultivated Lands so that my experience would be of service and I should like much to go out to the Cape providing there was a prospect of being situated upon suitable Soil as would recompense for the trouble and expenses. I can in a very short period procure from 10 to 100 Men or family of Superior Strength & hardiness that could exercise other occupations as well as agriculture such as wheelwrights, Smiths, Builders, Miners, &.&.&. Shall be obliged by your reply enclosing one a few Circulars.

I am Sir,

Your Obdt. & Hbl Sert

Benjamin Hathway BANKS

1st. One question I have whether any further assistance will be rendered by Government such as a Granary or any other necessary place for our produce or any advances of Money for the erection of them.

2 Whether we are intended to be Settlers near the Coast for the convenince of Shiping and were about there intend to be stationed.

3 If it's necessary to take out implements of Husbandry or whether they can be procured there, or what it many be necessary to take out.

4 In which way you anticipate these families are to be engaged with so as to encourage them for [ink blot here] Industry and tranquility.

5 If you allow us to grow what produce we think the Soil best adapted for, or whether any article interfacing with West India Colonies will be prohibited.

6 If we are allowed to send such produce to the best distributor that is a foreign instead of English Market if it should be thought adviseable.

7th The nature of the Soil whether it is light Sandy Rocky free from Roots, or stiff Marly Clay & - because the implements of Husbandry must be made accordingly

8th Whether you allow a person to take out a quantity of necessities for the use of these families.

9th Whether a Wife and two Children belonging to a person who takes over 10 families would be taken over 12 Months after her Husband upon the same terms as tho she had accompanied him upon giving the usual Security,

10th When the final Shipment is likely to made as I wish much to go by it

11th If Government will lend Tents until such time as we can build Houses if they have any at the Cape.

BHB