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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.

HALSE, Thomas Henry, 1820 Settler

Written by Sue Mackay on .

National Archives, Kew CO48/43, 542

6 Clifton St,

Finsbury Sqr.

London

July 19th 1819

Sir,

A circular letter has informed the public of the assistance Government has kindly offered to those who wish to leave this country to reside at the Cape of good Hope - as to their passages, but leaves us ignorant as to future plans of assistance (if any) - when arrived at that Colony.

If you will take trouble to inform me

1st Whether the emigrants so going out are to supply themselves with farming utensils, stock, &c prior to setting out from this country; or not.

2nd and if so will Government supply the emigrants with an inventory of such things as will be necessary for their use and support in the settlement.

3rd Whether the emigrants will be provided by Government with a residence until they are able to provide themselves with one, on the estate, or not.

4th and at how great distance is the settlement from any other - any other remarks you may be pleased make relative to the above subject will greatly oblige

Repectfully your mo. humble servt.

T.H. HALSE

[Notes written by Henry GOULBURN in the margin of the above letter next to the respective questions

[1st] yes either here or in the Col'y.

[2nd] must take what he finds most useful &c.

[3rd] No

[4th] Settlers will be placed in the vicinity of each other

 

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National Archives, Kew CO48/43, 620

No 6 Clifton Str.

Finsbury Sqr.

July 29th 1819

Sir,

Wishing to avail myself of the assistance of Government to settle at the Cape of Good Hope I beg leave to offer myself for approbation.

* I have been some years in business as a wholesale warehouseman, but have through trade being bad lately fail'd, and having a family to support I am desirous of accepting the offer of Government.

The reason of my thus troubling of you unconnected with the number directed by Government is that as a sum of money will be wanted for the above purpose, which I shall raise by the sale of my furniture and effects, I should first wish to be assured that Government would not reject me, as in that case I should be left in a situation which could increase my present difficulty. If I am so fortunate as to meet with the approbation of Government I will then submit myself with the number required to their notice for the requisite order for embarcation.

I have the Honor to be Sir respectfully your humble servt.

Thomas HALSE

-* aged 27-

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