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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.

KERR, William

Written by Sue Mackay on .

National Archives, Kew CO48/44, 194

London

August 12th 1819

My Lord,

Not knowing the proper measures to take or mode of proceeding upon the following occasion I have taken the liberty of addressing your Lordship thereupon. I have been in business but owing to a change of times have lost a great deal of money and am considerably reduced in point of circumstances hence I feel disposed to try some other country. The asylum offered at the Cape of Good Hope I would most gladly embrace. I have formerly lived in the country and accustomed to its labours am of an active and laborious turn of mind and have no doubt of doing well there for myself and family (consisting of a wife & 5 children) if it should meet your Lordship's approbation. Permit me to say respecting character that I can produce testimonials that will give your Lordship the most compleat satisfaction respecting me.

If your Lordship would be so kind as to order directions to be sent to me how to proceed in the affair it would indeed be esteemed a very particular favour. Waiting the pleasure of your Lordship's direction

I remain your Lordship's most obedient humble servant

Wm. KERR

My present residence is in the house of Mr. TAYLOR, No.2 Hart Street, Mark Lane

 

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National Archives, Kew CO48/44, 198

London

Aug 16th 1819

Sir,

Yours of the 14th was duly received in which you refer to a printed circular letter but where to find that letter I know not. If it were not intruding too much on your valuable time I would request the favour of a line to inform where that circular may be found or where I may receive information. Your compliance will confer an additional favour on, Sir

Your most obd't and very humble serv't

Wm. KERR

Mr. A.TAYLOR

No.2 Hart Street

Mark Lane

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