Skip to main content
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.

MOYES, James

Written by Sue Mackay on .

National Archives, Kew CO48/44, 804

Aberdour, Fifeshire

2nd December 1819

My Lord

It is with the utmost reluctance that I presume to trouble your Lordship, but being unacquainted with the proper channel to apply through to any of the persons about to proceed with the Settlers to the Cape of Good Hope. I have therefore presumed to make use of this mode of application, which I humbly trust your Lordship will pardon.

I have for many years been a Captain's Clerk in His Majesty's navy and was Clerk on board the Leander in the Battle of Algiers on the 27th of August 1816. I have ample certificates from my different Captains as also recommendations from several of the most respectable Gentlemen in this Country. Since my Discharge from the Navy I have been unable to obtain any employment as Clerk, or otherwise, trade being so dull in this quarter. Having acquired a pretty general knowledge of agricultural affairs I should wish to join any of the Companies of Settlers about to proceed to the Cape, provided I were acquainted with the proper mode of application, which I trust your Lordship will cause to be made known to me.

I have the honour to be with all due respect

Your Lordship's most obedient and very humble servant

James MOYES

  • Hits: 6020