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.

PURDIE, Edward

National Archives, Kew CO48/45, 114

August 10th, 1819

Sir

Wishing to avail myself as well as my Sons of the advantages and Encouragement held out by Government to Familys wishing to Emegrate to Foreign Parts under the Protection of Great Britain and as the Cape of good Hope seems to offer some prospect of living, I wish If there should be any printed Official Documents in your office to be delivered Gratis to those whose necessitys compell them to abandon their Native Soil the under signed would feel himself obliged & would be glad should Mr BROOKSBANK return by bearer an answer or at his Leisure write one directed to Edward PURDIE Senior, Sturr Court Little Compton Soho. No 12 should there be no such a thing as a Printed document or be so good to tell him how a family not possessed of one shillings and six pence can obtain particulars before they embark on so long and dangerous a voyage.

I Remain Sir with Respect

Ob't hbl svt

Edward PURDIE Senior

131

Sturr Court

No. 12 Little Compton Street

Soho

Monday, Aug 15th, 1819

Sir

I have to acknowledge the favor of your Printed Document respecting the settlers proceeding to the Cape being the head of my Family, and without any means of support but what I receive from the parish for the maintanance of myself wife and three children by her which amounts to an allowance of six shillings a week, I have to request to have the name and direction of those responsible people which have engaged to take out settlers to who I may apply it to them for to be supported till such time the transports are ready to sail as we are all very short and in want of Necessarys. Your immediate answer will greatly oblige.

Edward PURDIE Senior

  • Hits: 5819