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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.

RESTALL, John (father of Robert RESTALL, 1820 Settler)

National Archives, Kew CO48/45, 536

Goodmans Fields

August 13 1819

Sir,

As it is the intention of Government to send out settlers to the Cape of Good Hope I am desirous of information on the subject and shall esteem myself obliged by your directing an answer to be sent to the following questions.

Query 1 The situation of the spot intended and its distance from Cape Town

2 The purposes to which the soil is applicable

3 What timber and how near the coast

4 If inhabited and by what description of people

5 Will habitations be provided for the settlers on their arrival

6 If not is it intended to afford any facility or encouragement to the introduction of mechanics as well as agriculturalists

7 As buildings will be wanting and if even green timber can be obtained, all the other materials such as deals, glass, ironmongery &c must be wanted, will they be sent over at the expence of Government.

I am induced to make these querys being disposed to send my son out, who is 21 years old and has been brought up with me as a surveyor and carpenter and is perfectly competent, who if due encouragement is given might take out such materials, and mechanics as may be needful, or buildings in such a state of preparation as the prospect of obtaining supplys there might warrant. Your obliging and early attention to this will be esteemed a favor by

Your obedient humble servant

J. RESTALL

[Transcriber's Note: R. RESTALL listed as an independent settler on the Duke of Marlborough in Hockly's ‘Story of the British Settlers of 1820']

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