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.

SMITH, James (2)

Written by Sue Mackay on .

National Archives, Kew CO48/45, 701

4 William St, Manchester Square

July 15, 1819

Sir

I most respectfully beg leave to trouble you with a few lines respecting the Emigration to the Cape of Good Hope. (I am the person who the most noble the Marquis of Hertford honor'd with a Letter to your Notice some months ago). Not knowing Government's plan sufficiently, I most humbly beg leave to ask the favour of an Explanation, being very desirous of establishing my family in New South Wales, or at the Cape, where I flatter myself they would be able to procure the necessaries of this Life. In the last answer to me, from your office, my Lord BATHURST was so kind to say he would give an "Order for a Grant of Land" on my arrival at New South Wales if I took my family at my expense, but that expense I could not meet, therefore was obliged to relinquish so kind an offer. Waiting with all due deference Sir to your pleasure

I have the honour to subscribe myself

Your most humble servant

James SMITH

 

article_separator

 

National Archives, Kew CO48/45, 1084

[undated]

The most humble petition of James SMITH, No 4 William St, Manchester Square

Most humbly sheweth that your humble Petitioner about a fortnight ago was taken very ill & continues so whereby he is reduced to such a state of weakness that he feels it utterly impossible to avail himself of the kind offer to join Mr BAILIE's party to the Cape having a family of nine children. If it should be in the power of your Lordship to return my deposit it would be most acceptably received by your Lordship's most humble petitioner who will be in duty bound ever to pray

James SMITH

I certify that I have been, & still am attending the above Mr James Smith, who is certainly incapable of proceeding on the intended voyage, on account of his being excessively weak, from severe illness - & it is probable it will be a length of time before he will be capable of exertion without danger.

Robert SMITH, Surgeon

52 Margaret Street

[image cut off]

  • Hits: 6146