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.

WILLIAMS, Joseph

Written by Sue Mackay on .

National Archives, Kew CO48/46, 294

Kentish Town

Adjoining the National School

Aug 3rd 1819

Sir,

Being desirous to become a settler at the Cape of Good Hope I beg you will excuse my troubling you with these few lines. I will be as brief as possible.

My age is nearly 43 – seven children in family – been several years e medical practitioner and have received a mathematical education. Not having any capital at command I beg the favor of your information whether you can place me in any situation by which I can maintain my family when I arrive in the southern hemisphere, or whether I must depend alone on my exertions in agriculture; any information will be gratefully acknowledged by, Sir

Your obedient humble servant

Jos'h WILLIAMS

  • Hits: 5233