BRADSHAW, Richard, 1833

National Archives, Kew CO48/152, 447

[Envelope addressed to Mrs. Elizabeth BRADSHAW, Uley near Dursley, Gloucestershire, with Speed]

Bathurst

Aug'st 12th 1833

Dear Wife,
            I have taken the opertunity of wrighting to you and I hope you will also return me an answer I have repeatedly wroght and I have not recv'd no letter from you or anyone for upwards of four years. The Bearer of this to England is Thos. PHILLIPS Esqr a Gintelman that brought out a party of Settlers from Milford Heaven and sailed from Bristol in the same ship with me to the Cape of Good Hope. I hope you and Family have made your mind to come to this Colony as Mr. PHILLIPS will return he will also make some endeavour to make some arrangement with Government in regard of people coming to this Colony and particular those who have Friends here. I hope you will also do every thing in your power to come as many women and children have found their ways here and I hope you will now this time. It is a fine Healthy country and Provisions very cheap, Beef ½d per lb, Mutton one penny per pound, Flour one penny per pound and wages very High for a Labouring Man 3 shillings per day Carpenters and Masons from 5 to 6 shillings per day and all others in per portion. I hope this will find you all in good Health as it leaves me and my Brother and I hope it will not be long before I shall [see] you in a Land of Plenty My Brother and me give our love to our Brother Will'm Wife & Family to sisters Hannah & Esther and all Inquiring Friends.
Dear Wife & Children
I remain your affectionate Husband
Rich'd BRADSHAW

[covering letter with above, sent to Mrs. BRADSHAW by Thomas PHILIPPS]

Madam,
         This letter was given to me by your Husband so long ago as last August but I did not leave the settlement till March last when he was quite well. If I can prevail on the Government to lend money to take people out to their Friends in the Cape I will write to you again. Will you give the inclosed letter to the Overseers of the Poor (when the new bill about the Poor takes effect they may be inclined to lend their aid) We are in want of men, women & Children.
I am Yours Truly
Thomas PHILIPPS
17 Bernard St
Russell Square
London