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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.

HART, William, 1820 Settler

Written by Sue Mackay on .

National Archives, Kew CO48/43, 544

July 19th 1819

No. 4 Granby Buildings, New Cut

Lambeth Marsh

My Lord

As it appears that encouragement is given by Government to persons to emigrate to the Cape of Good Hope, may I be permitted to enquire of your Lordship, whether as a Half-pay officer, I could obtain a grant of land in, and passage to, that settlement. After its capture in 1795 I served there as a Cornet in the 28th Light Dragoons, mostly in the Interior, during a period of more than two years; and knowing the country well, I would wish to return there.

I beg to observe to your Lordship, that I also served as an officer from the commencement of the war to its close, when, holding the rank of Brevet Lieutenant Colonel I sold out, and afterwards losing a very considerable property by the failure of a person to whom I had entrusted my affairs in my absence from England, I was afterwards reduced to the necessity of accepting the inferior appointment of Cornet - I merely mention this to your Lordship, trusting that from my long services, and my knowledge of the country, I may be made useful there to Government, as also on the passage out.

I have thought it advisable to send the accompanying documents, to shew to your Lordship that General PORTER , whose Regiment I commanded, would recommend me if necessary; Indeed I could have the strongest recommendations from many others of the first Rank and distinction. May I trouble your Lordship to return the documents.

I have the honor to be My Lord most respectfully

Your Lordships very obedient servant

Wm. HART

Cornet 1/2 pay Royal Waggon Train

 

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National Archives, Kew CO48/43, 580

No. 4 Granby Buildings, New Cut,

Lambeth Marsh

July 26 1819

Sir,

I had the honor of receiving from you an answer to an application I made to Earl BATHURST for a grant of land at the Cape of Good Hope, a printed letter stating on what terms the grants are to be made - but, as you did not inform me, whether I could have the grant, I should feel much obliged by your having the goodness to speak to his Lordship on the subject - as in case I could , the sooner I could know it the better, in order to make the necessary arrangements to be in readiness by November.

I have the honor to be Sir you very obedient servant

Wm HART

late Br.Lt. Col

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