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.

McLEOD, Donald

Written by Sue Mackay on .

Filed under L

National Archives, Kew CO48/44, 440

Coll, 12 Nov 1819

Honered Sir

Having been informed that officers emigrating to the Cape of Good Hope are entitled to a share of lands according to their rank I now make application for a grant of such in the new colony as having been Major in the Local Militia & Volunteers for many years & also a Lieutenant on half pay of his Majesty's 56th Regt of Foot having served in India in the 71st Regt for many years & having no mode of support for a large family but the said half pay. Being of a well-known family in the high lands of Scotland I could draw a numerous colony of itself after me but as I can only at present raise a capital of about £2,000 I only propose taking 10 or 12 families understanding that no fewer will be sent out at Government expence then lodging the desired money independent of the above specified capital I am confident hundreds would follow were my family settled & Government continue to give encouragement.

I have to request the honor of a speedy answer to this application which my situation makes me humbly intreat may be accepted & should the capital be thought sufficient to allow of my taking more settlers I have also to represent that I have offers to accompany me from many families members of whom have been trained under myself as Volunteers & Local Militia in the Island of Sky which might be useful in repelling the Caffirs.

If thought necessary reference may be had to my situation in life Character and conduct in the service to Coll. Deputy Adjut General Sir David BAIRD, Sir Sidney BECKWITH and many others.

I have the honour to be

My Lord

Your Lordships humble servant

Donald MACLEOD

of Tallisker, Coll, N. B.

  • Hits: 6212