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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.

PARNELL, William re Joseph FORREST

Written by Sue Mackay on .

National Archives, Kew CO48/45, 166

Brighton

Aug 30 1819

My Lord,

I take the liberty of addressing your Lordship on behalf of Joseph FORREST (and Eve his wife) a bricklayer by trade of honest sober habits an industrious couple where great dependence and trust can be placed (work at this time being very scarce in this country in his line) hath a desire for a situation at the Cape of Good Hope or Canida either of which place your Lordship should think most proper for a mechanic (being moneyless cannot go out as a settler) should your Lordship think his services in either of these places eligable will thank you for such information how to proceed whether a passage is provided for or allowed to carry his little furniture if any grant of land will be given to cultivate. He his a strong robust man about 40 years of age (no children) capable of carrying arms having been in the Surry Volunteers during the War, a good draftsman & [sawyer?] and will I presume be a great acquisition in our Infant Colony. Testimonials of his character of eleven years service can be obtained from Mr. STUTELEY bricklayer, Martins Lane London, or a Mr. ADAMS Lee labouring Trust, House of Lords, who he has had the pleasure of serving and through acquaintance with his abilities an answer will be thankfully acknowledged.

I have the honor to be, my Lord

Your Lordship's most obed't humble serv't

Wm. PARNELL

PS I hope I shall not be thought intruding on your Lordship's goodness by the above application my sole motive being to serve an industrious couple, please to advice it to be left at the post office.

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