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.

RODD, Thomas

Written by Sue Mackay on .

National Archives, Kew CO48/45, 520

No.2 Radnor Street

Bath Street

St.Lukes

9th August 1819

May it please your Lordship,

I have for some time back been seeking how I might employ the small capital which remains to me to advantage, but have hitherto sought in vain. The emigration to the Cape of Good Hope as it is to be made under the auspices of Government has lately occupied much of my attention: I have read the circular letter issued by your Lordship but before I proceed in a thing which is likely to [?have an end?] in the welfare or misery of my family I would beg leave humbly to submit the following questions, which should it please your Lordship to return with the corresponding answers would confer a lasting obligation on one who has the honor to be

Your Lordship's most humble servant

Thomas RODD

1st Should I dispose of my small property and turn all my effects into ready money would there be any likelihood of my being refused by Government the liberty to emigrate; and being young and vigorous what causes might render me objectionable?

Answer 1st:

2nd Were I to attach myself to a person taking out emigrants would he possess any authority over those persons who, depositing for themselves, go out free – and what authority?

Answer 2nd:

3rd Is there any fixed plan to be pursued on landing at the spot proposed for settlement or is each individual to seek his own interest in the manner he thinks best, always cultivating his land

Answer 3rd:

4th Are the ten connected emigrants to work all together in concert or is each individual to be settled on the spot afterwards to be given him for possession, or is this question to be decided by the will of the individuals themselves?

Answer 4th:

5th Will any implements of husbandry be allowed gratis or are they to be purchased on the spot, or taken out from this country by persons emigrating?

Answer 5th

6th What quantity of tonnage will be allowed to each individual?

Answer 6th:

7th Are ten individuals to accompany the person treating with Government or is that individual to be one of the ten?

  • Hits: 5311