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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.

WHITE, William

Written by Sue Mackay on .

National Archives, Kew CO48/46, 318

Mary land

Cloyne

7th Aug 1819

My Lord

Seeing it to be the intention of his Majestys Govern't to establish a colony at the Cape of Good Hope I some days since took the liberty of addressing Mr VANSITTART on the subject. I am this day honoured with his reply referring me to your Lordships Department for information on that business.

I am 48 years of age have a wife & 4 children. I have hitherto been very extensively engaged in [corn] trade & farming both of which have brought an irretrievable [gain]. As the habits of my early life [preclude] the possibility of my resorting to manual labour for support & as I can give references of the most reputable nature I take the liberty of asking your Lordship of any situation no matter how humble could be assigned me in this new Colony.

Though I feel I have not sufficient strength of mind to bear up in my native country against the fallen state a great reverse of fortune has brought to me yet I am confident I possess fortitude sufficient to meet any privations I may be exposed to in a foreign land.

Begging your Lordships excuse for the trespassing on your time.

I have the honour to be with much respect My Lord

Your Lordships most obt hle svt

William WHITE

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