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.

ALAIS, J

Written by Sue Mackay on .

National Archives, Kew CO48/41, 49

Tuesday August 3, 1819

Battersea fields Surrey Near the Duchess of York

Sir,

I take the liberty of addressing myself to you, understanding you are the proper gentleman to be applied to. I wish to emigrate to the Cape of Good Hope with my family which consists of nine Children, my Wife, Myself, all Healthy. I am an Engraver by profession, but have always lived in the Country, and understand Agriculture passably. I hope you will not think I brag when I say that whatever my Inclination leads to, I have always succeeded in, being a turner, blacksmith and machinist several other things to notice which (I) would be happy to show any person you would depute to examine. I am sure that I can find resources enough in my family for all we shall want, My Children being ingenious, If you will be so good, Sir, to let me know how I may to proceed and what luggage I may take, it will much oblige Sir,

Your most humble & Obedient Servant

J. ALAIS

  • Hits: 5200