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.

ALLEN, William

Written by Sue Mackay on .

National Archives, Kew CO48/41, 172

Sligo, 29th Dec 1819

Sir,

            I have had the honour of receiving your communication of the 17th instant stating the conditions under which Government countenance emigration to New South Wales.  I regret very much the suspension of that encouragement which I understand has formerly been given as I would prefer it to almost any other country I am acquainted with – the conditions I could comply with were it not for the great expense incurred by paying passage &c in going there.

Being now determined to avail myself of the facilities offered and the means given with service by Government to Settlers going to the Cape of Good Hope: may I entreat your indulgence while I submit the following brief queries on that subject; hoping you will have the kindness to let me have their answers. - When and from where shall the first transport sail?  Where and by whom is the eligibility of the settlers ascertained, and what is it that constitutes that eligibility?  To whom and where is the deposit money paid and when?  In what state is the land which is to be given to the settlers?  What should be the nature of the agreement between me and the persons whom I may bring out with me?  Hoping you will have the goodness to pardon and comply with the request

I am Sir, your obedient and H'ble Servt

Wm. ALLEN

  • Hits: 5626