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.

CAPLAND, Samuel

Written by Sue Mackay on .

National Archives, Kew CO48/42, 274

Holt, Norfolk

Sept 3rd 1819

Sir,

Having determined to emigrate and considering the offer held out by His Majesty's Government to those who transport themselves to the Cape of Good Hope as a strong argument in favour of that settlement. I take the liberty of writing to request you will do me the favour to state the particulars & terms of that offer under the circumstances of my case, which are as follows:- I have been brought up as a farmer & am of course acquainted with every practical part of the business. I have been in business on my own account but after struggling with the difficulties of the times for some years (having no property of my own to begin with) I am reduced, and of course have no other resource left than my own labour. I have a wife & four small children, one a boy, all of whom I intend to take with me should my case come within the latitude of the government offer. I shall of course upon being put in possession at the Cape bring the land into cultivation as fast as my own endeavour will enable me. I wish to know whether the grant of land will be made near Cape Town or whether it is intended to settle the interior first. Should my case be attended to, I know of a great number of respectable and industrious individuals under similar circumstances who would gladly avail themselves of such an opportunity of escaping from the difficulties which surround them. They, like myself, have hitherto turned their attention towards the United States of America.

Waiting your reply I remain Sir

Your most obed't sevt

Samuel CAPLAND

  • Hits: 5497