DAVIDSON, G.M.

National Archives, Kew CO48/42, 688

Warmley House

Near Bristol

August 10^th 1819

My Lord,

The letter on the subject of emigration to the Cape of Good Hope which has been made public, not containing information as to their maintenance after their arrival & previous to their gathering of any crops &c, or for how long afterwards they may be supplied with necessaries by Government nor anything relating to husbandry tools, seeds &c, induces me on the behalf of many numerous families to request your Lordship to favor them with a copy of all the conditions & particulars on which they may avail themselves of the kindness of Government. The individual families in question are in prime of life, active, sober & industrious, much accustomed to agricultural pursuits but are partly able to turn their hands to masonring & carpentring, in a rough way, for settlers themselves or neighbours – but are capable of agricultural pursuits. I have reason to think very satisfactory testimonies of disposition, conduct & merits could be produced to your Lordship if they can avail themselves of the [offer?] but their apprehensions are principally as to their subsistence after arrival and [before] any crops are returned. I am perfectly aware of the number of 10 applicants above the age of 18, mode of return of the money to the Emigrants but no so how much money will be [obscured] to maintain them till after their arrival or how long Government will advance to them before they may reasonably expect a return of crops. An early communication will confer a great obligation on them & a favor on me, whom they have requested on their behalf thus to intrude on your Lordship.

I have the honour to be my Lord

Your Lordship's most obed't humble servant

G.M. DAVIDSON