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.

GEDDES, William

Written by Sue Mackay on .

National Archives, Kew CO48/43, 281

Wribbinhole

Near Bewdley

Worcestershire

21st July 1819

My Lord,

From what I can learn from newspaper report it seems to be the intention of His Majesty's Ministers to encourage industrious men with familys to emigrate to the Cape of Good Hope. I hope your Lordship will pardon my presumption in addressing myself to you but I know of no other way but through the means of your Lordship of being made acquainted with the particulars. The Business I have followed through my life is that of a gardener, and have beside a good knowledge of Agriculture in general and have fill'd respectable situations with credit to myself and satisfaction to my employers, Proofs of which I can give to your Lordship's satisfaction. I have also to inform your Lordship that I am at present disengaged and have no other motive in leaving my native country than that of bettering my condition and providing for a numerous family which I have already got and still likely to encreas. I am my Lord well awair that the length of the voyage will be attended with many unpleasant inconveniences but I have made up my mind to sacrifice a present comfort if a future good can be obtained. It may perhaps save trouble and be satisfactory to your Lordship to know the ages of myself and family. I was born in Oxfordshire AD1874, my wife in Warwickshire AD1780, both healthy and good constitutions. Five children two boys & three girls the oldest seven years. I have little more property than what we shall want to furnish us with things necessary for the voyage if your Lordship should condesend to give us encouragement to undertake it.

I am your Lordship's most obedient and verry humble servant to command

William GEDDES

  • Hits: 6254