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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.

GODDARD, Ralph, 1820 Settler

Written by Sue Mackay on .

National Archives, Kew CO48/43, 387

113 Wardour St.

Soho

London

Aug 24 1819

Honoured Sir,

It is not but with some degree of feeling, the result of mature consideration, that I am brought to sacrifice the ties of patriotic friendship with my fellow countrymen; for the unknown priviliges of another part of the habitable globe. Had I not being a venturer in lifes uncertain lottery and from thence drawn a successive number of blanks which has reduced me almost to a state of penury and despair; I should not emigrate to this foreign clime – to revisit the much loved British Isle no more. Its necessity:- alas! necessity; which inspires my pen; and which causes me to part with those endearing objects of my mature home – to cross the trackless wave, and “to burst the long unbroken clods” that turfs the wasteland “o'er”. The terms of emigration I am but partially acquainted with and I would request to know wither I am confined to any weight of carriage as my calling is that of a joiner and Housefurnisher, so that I might be enabled to carry some convenient tools with me. I have a wife and one promising lad about 12 years of age, which compose the whole of my family. I further request to know when, and where, the vessel will sail from; and where I'm to enquire for further information respecting my intended emigration; that I might dispose of the remainder of my goods and to make preparations accordingly.

I remain your most humble & obedient servant.

Ralph GODDARD

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