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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.

HEARD, John Edward

Written by Sue Mackay on .

National Archives, Kew CO48/43, 736

Kinsale

22 August 1819

The memorial of Lieut. John Edward HEARD

Most humbly sheweth

That your Lordship's memorialist is a half pay lieutenant of the 1st Batt. Of the 71st Regt of Foot commanded by Colonel REYNELL and now unfortunately put on half pay whilst the Regt was in France in consequence of a general reduction having taken place of two companies to each Regt in the line.

That your Lordship's memorialist was but a short time before removed from the Cape Regiment in which corps he had the honor to serve for two years in the interior of Africa at headquarters Graham's Town. From the knowledge he has of that country and the advantages likely to arise from the exertions of an active person well assisted, humbly sheweth that he wishes to take his family to that country, which consists of seven in number, his father about forty five years of age, his mother, two brothers, one over eighteen and the other ten, and two young sisters, also a servant, with six or eight labourers, farming utensils &c and permission to chose a situation for his residence.

And memorialist hopes your Lordship will be pleased to order him accommodations in the first vessel fitted for the purpose of taking out emigrants from this country (Cork) such as an officer would be entitled to going on service, and begs leave to be informed what quantity of land he may be entitled to as an officer & otherwise. Memorialist can if necessary procure letters of recommendation from his late commanding officer Major Gen REYNELL & from noblemen in the United Kingdom.

And your Lordship's memorialist will ever pray

J.E. HEARD

Lieut half pay 71st Regt

 

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National Archives, Kew CO48/43, 778

Kinsale

7th September 1819

My Lord

I have the honour to address you in reply to your letter of the 28th ultimo to which I should have conformed in every respect, was it my intention to become a settler at the Cape of Good Hope, on the terms laid down for private individuals, but it was my wish to settle at the place above ment'd provided I was allowed five hundred acres of land, which I have always known and understood (in that country as well as this) to be the usual grant allotted to subaltern officers.

Should your Lordship be pleased to take my case into consideration and grant the above request I do then purpose to take out ten labourers with my family in conformity to the conditions pointed out in the circular. I further beg to be informed where and when the shipping will be held in readiness.

I have the honour to be my Lord

Your very obedient humble servant

J.E. HEARD

Lt. HP 71st Regt

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