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.

RYAN, Thomas

Filed Under Y

National Archives, Kew CO48/46

60 Curtain Road

Finsbury Square

8th Dec 1819

Honorable Sir,

As I have a wish to proceed to the new colony Cape of Good Hope shall feel obliged if you will inform me whether I shall receive any encouragement from Government or if I am entitled to a grant of land. I understand agriculture & stock but my capital does not exceed 100£. If I am to expect the same encouragement as those that are gone I shall fully make up my mind to proceed the first cheap passage I can hire of. An early answer will much oblige Sir

Your most ob't serv't

Thos. RYAN

PS I forgot to mention I have a wife 2 boys & a girl

  • Hits: 4711