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.

WOODTHORPE, Richard

Written by Sue Mackay on .

National Archives, Kew CO48/46, 320

Colchester

Aug 7 1819

My Lord,

From the printed letter with which I was favoured in reply to mine of the 31st ultimo I hear that a grant of land is given to naval officers proceeding as settlers to North America (without being obliged to take out labourers) by applying to the Governors of the Colony.

At the same time understanding from the public prints that Government encourages emigration to the Cape as a more eligible situation, I have to request your Lordship will be pleased to inform me whether naval officers may receive the same grant of land upon the same terms there as in North America without being obliged to take out settlers. And in the event of officers being permitted to travel to the settlement at the Cape of Good Hope whether the expences out are paid by the Government.

I have the honor to be very respectfully

Your Lordship's most obed't humble servant

Richard WOODTHORPE

Surgeon Royal Navy

  • Hits: 5814