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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.

WALKER, William

Written by Sue Mackay on .

National Archives, Kew CO48/46, 591

His Majesty's Naval Transport Dispatch

Woolwich

Nov 19 1819

Sir,

Having been employed in this vessel on the S.E. Coast of Africa in conveying Timber from the forest in George's district to the naval yard at Simon's Town in the years 1817 and 1818, during which time I surveyed the coast from the Cape of Good Hope to Algoa Bay and also the River Knysna and not doubting that the Knysna will soon become a place of considerable importance.

I beg leave to tender my services as Harbour Master of that Port provided such an appointment should be in contemplation either now or at a future period.

I hope it will be considered that I have a claim to that appointment being the first that sailed up the River and proved by experience that it was a place of safety [and] gone in and out at all times of tides in [obscured] vessels. Copies of my charts may be [seen] at the Admiralty and for testimonials of my character and abilities I beg leave to refer you to the Commissioners of His Majesty's Navy.

Sir, I am your most obedient humble servant

William WALKER

Master RN

[Note from GOULBURN]

Lord B has at present not any intention of recommending such an appointment & consequently can enter into no engagement with respect to it.

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