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GSSA
The 1820 Settler Correspondence
 as preserved in the National Archives, Kew
 and edited by Sue Mackay

Nottinghamshire 1820 Settlers

These documents are housed in Nottinghamshire Archives and were transcribed by Rob Smith while researching for his book Nottinghamshire Settlers and Locations in the Eastern Cape of Good Hope  (Footprint Press, Hermanus, Western Cape). They are reproduced here by kind permission of Rob Smith and Nottinghamshire Archives. Surnames have been printed in block capitals to fit in with the other transcriptions on this site.

Most of the correspondence was addressed to Edward Smith GODFREY, Clerk of the Peace for Nottinghamshire, who was in charge of the selection of the Nottinghamshire settlers on the emigration scheme. He was assisted by the Rev. J.T. BECHER of Southwell.

Letter from Thomas HARTLEY, Henry HOLLAND and Samuel JACKSON

Written by Sue Mackay on .

Nottinghamshire Archives C/QA/CP/5/1/6/44

[Letter regarding distress caused by the delays]

Decr 31st 1819
To Edward Smith GODFREY Esqr

Sir, We the undersigned do think it our duty to let you know the circumstances which most of us as Colonists to the Cape of good Hope do now labour under in consequence of the unaccounted for delays the prevailing distress is now becoming general,
occasioned by haveing Sold up thire little property and liveing upon it being out out of employment in consequence of haveing been led to expect every day to be thire last, some have applyed for Parish assistance being quiet destitute but have been peremtorly refused with this promise that if they whould burn thire agreement and give up; they whould then assist them, and unless you can give them farther encouragment as to the time of our departure, they have express’d thire determination to give up the thoughts of going, this Sir, we have briefly stated facts as the are and we wish for an answer as soon as possible, we remain
Sir, yours &c
Thomas HARTLEY
Henry HOLLAND
Sam JACKSON
Mansfield

P.S. Be pleased to direct for
Thos HARTLEY Whitesmith
Leeming Lane
Mansfield

 

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