CO48/43 National Archives, Kew, London  ~  1820 Settler Correspondence E-H

 

Transcribed by volunteers from the ZA-IB and ZA-EC Rootsweb mailing lists from digital photographs taken by Sue Mackay at the National Archives. The original correspondence is filed in order of receipt. Here it has been placed in alphabetical order according to the surname of the writer, with letters by the same writer in chronological order, for ease of reading. Original spelling has been maintained.

 

Letters were either addressed to Lord BATHURST, Secretary of State for the Colonies, (starting My Lord), or to his deputy Henry GOULBURN (starting Sir). Reference numbers, where given, refer to printed page numbers stamped on the letters and will enable visitors to the National Archives to locate the letter more easily. If a page number is not given then the date of the letter will give a good idea of its whereabouts in the file.

 

Names in red actually became 1820 settlers to South Africa, as listed in ‘The Settler Handbook’ by M.D. Nash, not necessarily with the Party listed here.

 

FABIAN, Benjamin

 

223

Flathouse

Portsea

Sept 23 1819

Sir,

            In consequence of having little or no employment at present I am induced to make application to go to the Cape of Good Hope under the System now Establishing. I am a Boat Builder &c Twenty six years of age and in a good state of health – I have a wife and two children, the eldest not five years old.

            I shall be particularly obliged if you will condescend to favor me with a reply, stating if I may be permitted to go, and at what time I must be ready to embark, so that I may be able to settle my business previous to my leaving my native place.

            I shall also esteem it a favour if you will inform me the difference in expence if I should go alone or if I should take my family. Your early reply will much oblige.

Your most obedt hble sevt

Benjamin FABIAN

 

225

Flathouse

Portsea

Sept 28 1819

Sir,

            I am exceedingly obliged for your early reply to my former letter and shall esteem it a particular favor if you will forward me a Duplicate of the Conditions of Emigrating to the Cape of Good Hope

I am Sir

Your very obdt hbl sevt

Benjamin FABIAN

 

FARMER, Walter et al

 

181

August 16 1819

My Lord,

            From the good encouragement held out by Government to persons wishing to settle in the Cape of Good Hope, we whose names are hereunto subscribed, being Farmers, are induced to become settlers there and would wish to become fully informed (as well for our own guidance as for those persons who will come with us) on the Principles of Settlement there as stated in the public newspapers.

            In the first place we would wish to be informed whether settlers will be allowed to bring out their families at the expence of Government and how many persons each family must consist of. Whether we are to be each at the expence of bringing 10 persons to the place of embarkation, whether that is to take place in England or Ireland, where those persons are to be examined & approved of by Government & where we are to lodge the money requisite for each family we bring out.

            In the next place we wish to know whether it is here or at the Cape e are to get the grant of the land promised by Government & what part of the Cape it will be situated. Whether Government will give us any assistance for the support of our families and those persons we bring with us from the time we land there till our first crops come round.

            Lastly we would wish to know what controul we are to have over those persons we bring with us and in what manner that controul will be established. In all these particulars your Lordship will have the kindness to inform us as we have nothing to delay us here but to be fully informed of these particulars. We beg leave to suggest to your Lordship that it would be greatly to our advantage to embark from & lodge our money in Ireland as the exchange between the countries is so high that we must lose a great deal of our capital by being obliged to go to England. We beg your Lordship will inform us at what period in the year the Government vessels will sail for the Cape.

            We have the honour to be your Lordship’s obedt hble sevts

William PERRIN            Mervill Duplavin  County Kildare

John PERRIN                Do.

Walter FARMER            Ballilore

John EDWARDS            Naraghanore

Daniel GOODWIN          Ballilore

James GOODWIN          Do.

George RYDER             Do.

Thos. BUSTER              Do.

Joseph WILLIAMS         Do.

 

FARMER, William and Edward WRIGHT

 

111

Two Sawyers

Minories

London

July 16 1819

My Lord,

             Having observed in the proceedings of the Honourable House of Commons that it is the intention of Government to send such of his Majesty’s subjects to the Cape of Good Hope as may feel desirous of emigrating to that Colony, we beg leave earnestly to solicit your interest to procure for us the assistance in common with others as it is your intent to aford. We have received each a liberal education and in turn accustomed to the Farming live. In the confident hope of receiving our early and favourable reply we remain

Your Lordship’s most obedient and humble servants

William FARMER

Edward J. WRIGHT

 

FARMSWORTH, Wright

 

230

Mareham le Fen

Near Horncastle

Lincolnshire

4th Oct 1819

 

The humble memorial of Wright FARNSWORTH of the Parish of Mareham le Fen in the County of Lincolnshire, Labourer, humbly shewing that he is desirous of emigrating to the Cape of Good Hope in consequence of an advertisement which has appeared in several newspapers stating any one so desirous must make their wishes known to your Lordship. Therefore I humbly trust that your Lordship will grant to me the necessary information where I am to embark at and where I am to draw my necessary subsist for my passage. I have a wife with four children 3 boys and one girl, the oldest boy is eleven years old and the girl three quarters of a year. There are some young people from the same place that is wishing to emigrate therefore I trust your Lordship will send the information required for young people likewise. Should your Lordship require a certificate pleas to send the form required. Your Lordship’s kind attention therein will confer an obligation on me and in its duty bound will ever pray

Wright FARMSWORTH

 

FARRANT, Joseph

 

140/141

28 July 1819

22 James St.

Covent Garden

Sir!

            In consequence of the overtures made by Government to the British public, and the inducements held out for settlers, to emigrate to the Cape of Good Hope, I am induced to trouble you, requesting to be furnished with particulars further than those of the late Circular.  I should wish to be informed at what part of the Cape the intended settlement is to be offered?

What may be the state of protection which Government would afford the settlers against the incursions of the Caffrers, the Bushmen &c?  Whether there are military posts established for their protection in case of need? I take it for granted that the jurisprudence of the Cape and interior partakes or will partake of the English Laws.

            My own family consists of self, wife and 4 children, 2 girls & 2 boys, the eldest (a girl) of 16 yrs of age, the youngest a boy abt. 11 yrs. My own age 42, in the former part of my life was [had?] up to farming pursuits tho' not continued in that line for some years past but now pursuing the [command?] seed trade which are in some respects concomitants of husbandry.

            As, the probable distance from the Cape where the settlement may be fixed will be at least 500 miles what civil controuling [sic] power will there be to preserve a due equipoise of equity amongst the settlers. There may be probably some persons who may join me or if not, should any of the seats of the Westleyan[sic] dissenters go out its possible I may join their body (tho I am not connected with that body in their religious views) It may be necessary also to enquire if Government are disposed to assist settlers with any portion of the parlimentary grant on their location, independant of the return of the deposit and what portion of land, a man his wife & 4 children will have alloted to them; on the due cultivation of the lands, will Government permit the settlers to trade with the natives or others, with a view of importing of merchandize to England or at her ports that may be open to them.

            It is very desirable that the fullest information should be had previous to the undertaking so hazardous a speculation and I shall feel personally obliged by your furnishing me this all the information Government may feel necessary to communicate.

I am respectfully your obt. servt.

Joseph FARRANT

 

150

22 James St.

 

Sir!

            I am favoured with your circular of the 29th inst. in answer to my letter of the 28th, but it does not embrace the explanations I wish for.

            On reconsidering the subject, I perceive one person is to be made responsible for those who may go out with him. I will put a case, suppose eleven men with their families (agreeable to the already conditions of passage & deposit) are desirious of going out to form a part of the colonists to the Cape of Good Hope, of the Wesleyian persuasion (and Government are well acquainted with their social friendly & persevering habits) and they agree by a written document to form a joint stock company and their capital will amt. to 550£ over and above their deposits, if they select from their own body, one capable person  [in point?] of integrity and of judgement as their ostensible Agent, will the Government under these considerations make a grant of land equal to 1100 acres of land to be apportioned out in eleven allotments, would Government undertake to grant eleven settlers or must  their  be only one title to the agent and would he have the power subsequently of giving title of 100 acres to each of his friends at some trivial nominal value under the original title, after they had been located 3 years?

            Will the government require any other and what security otherwise that their deposits. I should feel obliged if you could furnish me with the names of the particular parts of the Cape which the Government have in view in colonizing. I trust to stand excused for thus troubling you but its desirable to have information as such as possible previous to making an offer.

Awaiting the favour of your reply

I am Sir! Your very obt. servt.

Joseph FARRANT

 

FARRAR, Thomas

 

211

Sunday School

No 3 Montague St.

Brick Lane

Whitechapel

Augst 27th 1819

Sir,

            Having seen the circular letter relating to the offer made by Government to persons disposed to emigrate to the Cape of Good Hope, I am induced to take the liberty of applying to the Colonial Department for such information as it may necessary for emigrants to receive.  I am a married man without incumbrance aged 32 years & by trade a carpenter & whatever questions or reference may be required of me I am prepared to give. Trusting that my mode of address will not be thought improper.

I am Sir your very obt. and very humble sevt.

Thomas FARRER

 

FEISE, Godfrey

 

175

Laurencepoutney Hill No.8

August 9th, 1819

Sir,

            Having perused the first printed circular respecting emigration to the Cape of Good Hope, I beg leave to inform you, that I am a single man of 32 years of age, active, and healthy, and very ready to deposit the sum of ten pounds, for my passage to the Cape.  I have moreover the sum of forty pound, which I could employ in purchasing things necessary for such an undertaking. Your further instructions would greatly favor me, and if required will call at the office Downing Street.

I am Sir your most obedt. Humble servant

Godfrey W. FEISE

 

FELLS, George

 

160

Huntman's Court

Attercliffe near Sheffield

Yorkshire

2 Aug 1819

My Lord,

            We the undersigned being desirous of going to the Cape of Good Hope, respectfully solicit your Lordship's instructions as to our procedure

George FELLS - Potter & Cutler aged 26 - Wife and two children

John FELLS - Potter & Cutler aged 30 - Wife and four children

John WILD - Coal Miner aged 27 - Wife and two children

John SHAW - Woodman aged 21 - Single

Please to direct to George FELLS

 

FELTON, George

 

133

No 6 Cranborn Ally

Lester Fields

London

July 27th 1819

Sir,

            As I understand that Government send out emigrants to the Cape of Good Hope; I beg leave to solisit the permission to be sent out and also to state that I am 19 years of age have been brought up in country and cannot at present obtain any employment.  I further beg to state I can find a friend who would deposit the £10 which I have understood is required.

I have the honor to be Sir your obedt. humble sevt.

George FELTON

 

FENN, John

 

158

No. 13 Bind St.

Oxford Street

Augst. 2nd 1819

My Lord,

In behalf of a number of tradesmen and others I have taken the liberty to intrude upon your Lordship to request humbly the terms and qualifications of the persons that are to be selected by His Majesty’s Government which are to be sent to the Cape of Good Hope.  Married or single tradesmen or labourers : and if your Lordship only receives persons only under a certain age

I am your Lordships very humble and very obedient servant

Jno. FENN

 

FENNELL, William

 

129

Cork, July 26th 1819

My Lord,

            Having seen a circular in the public papers on the subject of emigration to the Cape of Good Hope, and wishing to have a few points explicitly ascertained, I beg leave to address the following observations to your Lordship.

            I was bred a farmer and can lay down the deposit mentioned for 15 or 20 families. I could also procure about 100 families to emigrate with me and if government should think proper to entrust me I would engage to act as agent both here and at the Cape on being allowed some privilege adequate to the trust.

            I would wish to know particularly at what time a vessel may be ready to carry emigrants and from what port, what implements of husbandry would be necessary to carry if any. At what time from their arrival would adventurers be put in possession of the promised lands, and in case of any unnecessary or unforeseen delay what provision would Government allow for their maintenance untill their first crops would arrive at maturity, as a number of people landed in a foreign country destitute of resources would soon consume the means on which they may now calculate to render themselves and families comfortable for life. Also if the sum to be refunded by Government in instalments would be sufficient to procure them the necessary seeds, stock &c for the formation of a settlement & at what distance from the place of landing are the proposed lands situated.

            If Government should think proper to accept of my services by sending me particular instructions I would immediately on receipt thereof commence engaging a number of people to emigrate, and trust that a few weeks would accomplish the object. At all events an answer to the different queries within stated would be of service to me.

            I have the honour to be your Lordship’s most obedient humble servant

Wm. FENNELL

Please direct to the Care of John STRANGE Esq, Cork

 

203

Clogheen

Aug 26th 1819

My Lord,

            I had the honour of receiving your Lordship’s circular of the 6th instant and shall feel very happy in complying with the terms proposed by Government in your Lordship’s first circular.

            I am ready to lay down the deposit for twelve families but am at a loss to know what description of people would be rejected & what allowed to proceed to the Cape with respect to the people whom I have engaged as they are to be almost domesticals with me for some time after our arrival. I have been particular to select none but such as bear good character which together with their willingness to become settlers I can get certified by two or more magistrates, the Parish minister and the Parish priest. Any other document that his Majesty’s Government may require (when notified) I shall cheerfully comply with.

            I trust that Government will comply with the wishes of some individuals in Cork who purpose taking out a number of settlers and facilitate their endeavours by sending the requisite transports to Cork.

            Should your Lordship be kind enough to intimate to me what description will be permitted to go I will forward the within mentioned documents together with the deposit required and make the most expeditious arrangements  to be ready for the first ship that sails for the Cape.

I have the honour to be your Lordship’s most obedt hbl svt

Wm. FENNELL

Please direct as before to the care of John STRANGE Esq, Cork

 

FENNER, William

 

121

Ingatestone

23 July 1819

My Lord,

            Anxious to become a settler in the projected new colony at the Cape I beg leave to submit a few questions to your Lordship which I trust will not be too troublesome to you to answer nor too improper for me to ask. If I advance the stipulated sum for any number of Men will the grant of the proportional quantity of land be to me or each individual separately, is it expected when there they should render me assistance and be under my direction in bringing the ground into cultivation. What are the productions of the Colony. Animal Vegetable and Mineral. What encouragement will be given to the settlers in stock, plants, seeds, implements &c. What is the distance from Cape Town. What kind of cultivation it would be most proper to adopt. What proportions the price of manufactured goods bears at the Cape to the price at home. Whether the accommodation on board the transports would suit people in the middle class or whether it is only adapted for the lower order of labourers and when would be the proper time to emigrate. Should I have neglected to ask for any information that it may be essential for me to know I would beg of your Lordship not to withhold it in the communication with which you may be pleased to honour me

I am my Lord

Your Lordship’s most obedient humble servant

William E. FENNER

 

239

Ingatestone

17 Oct 1819

My Lord,

            As the period of emigration to the Cape is drawing near I presume to trouble your Lordship on the subject. I am ready with a party to enter into the conditions proposed by Government but as I am ignorant of official forms I must solicit the favour of instructions as to the manner in which I am to carry my intentions into effect. The whole of the early part of my life was devoted to agricultural products in the County of Suffolk consequently the Norfolk System is quite familiar to me. I have obtained all the information I can from private quarters to enable me to form a proper judgement as to the success of the undertaking and have every reason to believe that I may be able when settled there to obtain by steady application and persevering industry every reward that reason justifies me in expecting. Awaiting your Lordship’s answer which will much oblige

Your Lordship’s most hble sevt

W.E. FENNER

 

FERGUSON, William

 

244

Dundee

25th October 1819

My Lord,

            Circumstances rendered it impossible for me to leave this Kingdom at the time intimation was given of the desire of Government to send out emigrants to the Cape of Good Hope. I trust I am not now too late in my application notwithstanding the numerous petitions that have been presented to your Lordship on that head, particularly as I am informed that a small proportion has been from this part of the Kingdom and I have no doubt that your Lordship wishes to allow all parts of the Kingdom an equal proportion. Permit me then my Lord to enquire when and where freight may be expected for emigrants to that colony and (as it cannot be supposed to be this port) whether Government pays the conveyance of luggage to the place of shipment, what quantity is allowed for each individual or family, whether the place intended for emigrants is in the vicinity of Saldanah Bay and whether legal agreements made in this country will be held binding on arrival at the Cape.

I beg the favour of your Lordship’s answer

My Lord your most obed hble sevt

Wm. FERGUSON

 

FERRIS, James

 

197

Dilton Marsh

Marlborough

Aug 26 1819

Sir,

            Having sen the circular that you published respecting the emigration to the Cape of Good Hope and being in the possession of some small property and am therefore able and willing to take out ten Families under the Considerations & took it upon me thus to write to you and such an answer as you think necessary will greatly oblidge your humble servant

James FERRIS

 

FIELD, Daniel Hallebread

 

214

Dover

September 7, 1819

 

The petition of Daniel Hallebread FIELD of the town and port of Dover in the county of Kent.  Grocer, lately a Commissarial Clerk in the Peninsula.

Most humbly sheweth

That your Lordship's petitioner feels a particular desire to become one of the settlers at the Cape of Good Hope under the conditions offered in your Lordship's printed and circular letters and for that purpose has got 10 able bodied persons who are equally anxious to join him, and are capable of depositing the 10£ required and of taking some trifling money with them for necessaries on their first arrival; some of these persons are Mechanics, but have also been to work in the field and Husbandry in general.

That your honor's petitioner from his good character during three years service as Clerk in the Commissarial Department was not discharged till nearly the last in the Peninsula in the year 1817, since which time he has not been able to establish himself in any office, clerks being but little wanted, and the business of a Grocer which he now follows, he would gladly exchange to settle abroad, a warmer climate being congenial to his health.

Your Lordship's petitioner therefore most humbly prays Your Lordship will be pleased to take his former services into consideration and to grant him this request, and he as in duty bound will ever pray.

Daniel Hallebread FIELD

 

Please let the letter in answer to this be addressed

D. H. FIELD at Mr BAKER'S

New Street

Dover

 

FIELD, William

 

234

No. 13 York Street

Commercial Road

Oct 12, 1819

 

Hon Sir

I trust your goodness will pardon the liberty I have taken being totally unknown to you.  I shall feel myself greatly obliged by your informing me if Dr BARON is excepted by government or not, to emigrate with his proposals to the Cape Colony and beg leave with submission to you to further ask if you have recv’d a letter from Mr H’y CRASKE of Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk to the same effect who is most desirous to make one family in a partie and can if required give most respectable refference to those high in power.

I am Honerd Sir your most obed’t very humble servant

William FIELD

 

NB Customhouse officer

London Dock

[R] SMITH Esq

 

FIELDING, Mark Stephen

 

144

Sidlesham

near Chichester

Sussex

July 28, 1819

My Lord

I hope no offence but with every due respect I make bold to address you these lines from an advertisement which appeared in newspapers of an encouragement being held out for settlers to emigrate to the Cape of Good Hope.

I am a surgeon who from misfortunes have been reduced, and would be very happy to become a settler if government would allow me a sallery for a certain number of years, as remuneration for my medical services to those of the settlers. Now my lord, with every due submission I beg leave to intrude on your time by giving statement how I have been variously employed. In the year 1802 I was surgeon of the Perseus convict ship with prisoners, troops and settlers to New South Wales, and in the year 1803 I was surgeon of the Coromandel convict ship to the same place, and from the general good state of health, the prisoners were landed, never having any deaths in the two voyages.  I received from the late Governor KING two very handsome certificates which enabled me to receive the communication offered me in my instructions which I received from the office of the Secretary of State in the year 1807.  I was appointed in Bengal to the medical charge of 200 Chinese as settlers to the island of Trinidad in the West Indies.  In the truth of this assertion I can provide the whole of my documents of past services.

I have the honour to be My Lord

most respectfully your very obedient servant

Mark Stephen FIELDING

 

FINLAY, Joseph

 

179

Running Horse

Little Queen St

Lincoln's Inn Fields

August 13, 1819

Sir

Upon applying at Lord CASTLEREIGHS office Downing St respecting the emigrating to the Cape of good Hope we were inform’d if we wrote to you you would be kind enough to give us every nessisary information.

Waiting for an answer we remain your very obedient humble servants

Joseph FINLEY

James COOK

Richard COOK

Adam YOUNG

Thomas LANGAN

James HOWELL

James ELLEY

 

FINUCANE, Joseph

 

228

Dublin

October 1819

My Lord

Reading a Dublin newspaper I perceived an article stating that there was encouragement held out by Government for people chosing to emigrate to the Cape of Good Hope & hearing of your very amiable disposition I take the liberty of trespassing on you to state the particulars which oblige me to offer myself as a candidate.

My father in the year 1808 was a very respectable distiller in Dublin.  In this business he failed & was a bankrupt he then in the year 1814 commenced the vinegar business in which he was equally unfortunate & lastly was obliged to commence the ... [it appears that a part of the page has been cut away here] … in the spirit & win trade & in this he met with villains who rob’d him took his property & never paid him a shilling & now is obliged by selling and pawning to support a large family consisting chiefly of girls.

Under these circumstances I wish to know if there is any difference made between paupers and respectable persons going to the Cape.  If it would be an object I would get 2 more young men to come with me & the one quantity of ground would do us.

I remain my Lord

Your Lordship's most obedient & humble servant

Joseph FINUCANE

 

Any answer your Lordship is pleased to send direct

Joseph FINUCANE

under cover to

J. MIDDLETON Esq

Charlemont Bridge

Dublin

 

The agitation I am in in being obliged to write such a letter is what makes my writing so illegible

 

FISHER, George

 

125

Liverpool

24 July 1819

My Lord

On the 17th inst I stated my situation here to the R’t Hon. N. VANSITTART and offered my services in the formation of the intended Colony at the Cape.  I am since informed by his directions that all applications are to be made through your department.  I therefore now respectfully repeat my offer to your Lordship and beg leave to inform you that I am 42 years of age with a wife & 2 children, am a native of Whitehaven Cumberland, but for the last 20 years have been a resident in Liverpool, as a ship owner and in the general mercantile trade of the port; in March last I became unfortunate from circumstances not in my own control, viz. the misconduct of a ship master in my brig the Friendship, who on a voyage to Demerara in 1817, wilfully broke a charter party by running away with the vessel and cargo which latter he sold and squandered, but for which I became responsible in the sum of £2100.

I beg leave to state that with the qualities and value of most articles of foreign and domestic produce I am well acquainted and may command a small sum of money, or not exceeding £100, should you therefore have any occasion for the assistance of such a person as myself.  I should have no objection to join your intended colony, or engage in it, for any trust that may be confided to me I could give sufficient security, as well as satisfactory testimonials as to character etc.

I therefore respectfully solicit your Lordship will inform me if I am one of those your plan will embrace; from the public newspapers I observe that every person who takes out 10 persons or families, is to have 100 acres of land for each person, to have a passage out, and victualed free of expense, but as no other particular is mentioned, or how they are further to proceed on arrival, or be provided with stock, stores or implements, I take the liberty of soliciting information on this or any other details that may be necessary on the subject.

I am with the greatest respect My Lord

Your Lordship's most obed’t h’ble serv’t

George FISHER

 

FISHER, Samuel

 

246

Birmingham

Oct 20, 1819

Sir,

we the undersined have a wish to emegrate to the Cape of Good Hope, that through the slackness of our trade we are unprovided of means of going there therefore we most humbly solisit your Lordships favour to send us word how we possibly can go there.

 We are your most humble servants

Richard CORFIELD

Thomas PAGE

Samuel FISHER

 

We humbly thank you for a answer

 

Please to direct to Samuel FISHER [Kennion?] Street, Birmingham

 

FITZPATRICK, William

 

177

Number 1 Kings Court

South King Street

Dublin

August 10, 1819

The humble petition of William FITZPATRICK

Humbly sheweth unto your Lordship that your supplicant having served as a soldier in his Majesty's 102nd Regiment stationed in New South Wales under the command of Sir Arberd GLADSTONE [Transcriber’s note: Regiments.org have Lt-Gen Sir Albert GLEDSTANES, Kt as the regiment’s colonel from 1814 to 1818] and having served twenty three years in the service and being a eleven years in the Colony of New South Wales and discharged on the 19th of May 1818 after having regularly passed the Board at Chelsea and your supplicant finding that there has being encouragement given to the soldiers on the same station your supplicant would wish to go to the Colony again if your Lordship should think fit having a wife and child (who were with me in the colony) and as your supplicant's pension is inadequate to support his family he would be desirous of emigrating to the colony aforesaid.

May it therefore please your Lordship to grant unto your supplicant (this) his humble petition and your supplicant shall for ever pray.

William FITZPATRICK

 

FLASHMAN, William Spurrier

 

167

London

Aug 6th 1819

My Lord,

            Having been informed at your office that by application in writing I may obtain copies of the circular respecting the emigration to the Cape of Good Hope and it being my intention to embark in the undertaking if I like the terms, I humbly solicit your Lordship will be good enough to order the same to be forwarded to Mr. Wm Spurrier FLASHMAN, No.11 Great Saint Helens, Bishopsgate

Who remains your Lordship’s obedient humble servant

 

194

No.11 Great Saint Helens

Bishopsgate

London

25th August 1819

My Lord,

            Having attentively perused the circular issued from your office and being willing to conform to the terms in every particular I take the liberty of petitioning with a party of able body’d and industrious men of good character for your Lordship’s permission to emigrate to the Colony of the Cape of Good Hope, the party consisting of threshers and labourers who are willing to make themselves generally usefull when they arrive at their destination.

            If this should meet your Lordship’s approbation I humbly beg for further instructions addressed to your Lordship’s obedient humble servant

W.S. FLASHMAN

 

195/196

11 Great St.Helens

26th August 1819

My Lord,

            Having missed to send a schedule of the names &c of the party connected with my petition I have taken the liberty of forwarding it for your Lordship’s inspection.

I remain your Lordship’s humble obedient servant

W.S. FLASHMAN

 

Abstract of Names, Ages, Profession &c of people connected with the petition of W.S. FLASHMAN

 

Name

Age

Profession

Place of Residence

No. in Family

W.S. FLASHMAN

27

Carpenter

11 Gt.St.Helens

Wife 2 children

Jos. OLIVER

33

Gardener

37 Britannia St, Battle Bridge

      2       

Jno. ARMSTRONG

29

Labouring Agriculturalist

6 Bedford Court Rd, Lion Square

      2       

Jno. EATOR

30

Shoemake

35 Penton Place

      2       

Jas. CRAWFORD

24

Shoemaker

35 Penton Place

      2       

Jno. ASTELL

31

Smith

35 Edmund Street, Battle Bridge

      2       

Geo. GRIFFITHS

29

Bricklayer

62 Clements Lane

      2       

Wm. MILLS

30

Gardener

8 Searles Place, Carey Street

      2       

Jno. GRIFFITHS

27

Bricklayer

13 Clements Lane

      1      

Jno. SHUTTLE

25

Labourer

3 Middlesex St, Somers Town

      2       

Thos. OLIVER

31

Carpenter

Ebenezer Place, Hackney

      2       

Fs. BEDFORD

36

Farmer & Wheelwright

Williams rents, Back Church Lane

      2       

Rd. BROCKWELL

34

Carpenter & Farmer

11 Peartree St, Goswell St

Widower 2 children

Jas. WEST

27

Mill wright

11 Peartree St, Goswell St

             2       

Jno. CABLE

30

Labouring Agriculturalist

Plaistow, Essex

Wife 2 children

 

 

 

 

Childrens ages all under 14

 

238

No.11 Great Saint Helens

Bishopsgate

London

December 27th 1819

My Lord,

            Having already applied for the bounty held out to emigrants to the Cape of Good Hope and being unsuccessful I have again to apply for a grant on any terms it may please your Lordship. I most humbly beg your Lordship will take my application into consideration and forward your Lordship’s determination to

Your Lordship’s obedient humble servant

W.S. FLASHMAN

 

NB I must beg to intrude upon your Lordship’s notice that I served two years in the peninsula in the Commissariat Department but whether it will have any weight in my favor I must leave to your Lordship’s better judgement.

 

FLAXMAN, Joseph

 

199

August 26th 1819

Honourable Sir,

                        As a party of peple as wishes for to agree ten the number of familys to go to his Majesty Settlement at the Cape of Good Hope will be glad of a coppy of the agreement which will grately oblight Sir

Your most obedient humble servant

Joseph FLAXMAN

 

FLINN, Daniel

 

247

Manchester

Oct 29th 1819

Honourable Sir,

                        I have made application this morning to a Mr. SMITH of Manchester who is now engaging some able bodied men and their families in this town to go as imigrants to the Cape of Good Hope. And amongst the number I have a daughter and her husband that has engaged and paid their passage. on my application to Mr. SMITH he could wish me to join the number of those that was preparing to go as I have been in the country for two years and eight months and was at the building of the first Battery that was built in Alligo bay; am now in the forty third year of my age and my wife in the forty second. And am an out pentioner of Chelsea at nine pence per day. And I do assure your honour that hard labour and industry are no stranger to me altho am deficient of a leg for I was brought up to it from my childhood. And it was by hard labour that I got a liveing for both myself and my family since I was discharged from the service. And if this would meet with your honour’s approbation there is nothing would give me greater consolation than to have all my family together. And Mr. SMITH and as many of the men as I have yet seen which is the greatest part of the number that is going seemed very happy that I should join them as being in the country befor and both myself and family is in perfect health. And William RENSHAW one of Mr. SMITH’s company has met with a misfortune of a kick of a horse in the stomach which caused him to decline going. And the greatest part of them wishing me to go as the know my abilities. And in make myself as useful in the line of aggriculture as most men and will depossit my passage money as soon as I receive your honour’s favourable answer.

Direct for Daniel FLINN

No. 28 John St.

Ancoats lane

Manchester

 

248

I do hereby certify that Daniel FLINN is a stout healthful able bodied man.

Lawrence FIGAN

Jas.DUCKWORTH

Flour Dealer                               .  

Rd. BRAITHWATE

No. 4 Swan St. New Cross       .

As witness my hand Dr. WILSON

 

FLINTER, E.S.

 

241

Sherbrook lodge

Johnstown

Co. Kilkenny

23rd October 1819

Sir,

As a number of pensioners from the army have expressed a wish to emigrate to the Cape of Good Hope under my direction, I take the liberty to ask, if Government hold out any inducement to persons going out in charge of settlers to that country, and to know what proportion of land each person would receive. If I should proceed to the Cape of Good Hope I can pick out 200 pensioners of excellent character and able bodied, who now live in this part of Ireland.

I have the honour to be Sir, your most obt. humble servant

E S FLINTER

Lieut. H P 97th Regt.

 

P. S. I know a young clergyman of the established church who would wish to go with the settlers as a chaplain.

 

FLOWER, Richard

 

156

Borough

Aug 2nd 1819

Sir,

            I shall feel obliged if you will send me the particulars of the terms respecting persons going out to the Cape as myself and 11 other persons propose going out in the farming business. Please to direct for me as below by tomorrow’s post as I intend going into the north before I leave England.

I remain your obed’t sev’t

Rich’d FLOWER

Messrs Marsden & Prustler

Hop & Seed Merchants

No.7 Counter Street

Borough

London

 

190

Hull

August 18th 1819

My Lord,

            In answer to your letter dated 3 inst I shall be obliged by your information stating if we shall be allowed to take out with us a small quantity of sheep to the Cape. If so I purpose takeing with me some from the forest between your Lordship’s estate at Langworth and Ollerton. My Lord I am the person that lately kept the Hop Pole Inn at Ollerton, being no stranger to your Lordship shall feel greatly obliged by your letter of recommendation to the Governor of the Cape of Good Hope, which letter I feel confident will be of great service to me. Should your Lordship require a character of me as a farmer Mr DOWLAND of Cuckney no doubt will give your Lordship every satisfactory information. As it will be my greatest pleasure to improve the Cape as much as I possibly can I shall thank your Lordship for every information respecting what we shall be allowed to take out in order that I may have everything in readiness for November. I purpose takeing with me some hops from Mr. EL[obscured]’s Kent plantations, haveing no doubt that they will answer well at the Cape.

            My Lord, from the report I saw in one of the papers yesterday ploughs &c are to be bought as cheap at the Cape has here. If your Lordship will allow me to take out a few ploughs, harrow &c from England  I shall feel obliged as I go out with a determination (with the blessing of God) to show them how to improve land. My Lord, providing some of the 9 persons I take out with me does not chuse to remain upon the 100 acres of land those persons so leaving it shall I be allowed to take it provided I get it into cultivation within the given time. My Lord I hope you will excuse my being so troublesome but as I hope to end my days at the Cape shall be glad of every information. A letter directed to the Post Office, Ollerton, Notts, my Lord, will oblige

Your Lordship’s most obed’t humble serv’t

Rd FLOWER

Late of the Hop Pole Inn

Ollerton

Notts

 

FONE, George

 

169

Henbury

Near Bristol

Gloucestershire

Aug 7 1819

My Lord,

            I hope your Lordship will forgive the liberty I have taken in addressing this to you. I am not certain the application I am about to make should be made direct to your Lordship but my residing in the country so far from the Metropolis I hope will be an excuse. I have heard it is the intention of Government to send out persons to the Cape of Good Hope as colonists. I therefore hope I may be permitted to go. I am a young married man at present without family about 24 years of age & my wife has been bred up in the farming business from infancy. If any experience is required I flatter myself I can give every satisfaction. I hope your Lordship will order an answer to be returned to my letter as to the proper means I am to pursue directed to George FONE, Henbury near Bristol, Gloucestershire.

I am yr Lordship’s most hbl svt

George FONE

 

FOORD, William

 

213

No.7 Clarks Buildings

Skinner Street

Snow Hill

London

Rec’d August 27 1819

Sir,

            Taking the liberty of addressing a line of wich I hope your Honour will pardon the cause for the same is for intelligence concerning the Cape of Good Hope. Myself as a mecanic & carpenter & joiner 24 years of age wish to emmigrate to that part, shall feel myself justly indebted to your Lordship for a convenient intelligence to

Your most humble servant

Will’m FOORD

 

FOOT, Robert

 

119

Crigwa

Cardigan

South Wales

22 July 1819

My Lord,

            Having observed that it is the intention of his Government to encourage the surplus clas of the labouring people of this country who were willing to emigrate to the Cape of Good Hope for their support.

            I beg leave to say that I have a small allowance of half pay from his Majesty’s Government of 2d per diem. Previous to my having the good fortune to serve his Majesty my pursuits were that of agriculture and likewise since the year of 1800. I beg to say that I am desirous to take myself and family to the above place if the Government will be pleased to give me an employment. The favour of an answer is requested.

I have the honor to be my Lord

Your Lordship’s most obedient humble servant

Rob’t FOOT

PS Upwards of four hundred people have emigrated I suppose to the United States of America a few weeks since in one vessel from the town of Cardigan

 

FORBES, William

 

242

Aberdeen

23 Oct 1819

My Lord,

            Myself and about sixty of my friends and neighbours have it in contemplation to go out and settle at the Cape of Good Hope. Would your Lordship be so good as case me be informed what encouragement government gives to such of his Majesties subjects as may be enclined to settle in that quarter. We propose to go of all trades. My present occupation is a farmer and [apertration?] of land in the farming I have had much experience and am now about 32 years of age unmarried, this is about the age of all those that might go with me. Some of them mill wrights square wrights blacksmiths taylors & shomakers to trade.

Please direct the answer as under care of george STEWART Esq, Aberdeen

I am my Lord your Lordshi’s most obedient servant

William FORBES

 

FORD, Edward (see also correspondence of Rev.Henry GODDARD filed under G)

 

236

Deverill Longbridge

 Oct 12 1919

Sir,

            As four of the families who sent their names in the first list you received from me have refused to go to the Cape of Good Hope with me and having but two others to supply their places whose names are entered on the three last lists; I beg leave to inform you that there is another family that desires to go with me, and it is my desire that they should.  Their Names, Age and Description are as follows.

Joseph RALPH  27   Labourer

Elizabeth his wife  28

Joseph RALPH their son  3

Mary RALPH their dtr.  9 months

 

Joseph RALPH residing in the parish of Deverill Longbridge is an Out Pensioner of the Royal Hospital Greenwich has Ten Pounds per annum his number on Pension List is 925.  Please to word as soon as possible whether he will be permitted to go or not and if he is whether it will be necessary to advance any money to Government on his account or not.  He does not know what to do about making application to Greenwich for Instructions before he can have a positive answer whether he can go or not, therefore by answering this as soon as possible you will greatly oblige

Your Humble Servant                 

Ed. FORD

 

251

Longbridge Deverill Wilts.

15 Dec 1819

Sir

            As I have been expecting an order to remove ever since the deposit money was sent I beg leave to inform you that both myself and the persons proceeding to the Cape of Good Hope under my direction are labouring under very great disadvantages having sold all that we have to sell and given notice to quit our Houses and given up our Labour we are distressed very much and shall be a great deal mores so if we cannot be remov’d soon as we must quit our houses.  Two Companies in this neighbourhood having received Orders to Go to Portsmouth we are dissatisfied thinking that Orders have been sent us that did not come to my hand, therefore we beg that you will send us an answer by return of Post and an Order to Go if possible.  I remain your humble servant

Edward FORD

At Address E. Ford Longbridge Deverill near Warminster Wilts.

 

256

Portsmouth

26 of Dec. 1819

Sir,

            In consequence of illness James CROFTS one of the persons proceeding to the Cape of Good Hope under my direction is prevented from going and Robert MILES has engaged to go in lieu of him and has come to Portsmouth with his family he is by trade a weaver aged 27 yrs his Wife Ann is 20 yrs and William their son 2 yrs having stated his case to the agent of the Transports I was directed by him to make application to you as soon as possible.  I therefore humbly request you to send an order that he may be received and admitted to receive provisions and privileges equal with the rest and I beg leave to inform you that James DICKS’ sen. Wife has since we advanced the Deposit been brought to bed with a Son whose name is John which we humbly request you to make provision for and return us our Instructions for guidance as soon as possible In so doing you will greatly oblige

Your humble servant

Edward FORD

 

FORD, James Edward

 

113

Brooksby’s Walk

Homerton

16th July 1819

Sir

            I take the liberty of addressing you to request the necessary information respecting the intentions of Government in favour of Emigrants to the Cape of Good Hope.

            I am not aware whether it be necessary in this first application to state my circumstances & reasons for wishing to avail myself of this intention, but it may not be deemed premature to say this much – that in consequence of the total failure of the business in which I have from some time been engaged and the pressure of a large family of seven children whom I can no longer support here, altho’ I have made every effort for that purpose, I am at length compelled either to depend for support on the assistance of others or to seek independence by the method now offered.

            If my present mode of application is incorrect, I trust I shall be favor’d with instructions in what manner to repeat it in order to obtain the earliest information.

I have the honor to remain, Sir, your most obedient servant

J E FORD

 

148

Brooksby’s Walk

Homerton

29th July 1819

Sir,

            I have been favored with your circular of the inst respecting the intended settlement at the Cape of Good Hope and I beg leave to say that I have no doubt of being able to comply with the terms therein stated as far as regards the number and description of the persons to be taken out, to entitle me to the proposed grant of 1,000 acres.

            In addition to the sums required to be deposited for each individual or family I think I may safely calculate on being able to raise a further capital of from £400 to £500 which I trust will be considered sufficient to render my proposal eligible.

            I hope it will not be considered intrusive or premature my submitting inclosed a few queries which naturally suggest themselves & to which I beg the favor of your reply, not for my own satisfaction alone but to enable me to inform those with whom I am now in treaty to accompany me, in the event of my proposals being accepted.

            May I also add that, if necessary, I can produce the most undoubted testimonials of the respectability of my character and a strong recommendation to W. ELLIS, Colonial Secretary at the Cape.

            Should there be any part of my proposals not sufficiently explanatory or not exactly agreeing with the intentions of Government it may be in my power on being acquainted therewith to add to them what will be necessary to render them eligible.

I have the honor to remain, Sir

Your most obedient servant

J.E. FORD

 

FORD, Samuel

 

127

No.7 Great Arthur St

Goswell St

July 25 1819

My Lord,

            We the undersigned having heard that His Majesty’s ministers is about to encourage persons wishing to emigrate to the Cape of Good Hope we have taken the liberty of addressing your Lordship to know if the business is under your care. If not we should take it as a favour to let us know how we can make applycation, and if not intruding to much on your goodness to let us know the particulars

Samuel FORD

James BROWN

George GLOVER

 

FORD, William

 

163

No.4 Coleman Street

Bunhill Row

Aug 4 1819

Dear Sir,

            Wishing to join the Party that intends emigrating to the Cape of Good Hope and understanding that I was to apply to you for the particulars, I have taken the liberty to write to you for the Plan of the Society. I am a House Smith by Trade, I have a Wife and two Children

I am your humble servant

William FORD

 

FORRESTER, Richard

 

146

Burslem

29th July 1819

Sir,

            Availing ourselves of the advantages we may receive from the circular letter which Government houlds out to those who which [wish] to emigrate we beg leave to offer our services to the colony of the Cape of Good Hope to become settlers. We are all able body’d men - I, Samuel LIVERSAGE farmer aged 29 haveing a wife and three children all under fourteen years of age – and I Richard FORRESTER weelright and farmer aged 31 haveing a wife and three children all under fourteen and I James CLARK aged 30 haveing a wife and two children all under fourteen and I Samuel RAVENSCRAFT single, James FORRESTER Do. Philiph  HARPER Do. all farmers. We have to beg you will be so kind as to inform us the manner in which we are to act to obtain a passage and where we are to imbark at and in what ship and the particulars of our embarkassion. Richard FORRESTER whiches to know if it is requisit to bring his tools as weelright and to know if any weight of baggage his an obstical.

We are Sir your obedient servants

Please direct to Richard FORRESTER, weelright and farmer

Burslem near Newcastle

Staffordshire

 

[in GOULBURN’s hand at foot: his proposal not conforming to the circular cannot be considered]

 

FORRESTER, Thomas

 

165

Tarts Court

Stanforth Street

Birmingham

6th Aug 1819

May it please your Royal Highness

The humble petition of Thomas FORRESTER humbly sheweth

That Yr R Highness’s petitioner has served on Peninsula in the 82nd Regiment of Foot for the space of 3 years and 89 days and was discharged from the above regiment on the 6th day of February last 1819 at the Hospital Kilmainham at 6d per diem and was then about 28 years of age for Rupture and Yr R Highness’s petitioner seeing the R Proclamation for the encouragement of Yr R Highness’s subjects wishes to extend his services to the Cape of Good Hope having a Wife and Child, and Yr R Highness’s petitioner is willing to give up his Pension provided Yr R Highness will be graciously pleased to cause some allotment to be granted to Yr R Highness’s petitioner which would enable him to provide a small subsistence when arrived at the Place of Distanation for himself and small Family being incapable of procuring any at present only what is allowed me from the R Hospital and leaves my case to Yr R Highness’s most gracious consideration in hopes of Yr R Highness causing Information to be given how Yr R Highness’s petitioner is to proceed and Yr R Highness’s petitioner as in duty bound will ever Pray

Thomas FORRESTER

 

FORWORD, William

 

188

Trowbridge

Wiltshire

Aug 19 1819

May it please your Lordship

                                        Your humble petitioner have heard that your Lordship hath been pleased to [offer?] your official documents respecting forming a new settlement at Algoa Bay on the coast of Africa and that it is your Lordship’s will and pleasure to have ten familys formed in one company together to answer your Lordship’s purpose. Your humble petitioner is  requested by nine able men and self fathers of familys to address your Lordship humbly praying to have the aforesaid documents to form an accurate judgement how to proceed according to your Lordship’s will and pleasure

With prayers of your Lordship’s most humble and devoted servant

William FORWORD

 

FOTHERGILL, J

 

232

Belper

Derbyshire

October 18th 1819

My Lord,

            I hope you will pardon the liberty I thus take in addressing your Lordship but being an officer on the half pay of the late 97th regiment and having served in the army more than sixteen years, four of which on the Peninsula under the command of His Grace the Duke of WELLINGTON, and my friends during that period having died, I feel desirous of emigrating to the new settlement about to be established on the cost of Africa and hope your Lordship will condescend to inform me if there should be any objection on the part of Government to that effect and if not whether a passage would be granted and on my arrival if my half-pay would be insured to me.

I have the honour to be your Lordship’s most obedient and very humble servant

J. FOTHERGILL

Lieut. late 97th Regt

 

FOWLER, Robert

 

161

Aug 3 1819

Sir,

            I have heard that there are a great many Famleys a going to Emigrants to the Cape of Good Hope. On account of the Deadness of Trade, I am by Trade a Taylor, I have made up my mind to go if it meets your approation, my famley consisting of my Wife and self

Sir I remain your humble servant

Rob’t FOWLER

Please to direct to No.1 Hart Street, Weymouth Street near Kent Road

 

FOWLER, William (1)

 

123

Yardley Street

Spa Fields

29th July 1819

Sir,

            Permit me to request you will be kind enough to order one of the printed circulars to be sent me relative to the Emigration to the Cape of Good Hope

I have the honour to be Sir

Your obedient servant

Wm. FOWLER

 

FOWLER, William (2)

 

July 31st 1819

Honoured Sir,

                        Having heard that his Majesty’s Government intended to send settlers to the Cape of Good Hope I called this morning at your office to know the particulars and I was informed that I must write to specify my Age, what Family I have & my name. I am 23 years of age, am a single man & my name is Wm. FOWLER having been lately discharged from the Weighing in the Customs through less men being wanted. I should be glad to embrace the opportunity if your Honour should think fit. I understand 5 Pounds must be left in London by every person going & to be returned again at the Cape in which I can comply

I am your Honour’s obedient humble servant

Wm FOWLER

c/o Christopher GOLLEY

Ely Place

Globe Road

Bethnall Green

 

FOWLER, William (3)

 

237

Bramwith

Near Doncaster

16th October 1819

My Lord,

            Being informed that his Majesty’s Government is desirous of sending persons over to the Cape of Good Hope to form settlements there and as I presume I am fully quallifyed in agriculture and can give satisfactory references, shall be very thankfull to yr Lordship if you will direct a statement of the conditions may be sent me directed as above

I am my Lord your devoted hbl st

William FOWLER

 

FRANCIS, David Polley

 

152

13 Assembly Row

Laytonston

Essex

July 13, 1819

 

 

Sir,

As Colonel STRUTT has advised me to call upon you, I take the liberty to solicit an interview, as there  is several points I wish for information upon (if I go out to the Cape of Good Hope) before I could make any arrangement for that purpose, therefore I should be extreemly obliged by a communication to say when I could have the Honor of seeing you and at what hour.

I am Sir, your obedient humble Servant

D.P. FRANCIS

 

201

26 August 1819

Sir,

I duly received your letter of the 5th Instant in which you requested me to transmit to you in writing, a memorandum of those p0ints connected with emegration to the Cape of Good Hope in which I was desirous of obtaining information upon, the reason of my not complying with that request is that I wish to give as little trouble as possible and being aware that arrangements where makeing by some persons (which I conceived more competent than myself to solicit information from Government and which I understand are or will be made public I am induced to rest entirely sattisfied with the information obtained by those means and am only anxious to assertain as early as convenient if I shall be accepted by complying with the mode Government has adopted, I have little doubt of being able to take out as many men as I wish for, from this part of the Country some with familys and all very good agreculturists. I am quite unconected with any person or meetings that have been held respecting this business and rely interely upon my early application and the recommendation of Colonel STRUTT. I have only two questions to ask, first if there will be any measure adopted by Government to secure the men taken out by individuals, that they may not be seduced from them by other persons, or whither the person taken them out must secure them himself before he leaves this country, secondly whither conveyance will be given for a small quantity of live stock.

I am Sir, your obedient humble servant

D.P. FRANCIS

Address Beckingham Hall, Maldon, Essex, where I shall be for some days

 

221

13 Assembly Rd

Laytonstone

Essex
Sept 20th 1819

Sir,

I had the honour to receive your letter of the 31st ultimo which refers me to the circular which states that the plan Government has adopted for the settlers who are allowed to proceed to the Cape of Good Hope - allso that no proposal can be accepted which is not made in conformity with that offer - it was my intention to have made a return to your department often persons -whom I had selected to proceed with me, and who are agriculture labourers as my wish is the cultivation of land being brought up a practical agriculturist though I have been for some years a ship owner and trust that I know something of mercantile concerns, this plan I have found great difficulty in carrying into effect, in as much that I find no agreement I can enter into in this country can be relyed upon with safety and advantage to both parties when arrived at the place of destination, therefore I have connected myself and party with Doctor BARUK and friends whose respectability and society I am so much attached to that I can only hope and solicit to be allowed to proceed with him, and am ready to conform to all the conditions Government may require as well as make my self of service as pointed out in Col STRUTT’s introductory letter.

I have the honour to be sir, your obedient servant

D P FRANCIS

 

253

Ship East Indian

Deptford

December 24, 1819

Sir,
            In consequence of the death of Henry HUNT, one of the intended settlers proceeding to the Cape of Good Hope under direction of William PARKER Esquire (who has entrusted the care of Settlers to me from London to Cork) I therefore request the Honour to be informed if any other person may not be placed in his room, of the name of William NORMAN 36 years of age, Jane his wife 33, Maria his daughter 8 years of age. There is also several others who have declined going the names of which I will produce at the Colonial Department on Monday  - together with those names I propose to introduce in their room - there s allso some errors in the list which I should be obliged by having corrected - I expect the East Indian will be ready to moove down the river on Tuesday morning.

I have the Honour to be Sir, your obedient humble servant

D. P. FRANCIS

 

FRANKLIN, William

 

192

No.13 Castle Street

Leister Square

Aug 21 1819

My Lord,

            I most humbly beg leave to address your Lordship on the following subject, understanding that grants of land are giving by Government to such of his Majesty’s subjects as may be thought deserving and have a wish to go and settle at the Cape of Good Hope. I most humbly beg to lay before your Lordship’s notice that I have served his Majesty eight years during the last war in the Royal Marines, two years and a half of which I served in British North America in the Canadas on the Lakes &c and as I have been given to understand that Government give a grant of land in Canada to those who having served in that country who make application for it, I should be most humbly thankful to your Lordship to be informed if I can obtain a grant by means of my servitude as above, either at the Cape or in Canada. I beg further to state to your Lordship I have a wife and two children and that I can produce certificates as to my Behaviour in the Service and give every satisfaction of character since I quited it. Trusting your Lordship will be pleased to favour me with an answer I subscribe myself

Your Lordship’s very humble and obedient servant

William FRANKLIN

 

FRANKS, Edward [NB these letters are extremely faint]

 

103

Library

84 Bond Street

March 4 1819

Sir,

            I took the liberty of addressing a letter to you under date of the 28 ult requesting the favor of intelligence relative to the Colony at the Cape of Good Hope, to which I respectfully solicit your reply

I am Sir your humble servant

Edw. FRANKS

 

105

15 Old Bond Street

April 16 1819

My Lord,

            I am deputed by two families residing in Sussex, of one I am a member, to apply to your Lordship requesting to know whether in the event of the approval of the applicants a grant of land in the Colony of the Cape of Good Hope could be obtained in the neighbourhood of Knysna or of Plettenberg Bay, capable of settlers as above and sufficiently supplied with wood & water and on the conditions mentioned by H. GOULDBURN Esq in a letter dated March 1818 and published in the Times Newspaper September 5 following.

            The families who meditate a removal from this country are both versed in agricultural affairs. The head of one, my father Edward FRANKS Sen’r is owner & occupier of a Farm in the parish of Burwash in the County of Sussex of whom your Lordship may hear of at Messrs WILLIS PERCEVAL of 76 Lombard Street, with whom he has handled many years and of Mr BACKRUP?, Linen Draper, Holborn.

            The other family, whose name is GORRINGE, also reside in Sussex and will give references and will state with my father every particular that may be deemed necessary if it be found the spot they consider desirable is not yet fully settled & that land may be obtained in the vicinity of Knysna or Plettenberg Bay capable of cultivation and supplied with wood and well water.

            The families have determined on the expediency of leaving England but are not fixed as to their future settlement. They balance the advantages held out by different climes and different countries and although they be absent from this the wish prevails still to be under the protection of its government. They propose to go together and to settle together and the spot on the Knysna contains what they most desire.

            Should your Lordship’s answer be favorable and the means pointed out by which they may attain what they wish, immediate steps will be taken to apply them. Trusting to your Lordship’s goodness for early intelligence

I have the honour to be my Lord

Your Lordship’s most obed’t sev’t

Edward FRANKS Jun’r

 

107

15 Old Bond Street

London

April 27 1819

My Lord,

            On the 16 inst I took the liberty of addressing your Lordship on the part of two families requesting to know whether a grant of land could be obtained in the neighbourhood of the Knysna or of Plettenberg Bay, in the Colony at the Cape of Good Hope, sufficiently supplied with wood & with water, adapted for agriculture, and on the conditions mentioned by H. GOULDBURN Esq in a letter dated March 1818.

            As the latter enquiry is vague I now solicit to make an extract from the letter above alluded to. “Lord BATHURST is however ready to receive proposals from any persons willing to undertake in person or by their agents the cultivation of a large grant of land either at the Cape of Good Hope or in the North American provinces, under the following conditions. Such grant will only be made to those who can engage to take out and locate upon the land granted ten settlers at the least; and the quantity of land granted in each case will be in the proportion of 100 acres for every settler proposed to be taken out. In order to prevent any evasion of this condition the person applying for a grant of land will be required to pay down a sum at the rate of ten pounds for every settler, which sum will be repaid to him so soon after his arrival in the colony as the settlers shall have been located upon the land assigned. I am only further to acquaint you that in case of your being willing to undertake the cultivation of land, either at the Cape of Good Hope or in North America, and in the event of your proposal being approved by his Lordship a grant of land will be made free of expense and the necessary tonnage will be provided for the conveyance of yourself or your agent and the settlers whom you have engaged to accompany you. The expense of victualling the settlers will be defrayed by yourself

March 1818 (Signed) H. GOULDBURN

            Should the conditions still be held out, without there be land as before described, your Lordship permitting application will be made for two grants of land of 1000 acres each. Respectfully soliciting your Lordship to direct a reply to be made

I have the honour to be my Lord

Your Lordship’s very obedient servant

Edw’d FRANKS Jun’r

 

109

15 Bond Street

April 30 1819

Sir,

            I beg to acknowledge the favor of your letter of the 29th inst by which I understand that grants of land in the colony at the Cape of Good Hope are made by the Governor at the recommendation of Earl BATHURST and that choice of allotment is not permitted to the grantee.

            I am still ignorant in respect to a material object of enquiry in my two letters to his Lordship, which was to ascertain whether the advantages held out by yourself in a letter dated March 1818 & published in the Times Newspaper of Sept 5 (an extract of which I inserted in my second letter of the 27th) were still afforded. Viz to those who engaged to cultivate these grants of land it would be apportioned to them free from expense at the rate of 100 acres for every settler proposed to be taken out, and that tonnage would be provided for the government for the conveyance of the settlers though the charge for victualling would be defrayed by the person obtaining the grant. May I therefore take the liberty of again requesting information on this head.

            I feel reluctant to intrude myself on your more important [assertions?] but by in excuse to say my applications for intelligence are far from dictated by idle comments. The determination to quit the country is fixed and it is only now deliberated where to remove to, the wish prevailing ever to be able to claim the protection of the government under which we first knew truth.

I have the honour to be Sir your obed’t sev’t

Edw’s FRANKS Jun’r

 

[in clerk’s hand: the general arrangement held out in the letter referred to is no longer in force]

 

FRANKS, John

 

136

Thursday July 28 1819

Gentlemen,

                In consequence your letter dated Secretary’s Office respecting the sending of people to the Cape of Good Hope the write himself a youth of 19 years of age begs leave to offer his services for one of the same. A line addressed to John FRANKS, No.242 Tooley Street, Southwark will oblige

Your most obt humble servant

John FRANKS

 

FRANTZ, Christopher

 

207

August 1819

The humble petition of Christopher FRANTZ, late of his Majesty’s Life Guards, humbly sheweth

That he has served for the space of nine years as a soldier with the British Army as a private and uncommissioned officer both in Europe and America and is likewise received three wounds during that time in the service and is now discharged on reduction; has a wife and three children unprovided for, that he is out off employment these eleven months past and has disposed of all that he possessed for the support of his distressed family. Your petitioner has made application before about two years ago and has received the enclosed answer but in consequence of not getting a passage, being necessited to enter again in the service namely in His Majesty’s Life Guards from which he is now discharged. Your humble petitioner therefore begs that his Lordship may be graciously pleased to appoint him as one of the settlers in the Cape of Good Hope as he considers himself quite capable for the cultivation of land should it meet the approbation of his Lordship to take the misfortune of his distressed family in his consideration to favour him with an answer that his proposal may be granted. Your petitioner will procure the sum of ten pounds from one of his friends immediately by producing his Lordship’s answer and not without.

He will be in duty bound shall ever pray

Christopher FRANTZ

c/o Mr. LITTLE, No.14 Tooley Street, Borough

 

List of 10 Men who wish to embark for the Cape of Good Hope

 

Thomas BOSLEY

Aged 33

2 children

 

William WILLIAMS

Aged 30

1 child

 

Charles QUINNELL

Aged 24

2 children

 

Christopher FRANCE [sic]

Aged 29

3 children

Recommended by His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent

Thomas DWYRE

Aged 28

2 children

 

Rd EVANS

Aged 22

None

 

Rd SELBY

Aged 24

None

 

Wm TEGARTHER

Aged 26

None

 

Robt GREY

Aged 29

3 children

 

John LANE

Aged 30

None

 

 

The above humbly solicit from H. GOULBURN Esq an answer directed to Christopher FRANTZ, No 2 Clean Alley, Tooley Street

 

Address of each

 

Thos BOSLEY

No.27 Noel Court, Noel Street, Bermondsey New Road

Wm WILLIAMS

Do.

Chas QUINNELL

Do.

Christopher FRANTZ

No.2 Clean Alley, Tooley Street

Thos. DWYER

15 Cheese Court, Oxford Road

Rd EVANS

28 Gt. Marlborough Street

Rd SELBY

3 Tower Royal Court, Tower Royal, Budge Row

Wm TEGARTHER

Do.

Robt GREY

34 Gloucester Street, Lambeth

John LANE

20 Newton Street, Holborn

 

FRASER, James (1)

 

216

20 Old Street?

St.Lukes

11 September 1819

My Lord,

            I beg leave to submit to the approbation of your Lordship the ten individuals hereunder mentioned with whom I am ready to proceed to the new colony forming at the Cape of Good Hope, according to the conditions prescribed by Government and signified in your Lordship’s circular, which is now before me. Waiting the further orders of your Lordship I have the honour to be

Your Lordship’s most humble and most obedient servant

James FRASER

 

Names of Married

Names of Unmarried

Profession

Age

Number of Children under 14

Number of Children above 14

 

James FRASER

 

21

 

 

 

James BEDDINGTON

Agriculuralist

 

 

 

Isaac WILKINS

 

Coppersmith

24

 

 

Joseph ADAMS

 

Butcher

Bred a Farmer

29

 

 

Thomas SLOANE

 

Farmer

30

Three

 

Peter FINCH

 

Smith

27

Two

 

Thomas NECKEN?

 

Farmer

35

Two

 

John STENT

 

Carpenter

26

Two

 

 

Robert GORE

Farmer

21

 

 

 

Fred MORRITT

Carpenter

23

 

 

John CHARLTON

 

Farmer

22

 

 

 

FRASER, James (2)

 

218

Findon by Aberdeen

Sept 14th 1819

My Lord,

            I was duly honoured by receipt of your Lordship’s letter in answer to mine respecting the grant of land given by Government to officers in the Army and Navy and took the liberty to put some queries to Mr. H. GOULBURN your Lordship, to which I have not been favoured with an answer. I consequently suppose my letter never reached him. They were as follows. Whether the grounds granted were held on the same footing as a hereditary estate in Great Britain and if those officers going out were permitted to take out settlers with them as sub tenants, and if it was in the Governor’s power to place you where he might think proper or if the grants of land were drawn in the form of a Lottery and last of all what Documents were necessary to take from Europe with you as vouchers that your claim was properly founded. In hopes I shall be honoured with an answer to this as early as possible, I remain my Lord with the highest respect

Your most obed’t servant

James FRASER

Lt. Royal Navy

 

FRASER, John

 

171

No.2 George Street

Portman Square

London

August 9th 1819

My Lord,

            Observing by the Public Prints that it is the intention of His Majesty’s Government to permit any of His Majesty’s Subjects to emigrate under certain conditions to Southern Africa where land will be given to them on their arrival to locate themselves, I have taken the freedom of writing to your Lordship respectfully to enquire whether a half-pay officer with a wife & family who had procured leave of absence would be permitted to proceed to settle at the Cape under more favourable conditions than those promised to others of His Majesty’s Subjects who may not have served their country & whether the carrying out of “Ten able bodied individuals above the age of 18 years” would be dispensed with. Such H Pay officer having merely wherewith to enable him to purchase a few necessary implements of husbandry & to maintain his family & one servant as labourer until the period had arrived for the gathering of the first crop raised by his exertions.

            I humbly beg your Lordship’s pardon for this intrusion & have the honour to remain my Lord

Your Lordship’s most obed’t humble sev’t

John FRASER

1st Lieut Royal Marines

 

FRASER, Robert

 

115

Walkers Hotel No.10

Blackfriars Bridge

14 July 1819

Sir,

            You may remember perhaps my name being introduced to you many years ago by Mr. Hawkins BROWNE as attending to public improvements in agriculture and the fisheries. I am desirous of being more fully informed regarding the plan for colonising the lands at the Cape of Good Hope, their situation &c as I perhaps mean to be induced to take out a party of very usefull colonists.

I remain Sir

You most obedient and very humble servant

Rob FRASER

 

FRASER, William

 

205

80 Old Street

St Luke's

London

May it please Your Lordship

The Humble Representation and Petition of William FRASER

Sheweth 1st - That in the years 1798-9 I, the said William FRASER, twice traversed the extent of country from Cape Town to the Great Fish River, (the boundary of Caffraria).

- that, in that space, I was successively at Saldanah Bay, Mussel Bay and Algoa Bay

- that being there a bombardier in the 1st Batt’n Royal Regt. of Artillery, under the command of Sir Francis DUNDAS and attached to the Commissariat Department under Deputy Commissary General PRINGLE - I, the said William FRASER, became thoroughly acquainted with the state, situation and resources of the country, and in a great [measure] with the names and language of the native Boers, the Hottentots, and the Caffres.

Further: - that the fertility of the soil, the quality of the water, the salubrity of the climate and various other advantages in the neighbourhood of Algoa Bay, drew my attention particularly to that spot, and I even then was struck with the appropriateness of the situation for establishing a Colony; and I would, long ere now, (had not my Duty in the Regiment prevented me) have gone to the Cape of Good Hope with a view of settling at Algoa Bay.

Further: - that I am now desirous of proceeding there according to the plan arranged by government and can say without ostentation that I would be generally useful to the Colony, and I am ready to make myself so, under the directions of Government if required.

Further: - that in the year 1817, I was discharged from the Regiment (being then a sergeant at the East India College, Addiscombe, and having been nineteen years a non-commissioned officer) with a pension of thirty pounds per annum - which united with all my efforts, proves inadequate for the support of my family, consisting of a stout useful lad of 14 years, and five younger children.

Lastly: - that nine respectable heads of families are willing to join with me, to form the number ordered by Government, - the most part of whom are agriculturalists, 2 coppersmiths and one blacksmith.

The Petition[er].

Humbly assures your Lordship that certificates of sobriety, steadiness and general good character can be obtained from the different officers under whom I have from time to time been employed – and.

Implores your Lordship to condescend to inform me, the said William FRASER, whether (as has been allowed to foreigners in His Majesty's service, and retiring to their native country) four or five years of my pension, might not be paid down, for the comfortable removal of my family to, and establishment at Algoa Bay - on condition of my forfeiting all future claims on Government.

Unprompted and unassisted, I have presumed to address your Lordship, and your Lordship's petitioner humbly requests the sentiments of your Lordship on the subject.

I have the honor to be my Lord

Your Lordship's most obedient & most humble servant

William FRASER

 

[In clerk’s hand]

Enclosed circular.  Added that his application for a commutation of his pension must be addressed to Treasury.

To Lord Viscount SIDMOUTH

 

FREELING, J.C. re John SMITH

 

249

To[R] PENN Esq

November 22.

Dear Sir

Some time since I left at your office the papers of a person of the name "John SMITH" whose case you were good enough to hear me explain.  He is upon the point of sailing for the Cape, and as some certificates were enclosed which he thinks may prove of service to him, will you be kind enough to return them to me at your earliest convenience?

I am my dear Sir

Faithfully yours

J. C. FREELING

 

FREEMAN, William

 

226

Irthlingborough

29 Sep’t 1819

My Lord

Since an emigration to the Cape of Good Hope has been spoken of I have entertained a strong inclination to avail myself of the offer made by Government.

I have a wife and two children and as the former is rather timid at the thought of the voyage, and the prospect of procuring a subsistance for the first few months; I have taken the liberty to ask of your Lordship that information which a remote country village will not afford.

I think some explanation of myself necessary as an apology for the liberty I take in addressing your Lordship.  I bore a commission for three years prior to the peace of 1802 in the 1st West York Militia at that time commanded by Lord FITZWILLIAM, and in the interval of peace I went into business which did not succeed and now I keep a school which will not keep me.  I shall be able to take with me two or three hundred pounds.  The honor of an early reply will much oblige

Your Lordship's most obedient servant

William FREEMAN 

 

Qn 1st. Can my family be accommodated with a passage free of expense to the intended settlement, and take with us necessary furniture?

2. Can we be sure of the grant of 100 acres of land upon the terms stated?

3. Can we purchase provision at or near the intended settlement until the first crop be fit for use; or will it be necessary to provide ourselves from this country?

4. Can we take 1 or two other families paying in every case the required deposit, and in that case will each head of a family be accommodated with 100 acres of land?

5. Is any time or times, place or places fixed for embarcation?

 

Please to direct

W. FREEMAN

School Master

Irthlingborough

near Higham Ferrers

Northamptonshire

 

FREEMANTLE, Jonathan

 

131

No. 4 Smiths Arms Place

Church Lane

Whitechapel

27 July 1819

Sir

Having observed by the public newspapers that his Majesty's Government are pleased to offer a free passage to persons willing to emigrate to the Cape of Good Hope and such other arrangement as they, under the circumstances of each individual case, may think proper.

I beg leave to state that I am desirous of availing myself of it and that I am a hatter by trade with a wife and four children and that we are named and aged as follows, viz

 

Jonathan FREEMANTLE aged

46 years

Sarah FREEMANTLE

34

John

14

Sarah

10

James

6

Mary

2

 

I beg leave further to state that I have been eight years in his Majesty's navy and that during the above period I have been on board the Hawke Captains BARTON & BOWEN and on board the Dryad Lord BEAUCLERK and was discharged from the service at the peace of Ameins.

I have worked at my business since I left the Navy but in consequence of the general depression in trade I am not now able to get any work and I trust therefore you will consider that I am a proper person to be sent to the Cape and entitled to the encouragement offered.

I remain Sir

Your most obed hble st

Jon. FREEMANTLE

 

FRENCH, George

 

186

Hackney

Aug 16, 1819

Sir

The undernamed individuals wishes to procede as settlers to the Cape of good hope if they Appear Eligible to his Lordship the terms by which Goverment intend to propose to the settlers I should wish to receive as soon as you may think it convenient.

I remain Sir your obedient and most humble servent

George FRENCH

 

To be left

Mrs GARDENERs

Maremaid, hackney.

 

George FRENCH

aged

22

Single

Gardener

Charles EDWARDS

Do.

19

Do.

Gardener

Samuel WILDSMITH

Do.

21

Do.

Gardener

Charles NEAVES

Do.

23

Do.

Cooper

Daniel CHALLARD

Do.

23

Do.

Baker

William RAFFEY

Do.

20

Do.

Labourer

Charles HUNT

Do.

19

Do.

Labourer

Thomas CAPPER

Do.

21

Do.

Coomb maker

James CAPPER

Do.

20

Do.

Baker

James DAVID

Do.

19

Do.

Furrier

 

FRIEDEBERG, Benjamin

 

117

20 Somersett Street

Aldgate

July 20th, 1819

Honorable Sir

In consequence of a public communication respecting the emigrating to the Cape of Good Hope I am requested to state for the consideration of your honor that numbers of loyal families of good character are desirous of embracing the opportunity offered should they be deemed eligible and to have it in their power to comply with the deposits required and others have small capital independent of the required deposits.  Under these circumstances I humbly beg leave to submit the following questions which I hope you will be pleased to condescend to cause to be answered in the most explicit manner as the nature of the enquiries will admit of.

Description of one family independent of such others who appear to be desirous of uniting in the embarkation.

Qn 1st. A husband aged 44 wife 40 son 21 daughter 18 daughter 17 daughter 13 son 12 son 9 being 8 in number and two or 3 relatives of proper ages in order to make up at least 10 in number independant of other families.

Qn 2nd. On the landing of such families in what manner are they to be supplied with habitations provisions implements utensils seed for cultivation livestock to produce increase also materials for erecting habitations etc. and by whom and in what manner and when are the same to be paid for if some of said families have not any capital for defraying such expenses should the same be absolutely necessary.

Qn 3rd.  Will the persons who so embark be restricted to cultivation who may not posses the knowledge or arts of tradesmen such as Carpenters Bricklayers Smiths Coopers Lawyers and other handicrafts etc or will such be permitted to barter with such capital which may not be required to the appropriation of cultivation.

Qn 4th.  Is it practicable for the several united families to have allotments granted as near to each other as possible in order to promote their interest and happiness in a foreign climate as they will be perhaps deprived of ever associating with their friends or relatives except those in question on this occasion. 

Qn 5th.  Will the persons so bringing the land into a full and proper state of cultivation after the period of a few years have the sanction of the Governor to dispose of the same to enable him or them to return to their native soil or to retire on the produce of his labours.

Qn 6th.  Should the different persons applications be approved of and their embarkation ordered what time will be given them for to prepare for their departure.

Waiting a reply.

In the interim I am Sir your most obedient humble servant

Benjamin FRIEDEBERG

 

FROST, George

 

220

The Punch Bowl

Spring Street

Sheffield

Sept 15 1819

Sir,

            Whe have sent to know the witch way whe are to presede to the Cape of Good Hope as whe have a great desire to go to that place. As whe made application before to go Canadas but the Govenment had dropt sending setlers so whe should wish to know the particulars.

George FROST aged 19 years Do. wife

James COCKAYNE aged 35 years Do. wife & 2 ch

Samuel COLEMAN aged 38 Do. wife & 4 ch

John BROOKFIELD aged 22 Do. wife & 3 ch

George FROST aged 40 Do. wife

 

Sir, you will please to direct for George FROST in the Punch Bowl, Spring Street, Sheffield

 

FULTON, Thomas

 

138

Kilmarnock

28 July 1819

My Lord,

            Having understood that encouragement is about to be offered to his Majesty’s subjects to emigrate to the Cape of Good Hope, I beg leave to solicit your Lordship will be pleased to give necessary orders how I might procure a passage to that canton for myself, wife and four children. I likewise observe that there is a surtint sum to be depasited before embarcation according to the famley respectfully but as I am a poor man and out of employment it is not in my poure to depasit that sum & as I am a British punsionar at 6d pur diam and has served my country faithfully I humble beg your Lordship will take it in to considrition and direct such infammation ma be sent me as your Lordship ma think proper.

I am my Lord

Your Lordship’s humble & obd’t servant

Thos. FULTON

Late Serj’t 85th Regiment

 

PARKER, William (filed under F)

 

255

26 Dec 1819

Will’m NORMAN Labourer 36 years of age

Jane his wife 33 one child Maria 8 yrs of age

In the room of Henry HUNT & his wife

 

Will’m DOUGLAS Bricklayer 39 years of age

In the room of Jonathan THORNTON

 

George HAWKS Ropemaker 21 years of age

In the room of Henry BEAVER

 

John JOBSON has no child. May not NORMAN’s child be placed in the room of JOBSON’s

 

Mr. Will’m PARKER

Passage near Cork

West Ireland