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.

GABLE, James

333

August 1 1819

Sir

I have heard that you treat with people for the emigration to the Cape off good Hope. I have a wish to settle there, should be glad if you would give me instructions how to proscede on the business I having served in the N service as a joiner and cabinetmaker. I have a wife but no family & in good health being only married 4 years whas discharg’d from the Gorgon 44 guns should be glad of an answer as soon as convenient & please to direct for James GABLE at Mr WATHMORES 33 tothill street westminster

PS I likewise can make all sorts of Carpenters tools & should be happy if you would inform me who to apply to respecting going & by so doing you will much oblige your humble servant

James GABLE

GALLOWAY, William

277

July 20 1819

Honour’d Sir

I take the liberty of writing to you as I am inform’d that some mechanics are wanted to go to the Cape of Good Hope and as I have served my time to a Smith and Engineer, aged 31 years and free from incumbrance and resides at No. 40 Crown St, Soho.

Sir I am with due respect

Your obliged humble servant

W’m GALLOWAY

[on same page]

Honoured Sir

My name is Thomas SMITH by trade a Smith aged 24 years and resides at No. 6 Little St Andrew Street, 7 Dials, has a wife but no family and wishes to go to the Cape of Good Hope.

Sir I Remain Your

Most Humble Servant

Tho’s SMITH

287

No. 40 Crown Street

Soho

July 22

Sir

I received your favour of a circular letter respecting the emigration to the Cape of Good hope (which I wrote for) & for which I humbly return you thanks. But in the perusal of the same I cannot learn in what manner I am to proceed (on my arrival there) in order to gain a livelihood or maintenence for myself & family, therefore shall thank you for a propper explanation to the same because I can form no idea in in [sic] what situation I shall be placed in on my arrival except to be placed in an unknown [territory] without any means of subsistence etc.

Therefore your full and clear diffinition or explanation to the above will greatly oblige Sir

Your most humble & obedient servant

W’m GALLOWAY

NB I shall thank you for an imediate answer directed thus

No. 40 Crown Street, Soho

GAMBLE, James

279

Bull and Mouth Inn

Whitechapel

July 20, 1819

2 p.m.

May it please your Lordship

Craving pardon for the intrusion but being given to understand that Government have offered situations to such of His Majesty's subjects that have no objection to settle at the Cape of Good Hope, I being a young man, trained to husbandry, having no incumbrance, voluntarily offer myself to fill any situation I might be thought capable of; and should my supplication be sanctioned by your Lordship's approval, it would confer a lasting obligation on

Your Lordship's most humble, obedient and respectful servant

James GAMBLE

GARDENER, Francis

324

Birmingham

August 24, 1819

Honoured Sir

With great respect I take this opportunity of writing to you hoping you will please to excuse the freedom that I take on this subject being informed that government intends to extend the colony at the Cape of good Hope by allotting a quantity of land to any person that chooses to go to the Cape. I should wish very much to have a quantity of land allotted to me there. My relations are most of them farmers. My father Richard GARDENER rents a farm under Lord FOLEY some of my relations rent under Sir Thomas WINNERTON if you think proper to write to either of the stewards they can give you the same information.

Lord FOLEY'S steward, Mr Selby WHITLEY or to Mr Joseph HARRIS Esq, Worcester, Sir Thomas WINNERTON’S steward.

I hope I shall raise some money among my friends towards stocking the farm and what Government may think proper to advance my father will be bound for the repayment of the same. I am a single man 28 years of age healthy and strong, reside at Mr POUNTREY'S Grocer, High Street. You will excuse me writing to you Sir, I did not know anyone else that could give me information & a letter from your office will much oblige your humble servant

Francis GARDENER

at Mr POUNTREY'S Grocer, Birmingham

GARDNER, Edward (see also William CHESHIRE’s correspondence in CO48/42)

447

Care of the Gov’r of the Birmingham Workhouse

October 6^th 1819

Sir,

Agreeably to your instructions I herewith return the 3 Lists I had the honor to receive with your Letter of the 30^th ult. The Persons therein named are not identically those I first proposed, as is explained in the inclosed note to which I request your reference.

Should any further information be requisite or any misapprehensions respecting your instructions I shall feel obliged by an intimation thereof & the needful shall, in such case, be supplied with the least possible delay. I have the honor to be Sir

Your most ob. Sevt.

Edward GARDNER

477

October 21^st 1819

My Lord,

As a fortnight as now ellapsed since I returned the printed Lists in the order according to your directions and the candidates have also engaged with me to emigrate to the Cape of Good Hope having disposed with their property are fearfull least after all they should be rejected, under such circumstances I make bold to address your Lordship hoping at the same time you will not take it as an intrussion addressing your Lordship again upon the subject. An answer to this affect as soon as you can make it conveniant with every other information you see useful will much oblige

Your most obdt humble sevt

Edward GARDNER

508

No.7 Brill Crescent

Summerstown

London

Dec 3^rd 1819

Sir,

Through some error on the part of Messrs ESDALE & Co, to whom our money was remitted upwards of a month ago and not receiving any instructions how to proceed and hearing of several vessels sailing from the Port of London whither we are arrived with our luggage, should esteem it a favour if you would have the goodness to order the arrangements for our embarkation in this River, our money being nearly expended in consequence of the depression of Trade and the expences of our journey to Town we sincerely hope you will grant us this favour as we understand a line from you to the Navy Office will be sufficient

Your obed’t sevt

Edward GARDNER

GARLAND, Matthew

326

21 Westmorland Place

City Road

2 Aug 1819

My Lord,

In reply to a letter addressed to the Chancellor of the Exchequer stating my wish to proceed to the Cape of Good Hope with about twenty settlers, I am referred to your Lordship for the information required in regard to the emigration proposed to encourage, must therefore request the favour to be made acquainted with the situation of the New Colony, the distance from Cape Town and if any direct Road & whether it is the intention of Government to afford the new settlers any further assistance than what is noticed in the circular. To me it appears indispensably necessary they should be furnished with a temporary habitation on landing, implements of husbandry, seeds &c as no man can possibly know what is wanted till he is acquainted with the nature of the soil he has to cultivate. If the town in the vicinity of the new settlement is capable of supplying sustenance for the settlers untill such time they procure it by industry, likewise what steps it is necessary for me to take to obtain the proposed assistance.

I remain your Lordship’s humble servant

Matt’w GARLAND

405

21 Westmorland Place

City Road

3 Sep 1819

My Lord,

As it may be expected the enclosed favor from Mr. ROTHSCHILD should be accompanied with a list of the persons who are desirous of becoming settlers at the Cape of Good Hope under my direction. I beg leave to submit the following for your Lordship’s approbation. There are three or four more but I have not enquired their character at present.

I remain with due respect your Lordship’s servant

M. GARLAND

John LONDON and family

Henry LOWRIE and family

Thomas STOKES and family

Garrett BARRY and family

William NEWLAND and family

John WALLIS and family

John BROWN and family

Lawrence DONOHUE

Walter WEBB

George LOYDD

407

21 Westmorland Place

City Road

Sep 20 1819

My Lord,

The annexed is a detailed statement of all the persons desirous of becoming settlers at the Cape of Good Hope under my direction which I beg leave to submit for your Lordship’s approbation, with an assurance that I am ready to conform to all the conditions that may be required by His Majesty’s Government

I remain your Lordship’s humble servant

M. GARLAND

Name and Description of the Person taking out the Settlers:

Matthew William GARLAND

Late Merch’t

Age 43

Ann aged 40

Children:

Catherine 13

Clara 11

Louisa 9

Julia 7

Emma 4

Names of Settlers	Profession or Trade	Age	Names of Women	Age	Male Children	Ages	Female Children	Ages
John LONDON	Bricklayer	43	Margarett	45			Isabella/Charlotte/Marion	17/13/12
Lawrence DONOHUE	Labourer	25	Ann	20
John BRITT	Woodcutter	42	Ann	38	James	9	Ann	6
William BRITT	Shoemaker	43	Francis	39	Charles/John	3/1
John BRITT	Shoemaker	21	Margarett	21
Henry LOWRIE	Carpenter	39	Eleanor	38	Henry	10	Eleanor	4
Thos. STOKES	Taylor	42	Elizabeth	45	Samuel	9	Harriett	6
Walter WEBB	Ropemaker	25	Elizabeth	18
John BROWN	Husbandman	35	Ann	24
Richard SCOTT	Gardiner	20
George LOYDD	Cabinet maker	24
John WILLIAMS	Bellows maker	34

408

Aug 16 1819

My Lord,

The Bearer Mr. Matthew GARLAND being desirous of obtaining an appointment under the Regulations of Government as a settler in the New Colony at the Cape of Good Hope, I consequently beg leave to recommend him as an applicant truly worthy your attention, and he having under more affluent circumstances pursued a merchantile career is wishful in the event of his success that the portion of land to be allotted to him may be as near Algoa Bay as possible in order that if allowable he may avail himself of the double advantage of Agriculture & Trade

Your Lordship’s most obed’t sev’t

N.M. GOLLENTZ

John ROWALL

Benj. THORPE

GARNAR, Edward

291

No.1 Rockingham Court

Newington Butts

June 26^th 1819

Sir,

I take the liberty of addressing a few lines to you requesting the necessary information concerning a settlement forming at the Cape of Good Hope for the reception of men and families out of employment. The branch of business I profess (a branch of Spanish leather dressing) has been greatly injured from the introduction of machinery, which has reduced a number of us to the brinck of starvation. We do not pretend to understand much of agriculture but presume we should soon learn sufficient for our purpose. A man actuated with a wish to see his family comfortably provided with the necessaries of life will make great exertions to accomplish so desirable a purpose. The cause of the present agitated state of the country no doubt arises from this source more than from disaffection to the Government. Who can describe the agonised and desperate feelling that take possetion of a man on hearing his children cry for food and can procure none for them. I fear this is the case of thousands at this moment. A heavy responsibility rests on the Governors of a country who see those Evils and will not exert themselves to remove them. I hope it will not be accounted presumtion in an humble individual hasarding an opinion that there is far more land lying waste than would give employment and bread to those starving thousands in this country, where it could be cultivated under the immediate inspection of Government instead of trusting to agents or interested speculators, and if very industrious man would have a portion delt out to him has permanent property it would be a great inducement to be laborious and would had [add] strength and wealth to the country at large. How could the emence population of the Great Empire of China be supported but from the encouragement given by the Government to Agriculture; if my information is correct the very tops of their hills and bottoms of their canals are made to produce sustenance for man; why should we be behindhand with them. There is not a more industrious people than Englishmen in the Universe if proper encouragement is given them. I hope I shall be excused for making these remarcks. It is the duty of every man to wish well to his country for unless something is done to lessen the distresses of the manufacturing classes I fear dreadfull will be the consequences. I have 5 children all Boys and I care not what I do to procure for them the permanent means of support. There are several others willing to embark with me in this undertaking but I know they will have an objection to entering into any engagement with speculative adventurers as is to often the practice in Colonization.

I remain respectfully

Edward GARNAR

GARRETT, Richard

390

Ringwood

Aug 25^th 1819

Sir,

Being desirous of going out with about 10 able bodied industrious men as settlers to the Cape of Good Hope on the conditions proposed by Government I take leave to apply for further information on the subject previous to any arrangements preparatory thereto; I observe it is intended to select from the several applicants those who may appear the most eligible, but it is not stated in what manner they are to proceed in order to ascertain whether their offers will be accepted; it is also desirable to know in what part of country they will be located & whether if the climate should not agree with the person taking out a Party of Settlers, or for any other cause, he will be enabled to transfer his right & interest in the lands allotted to him, so as to get reimbursed for what he may have expended in improvements &c. I beg leave to add that I was brought up in agricultural habits, tho’ not so engaged at present & am possessed, I conceive, of sufficient capital for the undertaking.

I am Sir your obedient servant

Rich’d GARRETT

Any further information that may be thought usefull will be thankfully received.

495

Ringwood

Nov 19 1819

Sir,

I beg leave to state that in August last I applied for leave to be allowed to go out with a Party of Settlers to the Cape of Good Hope and was informed in reply that unless I transmitted a detailed statement of the number, names and ages of all the persons I proposed to take under my direction my application would not be attended to; this I delayed to do, in consequence of not being able to complete the arrangement of my affairs for leaving this country before the end of January next. May I request to be informed that if the statement required be now transmitted whether it is too late to be taken into consideration.

I am Sir your most obed’t sev’r

Rich’d GARRETT

GAUGAIN, Philip John

350

15 Upper Thornaugh Street

7 August 1819

Mr. P. GAUGAIN having formed an idea of settling at, or in the vicinity of, the Cape of Good Hope agreeable to the proposals published by Government And those proposals are not giving the information necessary for the accomplish[ment] of such undertaking, wishes to be informed what other advantages will be given to him upon performing the conditions specified.

1^st in what manner will the ten persons be secured to the settler

2^nd what implements of Husbandry & Agriculture Government will supply

3^rd what tonnage will be exclusively allowed to that place

4^th whether the settler must take with him the whole number of persons or whether Government will supply them in case the settler should not be provided

5^th will any greater portion of land be granted to the settler upon his giving proofs of his ability to cultivate

401

No 10 Norfolk Street

Middlesex Hospital

Sept 1^st 1819

Sir,

I herewith transmit the names and descriptions of the persons engaged with me agreeable to the proposals from Government made to those who wish to emigrate to Southern Africa in the vicinity of Algoa Bay. I request as a particular favour to know what additional grant of land or other advantages will be made if I pay our several passages to the Colony.

As early an answer as possible will greatly oblige that I may upon the proposition being accepted make the other necessary arrangements.

I am Sir your most obed’t humble sev’t

Ph’p Jno. GAUGAIN

Goldsmith

Names	Ages	Residence	Description	Profession
Philip John GAUGAIN	31	10 Norfolk St, Middlesex Hospital	Single	Goldsmith
Richard SATCHWELL	21	7 Ebury Street, Chelsea	Single	Gentleman
Joseph OVERTON	29	32 Theobalds Rd, Bloomsbury	Married 1 child	Farmer
Peter THOMPSON	22	5 Princess St, Leicester Fields	Married 2 children	Chaser
John MORTON	28	Ongar, Essex	Married no child	Farmer
George WILKINSON	21	Bulven, Essex	Single	Farmer
Alexander JOHNSON	22	Shelly, Essex	Single	Farmer
James NEALE	28	2 Sharpes Court, Trinity Lane	Single	Carpenter
John McCARTHY	25	2 Sharpes Court, Trinity Lane	Single	Carpenter
Edward RYAN	30	Moorfields	Married 2 children	Carpenter
James WRIGHT	28	Ingatestone, Essex	Single	Farmer
Robert BERRY	21	Mountnessing, Essex	Single	Farmer
Edward HILLIARD	26	Mountnessing, Essex	Married 1 child	Farmer

Note: the children are all under 14 years of age

GEDDES, James

266

7 Finsbury Place

15 July 1819

Sir,

Understanding that His Majesty’s Government have it in contemplation to encourage emigration to the Cape of Good Hope to form a new settlement on the south eastern part of that colony, I will feel particularly obliged by your informing me as near as possible the spot which is fixed for that purpose, and also what are to be the conditions granted to those who may wish to become settlers.

I am Sir your most humble obed’t sev’t

James GEDDES

GEDDES, William

281

Wribbinhole

Near Bewdley

Worcestershire

21^st July 1819

My Lord,

From what I can learn from newspaper report it seems to be the intention of His Majesty’s Ministers to encourage industrious men with familys to emigrate to the Cape of Good Hope. I hope your Lordship will pardon my presumption in addressing myself to you but I know of no other way but through the means of your Lordship of being made acquainted with the particulars. The Business I have followed through my life is that of a gardener, and have beside a good knowledge of Agriculture in general and have fill’d respectable situations with credit to myself and satisfaction to my employers, Proofs of which I can give to your Lordship’s satisfaction. I have also to inform your Lordship that I am at present disengaged and have no other motive in leaving my native country than that of bettering my condition and providing for a numerous family which I have already got and still likely to encreas. I am my Lord well awair that the length of the voyage will be attended with many unpleasant inconveniences but I have made up my mind to sacrifice a present comfort if a future good can be obtained. It may perhaps save trouble and be satisfactory to your Lordship to know the ages of myself and family. I was born in Oxfordshire AD1874, my wife in Warwickshire AD1780, both healthy and good constitutions. Five children two boys & three girls the oldest seven years. I have little more property than what we shall want to furnish us with things necessary for the voyage if your Lordship should condesend to give us encouragement to undertake it.

I am your Lordship’s most obedient and verry humble servant to command

William GEDDES

GEOGHEGAN, Miles and William EAGER

425

Fermoy

Sept 20 1819

The humble petition of Miles GEOGHEGAN and Wil’m, EAGER jointly soliciting your Lordship to take into Consideration the Case of your Humble Petitioners who most humbly Pray that your Lordship in your Most Excellent Wisdom would be graciously pleas’d to grant us with our families free passage to His Majesty’s Colony in the Cape of Good Hope. We have both of us served His Majesty and hold a pension from Chelsea Hospital. We are both young and have small familys and also being tradesmen we would most willingly immigrate if your Lordship would be graciously pleas’d to accept our Service.

Petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray

Miles GEOGHEGAN have wife and two children with Brother of 16 years of age, a Mason by trade, and sister of 17 years of age who would most humbly [receive?] your Lordship’s orders to go

William EAGAR have wife and three sons, is a Carpenter by trade. Miles GEOGHEGAN a Stonecutter by trade.

Miles GEOGHEGAN } Chelsea Pensioners

William EAGAR }

GIBBS, Samuel

306

29^th July 1819

My Lord,

The difficulties I have experienced in bringing up and maintaining my family induces me to take advantage of the offer made by His Majesty’s Government for sending out settlers to the Cape of Good Hope should I be deemed fit for such purpose.

I was brought up as a Farmer and have since practiced the trade of a Butcher consequently I have had experience of agricultural matters & complete knowledge of stock &c. My family consists of my Wife & Five Children, two boys and three girls, the eldest 19 years, the youngest 6 years. Should this application be honored by your notice I can produce the most satisfactory testimonials for character. A reply directed as under will greatly oblige

Your Lordship’s most obed’t and respectful servant

Samuel GIBBS

No.2 Manifold Place

Newington

Surry

GIBSON, Thomas

294

No.1 Trump St

King St

Cheapside

July 27^th 1819

My Lord,

I take the liberty of asking your Lordship the following questions respecting the emigration to the Cape of Good Hope.

What time the ships sail, where from & what luggage the passengers are permitted to take out with them, whether it is confined to weight or compass & whether they will be allowed to take out goods from this country on speculation.

As one person takes out ten or more families & pays a deposit of ten pounds for every such family, whether he has the 100 acres himself or the persons he is taking out or whether an individual upon paying his own deposit could go upon his own foundation & be under no control from any other person.

What part of the Cape it is intended to settle & if any part of the grant voted by Parliament is to be appropriated to the use of the settlers.

Hoping my Lord you will not think these questions too ?? I remain my Lord

Yr Lordship’s most humble serv’t

Wm.Thomas BROWN

Thos. GIBSON

GIBSON, W.D. (filed under D at CO48/42)

801

Cummertree

7 Oct 1819

Dear Sir,

Mr. THOMSON late of Charlesfield, who has an idea of going with his family to the Cape of Good Hope as a settler, applied to Lord QUEENSBERRY yesterday [obscured] you would have the goodness to make some [obscured] as to the encouragement given by Government to settlers going to that Colony, but his Lordship being from home to Edinburgh and not having time to write, desired me to do so on that subject. Lord MELVILLE was applied to some time ago by THOMSON, who wrote to Lord BATHURST on the Aug last in Mr. T’s favour, but as no answer as yet received and being very anxious to get as much information as possible, he would be much obliged to you if you would apply to Lord BATHURST on his behalf.

Mr. THOMSON can get many recommendations in his favour such as Lord QUEENSBERRY’s, General DIXON’s, Mr. CURWEN’s and many others; and as you know Mr. THOMSON personally you can recommend him yourself to his Lordship as a person of respectability and very capable of taking a charge in the settlement under Government if it should be necessary. Mr. THOMSON’s family consists of 5 sons, his wife and daughter who are to go with him, besides some workers to assist him in carrying on his agricultural pursuits, and wishes to be informed how much land will be allowed to himself and family and for the workmen he may take with him. Mr. THOMSON has already been making arrangements with the hopes of succeeding in getting out and will be much disappointed if he does not. When you write to Mr. THOMSON, address him at Foulsby, by Annan.

I am dear Sir your obed’t sevt

W.D. GIBSON

GILBERT, John

399

Wicklow

September 1: 1819

The memorial of John GILBERT of Sandymount near Wicklow. Farmer.

Sheweth

That memorialist applied early in August for leave to proceed to the Cape, with settlers, but for want of form in the application or some other cause, instead of the expected leave he received two printed circulars which contained no information but what memorialist was already in possession of.

That memorialist again begs leave to propose taking upon himself the care of thirty individuals, some with, and some without families or any less number your Lordship may think proper to admit.

That memorialist wishes to act in strict conformity with his Majesty's regulations and earnestly requests he may not lose the opportunity of proceeding to the Cape as he has already missed his passage to the United States and memorialist as bound in duty

Will ever pray

GILBERTSON, M

403

Hertford

Sept 2 1819

Sir

I write to you in behalf of an individual residing at Newcastle upon Tyne who is with his wife desirous of going to the Cape of Good Hope. He is a good scholar, and of respectable connections and would go with any person appointed by government from that part of the country in order to avail himself of the advantages proposed by them, but he is unable to hear of any person being appointed from that place, could you give me any information how the person I allude to can succeed in joining a respectable person or persons in that part I shall feel much obliged, or if he could be appointed to take the charge of a certain number agreeable to the printed circular issued from Downing St.

I am, Sir

your most obedient servant

M. GILBERTSON

GILFILLAN, W

490

Regent Street

Westminster

4^th Nov’r 1819

Sir

Having served for many years in the Frontier of the Cape of Good Hope as an officer in the Army, since which I have been placed on half pay and being desirous of returning to the Cape to settle in the interior for which my funds are altogether inadequate I beg you may be graciously pleased to grant me a passage with the settlers now on the point of going.

I have the honor to be

Sir your most ob’t humb’l s’t

W. GILFILLAN

H.P. Lieutenant 60^th Regt.

GILLARD, William

388

No. 16 Callow Hill Street

Bristol

25 August 1819

My Lord

I humbly beg to inform your Lordship that I am a stout able-bodied man aged 27 always brought up to agriculture that I wish to go to the Cape of Good Hope with my wife as I can advance the ten pound required for that purpose and I humbly solicit that your Lordship will please to allow me to go to the Cape is a settler your Lordship's answer with information will much oblige

My Lord

Your Lordship's humble servant

William GILLARD X his mark

GILLATT, Thomas

370

Heeley

17th Augt 1819

The humble petition of Thomas GILLATT, of Heeley, near Sheffield, in the county of York.

Most humbly sheweth

that your humble petitioner has served his Majesty as a soldier, in the campaigns of Spain, Portugal and France, but in consequence of not being able to obtain employment, he is become desirous to emigrate to the Cape of Good hope, being informed that a settlement is about to be formed there, therefore your petitioner humbly prayeth that your Lordship will take his case into consideration

and your petitioner will as in duty bound ever pray.

GILLBEE, N

285

Northfleet near Gravesend

July 22, 1819

My lord!

I beg leave most respectfully to apologise for the liberty in addressing you on the subject of soliciting a grant of land on the south east coast of Africa, near the Cape of Good Hope.

I have been a practical farmer in this county many years, to a considerable extent, and am perfectly acquainted in all its branches, likewise of feeding and breeding of cattle.

I have from mercantile losses been induced to solicit this favour sir which if not trespassing on your favor, would wish for another grant of land for my son, now 20 years of age.

I beg leave to state to your Lordship that during the late war when in affluence I held for his Majesty services fifteen hundred pounds worth of meal, forage, etc, without either expecting or wishing for a remuneration, nor would I have mentioned them but to show my [reliable] loyalty to my Sovereign. My name is familiar to Sir Ed. KNATCHBULL & Sir Fr. [GEARY], of this County, if your Lordship should require testimonials of my conduct during this late endeavour [your] and in which I held for many years a Captain’s commissing in the West Kent Regt of Militia [transcriber’s note: most likely referring to the West Kent Militia, as the West Kent Regiment of Militia was founded only in 1881] under the late Duke of Dorset, & who was pleased to be particularly satisfied with my conduct, I can readily procure it.

I am, my lord

your Lordship's very humble servant

N. GILLBEE

322

Northfleet near Gravesend

Kent

August 2, 1819

My lord

I duly acknowledge the receipt of circular letter forwarded to me on the 24th ultimo and upon perusing it am satisfied you will allow me the particular honor of receiving a grant of land near the Cape of Good Hope and I will be prepared to embark for the colony at the time specified in November.

Probably it may be requisite for further encouragement for any number of men I may take out for agriculture, and may it please your Lordship to allow a grant of 50 or 100 acres of land to each of them provided they serve me seven years with diligence and fidelity.

An early reply will my Lord add an additional obligation on

Your Lordship's obedient humble servt

N. GILLBEE

359

Northfleet near Gravesend

August 13, 1819

My lord!

I was duly honored with Your Lordships letter of the 12th inst. It is my wish to sollicit the favor of a grant of 1000 acres of land at the Cape of Good Hope - agreeable to the circular letter - and to be prepared with ten men to cultivate the same.

There are some persons equally anxious to avail themselves of his Majesty's gracious grant, but they are informed, they will be compelled to give up a [?mority?] of the land to the men after having been at the expence of clearing the same. If this is his Majesty's intention I fear it will be injurious to the success of the intended colony.

If your Lordship could offer this then, a small quantity of land for this important use after a certain period of service the colony would be simultaneously attended and his Majesty might select from them a colonial militia if required that would be a security against the natives, and at no further expense [other] than Arms & ammunition.

I shall consider myself honoured by Your Lordships early reply to my offer of services.

I am my lord

Your very obedt and humble servt

N. GILLBEE

433

Northfleet near Gravesend

Oct 1, 1819

My Lord

As the time is fast approaching for persons who may be permitted to settle at the Cape of Good Hope to embark I hope your Lordship will pardon this intrusion. I have provided ten able men to accompany me to the settlement provided your Lordship approved of our services. Waiting your further commands.

I am, my Lord

Your Lordship's very obed servt

N. GILLBEE

467

Northfleet near Gravesend

October 20, 1819

My lord!

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Mr GOULBURNs circular letter of the 14th inst. apprizing me that the whole number of persons intended to be sent to the Cape of Good Hope for the present year are completed.

I feel considerable disappointed, as I was early in my application to your Lordship for a grant of land in that colony. I was in hopes my services to his Majesty during the threatened invasion of this country would have met your Lordship's favour.

Altho’ I am at present disappointed still I am in hopes, your Lordship as one of his Majesty's ministers & advisers, you will not allow my past services to pass unrequited and that your Lordship will be enabled to place me in a situation of comfort & at the same time enable me to show my gratitude, not only to my King & country, but also to your Lordship.

I have to lament the death of my respected friend Sir Ed. KNATCHBULL [transcriber’s note:- 8th Baronet, of Mersham Hatch, 1760-1819] who was with Sir Fr. [GEARY] acquainted with my services and my loyalty.

I have the honour to be

My Lord!

Your Lordship's obed and humble servt

N GILLBEE

GINN, Robert

328

30 Brewer St

Golden Square

3 Aug’t 1819

Sir,

Having been written to by two young men Carpenters now in Dublin James TATE aged about 20 and Humphrey TATE brother to the above aged 14 or 15, they want to be sent to the Cape of Good Hope when a new colony is to be formed. And understanding that it is through you Sir that I am to receive any information requisite induces me to take the liberty. Should be glad to know if they can be sent from any Port in Ireland. They are without any incumb now. I have the honor to be, Sir, waiting your pleasure

Your obed’t hbl sev’t

Robert GINN

GLADSTONE, John MP re HAYHURST’s Party

[Transcriber’s Note: John GLADSTONE, MP for Liverpool, was the father of William E. GLADSTONE, four times British Prime Minister during the reign of Queen Victoria]

346

Liverpool

7 August 1819

Dear Sir,

I have many enquiries and applications for emigration to the Cape of Good Hope. There seems a strong to take that direction amongst those who had previously contemplated the United States but information as to the time & place of embarkation made & terms of conveyance, quarter of destination, in addition to what the public circular contains, is applied for. I mean the detail of the plans & there does not appear to be any one here authorised to give it.

I am inclined to think that the means of conveyance may be provided here on more reasonable terms than from the Thames & I understand that there is a disposition amongst those intending to emigrate to prefer providing conveyance for themselves if the Government were disposed to allow them a moderate sum as a consideration for the expence, payable after they arrived in the Colony.

Would you be good enough to inform me if this is likely to be acceded to & to put me in possession of such general information of views and intentions of Government as it may be wished should be made known here, which I will put in train for that object. Believe me in truth my dear Sir

Yours respectfully

John GLADSTONE

379

Seaforth House near Liverpool

August 24, 1819

My dear Sir

I had the pleasure on Saturday last - but I find it necessary to trouble you again on the subject of emigration to the Cape. Of those who are likely to embark here for that destination, a large proportion will consist of cotton weavers and others connected with that manufacture, as it is those of their class that had the greatest difficulty, first, in procuring employ’t, & next sufficient remuneration, when employed, to support their families. By the order in Council dated in November 1813 the statutes forbidding their emigration to foreign countries, and the punishment of those who may entice or contract with such manufacturers so to emigrate either to foreign countries, or British colonies or possessions, are published in the Gazette, that they may be more generally made known to such as contemplate doing so. It appears that altho’ the Law, as it now stands, forbids any one to entice or contract with such manufacturer, so to emigrate, & in such case inflicts a heavy penalty, yet it does not prevent the manufacturer from doing so of his own accord; but the officers of the customs here inform me that they do prevent, as far as they properly can, such persons from emigrating, & that they have been instructed by the Board to this effect - it is therefore on this point that I now trouble you. My apology must be, the very strong conviction I feel, that every difficulty which it is practicable or advisable to remove, that is now in the way of such emigration, ought to be done away with. Our population, particularly in this county, grows upon us with a rapidity, that the means of employment, though also gradually increasing, cannot keep pace with, the burdens occasioned by the present practical application of the Poor Laws are becoming daily more severe, and the number of those who are able to work but who state that they cannot find employ’t, that now resort to the Parishes for assistance, is becoming alarmingly great, once accustomed to this source for support, they become too generally indifferent to laudable exertion, thus degraded in their own eyes, they are too apt to give themselves up to such habits as produce discontent & a desire for mischief, of which the evidence around us is at present too striking - for so pressing an evil, emigration seems the only immediate remedy, if the outlet was once organised with such facilities as would give it something like the character of a highway, we might then hope to be able, at least, to arrest the rapidly increasing evil effects of the Poor Laws, because there would be an alternative which could be pointed out to those requiring relief. Under the circumstances, I would hope the laws which now restrict or shackle emigration to our own colonies may be thought deserving revision & such temporary measures adopted and made known, as many suspend the difficulties. If some decided measures are not adopted to give relief the discontent which unfortunately at present prevails so generally among the lower classes in Lancashire may for a time perhaps be suppressed, but I fear it will ere long again burst forth with increased violence. In submitting these observations to my Lord Bathurst & yourself, I consider that I only discharge my duty, and am with great respect

My dear Sir

Most faithfully yours

John GLADSTONE

439

Liverpool

October 4^th 1819

Dear Sir,

I enclose an application from parties desirous of emigrating to the Cape of Good Hope with a list & description of whole. The leaders desire me to say they will be ready to go up to Town to wait upon you if required. They inform me that there is a large body of manufacturers who are desirous of accompanying them but that they have not taken their names, preferring farmers & tradesmen.

As the parties generally reside in this neighbourhood they are desirous to embark here. I will communicate to them any information you may think proper to desire. Believe me my dear Sir

Yours faithfully

John GLADSTONE

514

Liverpool

13 Dec 1819

Dear Sir,

When I had the pleasure of seeing you in Downing St I mentioned that some friends of mine at Lancaster were desirous to get a man with his wife & child sent out to the Cape by one of the ships now fitting here. Since my return I sent for WHITELY & HAYHURST (in case? I cannot find out) who ?? me their number of thirty individuals in full, what I therefore have to request is the favor of hereupon being given to add the poor man’s family to WHITELY & Co’s 30, when the deposit will immediately be remitted. Please to favor me with an early reply and believe me my dear Sir

Yours faithfully

John GLADSTONE

524

Liverpool

29 Dec 1819

Dear Sir,

I am obliged by your attention to the application I made on behalf of the poor man & his family for whom my Lancaster friends interested themselves. I now enclose a letter from WHITELY & Co with the name &c which be good enough to transmit to its destination & also to give the necessary directions for their being rec’d on board the transport here, as I understand she will be ready to sail in a few days.

Faithfully yours,

John GLADSTONE

[enclosed letter]

Liverpool

20 Dec 1819

Sir,

Since your esteemed favor of the 2^nd inst we have to acquaint you that our list stands as accepted by Earl BATHURST with the exception of John RIGG, who we have replaced with Thos. KIDD as below. By this post we understand that John GLADSTONE Esq MP has remitted to W. HILL Esq ten pounds as Government deposit for James KENT & family as under who he informs us you have allowed to be added to our list. In consequence of which alteration we presume it necessary to return the enclosed for your correction.

We are your obedient humble servants

HAYHURST & WHITLEY

Thos. KIDD, grazier, aged 32 in place of Jno. RIGG

James KENT, aged 27, household serv’t

Ellen KENT aged 28

Rich’d John KENT aged 6 months

GLASSCOE, William et al

361

August 13^th 1819

Sir,

I take the liberty of troubling you to inquire of you the best way of gitting over to the Cape of Good Hope. Gentleman there is ten of us that being out of inployment & serliset [solicit] your assistance to inform me the way apply and how to perceed the names that would wish to go are hereunder mentioned

Wm GLASSCOE wife & two children

Thos. JOHNSON wife & two children

G. BROOKS and wife

William GLASSCOE

No.58 Swallow Street

Saint James

Picadily

GODDARD, Rev. Henry (re Edward FORD’s Party)

454

Deverill near Warminster

10 October

Sir,

By the enclosed names you will perceive there are some alterations from the last list - the dread of a sea voyage and the apprehension of being devoured by wild beasts, on the Cape of Good Hope, has alarmed some of the Females, & prevailed on me to erase their names & substitute others - I have followed your directions as nearly as possible – I hope they will prove satisfactory. My Parishioners will be very impatient to hear from you again.

I am, Sir, Your humble servant

Henry GODDARD

Name and Description of the Person taking out the Settlers

Edward FORD

Names of Settlers	Profession or Trade	Age	Names of the Women	Age	Male Children	Ages	Female Children	Ages
Edward FORD	Labourer	38	Jane his wife	38	John FORD	17	Patience FORD Elizabeth FORD	13 11
James DICKS	Labourer	23	Dinah his wife	22
George DICKS	Labourer	27	Sarah his wife	27	Thomas DICKS	1	Ann DICKS	2
James CURTIS	Labourer	24	Susannah his wife	25	George CURTIS	5	Patience CURTIS Dinah CURTIS	5 1
James DICKS	Labourer	39	Jane his wife	38	Uriah DICKS James DICKS Joseph DICKS Jonah DICKS	14 12 10 8	Eliza DICKS	6
Richard RALPH	Labourer	29	Elizabeth his wife	31	Samuel RALPH	1	Harriett RALPH	4
Daniel HARRIES	Tailor	28	Silvey HARRIES	27
Benj. WEEKS	Carpenter	30	Eleanor his wife	30	Joseph WEEKS George WEEKS Andrew WEEKS	8 5 3	Elizabeth WEEKS	¾
Wm DICKS	Labourer	38	Diannah his wife	36	James DICKS Wm DICKS	13 11	Mary DICKS Sophia DICKS Patience DICKS	14 12 8
John TOOZE	Brickmaker	40	Martha his wife	36	James TOOZE	17	Emma TOOZE Martha TOOZE Eliza TOOZE Ann TOOZE Elizabeth TOOZE	12 9 4 3 1
James CROFTS	Weaver	25	Hannah his wife	21	Joseph CROFTS Harry CROFTS	3 1

I beg to recommend these families as proper people to go to the Cape of Good Hope - they are all of the Parish of Deverill Longbridge near Warminster, in the County of Wilts.

Henry GODDARD, A.M., Vicar of Deverill Longbridge

The favour of an immediate answer is particularly requested

20 September 1819

484

Deverill near Warminster

26 October 1819

Sir,

I have enclosed the three lists agreeably to your request. The deposit will certainly be ready in a few days, but before I remit it to the Commissariat, my Parishioners request that you will have the goodness to inform me from what place they are to sail, by what description of vessel, & at what time. When I have been favoured with these answers I will remit immediately the sum of 132-10-0 which is the sum required immediately by Mr. HILL.

I am Sir,

Your humble servant

Henry GODDARD

492

Deverill near Warminster

6 November 1819

Sir,

I have remitted to Mr HILL agreeably to your request, one hundred and thirty two Pounds and ten shillings, which he has acknowledged. Edward FORD The Settler, and my Parishioners who are going to the Cape of Good Hope under him, are extremely anxious to know when they are to embark- when [hole in paper] the cheque to Mr. HILL [obliterated] their [obliterated] I made the same enquiry of him and he refer’d me to you. You will, therefore, excuse my asking the same question again, and I hope will give me an opportunity of easing their minds on that point. I am Sir

Your humble Servant

Henry GODDARD, Vicar

GODDARD, Ralph

387

113 Wardour St.

Soho

London

Aug 24 1819

Honoured Sir,

It is not but with some degree of feeling, the result of mature consideration that I am brought to sacrifice the ties of patriotic friendship with my fellow countrymen; for the unknown priviliges of another part of the habitable globe. Had I not being a venturer in lifes uncertain lottery and from thence drawn a successive number of blanks which has reduced me almost to a state of penury and despair; I should not emigrate to this foreign clime – to revisit the much loved British Isle no more. Its necessity:- alas! necessity; which inspires my pen; and which causes me to part with those endearing objects of my mature home – to cross the ?trackless? wave, and “to burst the long unbroken clods” that turfs the wasteland “o’er”. The terms of emigration I am but partially acquainted with and I would request to know wither I am confined to any weight of carriage as my calling is that of a joiner and Housefurnisher, so that I might be enabled to carry some convenient tools with me. I have a wife and one promising lad about 12 years of age, which compose the whole of my family. I further request to know when, and where, the vessel will sail from; and where I’m to enquire for further information respecting my intended emigration; that I might dispose of the remainder of my goods and to make preparations accordingly.

I remain your most humble & obedient servant.

Ralph GODDARD

GODFREY, Edward Smith re CALTON’s Party

469/470

Newark

20^th October 1819

Sir,

I have the honor to inform you that a Subscription has been set on foot in this County by His Grace the Duke of Newcastle, the Lord Lieutenant, and by the Duke of Portland, Lord MANVERS and other Gentlemen of distinction, for the purpose of aiding such persons as may be disposed to Colonize at the Cape of Good Hope, and advertisements have been published by me in the County papers (under the direction of the Subscribers) referring Applications to me in that account. I now inclose you a List of persons who have already made application to take the benefit of this Subscription & other applications for the same purpose being expected. I shall be glad to know whether the particulars contained in it furnish all such information as Government require, upon the proposals being made, or if not, what further information is necessary. His Grace the Lord Lieutenant has put into my hands a copy of the Queries which were submitted to your Office on this subject, with the answers furnished to them, but it occurs to me to be necessary to inquire, previous to any further steps being taken, what measures are proposed to be adopted for selecting the applications, in order that the parties may be put to as little inconvenience as possible, and be able to ascertain, with as little delay as may be, whether their proposals are accepted; and it appears equally important to learn as precisely as the nature of the case will admit, how soon the Imbarkation must take place, and whether Government will undertake to conduct the Persons to the port assigned to them; and it will be also necessary to understand whether, under the particular circumstances of the plan adopted in this County, the Grant of Land will be made to any person or persons whom the Subscribers may select as a Trustee or Trustees for all the Settlers or whether Government will make the Grants to each Individual Head of a Family; as I conclude the Subscribers will not choose to make any arrangements with the different Parishes in regard to the return of the Settlers or their becoming chargeable in future.

Having stated to you these points I will only take the liberty of adding that if you conceive any further information necessary for the accomplishment of the object of the Subscribers (inasmuch as their plan differs in some measure from the proposals contemplated by Government) I shall be very much obliged to you to communicate it to me, and it is extremely important that I should receive your answer previous to the 2^nd of next month, when a meeting of the Subscribers is to take place for carrying their plan into effect.

I have the honor to be, Sir,

Your most obedient & humble servant

Edward Smith GODFREY

Clerk of the Peace

486/487

Newark

29 October 1819

Sir,

I am sorry to be obliged to trouble you with some further Inquiries in consequence of your Letter to me of the 23^rd inst. On the subject of Colonization to the Cape of Good Hope, as I fear it will be impossible to make such arrangements as may be necessary so early as I am led to suppose them requisite.

In the first place, I wish to premise that the List which I had the honor to transmit to you was not intended to be offered as a proposal from those particular persons to emigrate, because the Funds which have been raised by Subscriptions are likely to be very inadequate to the expense of sending all those who have offered & consequently the Subscribers must adopt some plan of selection in the first instances.

The inquiries which I now take the liberty of making for the further information of the Subscribers are

1^st. Whether further time will be allowed and to what extent to send in the proposals for emigration.

2^nd. What time the Settlers must assemble at the place of Embarkation and to what Port they are likely to be sent?

3^rd. What money, implements of husbandry or other articles will e required to be sent with the Settlers?

4^th. Whether there is a probability of any of the Settlers being rejected after they arrive at the Port of Embarkation?

As the Subscribers will meet me Tuesday next to decide upon the application of their Subscription I must request an answer to these Inquiries by return of Post and I have only to regret that my absence from home on public business had unavoidably delayed this application.

I have the honor to be, Sir,

Your most obedient & very humble servant

Chas. Smith GODFREY

P.S. If it should be impossible for you to answer this Letter by return of post I will beg the honor of you to address it to me by Monday’s Post at the Swan Inn, Mansfield where I shall be attending the Subscribers, tho’ the time of the Mail arriving there will be much later than they will probably wait.

478

PAMPHLET

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

At a Meeting of the Subscribers

To the Plan

For

Relief by Colonization,

Held at the Swan Inn, in Mansfield

On Tuesday the 12^th Day of October, 1819

(Pursuant to Advertisement)

Present,

His Grace the DUKE of NEWCASTLE, Chairman

(On behalf of himself and General Craufurd, and Dowager Duchess of Newcastle)

His Grace the DUKE of PORTLAND,

(On behalf of himself, and the Honourable and Reverend J Lumley SAVILE)

The EARL of SURREY	The Honourable J SIMPSON M.P
The EARL MANVERS	ADMIRAL SOTHERON M.P
Lord Viscount GALWAY	HENRY GALLY KNIGHT, Esq.
(By Mr WEIGHTMAN, His Agent)

RESOLVED

That an Advertisement be inserted in the County Papers, requesting all Persons who are disposed to proceed as COLONISTS to the Cape of Good Hope, to send in their Names and Residences, with their Ages, and Numbers of their Families, to the Office of the Clerk of the Peace, on or before the 31^st of November next, at Eleven o’Clock in the Forenoon, to consider the Applications then made for Relief by Colonization, and to adopt such Measures as may be thought necessary for receiving further Applications, and carrying into effect he Purposes of the Subscription.

NEWCASTLE. Chairman.

In pursuance of the above Resolutions, I do hereby request all Persons who are disposed to proceed as Colonists to the Cape of Good Hope, to transmit by Letter, addressed to me at Newark, their Names and Residences, with such other Particulars, as are hereinafter specified, on or before the 31^st instant, (viz.)

Names of the Men – their Age, Profession, or Trade

Names of the Women, and their Age

Names of the Male Children, and their Age

Names of the Female Children, and their Age.

Edwd. Smith GODFREY.

Newark, 13^th October, 1819

G. Stretton, Printer, Nottingham.

496

Newark

25^th November 1819

Sir,

I have the honor to transmit to you the List of persons proposed to be sent out to the Cape of Good Hope by the Subscribers to the Fund for Relief by Colonization in this Country and I shall be much obliged to you to give me as early information as possible when the Settlers must arrive at the place of Embarkation, in order that they may be collected from their different places of residence. And it will be particularly essential to the views of the Subscribers to understand whether Government will make the grant of land in this particular case to some Gentlemen in this county as Trustees for the Subscribers, in lieu of the Head of the party going out with the Settlers; and also what will be the period prescribed by Government for forfeiture of the Land, in case of non-Cultivation.

As the two latter questions are material to be answered previous to entering into the necessary agreement with the Settlers I shall feel much obliged by a very early answer to them.

I have the honor to be Sir,

Your most obedient servant

Edw. Smith GODFREY

506

Newark

3^rd Dec. 1819

Sir,

I have the honor to inform you that I have given directions to my Bankers in London to pay the sum of £737.10.0 being the deposit money for the Colonists to the Cape of Good Hope from this County agreeable to the directions contained in your Letter of the 29^th Inst.

I shall be glad to be informed as early as possible when the Settlers must arrive at Liverpool for their Embarkation in order that they may have all the time that can be allowed for their being transmitted there.

An agreement is prepared for arranging the terms in which the Settlers are to be sent out; a copy of which shall be sent to you as soon as it is made out and I wish to know if a Duplication of such agreements must be sent to your office.

I have the honor to be Sir

Your most obedient servant

Edw. Smith GODFREY.

512

Newark

6^th December 1819

Sir.

I beg to acquaint you, in answer to your last Letter, that the Head of the party sent out by the Nottinghamshire Subscribers to the Cape of Good Hope is Thomas CALTON of North Collingham, Notts, Surgeon being the first person named in the List transmitted to the Colonial office. The Grant of Land is proposed to be made to The Revd. John Thomas BECHER and myself as Trustees for the Subscribers at large as mentioned in one of my former Letters to which I was informed there would be no objection.

I am apprehensive that we shall have many dissentions from our List and I take for granted that if we do not wholly supply the numbers we shall be intitled to a return of a proportionate part of the Deposit money paid to Government on their behalf, and of this the subscribers would wish to be informed.

I have the honor to remain Sir

Your most obedient humble servant

Edw. Smith GODFREY

As much notice as possible should be given for the Embarkation, as the Settlers live at different places and are distant nearly 100 miles from Liverpool.

[Note of reverse written by Government Official:]

Write specially to Lord [C & S] as to the persons to whom the grant is to be made & to the Navy Board for their ship & acquaint him that it will be impossible to return any money on account of persons who having been once accepted may afterwards decline to proceed but that Lord B.[ATHURST) will have no difficulty in admitting a substitution of other persons so that there is no excess of the original number and the whole money deposited will be paid to the Leader of the party on his arrival at the Cape under the conditions.

[Transcriber’s Note: The following letters are reproduced in “Settlers to the Cape of Good Hope: Organisation of the Nottinghamshire Party 1819-1820” by Clive M Burton]

[To the Duke of Newcastle]

30th Aug., 1819

 Sir,

I am one of those unfortunate manufacturers that are by the times entirely thrown out of work, without the most distant prospects of being reinstated.  With a wife and five children to support. As the government have kindly held out an asylum at the Cape of Good Hope for the distressed.  I have to beg your Grace's interference in furthering my wishes in obtaining on the terms offered a passport to that country.  I beg leave to state to your Grace that it is not from disaffection or dislike that I wish to leave my dear native land, but an absolute and imperious call upon my feelings by my numerous family.

John STUBBINGS,

Nottingham

No. 1366 Close Court,

Nottingham

 Sir,

I have two sons and two daughters, we are Stocking makers, and wish to go as colonists to the Cape of Good Hope.  I beg leave to send you are names.

I am your obedient servant

Benj'm SMITH, aged 48, John aged 18, Lurus aged 17, Anne 15, Harriot 14

P.S. I beg you will excuse the payment of postage, we have no work and in very great distress.

29th Jan. 1820

Sir,

In consequence of the greater part of the settlers not having money to buy iron, and Mr SMITH having purchased only ½ ton for the whole colony, I take the liberty of petitioning for 1½ tons more of that very necessary article,

I hope you will pardon my taking so great a liberty, as it was for the welfare of my fellow settlers that I have given you so much trouble.

Your humble servant

Thomas HARTLEY

[Transcriber’s Note: he was a blacksmith from Mansfield]

[Written to Edward S. GODFREY]

Nottingham

Oct. 22, 1819

Sir,

I am informed you put the names down of those that wish to go to the Cape of Good Hope.  My name is Thomas MANNING, 24 years of age, and my wife Elizabeth aged 29 years.  I was brought up a labourer in the farming business and I would wish to go as a settler.  Please to send an answer by return of post, to be left at the Post Office and I will call for it.

Thomas MANNING

GOODALL, H.F.

268

No. 27 Southampton Buildings

Holborn

15 July 1819

Sir!

In reference to the Times Paper of yesterday in which it announces the intention of Government to encourage English families to emigrate to the Cape of Good Hope, I am induced to trouble you on the subject. But as I am unacquainted with the intentions of Government as to whether the Fathers of those Families are required to be mecanics or artisans I can only answer for myself and leave it to your judgement as to my situation being one coming under the intention of Government.

I am bred up to the profession of the Law, and I am a member of that Society, but from a combination of misfortunes I am literally reduced to that state of want, & to be dependent on the generosity of friends for my daily support! My resources being now quite exhausted, I tremble at the coming day! And while I see the miseries of a poorhouse before my eyes and hear my 3 children crying to me for bread my heart is nearly broken. To throw myself on the Humanity of Government, is a beam of Hope I eagerly fly to: [viz.] if I shall be deemed a fit person I shall cheerfully join those who are about to go to the Cape.

My family consists of myself (aged 36) my wife (same age) her sister (33) and three female children ages 5 years, 2½ years and two months old - all healthy and of an active turn of mind, but borne down by oppression. During the time I have been married (10 years) I have been the father of 6 children 3 of whom I have buried. To ward off so dreadful a blow as that of seeing my family perish for want of assistance or of becoming a burthen on the parish I trust will plead my excuse for this application.

I can say so now in the present stage of the business because I am wholly unacquainted with the plans & ideas of Government, but if you will do me the honor to address me, I shall be happy to give you every Explanation and I trust satisfactorily.

I have the honour to be Sir

Your very obed humble ser’t

H.F. GOODALL

GOODWIN, John

274

37 St. Martins Lane

London

15 July 1819

Sir,

I applied at the office of Lord BATHURST respecting Emigration when I received instruction to address you on the subject. I am desirous to avail myself of the advantages offered by His Majesty’s ministers for obtaining a free passage for myself and Family in number as at foot.

My views with regard to my settlement in the Colony are the same as pointed out by the Rt. Hble. Chancellor of Exchequer say the breeding & feeding of Cattle to which I propose adding the Export of Wool Hides and Tallow to the Mother Country.

I am prepared to comply with the forms required by His Majesty’s Government to make the necessary deposit etc. Soliciting the favour of your reply with the needful instructions for the speedy Prosecution of my views.

I have the honour to be Sir,

Your most Ob & Hbl Svt.

John GOODWIN

John GOODWIN

Mary Ann his wife

Mary Ann – their daughter aged 15

John their son………………” . 12

Henry ditto…………………... 10

336

37 St Martin’s Lane

London

5 August 1819

Sir,

I have the honor to acknowledge the rect. of your Printed Circular respecting Emigration to the Cape of Good Hope, And our conformity therewith. I beg to inform you I am prepared with the Ten persons in manner directed, And solicit your information for my further proceedings.

I am most desirous to know the qualification desirous to meet the approval of His Majesty’s Government that I may not be mislead, or on my part mislead those persons who are preparing to accompany me.

I am Solicitous to be informed of the district for Settlement with the distance from the place of landing and also that from Cape Town. This enquiry is important as relates to the means of providing Instruments of Husbandry &c upon which subject it will be necessary I should request information respecting the tonage allow’d for persons taking out Ten individuals and also if Government regulates the arrangement with the Ten individuals & the person taking them out or if that is left for their own agreement.

Waiting the favour of your reply I have the honour to be

Sir your most Obt,& Hbl Svt.

John GOODWIN

516

55 Great Queen Street

13 Decmr 1819

The Memorial of John GOODWIN of Great Queen Street Lincoln’s Inn

Humbly Sheweth

That your memorialist is duly accepted by your Lordship as a Settler for the purpose of proceeding to the Colony of the Cape of Good Hope, and in furtherance of which he received Orders to Embark for the same in the Ship Chapman with Mr. John BAILIE the Head of the Party to which he is attached ---- But your Lordship’s Memorialist was prevented in his intentions so to do by the dangerous illness of his son whose life had been dispared [sic] of and who could not then have been removed but at the risk of his existance. These apprehensions are now happily removed and he is sufficiently recovered to be fit for embarkation.

Your Memorialist (having been deprived of his passage by the afore named calamity) Humbly Prays your Lordship to be pleas’d to order a passage for him and his Family- (agreeable to the list in Your Lordship’s office as transmited by Mr. John BAILIE) in any of the Ships now to proceed with Settlers to the Colony of the Cape of Good Hope.

And your Memorialist will as in duty bound forever pray &c

John GOODWIN

520

Great Queen Street

Lincolns Inn

16 Dec 1819

Sir,

I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your Letter under date of the 14 Inst. The unparalleled difficulty of my situation and the Consequent inconvenience my Family must sustain in the refusal of a passage as Settlers at the Cape will be attended with the most distressing circumstances.

The Memorial I had the honor to address Lord BATHURST on the 13^th Inst. having stated the cause of my disappointment at not being able to Embark on board the Ship Chapman originating in a Grievous visitation of God upon one of my children I was led to believe it was sufficient to prove this fact (for which I am fully prepared) in order to obtain permission for my Embarkation in one of the other Ships now about to proceed with the Settlers.

Seeing the delay originated in a calamity that no human power could foresee or prevent--------and I was confirm’d in this opinion by Knowledge of Mr. Bishop BURNETT (my Relative) having obtained such order, and was actually so transferred from the Ship Chapman to the Ocean (his orders for which I have seen) This I beg to observe was wanting the Cause I have to lament. Presuming upon the strength of my claim to your favour I have ventured to intrude myself. Should I be in error as regards this routine of application I beg to request the honor of your directions for any further proceedings.

I have the honor to be Sir your most Obdt. Svt.

John GOODWIN

[note at foot reads: Was this man ever on any list – if he ever was he may go, but if not he must be told that not having been on any list of settlers it is impossible for Lord B to accept him as a separate settler]

Transcriber’s Note: According to Nash he sailed on the Medusa

GOODWIN, Rev.

377

Ewhurst

Northiam

Sussex

20 August 1819

The Rev. Dr. GOODWIN (curate of the Parish of Ewhurst) begs leave very respectfully to ask for such information as may concern regular and respectable clergymen inclined to retire to the Cape of Good Hope. Dr. G wishes to learn what encouragement would be given to emigrating clergymen? What accommodation and emoluments? What stipends, houses for residence &c&c

The favour of reply would very much oblige

The Rev.Dr. GOODWIN

GORDON, John

270

17 Finch Lane

Corn Hill

15 July 1819

The memorial of John GORDON, formerly Lieutenant and Quarter Master in the late 99^th Regiment of Foot but now an Ensign on the retired list 2^nd Royal Veteran Battalion

Humbly sheweth

That your memorialist has had the honor to serve His Majesty thirty five years, has been twice wounded in the Service, by which he has lost the use of his left arm.

That your memorialist has lost his rank in consequence of having sold his Lieutenancy previous to the reduction of the late 99^th Regt of Foot in the year 1796

That your memorialist is the only son of Lieut. James GORDON of the 78^th Regt of Foot, called the Murray Whites, that he served in the American War under the ever memorable General WOLFE and was twice wounded at Quebec on both thighs which rendered him a cripple for life.

That your memorialist’s father was possessed of a grant of land of very considerable extent including purchases made in the County of Plymouth, State of Massachusetts, North America amounting to upwards of 20,000 acres, 800 acres of which were in a high state of cultivation at the breaking out of the American War when being a Loyalist and taken prisoner in arms, the Revolutionary Government dispossessed him of his lands and gave them to General KNOX, an officer in its service, & that he never received any compensation.

That your memorialist having a family is desirous of settling in one of our colonies abroad or rather at the Cape of Good Hope and prays a grant of land in extent according to his rank and also in compensation for the loss sustained by his father for his loyalty by the confiscation of his property in Plymouth County, State of Massachusetts. Your memorialist also prays for a proportionate allowance in money, implements of husbandry & provisions to enable your memorialist to recover the same quantity of land as that in a state of cultivation which your memorialist’s father possessed, also a passage for himself and family

And your memorialist will ever pray

John GORDON

[written across foot of page: with respect to compensation he must address himself to the Treasury and with respect to a grant of land at the Cape I can only enclose him a copy of the circular]

272

17 Finch Lane

Corn Hill

24 July 1819

The memorial of John GORDON, formerly Lieutenant and Quarter Master in the late 99^th Regiment of Foot but now an Ensign on the retired list 2^nd Royal Veteran Battalion

Humbly sheweth

That your memorialist has had the honor to serve His Majesty thirty five years, has been twice wounded in the Service, by which he has lost the use of his left arm.

That your memorialist served in France under His Grace the Duke of Wellington at the Battle of Waterloo to the Capitulation of Paris 7^th July 1815

That your memorialist is the only son of Lieutenant James GORDON of the 78^th Regiment of Foot called the Murray Whites, that he served in the American War under the ever memorable General WOLFE & was twice wounded at Quebec in both thighs which rendered him a cripple for life.

That your memorialist’s father was possessed of a grant of land of very considerable extent including purchases made in the County of Plymouth, State of Massachusetts, North America amounting to upwards of 20,000 acres, 800 acres of which were in a high state of cultivation at the breaking out of the American War when being a Loyalist and taken prisoner in arms, the Revolutionary Government dispossessed him of his lands and gave them to General KNOX, an officer in its service.

That your memorialist having a family is desirous of settling in one of our colonies abroad or rather at the Cape of Good Hope and prays a grant of land in extent according to his rank and also in compensation for the loss sustained by his father for his loyalty by the confiscation of his property in Plymouth County, State of Massachusetts.

That your memorialists also prays for a proportionate allowance in money, implements of husbandry & provisions to enable your memorialist to recover the same quantity of land as that in a state of cultivation which your memorialist’s father possessed, also a passage for himself and family

And your memorialist will ever pray

John GORDON

293

17 Finch Lane

Corn Hill

28July 1819

Sir,

I am favor’d by receipt of your letter of 23 inst for which I request that you would accept my best thanks. I [have the] presumption to state that I have engaged 10 able bodied men who are willing to emigrate with me to the Cape of Good Hope provided you approve and on the terms expressed in the Government circular. If not intruding may I request the favor of an answer to the [?]mentioned questions viz: which side of the Cape does Government intend them to settle, the presumed distance from the Cape and Latitude, and as some time would elapse before they could be provided with [?ders} whether the Government would be pleased to furnish them with old tools as well as intrenching tools.

Waiting your reply I have the honor to be, Sir, with respect & esteem

Your most obed’t serv’t

Jno. GORDON

Ensign Ret’d List 2^nd R.V.Batt

342

17 Finch Lane

London

6 Aug 1819

Sir,

I solicit permission to submit to the Right Honourable the Earl BATHURST for his approval a return of 15 heads of families including myself and family, in all 45 persons, proposing to emigrate under me to the Cape of Good Hope. Several other gentle’n viz Messrs AUSTIN, BROWN & SMITH, men of capital and enterprise intend joining me to make up 100 families so as to avail ourselves of the Government circular in nominating our own clergyman in time. I trust we will find employment for [thousands?] of our countrymen.

From the infant state of the colony I would take the liberty of respectfully submitting to his Lordship’s consideration if it would not be advisable to form the persons emigrating into companies of 100 each to be furnished on the first onset with [returned?] Arms, ??, Ammunision, Intrenching tools & Accoutrements; place them on the same footing as the Colonial Militia; by these means it would save Government some expence as well as enable them to defend themselves. Being an old officer I would undertake to discipline my own party without fee or reward giving me the rank I formerly held being that of Capt. by [level?] that would prevent them being taken by surprise.

Waiting your reply I have the honor to be, Sir, with respect & esteem

Your most obed’t serv’t

Jno. GORDON

Return of Men, Women and Children volunteered to emigrate to the Cape of Good Hope agreeable to the Govt. circular under the direction of Ens’n John GORDON 2^nd R.V.B

	Names	Mens ages	Womens ages	Child’n nos	Child’n ages	Total in each family	Trade or Profession
1	Thomas McCARTHY	28	22	2	4 & 2	4	Labourer
2	George PHELPS	28	28	2	8 & 9	4	Bricklayer
3	David OURCE?	29				1	Mason & Slater
4	Daniel MURRAY	34	32	2	8 & 4	4	Blacksmith
5	Daniel HURLEY	35	30	2	8 & 6	4	Stone Mason
6	Felix McCARTHY	32	26	1	10	3	Carpenter
7	John MARTIN	34	36	2	13 & 15	4	Labourer
8	Wm. GORDON	18				1	Farmer
9	Wm. CONNOLLY	30	26			2	Labourer
10	John DONOVAN	29	34	1		3	Do.
11	Thos. KELLER	39	38	2	9 & 7	4	Boat Builder
12	Jas. EVANS	22				1	Cooper
13	Jas. HAIL	24	22			2	Gardener
14	John LANE	23	21	2	4 & 2	4	Farmer
15	J.GORDON

J.GORDON wife & 2 children under 18 years, officer Ret’d List

London, Cromwell Cottage, Old Brompton in 17 Finch Lane

August 17^th 1819

J. GORDON

364

Cromwell Cottage

Old Brompton

August 14^th 1819

My Lord,

In obedience to your Lordship’s commands I took the liberty of submitting my memorial praying a grant of land at the Cape of Good Hope & compensation for losses sustained by my father in North America to the Right Honourable the Earl of LIVERPOOL and Lords of His Majesty’s Treasury to which their Lordships have been pleased to return an answer of which the annexed is a copy. If your Lordship would favor me with an interview of 5 minutes at convenience I could explain more than I am able to write in hours.

Waiting your Lordship’s reply

I have the honor to be, Sir, with respect & esteem

Your most obed’t serv’t

Jno. GORDON

Ensign Ret’d List 2^nd R.V.Batt

366

Treasury Chambers

11 Aug 1819

[To Mr. GORDON, Cromwell Cottage, Old Brompton]

Sir,

Having laid before the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty’s Treasury your memorial of the 28^th ult praying a grant of land at the Cape of Good Hope and compensation for losses sustained by your father in North America, also a free passage for yourself and family to the Cape of Good Hope, I am commanded by their Lordships to acquaint you that they have desired the same to be submitted to Lord BATHURST for his consideration and for such directions as his Lordship may deem expeditious thereon.

Your humble serv’t

(signed) R. LUSHINGTON

397

Cromwell Cottage

Old Brompton

31 August 1819

My Lord,

I took the liberty of addressing your Lordship on 7^th inst conformable to the Government circular, assured under your direction, transmitting to you my tender for one hundred families of which number Mr.Wm.EARLE Jun’s 25 families formed a part, volunteering to locate with me at my expense at the Cape of Good Hope, but not having been favor’d with an answer is my appology for again intruding on your Lordship’s time.

While I can safely calculate upon the industry of these People I may confidently introduce them to your Lordship’s notice as persons fully deserving of protection in as much as their necessities cannot be exceeded & that those necessities are solely the result of the pressure of the times, a pressure produced alone by the unlimited use of meccannical inventions superceeding manual labour.

Unwilling to have my name associated with those adventurers who are now making contracts with the unfortunates, at once arbitrary, oppressive and contrary to the views and intentions of the Government. I beg leave to lay before your Lordship the substance of my argument with those individuals as the best security I can offer for the fullfillment of the Government wishes in the establishment of a peaceable and happy colony.

First – I propose to see that they are sufficiently and well cloathed previous to embarkation

Secondly – To victual them from their landing in the colony to a period of 3 years or until the grant of land is in a state of cultivation

Thirdly – To provide them with tents until such time as cottages can be erected

Fourthly – To aportion off to each a piece of land in proportion to the extent of their families which they are to cultivate for their own exclusive profit

Fifthly – That they shall labour 8 hours every day for me, Sundays excepted

Sixthly – At the expiration of three years when their services expire to assign over to them a portion of the 100 acres with cottage &c

By these means I hope to make a comfortable and happy peasantry. If those persons who seek the colony as the remedy to the evils resulting from an overgrown population at home, and I may confidently predict the same line of conduct that has ever marked (my family) loyalty and affection to the mother country and its Government will be the result of my efforts, a stake in the ground is the rallying point of loyalty.

Upon these terms my Lord I solicit in the name of my associates as well as myself the priviledge of taking out one hundred families to the Cape and I most earnestly request that I may learn from your Lordship the very earliest oportunity whether my proposals are acceded to or not; I ask it in charity to the forlorn individuals who seek this step as their only refuge from [calamities?] which already overwhelm them.

I am ready to pay the £10 deposit for each of the families taken on my own account, say 20 families. I have the honor to be with prfound respect & esteem

Your most obed’t serv’t

John. GORDON

Ensign Ret’d List 2^nd Royal Vet.Batt

415

Cromwell Cottage

Old Brompton

7 Sept 1819

My Lord,

Being desirous to increase the number of families volunteering to locate with me at the Cape of Good Hope to 25, including myself and family, in all 90 persons, & as well as to guard against mistakes as some on the former return have declined going, I should wish to withdraw that delivered on 6^th August

And am with profound respect and esteem my Lord

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

Jno. GORDON

Return of Men Women and Children volunteering to locate themselves under the direction and in the service of Ensign J GORDON 2RVB at the proposed new settlement at the Cape of Good Hope agreeable to the conditions laid down by Government with their Descriptions &c

Cromwell Cottage, 7^th Augst 1819

	Names	Mens Age	Wifes Age	Children No.	Age	Total	Trade or Profession
1	Mick KELLEY	39	39	2	9 & 7	4	Boat Builder
2	Jno. HARSMAN	21	1[sic]	1	3	3	Smith
3	Robt WILSON	35	28	2	7 & 10	4	Blacksmith
4	Wm. EVANS	22	20			2	Cooper
5	Thos. McCARTHY	28	24	2	2 & 4	4	Labourer
6	G. PHELPS	28	28	2	8 & 9	4	Bricklayer
7	Jno. HARSNET	21	19	1	9mo	3	Carpenter
8	E. FITZMAURICE	35	32	2	11 & 13	4	Farmer
9	Jer. McCARTHY	22	17	1	7mo	3	Labourer
10	? SULIVAN	30	26	2	5 & 8	4	Do.
11	Mic’l CALNAN	30	28	2	4 & 6	4	Do.
12	Jos’h MORAN	32	28	2	11 & 13	4	Do.
13	Den’s AHERNE	25	24	2	5 & 4	4	Do.
14	Jno. BUCHIL?	32	30	2	9 & 12	4	Do.
15	Chr. OLDFIELD	23	22	2	2 & 4	4	Farmer
16	Ml. HALEY	36	28	2	2 & 4	4	Labourer
17	J. QUIN	32	36	2	8 & 10	4	Engineer
18	J. FISHER	32	23	2	2 & 3	4	Labourer
19	J. STEVENS	31	25	2	5 & 7	4	Blacksmith
20	Wm. STEVENS	23	24	2	6 & 4	4	Do.
21	Jer’h BOUCHER	38	38	2	9 & 11	4	Mason
22	Jos’h MURRAY	34	32	2	4 & 8	4	Blacksmith
23	W. GORDON	18				1	Farmer
24	W. CLARK	24	23			2	Surgeon

J. GORDON

Ensign Ret’d List

GORDON, W (filed as this but signature is W.JORDAN – see CO48/44 for further correspondence)

285

No.9 Market Street

Boro Road

14 July 1819

Sir,

Three families intending to emigrate to North America (from the supposed information following in any of his Majesty’s Colonys) but seeing in the Times Newspaper of the 18^th ult together with what pased in the House of Commons last night that Government will give enouragement to persons emigrating to the Cape of Good Hope I shall feel greatly obliged by your [furnishing?] me with the particulars of the form to be complyed with.

I am Sir your most obed’t humble serv’t

W. JORDAN

GORRINGE, Thomas (see also Edward FRANKS correspondence)

261

Brighton

March 3 1819

Sir,

I was referr’d to you for information respecting the encouragement given to settlers on the Cape, on what terms the land is granted, the extent of choice, how near to cape Town, if any expence of the survey, if agricultural implements are given as they were in Canada, if the passage is granted – if not what the expence for a family with six children & the necessary luggage, what quantity of land granted to person taking out capital of £500, what for a capital £1000, what for £2000, if any natives granted as servants, if timber granted as by the Dutch for buildings. I hope the importance of the concern will be an apology for my asking so many questions. An early answer will be very highly esteemed by, Sir

Yr very hble svt

Thos. F. GORRINGE

Address Mr. GORRINGE, Surgeon, Carlton Colonnade, Brighton, Sussex

263

No.1 Carlton Colonnade

Brighton

April 17 1819

Sir,

I called at your office six weeks ago & was directed to address you by letter which I accordingly did, but not receiving an answer I again called & was introduced to a gentleman who repeated what was said in the outer office with further directions in the method of making an application. The present letter is in consequence of that interview & the object is to state my views & to say that I would be much obliged if you would have the goodness to inform me if two grants of land of a desirable nature can be obtained at the Cape of Good Hope, one for myself & family & one for the family of my Father in Law, Mr. FRANKS of Burwash. We have both applied and are anxious to know as we should choose to have land adjoining and greatly prefer being under the protection of His Majesty’s Government to an American settlement in the United States. When last at your office I stated that my views were agricultural tho’ I have been regularly educated in the profession of Surgeon and have carried on the practice in a country village for 18 years, yet I have always cultivated land altho it was situated unfortunately too far from the village to enable me to prevent imposition from the laborers during my absence and my profession being of that nature that it could not be left frequently when there was the greatest necessity for my presence on the land, which left me under much continual embarrassment and prevented my profitting much by either and I determined last year to relinquishing one of them and as my wife’s father & family were going abroad I made up my mind to accompany them having no relations or friends as ties in this country and as we enjoy domestic happiness & seek not other society we shall feel not so ?? nor count the beauties of nature in Southern Africa dismal or dreary if we canot obtain a situation where industry will procure the necessarys & comforts to which we have been accustomed. My sons will all be able to assist me in the cultivation of land but if brought up in this country to the profession will become very expensive. Agriculture has long been with me a favorite object of pursuit & I should think the husbandry of Southern Africa from what I have read capable of