CO48/44 National Archives, Kew, London  ~  1820 Settler Correspondence I-O

 

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.

 

OAKLEY, Ebenezer

 

949

No.2 Everards Street

Church Lane

St.Georges East

July 29th 1819

Sir,

            Having herd that it is the intention of His Majesty’s Government to send out setlers to the Cape of good hope and haveing herd that implements and house are found by government for the purpose of agriculture and that asistance is allowed to clere the ground would be extreemly obliged to you Sir if you would send me the articles and if it should not specify what is found there at the Cape would be very thankful to have it explained and haveing herd that it must not be less than 10 to join together beside family would be extreemly thankful to know Sir how that is to be done if not to much trouble.

Honoured Sir I am your humble

Ebenezer OAKLEY

 

O’BRIEN, Daniel (Filed under B in CO48/41)

 

694

The humble petition of Daniel O’BRIEN, late a private in His Majesty’s 16th Regt.Foot

Humbly sheweth

After a period of service of nearly five years in France and America was discharged in November last as being rendered incapable for further service by tender eyes.

Your humble petitioner hopes as being precluded from any benefit from His Majesty in consequence of my short service, therefore understanding that a portion of land was allowed by His Majesty to disbanded soldiers in North America, induced me to make this application to your Excellency for said grant. As I was always accustomed to laborious habits and have a competent knowledge in husbandry, nothing would give me more satisfaction than to be in some employment relative to this.

Pardon me Right Honourable Earl for requesting your answer directed to

Bally-yellane

Kilmaleddy Post Office

Co. Limerick

Daniel O, BRIEN

Late 16th Regt.

 

O’DWYER, Andrew C (filed under C as CODWYN in CO48/42)

 

420

Ireland

October 13th 1819

My Lord,

            I perceive by the public prints that a Colony under the immediate protection of Government is about to proceed to Africa. I also remark that directions are given to rite to your Lordship for particulars respecting the expedition. I am therefore induced to take the liberty of stating my eligibility to become a Colonist and at the same time to respectfully beg a particular account of the means by which they are protected by Government.

            I am by profession a brewer and understand the manufacturing of ‘artificial yeast’, am about 19 years old, good con[duct] and have received a tolerable gentleman’s education. I am thus particular bec[ause?] I would suppose I ought to ?reach? more encouragement than a person of less [?]tensions. I would if I met with good protection instantly go & I flatter myself I would rather be a acquisition than otherwise. I would feel much obliged to your Lordship directing me to be informed relative to this business and have the honour to be with much respect

Your Lordship’s obedient and humble servant

Andrew C. O’DWYER

[hole in paper obscures full address in Ireland]

 

OLDHAM, Joseph

 

945

71 Richard Street

Commercial Road

July 24th 1819

My Lord,

            From the information received by the official circular relative to emigration to the Cape of Good Hope published in the Public Prints I have been induced to take the liberty humbly of addressing your Lordship on that subject. In consequence of the almost universal stagnation of commerce and the number of merchant ships at present laid up I have been for a length of time unable to get employment in my occupation, which is the master of a merchant ship, and having a young and increasing family depending on my exertions for support should be happy to avail myself of the opportunity which the wisdom and goodness of His Majesty’s Government offers of emigrating to the Cape of Good Hope. Altho the greater part of my life has been spent at sea yet having been bred in an agricultural district I have some knowledge of cultivation. My family consists of six persons, viz: myself, a wife and four children, with four other individuals above the age of twenty who are desirous of accompanying us, making ten persons; but as the children are under the age prescribed I have humbly to solicit that your Lordship would be pleased to allow us to proceed on the passage upon paying the necessary advance and that your Lordship would be pleased to assign us a grant of such lands as your Lordship might think proper and necessary for our support and cultivation. I have also humbly to intreat that your Lordship would be pleased to grant me the following information so necessary for providing the requisite supplies, as to what part of the Territory of the Cape of Good Hope the settlement is intended to be formed and if when the passage is granted a small proportion of tonnage will be allowed on board the vessel to carry out implements of husbandry and domestic utensils; being totally unacquainted with the forms of office I have ventured thus to address your Lordship and humbly intreat your Lordship’s pardon for the intrusion and hope my ignorance may plead my excuse.

Your Lordship’s most obedient most humble servant

Joseph OLDHAM

 

957

71 Richard Street

Commercial Road

August 16th 1819

Sir,

            Agreeable to the circular received July 27th from the Colonial Office I herewith humbly solicit you will be pleased to grant me permission to join the settlers intended to be sent to the Cape of Good Hope together with the persons under my direction whose names and ages are specified below and we humbly beg you will be pleased to assign to us a grant of land as therein specified should we meet your approbation. We are ready to attend to pay the deposit whenever it shall please you to appoint our attendance for the same.

I am Sir your most obedient most humble servant

Joseph OLDHAM

 

Names

Ages

Callings

Family

Joseph OLDHAM

33

Mariner

Wife 4 children

Thos. OLDHAM

26

Shopkeeper

Single

Edwin OLDHAM

22

Do.

Do.

Mary Ann OLDHAM

32

 

Do.

Richard TAYLOR

30

Clerk

Do.

John VICE

32

Gardener

Wife 2 children

Thos. NIGHTINGALE

45

Potato dealer

Wife

John NIGHTINGALE

20

Do.

Single

Thos. MILLS

20

Corn chandler

Do.

John SAUNDERS

23

Shoemaker

Do.

Wm. PAGE

23

Biscuit baker

Do.

Anne FINCH

24

 

Do.

 

961

71 Richard Street

Commercial Road

August 18th 1819

Sir,

            Agreeable to yours of the 17th inst which I had the honor of receiving I herewith transmit you the list of persons wishing to accompany me to the Cape of Good Hope in which I include myself.

I am Sir your most obedient and most humble servant

Joseph OLDHAM

 

List of Persons intending to accompany J. OLDHAM

 

Mens Names

Ages

Calling

Womens Names

Ages

 

Joseph OLDHAM

33

Mariner

Dorcas OLDHAM

32

Wife of J. OLDHAM

Thomas OLDHAM

26

Shopkeeper

Mary Ann OLDHAM

32

Spinster

Edwin OLDHAM

21

Do.

Elizabeth VICE

29

Wife of J. VICE

Richard TAYLOR

30

Clerk

Susannah NIGHTINGALE

40

Wife of Thos. NIGHTINGALE

John VICE

32

Gardener

Ann FINCH

24

Spinster

Thomas NIGHTINGALE

47

Potato dealer

 

 

 

John NIGHTINGALE

20

Do.

Children’s Names

 

 

Thomas MILLS

20

Corn chandler

Harriet OLDHAM

12

}

Thomas SAUNDERS [sic]

20

Shoemaker

Mary Ann OLDHAM

7

} Daughters of J. OLDHAM

William PAGE

23

Biscuit baker

Lucretia OLDHAM

3

}

 

 

 

Josepha OLDHAM

4mo

}

 

 

 

Betsey VICE

2

} Daughters of J. VICE

 

 

 

Anne VICE

2mo

}

 

965

71 Richard Street

Commercial Road

Aug 23rd 1819

Sir,

            Yours of the 18th inst I have had the honor of receiving and hasten to inform you that my error in not having a sufficient number of persons in the list I had the honor to transmit arose from my construction of the circular, where it is said that if the persons offering should engage to carry out at the least ten able bodied individuals above eighteen years of age, with or without families; and having in my list two unmarried females above that age I had erroneously classed them as such individuals, not understanding from the words of the circular it was confined to the other sex, but I humbly hope you will allow me to rectify my error by adding another person to the list of settlers and I herewith beg to transmit you an amended list of the same.

I am Sir your most obedient most humble servant

Joseph OLDHAM

 

Mens Names

Ages

Calling

Womens Names

Ages

 

Joseph OLDHAM

33

Mariner

Dorcas OLDHAM

32

Wife of J. OLDHAM

Thomas OLDHAM

26

Shopkeeper

Mary Ann OLDHAM

32

Spinster

Edwin OLDHAM

21

Do.

Elizabeth VICE

29

Wife of J. VICE

Richard TAYLOR

30

Clerk

Susannah NIGHTINGALE

40

Wife of Thos. NIGHTINGALE

John VICE

32

Gardener

Ann FINCH

24

Spinster

Thomas NIGHTINGALE

47

Potato dealer

Mary CABLE

23

Wife of J. CABLE

John NIGHTINGALE

20

Do.

Children’s Names

 

 

Thomas MILLS

20

Corn chandler

Harriet OLDHAM

12

 

Thomas SAUNDERS [sic]

20

Shoemaker

Mary Ann OLDHAM

7

 

William PAGE

23

Biscuit baker

Lucretia OLDHAM

3

 

John CABLE

36

Smith

Josepha OLDHAM

4mo

 

 

 

 

Betsey VICE

2

 

 

 

 

Anne VICE

2mo

 

 

 

 

Wm. CABLE

2

 

 

 

 

John CABLE

6mo

 

 

O’MEAGHER

 

518

23 George Street

Chelsea

27th July 1819

Sir

As the Legislature have humanely voted a certain sum of money to enable the Government to send out to the Cape of Good Hope a number of Families that may be reduced to indigence through the want of Employment & who are in consequence thereof become objects of commiseration, I humbly take leave to address you for the purpose of claiming a participation of that benevolence which is now offered to the distressed.

            I have been regularly initiated into the general routine of commercial business & I have a perfect knowledge of the Irish Provision Trade & agricultural pursuits I have studied for some time, but through losses and misfortunes which no human prudence could well guard against, I have been by degree reduced to a state of wretchedness which my feelings will not permit me to describe.  In vain have I endeavoured to procure a situation even at a trivial salary altho’ my character remains unsullied.  I have a wife and four children & as Irish to live & die & to bring up the offspring of my loins under British Laws I hope I may be deemed an object of consideration.  I can give the most satisfactory references if required.  As my mind is upon the wrack may I be permitted to crave an early answer to this.

I am with the greatest respect

Sir, Your ob’t. Serv’t.

James O’MEAGHER

 

ONNSLEY, James

 

955

48 Skinner Street

Snow Hill

9th August 1819

Sir,

            I have the honor to enclose you the Outline of a Plan that I take the liberty of requesting you will submit to the consideration of the Earl of BATHURST. If it should meet his Lordship’s approbation and that I can obtain the permission of His Royal Highness the Commander in Chief I am ready to undertake the Completion which I have no doubt I can do within three months.

            I have served his Majesty 26 years, I am upwards of two years a Lieut. Colonel in the Army. I was for many years in employment under the Irish Government and honor’d by their unlimitted confidences for which I beg leave to refer to the Right Hon’ble Robert PEEL, and in the event of my plan being approved of I am ready to go out as Colonel Commandant or if any other person should be thought more elligible for that situation I leave it to his Lordship to reward me in such manner he may think my exertions deserving of, and the only requirement necessary to carry on the business will be a small advance of money to pay the attendant expences.

            The place I would prefer putting this plan into execution would be chiefly in the north of Ireland, where I am well known to the inhabitants and I know them to be a very enterprising people.

            I shall only add that if honor’d by the appointment I have suggested my best endeavours shall be devoted to fulfil the wishes of His Majesty’s Government and promote the interest of those who emigrate to that country.

I have the honor to be Sir your very obed’t serv’t

James ONNSLEY

Lieut. Colonel

 

            Regulations under which it is proposed to procure a number of persons to emigrate from either England or Ireland to the Cape of Good Hope under the plan laid down by Government formed before the idea that an occasional Military Force may be requisite towards the Permanent Establishment of a Civil Government, particularly in the neighbourhood of Algoa Bay.

 1st that Officers from the Half Pay of the Army, those that have served in the Militia or Yeomanry Corps, are complete masters of Military Discipline and of Exemplary Conduct in their Civil Capacities, shall be chosen for this purpose and equal care to be taken in the selection of the non commissioned officers and privates who are to consist of more that have been trained to arms in the line, Militia or Volunteer Corps, and well acquainted with the cultivation of ground.

2ndly that a considerable number of the latter should be carpenters, masons, taylors, shoemakers and such other tradesmen as may be necessary to form a new settlement and that they be permitted to take working tools along with them. A few men accustomed to work in collieries can be readily obtained and the whole to form a Militia Corps for the General Service of the country whenever call’d upon to act upon any emergency Without Pay and under Forfeiture of the Land allotted to them in case they do not serve or find a substitute when required to do so.

3rdly each individual to deposit the sum required by Government Regulations into the hands of the Collector of the District in which he resides and to receive from him an assurance that Govt. will send them out at a stated period, naming the port at which they will be embark’d.

4thly that each individual shall enter into an engagement to give 90 days Work or Labour in the first year towards the Erection of Public Works or such other buildings as may be requisite.

5thly that arms, accoutrements & clothing shall be provided by Government under the same Regulations as the Yeomanry Corps have been supplied, and to be newly clothed every other year.

 

Scale by which the emigrants are proposed to be remunerated according to their respective stations.

 

 

 

Total

1 Colonel Commandant

4000 acres

4,000

2 Lieut. Colonels

2000 each

4,000

2 Majors

1000 each

2,000

10 captains

600 each

,6000

1 Surgeon

600

600

2 Assistant Surgeons

300 each

600

10 Lieutenants

300 each

3,000

10 Ensigns

300 each

3,000

1 Adjutant

300

300

1 Quarter Master

300

300

1 Sergt. Major

200

200

1 Qr Master Sergeant

200

200

50 Sergeants

100 each

5,000

1000 Rank & File

80 each

80,000

1092 individuals convey’d at 100 acres each being the quantity allow’d by Govt.

 

109,200

 

Note from GOULBURN across bottom of letter:

 

Return him thanks for his communication but acquaint him that the Govt. having laid down a plan upon which alone encouragement is to be given to persons emigrating the Cape, Lord B does not feel himself at liberty to deviate from or extend the arrangement. At the same time Ld B would observe that much of what he has in view may be attained even under the existing regulations should he determine on making an offer consistent with the terms presented in the printed letter.

 

953

48 Skinner Street

Snow Hill

16th August 1819

Sir,

            I have been honor’d by your letter of the 12th inst in reply to which I beg leave to state that unconnected with the military part of my proposal I could not flatter myself my exertions or influences would be attended with success. I must therefore rest satisfied with the hope that in the event of His Majesty’s Ministers making any alterations in their plans to make my proposal acceptable at a future day, that the Earl of BATHURST will be pleased to consider me at all times ready to promote the wishes or interests of the Government of this country.

I have the honor to be Sir

Your very obed’t serv’t

James ONNSLEY

Lieut. Colonel 

 

OSLER, Benjamin

 

[First letter filed under C in CO48/42]

 

202 Copy

To Andrew YOUNG Esq

Mayor of Falmouth

Falmouth, 25 July 1819

Sir,

            I beg leave to inform you I am desirous of availing myself of the late liberal arrangement of government in assisting those who may be disposed to emigrate to the Cape and most respectfully solicit your immediate application on my behalf. I consider you Sir (chief magistrate of the town) the proper channel through which I should apply.

            My family consists of a wife and ten children, my own age 44, my wife 45, two children above 18, two between 18 and 14 and the remaining six below that age, all healthy and capable of work. Three or four of the youngest I would leave with their friends at home until I was established, the others would accompany me, for whose passage I would advance the amount required by government agreeably to the regulation and in addition take with me one able husbandman and in like manner advance for him. My means I am concerned to state to your worship allow me to go no further. Our habits are those of industry, sobriety and economy and from the experience I have had in general concerns flatter myself I should be found a useful settler in the new colony, the temperature of which is such as I have been accustomed to. In the event of obtaining permission will be anxious to embrace the first opportunity of embarking. I am most respectfully Sir

Your obedient humble servant

Benjamin OSLER

 

963

Falmouth, August 19th 1819

Sir,

            I beg to acknowledge rec’t of your esteemed favor through A. YOUNG Esq the worshipful Mayor of this town, with printed circular, relative to the terms on which indulgence will be granted to those desirous of settling at the Cape. In conformity thereto I engage to take with me ten able healthy individuals above the age of eighteen, a proportion of whom shall be husbandmen possessing a general knowledge of agriculture; also two children between the ages of fourteen and eighteen and four below the age of fourteen for the whole of whom I will advance agreeably to the stipulations contained in the said circular.

            I beg leave to observe I have been a resident at Cadiz and Gibraltar nearly seven years, have made voyages to Surinam, Trinidad, Marranham, Para [Transcriber’s note: the last two are in Brazil] & different ports in Portugal, Spain and Italy in commercial pursuits, am consequently familiar with foreign habits & customs  & flatter myself will be found a desirable settler in the new colony. Most respectfully soliciting an early consideration and reply

I am Sir your most obed’t serv’t

Benj’n OSLER

 

[on reverse]

I hereby certify that Benjamin OSLER, the person writing the foregoing proposal to emigrate to the Cape of Good Hope, is a native of Falmouth and has always borne a good character. Witness my hand this 20 August 1819

Andrew YOUNG

Mayor of Falmouth

 

969

Falmouth, August 30th 1819

Sir,

            I beg to acknowledge rec’t of your favor of the 23rd & to say my party will be compleat in the course of the present week when I will send you the numbers, names age and profession of the whole, together with the declaration required. I presume a man and wife (altho accommodated with their passage & 100 acres of land for the advance of ten pounds) are in point of number considered as two individuals. If I am wrong in this point be so obliging as to correct me, referring you to my next

I am respectfully Sir

Your most obed’t serv’t

Benj’n OSLER

 

978

Falmouth, September 21st 1819

Sir,

            I was unable to forward you a compleat statement of my part earlier as some persons who had engaged to join me either from real or imaginary difficulties afterwards declined it.

            I now beg leave to subjoin an account of the party I propose taking under my direction to the Cape of Good Hope, to which I solicit an early consideration & reply, assuring you they are all able healthy persons such as will ultimately benefit themselves & the colony. I shall anxiously await your further instructions respecting them.

            The four young men whose names are below the certificate are very desirous of going but have not the means of advancing the sum required, but in lieu thereof have proposed to work for Government two years in such way as would be directed to them, either as labourers or to their profession, claiming only a ration of provisions & an occasional supply of cloathing during that time, at the expiation of which if they give satisfaction [hole in paper] to be entitled to the same grant as the others. I trust [hole in paper] Government where they witness in a party every disposition to ind..[hole in paper] & to be beneficial to the colony will be disposed to encourage them on credit until the first harvest for a proportion of the implements and necessaries that will be required, & I presume wood will be immediately to be had for the erection of temporary dwellings & that Government will cause us to be landed on the spot we are to be located on. I beg to inquire about what time in the month of November the sailing is proposed & whether some of the transports will call at this port. Finally I respectfully solicit we may be accommodated on shipboard with as suitable and convenient indulgences as the nature of the service will admit, more particularly for the females & children, who have all been respectably brought up and educated & I trust a favorable portion of land will be assigned to us that we may early profit by the fruits of our industry. Most respectfully soliciting your consideration & good offices, I am Sir

Your most obed’t humble serv’t

Benj’n OSLER

 

Name and Description of the Person taking out the Settlers

Benjamin OSLER, General Trader with knowledge of Agriculture

A native of Falmouth

Married, aged 44

Have more than twenty years been engaged in commercial pursuits, have resided at Lisbon, Cadiz, Gibraltar and occasionally been at different ports in the Mediterranean, the West Indies, Brazil &c

 

Names of the Settlers

Profession or Trade

Age

Names of the Women

Age

Male Children

Age

Female Children

Age

 

 

 

Jane OSLER

45

Stephen OSLER

13

Susanna OSLER

17

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jane OSLER

15

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mary Ann OSLER

12

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amelia OSLER

10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Elizabeth OSLER

6

 

Dressmaker

 

Jane HARRIS

26

 

 

 

 

George TRENWICK

Husbandman

27

 

 

 

 

 

 

Henry PRISK

Do.

29

 

 

 

 

 

 

John PENROSE

Do.

19

 

 

 

 

 

 

John BRIDGEMAN*

Do.

19

 

 

 

 

 

 

John DALE

Boot & Shoemaker

24

 

 

 

 

 

 

Henry HOSKING

Do. & Gardener

40

Mary HOSKING

38

W. HOSKING

11

Mary HOSKING

12

 

 

 

 

 

Harry HOSKING

7

Ann HOSKING

9

Gilbert HEAMS

Husbandman

27

Ann HEAMS

26

Richard HEAMS

7

Hannah HEAMS

3

Henry CURTIS

Do.

29

Cordelia CURTIS

27

Thomas CURTIS

10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

John CURTIS

5

 

 

Edward MARTIN

Do.

30

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bennet TRELOAN

Gardner & Husbandman

29

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Falmouth Sept 21st 1819

I Benjamin OSLER on behalf of myself and the above named persons proposing to become settlers at the Cape of Good Hope do declare that I am ready to conform myself to all the conditions upon which His Majesty’s Government have offered to grant lands in that colony

 

John DUNSTONE, Husbandman, 20

John GOSLING, Shoemaker, 20

George TUBB, Do, 18

John GARD, Joiner & Sawyer 20

 

*[Transcriber’s Note: The Muster Roll of the Weymouth (ADM51/3453) says John BRIDGEMAN was ‘left behind at Cape of Good Hope through ill health’]

 

980

Falmouth Nov 7 1819

Sir,

            You favor of the 21st ult with instructions where to send the amount of deposit for my party duly reaching me, in consequence of the capricious underhand disposition of several who had given the most positive assurance of joining me & who at this critical moment have withdrawn themselves, I am obliged to solicit another sett of returns to make the alterations that have thus arisen. The names of those defaulters I transmit to you with my affidavit in confirmation. In the interim of receiving the returns no doubt I shall be provided with others whom I have invited in lieu. I by this post sending Wm. HILL Esq £52:10:0 on acct & will continue the remittance for others as they deposit. In this emergency having arranged for departure a disappointment will be attended with grievous consequences. I will be happy to be attached to any respectable party to whose salutary regulations I will readily conform myself. I earnestly supplicate the vessel appointed to take us may be diverted to call at this Port.

I am respectfully, Sir

Your most obed’t humble serv’t

Benj’n OSLER

 

I, Benjamin OSLER, make oath that the undermentioned persons voluntarily offered to accompany me to the new settlement of the Cape of Good Hope without any solicitation on my part & requested their names to be transmitted to Government accordingly, & now without cause refuse to fulfil their engagement.

George TRENWICK

Henry PRISK

John PENROSE

Henry HOSKING

Gilbert HEAMS

John PASCOE

John DALE

 

Sworn before me at Falmouth the 30th day of October 1819

Andrew YOUNG

Mayor

 

982

[To Mr. B. OSLER, Falmouth]

Downing Street

London

November 1819

Sir,

            I have received your letter of the 21st inst and acquaint you in reply that it will be necessary in the first instance that you should transmit the whole of your deposit money to Mr. HILL.

            You will then report to me the names of the persons you propose to substitute & those who have refused to accompany you, having care always that the former do not exceed the latter in number or age.

I am Sir your ob’t sv’t

Henry GOULBURN

 

984

Falmouth, Nov 9th 1819

Sir,

            Fearful the multiplicity of your present engagements have occupied your time and prevented you sending me the sett of blank returns which I applied for, & desirous of losing no time, I take the liberty of enclosing the present details of a party who in addition to a general knowledge of Agriculture have respectively a serviceable profession. I trust they will meet your approbation and induce you to include us with the first embarkation. They are all respectable able men. I have remitted Wm.HILL Esq on this acct £100:10:0. The small balance will follow before the close of the present week. Most respectfully soliciting your attention to my former request, I am Sir

Your most obed’t humble serv’t

Benj’n OSLER

 

[Margin note from GOULBURN: This present deposit money is £117:10:0 instead of the original amt £137:10:0]

 

988

Portsmouth, December 16th 1819

Sir,

            Pursuant to directions received from the Com’r of HM Navy I proceeded to Portsmouth with my party and understand I am able to have the pleasure of joining the Weymouth. I am again under the necessity of troubling you to allow me to substitute Richard EVA, husbandman & baker, age 24 and Elizabeth his wife Age 22 in lieu of Henry CURTIS & Family. I should not again have troubled you but CURTIS up to the time of my leaving had not paid me his deposit, and I brought Richard EVA & wife with me not doubting you would permit this change, which I solicit you will please approve [to] Lieut. CHEESMAN Agent for Transports at this Port.

I am respectfully

Your most obed’t svt

Benj’n OSLER

 

OWEN, C. Cunliffe

 

941

41 Dale Street

St.James’s

July 20th 1819

Sir,

            His Majesty’s Ministers having announced their intention of facilitating the colonization of the Cape of Good Hope, I take the liberty of submitting to your consideration some ideas which have struck me on this subject.

            From every information I have been able to collect the River Knysna, situated about 360 miles to the eastward of the Cape, appears to possess the most superior advantages for forming a settlement, both in an agricultural and a commercial point of view. There is a Bar at the entrance but which may be always passed in moderate weather and with seventeen feet water on it will admit our barges, sloops of war and merchantmen of five hundred tons. The banks of the river are surrounded by inexhaustible forests of Stinkwood, a species of oak much superior to the teak of India for ship building. Thus even frigates might be constructed there. The soil is rich and would produce wheat, oats, barley. hemp, flax and wins [whins?] & from its maritime situation a market would easily be found. Possessing a secure harbour a nursery for seamen would soon be raised and this might be considerably aided by encouraging Naval officers to go out there, not exclusively, but merely to excite a spirit of maritime commerce along the coast. And which might be beneficially directed towards the whale fishery. The greater proportion of those who present themselves for emigration are of the distressed and lower class of the community, and you must be sufficiently aware, Sir, how men’s minds are disturbed at this moment. In an infant settlement entire unanimity would be essential for success. And instead of sending out settlers to be placed indiscriminately at the disposal of the Governor of the Cape of Good Hope I should take the liberty of suggesting that His majesty’s Colonial Department at Home should fix on some particular spots most eligible. And to each of these appoint a person who would undertake to carry out the number of settlers necessary according to the terms prescribed by Government. The settlers might be selected from particular districts from whence local recollections would tend to unite them to each other and blend their interests in one common cause. Embarking under the direction of one in whom they had confidence would be preserved and joining heart and hand together every difficulty would be surmounted. This person taking the lead from their own choice would be materially assisted, if vested with the civil authority of a magistrate. He could constantly communicate with the Cape, be enabled to forward & execute the views of His Majesty’s Government and in moments of danger from the natives would be the rallying point for the settler.

            Should Government be disposed to approve of these ideas I beg leave to offer my services to carry them into execution, and will engage to carry out any number of families. If the Knysna is decided on the colonists might embark in merchant vessels charted for that purpose – from 250 to 300 tons – and after touching at the Cape to receive the instructions of His Majesty’s Governor and supply themselves with stock and whatever might be useful, should proceed direct to their destination. There the vessels might be detained a short time as an accommodation and magazine till habitations for the settlers were constructed. An allowance of provisions till a crop could be secured, a proportion of arms and ammunition for defence against the natives and some assistance with implements of husbandry would be necessary. This expence might be defrayed by subjecting the land to a small rent after it became in culture, and which might be commuted for personal labour towards public works which might be necessary. I served in Canada during the whole of the late war and while I commanded His Majesty’s flotilla on the River St. Lawrence was obliged to form establishments for my own people, so that I am not a stranger to the nature of these things. But in tendering my services for colonization be assured I have no other view than in making myself useful to my country and fellow creatures. This I cannot do unless I go to a distinct spot and engaged with people who I might consider and treat as friends. I have witnessed the disaffected state of some of our settlements in Upper Canada and no pains should be spared in selecting the colonists of the Cape. If His Majesty’s Government are pleased to accept my offer I would be guided by their wishes either in taking the settlers from the Highlands of Scotland or from some of the districts of Yorkshire, where I could immediately raise any number.

            I have hopes also that in devoting my life to this object I may have an opportunity of doing something towards the civilization of those barbarous hordes which surround the colony.

I have the honor to be Sir

Your most obedient and very humble servant

C. Cunliffe OWEN

Commander Royal Navy

 

[Note from GOULBURN across corner: Send him the printed letter & stating that there is no intention of appointing officers specially for the superintendence of the emigrants at the Cape]

 

OWEN, J. Van

 

947

14 Fenchurch Buildings

Fenchurch St

July 29th 1819

Sir,

            Having for a considerable time interested myself in the amelioration of the state of the Jewish Poor, I look to the proposed emigration to the Cape of Good Hope as a very desirable plan whereby the Jewish poor might be inclined to agricultural pursuits & be thereby maintained. For compleat information on this head I shall esteem it a favour if you will put me in possession of all such papers as are issued by your office on this subject as well as any others which your goodness will point out whereby I might be enabled to form a plan for effecting so desirable an object.

I remain Sir your humble st.

[Johan?] van OWEN

 

PS It may perhaps be not improper to acquaint you that I am well known to His Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex Mr P. COLQUHOUN & not unknown to Lord SIDMOUTH

 

[note from GOULBURN: send him the usual printed letter in reply]

 

OWEN, John

 

957

Fulham

Aug 30th 1819

My Dear Sir,

                        Though I feel extremely sorry to trouble you on any matter which concerns myself, yet I cannot forbear intreating you and, so far as you may be enabled to give it, in accomplishing an object which lies very close to my heart.

            My second son, now in his 18th year, has been at Bremen for 2 years, partly that he might learn the German language, and partly that he might be less in the way of temptation till I should be able to procure something for him to do. He has of late shown an unsettledness of disposition & a tendency to extravagance and it appears necessary that he should be recalled immediately. In fact he has nothing to occupy a restless mind and when he returns to me he will be in the same situation.

            Some foreign appointment seems most likely to suit the turn of his mind and the new settlement in Africa occurred to me as perhaps likely to afford something of the sort. I venture to suggest what has passed in my mind and have only to request the benefit of your judgement & assistance in such way as the many calls upon both may allow you to afford them.

I am, my dear Sir, vary faithfully

John OWEN

 

OWEN, Sir John, MP for Pembrokeshire, re Thomas PHILIPPS

 

951

Milton

5th August 1819

Dear Sir,

            The bearer Thomas PHILIPPS who is a particular friend of mine and a member of one of the principal families in this county, is desirous of obtaining a grant of land at the Cape and of going out there with his family and about twenty settlers. You will particularly oblige me by giving him an early interview and by lending your kind assistance to forward his plan without delay. I am sincerely anxious to serve him and highly interested in his success or I would not have taken the liberty of troubling you with this letter and I am. Dear Sir

Very faithfully

John OWEN

 

[note from GOULBURN: act according to what I have said in the enclosed letter, which send on to Milton [and in an addition in a darker ink] Mr. PHILIPS called here and got the letter]

 

OWEN, Thomas

 

975

Cirencester, Thursday

My dear GOULBURN,

                                    I have received the enclosed letter with a desire that I will forward it to you. Will you enable me to give an answer.

Your truly

GRENVILLE

 

[enclosed]

August 31st 1819

Dear Sir Charles GRENVILLE,

                                                You will do me a great favour if you will recommend the enclosed list to Mr. GOULDBURN’s attention. I am particularly interested for the OWEN Family who are at the head of it, they are very responsible people, I have known them many years. Business has not been so prosperous of late and it is the wish of the two brothers to go to the new settlement by the first vessel that Government sends out, which they understand is expected to take place in the month of November. Seven families in the list are acquaintances of Mr. OWEN’s, particularly Mr. PULLEN and I am desired to say that they are all prepared to pay the deposit money. I beg a thousand pardons for giving you so much trouble and hope you will lose no time in writing to Mr. GOULDBURN as numbers are applying daily. If Lady Charlotte is at Cirencester pray remember me respectfully to her.

Dear Sir Charles, you much oblige

A. MOSS

 

[enclosed] 

 

971

9 Carey Street

Horseferry Road

September 2nd 1819

My Lord,

            The enclosed list and persons who desire to proceed to the Cape of Good Hope and who are most willing to conform to the Regulations of His Majesty’s Government.

I have the honor to be my Lord

Your most obedient and very humble servant

Thos. OWEN

 

Name and Description of the Person taking out the Settlers:

Thomas OWEN

9 Carey Sreet

Horseferry Road

Westminster

Aged 38

 

Names of Settlers

Profession

Age

Names of Women

Age

Male Children

Age

Female Children

Age

 

 

 

Elizabeth OWEN

35

Thomas

5

 

 

OWEN, Will’m Sam’l

Farmer

40

OWEN, Judy Ann

35

Frederick Jno.

2

Margaret

13

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mary

12

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Elizabeth

6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ellen

4

BROWN, James

Bricklayer

23

 

 

 

 

 

 

GLANER?, George

Bricklayer

21?

 

 

 

 

 

 

PULLEN, Thomas

Farmer

43

PULLEN, Dorothy

36

Thomas

15

Dorothy

20

 

 

 

 

 

Edward

14

Adelade

18

 

 

 

 

 

Tindal

12

Augusta

16

 

 

 

 

 

William

8

Julia

10

 

 

 

 

 

Charles

2

Helen

7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Harriet

5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lavinia

1

CHURCH, Henry*

Ropemaker

25

 

 

 

 

 

 

STANLEY, William

Edge tool maker

20

 

 

 

 

 

 

KNOX, John

Block maker

28

KNOX, Mary Ann

27

 

 

Mary Ann

5

CHURCH, Thomas

Farrier

35

CHURCH, Elizabeth

33

Robert

10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Charles

4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mathew

2

 

 

STANLEY, Francis

Edge too maker

42

STANLEY, Mary Ann

41

Francis

13

Mary Ann

15

 

 

 

 

 

Joseph

11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nathaniel

9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

John

2

 

 

WHILEY, William

Smith

31

WHILEY, Deborah

30

William

6

Mary Ann

11

 

 

 

 

 

George

4

Caroline

10

 

 

 

 

 

Edwin

2

Emma

8

 

 

 

 

 

James

1

 

 

HARGRAVE, George

Husbandman

19

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* Transcriber’s note: Henry CHURCH is listed as a settler in M.D.Nash, but according to a descendant, the settler Henry CHURCH did not arrive in South Africa.  In his place was James Luke CHURCH and his wife, Elizabeth GREENACRE, who wrote a memorial to prove that it was indeed him that arrived in the Thomas OWEN party