CO48/45 National Archives, Kew, London  ~  1820 Settler Correspondence P-S

 

Transcribed by volunteers from the ZA-IB and ZA-EC Rootsweb mailing lists from digital photographs taken by Rowena Wattrus 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.

 

McRAE, John (filed under S)

 

946

Glenshiel Manse

20th Sept 1819

Sir,

            Duncan MACDONEL one of the poor men from this quarter who wishes to emigrate to the Cape of Good Hope sits now at my right elbow and assures me that he together with others have agreed to emigrate on the terms in your circular letter. The names follow:

Duncan MACDONEL aged 30 years, his wife Mary McLEOD aged 26, his eldest daughter Catherine 4 years, his son Duncan 3½ years, his youngest son four months

Farquhar MACDONEL 40 years, his wife Barabara 28 years, his eldest son Alex 6 years, his daughter Isabel 3 years, his youngest son John 1 year

John McKAY 35 years, his wife Rebecca 30 years, his eldest daughter Janet 7 years, Mary 5 years, Alex 2½ years, Kate 6 months

Roderick MATHESON 40 years, Ann his wife, his son John 13 years, Mary hus daughter 6 years, Christopher 2½

Farquhar McRAE 21 years

John McRAE 30 years, his wife Isabel 30 years

John McRAE 28 years, his wife Ann 26, his son Alex 5 years, Isabel 2½ years, Donald 1½ years

Farquhar McRAE 26 years, his wife Christian 21 years, a boy Duncan 9 years

Colin McRAE 22 years

Angus CAMPBELL 28 years

            I am requested to ask if a single man may be allowed to bring his mother. There is a young man, a [obscured] Pensioner who would be glad to know if he be allowed to go with his two brothers. They earnestly require to be favoured with an answer. I can as a [obscured] certify that all the persons mentioned on the other side are all good moral characters. I have the honor to be, Sir

Your most obed’t serv’t

John McRAE

Minister of Glenshiel

 

RADCLIFFE, Thomas

 

534

No.1 Lower George Street

Sloane Square

12th Aug 1819

My Lord,

            There are a great number of persons in this neighbourhood, as well Pensioners as others, who are anxious to embrace the opportunity under the sanction of Government to emigrate to the Cape of Good Hope, but not being in possession of the necessary information I beg to request your Lordship will have the goodness to favor m with the same, as being one of the Party I would take any opportunity of making the same public.

I have the honor to be

Your Lordship’s most obedient & very humble servant

Thos. RADCLIFFE

 

RADZIMINSKI, Joseph

 

512

No.55 Great Titchfield Street

Mary le Bone

6th August 1819

Sir!

            Been informed that it is the intention of Government to establish the colony at Algoa Bay where on this subject applications to be made to you Sir! I take the liberty of informing you that having wife and four children it is my intention to go as a settler to that country under the protection of Government and my wish is to go out at first myself, leaving wife and children in England until I could provide comfortable establishment for the reception of my family, if my request meet with attention! I beg the favor of you Sir! to furnish me with particulars of the said colony.

I have the honor to be Sir!

Your most obedient humble servant

Joseph RADZIMINKSI

Late Captain of His Majesty’s Service, 3rd Independent Company of Foreigners

 

PS If wanted to establish the school in the colony from the Government expences I beg to observe that my wife is capable to conduct the school in the highest methods, been late Mrs. Elizabeth HELME’s daughter and brought up to that profession and be very happy to accept similar situation under Government’s protection.

 

RAE, William re Neil MacNEILL

 

674

London

Dec’r 15 1819

Sir,

            I have the honor to inclose for Lord BATHURST’s consideration a petition for Neil MacNEILL which I should hope will be deemed not unworthy of attention. Any communication which his Lordship may be pleased to send on the subject had best be addressed to the Lord Provost of Glasgow, from whom it has come annexed to me.

I have the honor &c

Your obedient servant

Wm. RAE

 

Note from GOULBURN: let me see this man’s original proposal

Clerk’s reply: I have made diligent search for this man’s original proposal but it cannot be found

 

[Transcriber’s note: The original proposal from Neil MacNEILL, dated 19 October 1819, is filed (and transcribed) under M, together with a letter from Henry MONTEITH, the Lord Provost of Glasgow. Presumably the clerk was looking under N, as names beginning with Mac were normally filed under the following initial]

 

[enclosed letter]

Glasgow

1 December 1819

The Memorial for Neil MacNEILL for himself and others

Respectfully states

            That the memorialists had the honor lately of transmitting thro’ the medium of the Lord Provost of Glasgow an application to your Lordship relative to the aid proposed by Government encouraging settlers emigrating to the Cape of Good Hope, and in consequence of, and in adherence to your Lordship’s directions, had forwarded the necessary documents.

            That your memorialists in the firm expectation of their offer being accepted had many of them disposed of their effects, relinquished their former possessions and employment and had made every preparation for their long and arduous voyage, contenting themselves in the meantime with every possible privation untill the period of their sailing should be fixed and the same announced to them.

            The hopes your memorialists fondly entertained of forming part of the colony were soon dissipated by your Lordship’s answer to the Lord provost on 2nd November and they found to their great dissapointment that they were too late in forwarding their offer and were doomed to wait another season in anxious and doubtfull expectation.

            Your memorialists in requesting your Lordship’s attention to the case beg leave to state the following facts:

That many of their number are now without any permanent home

That several have quitted possessions which they cannot again reoccupy, and

That in general they have relinquished their employments which it would be now in vain to attempt returning, as the present distressed state of trade has already filled their places with others who were before then starving.

            Your memorialists are now expending in idleness the means which they trusted would ensure their immediate support at the Cape and if not soon relieved many will be rendered incapable of proceeding. Yet trusting to the favorable intentions of Government and in the hope of the present Session of Parliament of an additional aid for further emigration they have resolved to abide by their original determination untill they ascertain whether they will be accepted in a second emigration.

            Your memorialists conclude by referring their case to your Lordship and trust that Government taking their present situation and unavoidable expences into consideration will grant the prayer of their former memorial and order their embarkation from the Clyde as early as the same is deemed proper.

In the name of the memorialists

Neil MacNEILL

 

[Note from GOULBURN across page]

Write to the Lord Provost of Glasgow stating that this memorial has been received through the Lord Advocate and acquaint him that as from some of the settlers engaged having declined to proceed Lord B has an opportunity of accepting their party & requesting that a list of names &c may be forwarded (in the usual form) when they will be informed of the amount of deposit to be paid & the period at which they may embark

 

RAILSTON, Richard

 

439A

51 Leman Street

Goodmans Fields

19 July 1819

Sir,

            From reduced circumstances & a difficulty of finding employment I would wish with me wife to take the benefit which Government allows to emigrate to the Cape of Good Hope, providing it is in my power to raise the deposit which is required and altho’ it may be small may inconvenience me much, the particulars I would be much obliged to be informed of through you

I am Sir

Your obed’t serv’t

Richard RAILSTON

A Master Mariner

 

RAMSAY, P

 

644

Westbrook

Margate

Oct 24th 1819

My Lord,

            Having been informed that by applying to your Lordship respecting settlers going to the Cape of Good Hope, I have to request that your Lordship will consider my addressing you; will be taken into consideration as a petitioner & to be considered as one who would embrace the opportunity of becoming a settler at the Cape. I am a married man 25 years old but have at present no family; my profession is vetenary surgeon but not meeting with that success I would wish in my profession I have made up my mind to endeavour to get out to the Cape Good Hope; provided your Lordship takes my application into consideration & if your Lordship will comply with my petition I shall ever feel myself bound to pray for your Lordship. If your Lordship should require references as to my caracter I can have therefore some of the most respectable inhabitants of the Island of Thanet.

I am my Lord

Your Lordship’s most obedient humble servant

P. RAMSEY

 

RANDALL, Richard

 

598

49 Basinghall St, City

Sept 8th 1819

Sir,

            Having some friends who are desirous of going to the Cape of Good Hope I request the favour of you furnishing me with the full particulars of the terms upon which Government intend regulating the emigration – an early communication will further oblige.

I am Sir your mo obed’t serv’t

Rich’d RANDALL

 

625

Basinghall St

Oct 18 1819

Sir,

            I request the favour of your information if Mr. Thos. WILSON of Bridge Cottage, Chelsea and his list are accepted at the Colonial Office for intended emigration to the Cape. I beg to apologise in troubling you with this letter but having a relative who is negotiating with Mr. WILSON to be on his list. I wish to know if the latter is recognized by the office.

I remain your mo ob’t serv’t

Rich’d RANDALL

 

[GOULBURN’s reply:]

I have received your letter of the 18th inst and acquaint you in reply that Mr. Thomas WILLSON has received Earl BATHURST’s permission to take out a party of settlers to the Cape of Good Hope

I am &c

 

RAY, George

 

464

No.8 Raven Street

White Chapel Road

24th July 1819

Sir,

            Having served on the Commissariat Staff in the Peninsular War and in France, being at present out of employment in consequence of the distress of the times, I take the liberty of presenting you my solicitation for a grant of land in the Cape of Good Hope. I have been accustomed to the Continent these 13 years & am perfectly acquainted with the French & Spanish languages - ever ingaged in places of confidence & trust, I had the honor to serve under Major Gen’l Sir John BYNG and should your Lordship favor me with your kind attention it will be my study to merit the approbation of His Majesty’s Government. My family consists of a wife & two children and I have a relative who wishes much to accompany us. Your ordering me a plan or prospectus will greatly oblige me and in all things I shall be happy to conform and make myself an acquisition to the state. Having a general knowledge of agriculture I flatter myself your Lordship will affirm my intentions and honor me with your notice. I beg to subscribe myself, my Lord

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

George RAY                                         

 

REA, John

 

579

27 Portland Drive

Dublin

227th August 1819

My Lord,

            As individual applications for liberty to emigrate to the Cape of Good Hope will not be received by your Lordship I wish to know if ten or more families of unexceptionable character (each of whom have the means) were to apply to your Lordship would they be allowed to go. If agents will be appointed in this city to receive the deposits required and if shipping will be sent to this port to take the people on board, likewise if arms and ammunition will be given the colonists by government for their protection against the Caffres and lastly if they will receive time to pay for the agricultural implements they may receive at the Cape. If your Lordship would be so good as to cause an answer to be sent me and pardon me for the trouble I have given I shall be very much obliged and am, my Lord

Your Lordship’s most obedient and very humble servant

John REA

 

READ, James

 

446

16 Clements Inn

22nd July 1819

My Lord,

            I have to offer my most humble apology for the freedom I am about to take in introducing myself to your notice, and for trespassing upon your valuable time, but as the matter upon which I write is I believe under your jurisdiction  I trust your Lordship will not consider the liberty inexcusable.

            Allow me to state that I am the son of the late John READ, some years Chairman of the Commissioners of Land Tax for the City of London, the duties of which situation were discharged by my father with the utmost ability, integrity and honor (to the period of his death which happened in 1801) without either salary, gratuity or reward; for though his merit procured for him the promise of remuneration, yet it was never fulfilled from the circumstance of his death; his zeal and ability in promoting the public service in that situation I can fully prove by letters of the late Right Hon’ble G. ROSE and others, now in my possession. I beg leave also to mention the services of my uncle James READ, the late Chief Magistrate of Bow St. I have myself been serving my country in Walcheren, the Baltic, America, Cape of Good Hope &c in the capacity of 2nd Lieutenant of Marines.

            Having made these statements allow me my Lord to ask if you are aware if it is the intention of Government (in promoting emigration to the Cape of Good Hope) to render any assistance to a better sort of emigrant; I mean such as those possessing small capitals, and who are not compelled to quit their native country by any of the many causes which generally render emigration necessary. From the circumstance of my having been in the country I am fully persuaded of the merits of the plan, and am willing (if consistent with the plans of government) to take upon myself the management and superintendence of any number of persons, and trust that from the services I have stated above (particularly those of my father, never having been rewarded) I might be thought a fit and proper person to fill any official situation, if any should arise.

            It is to learn every particular upon this subject that I have taken the liberty of troubling your Lordship, and if I should be thought worthy of an interview would be most happy to wait upon your Lordship whenever you may be pleased to appoint.

With the greatest respect I have the honor to be, my Lord

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

James READ

 

[note from GOULBURN]

Acquaint him that there is no intention of appointing any superintendents to take charge of the settlers at the Cape and that therefore Lord B can give no encouragement to his expectations although perfectly ready to admit the merits of his family

 

READ, William

 

626

47 Cromer Street

Brunswick Square

[Received October 16th 1819]

My Lord,

            I most respectfully beg leave to offer myself to your Lordship’s notice as a candidate for emigration to the Cape of Good Hope. It is most proper that your Lordship should be informed that my father was a Suffolk farmer and that I was brought up to the same business but on his death quitted that country and took upon me the trade of a tailor, although I have a general knowledge of agriculture particularly of the growth of hemp.

            I beg leave to subscribe a list of the persons who will accompany me to the settlement together with their trades and to that I am ready to comply with the terms of His Majesty’s Government as also those who will accompany me.

I beg leave to subscribe myself

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

Wm. READ

 

 

 

Children

Wm. READ

 

6

R. FULLER

Gardener

3

R. DALTON

Tailor

4

Wm. FEATHERSTONE

Farmer

 

Thos. JONES

Smith

 

John CHAPMAN

Shoemaker

 

Edward JEAL

Shoemaker

 

Chas. JEAL

Cooper

 

Cornelius COLLINS

Agriculturalist

3

A. READ

Husbandman

 

W. WALTERS

Engineer

 

 

READING, J.J. (Filed under S)

 

1026

42 Cheyne Walk, Chelsea

15th Oct 1819

My Lord,

            I request your Lordship to permit me the honor of an interview to submit & explain an object I have in view, that of obtaining & transmitting one hundred men to the Cape on the plan, terms & conditions proposed & arranged by His Majesty’s Ministers, & under your Lordship’s sanction to obtain a sufficient grant to carry it into full effect against the time appointed for sailing from England to the Cape for which I will do myself the honor of affording your Lordship at such time as you may please to appoint, by letter to, my Lord,

Your Lordship’s most respectful & obed’t serv’t

J.J. READING

 

REDDING, Thomas (Filed under S)

 

983

Shepton Mallet

3rd Oct 1819

Sir,

            I have this morning took the liberty of wrighting these few lines hoping you will not be offended at our boldness. We have in this place offered our names and wishing to become settlers of the Cape of Good Hope we wishing to know the turms and arrangements of that country and to know the place of imbarking and the place of landing. Please to send down the arrangements by the return of post as we are waiting for them

So I remain yours sincerely

Thos. REDDING

Acting for Shepton

 

REED, William

 

440

4 Oxford Court

Cannon St

20th July 1819

My Lord,

            In the event of my not being able to procure 10 able bodied persons would His Majesty’s Government have any objection to my emigrating to the Cape with my family, 8 in number (three of whom are of the age required) provided I made the same deposit as would be required for 10 persons or families. Trusting your Lordship will excuse this liberty

I remain your Lordship’s obed’t humble serv’t

Wm REED

 

458

4 Oxford Court

Cannon St

23rd July 1819

Sir,

            The day before yesterday I took the liberty of addressing Lord BATHURST for permission to emigrate to the Cape with a family of 8 children on depositing the same sum as would be required for 10 families – but since when have been informed that my request was not like to meet with success. I now humbly request permission to emigrate with 10 persons or families under my charge on the conditions required by His Majesty’s Government.

I am Sir very respectfully

Your most obed’t humble serv’t

Wm. REED

 

PS Will the settlers be allowed to take articles for their use freight free

 

484

4 Oxford Court

Cannon St

28th July 1819

Sir,

            In reply to your letter of the 24th inst I beg permission to be allowed, with 10 able bodied persons, to emigrate to the Cape of Good Hope on the terms & conditions required by His Majesty’s Government.

I have the honor to be Sir

Your most obed’t serv’t

Wm. REED

 

REEVES, George

 

518

Navy Prize Office

Exeter

August 7th 1819

My Lord,

            I beg leave to inquire with respect to people about to become settlers at the Cape of Good Hope in what manner they are to proceed to obtain a settlement – my object for this enquiry is in consequence of a number of people having a desire of becoming settlers has asked my opinion on the subject and not being legally authorized to give my advice on the subject have taken the liberty of writing, and should be much obliged on behalf of these people if you will allow me to communicate to them what the terms of government is and proposals that I may give those people information on the subject, as they can ill afford to make personal application without knowing its principles. Your authority to me in so doing will confer great honor on

Your most obedient humble servant

George REEVES Jun

Navy Agent

 

555

St.John’s Street

Exeter

August 13th 1819

My Lord,

            I was honored with your circular of the 9th ult [sic] and beg leave to state to your Lordship that I have collected nearly 100 individuals some of whom have families but all of them of good repute and their characters bear strict investigation, they being comprised of strong healthy and able bodied young men who have always been brought up as farmers and agriculturalists and managing lands to the best advantage. Having taken pains in the choice of these enterprising men I should wish to proceed to the Cape of Good Hope with them, having their unanimous consent, and I beg leave to know how they are to proceed to join the ship destined to convey them and where they are to repair to for it.

            I wish further to know if your Lordship will grant me the same proportion of land for every head of family I take out should I provide a ship and victual them at my own expence and becoming in every respect under the jurisdiction of the Governor at the Cape and liable to every thing laid down in your circular. The men are all subservient and dutiful subjects and will always cherish and support that constitution which has always governed them in so good a path. They are all of the Church of England together with myself and we will always fulfill our duties as Christians to keep safe its dignity not only of church but of state and hope ultimately to prove an ornament to the colony we are to proceed to establish.

I have the honor to be

Your Lordship’s most obedient humble servant

George REEVES

 

581

Exeter, St. Johns Street

August 29th 1819

My Lord,

            I am under the necessity of making my application to your Lordship that I may throw off that calumny which is now in circulation on my character. The following your Lordship will perceive is the details I made application to your Lordship three weeks since for instructions on what head emigration to the Cape of Good Hope was grounded as a number of people had made enquiry of me about it, but did not think myself justified unless your Lordship transmitted me the instructions, which I received by the next post from the Colonial Department. I therefore had it advertised in the newspapers and large bills posted over this city to give information to people which thought of emigrating – the enclosed bills is the one I had posted up and the other the bill for which redress I now crave – People in consequence made their applications to me and it being my intention to proceed with them I mad the following binding proposals – if a person was inclined to go I gave him instructions according to your circular and if he was determined to go I entered him in my book with the necessary particulars, for which he paid me 2/6 which was to be returned to him on his embarkation, but if he forfeited his word he likewise did his money. Now my Lord this libellous bill specifies it is a gross imposition and my bill most unlawfully done. Therefore the redress I crave from your Lordship is whether or not I have acted unlawfully and subjected myself to the displeasure of your Lordship. This bill is posted all over this city and has caused serious alarm among the disaffected people and I am not certain how I might share a worse fate than being the Constable of Manchester. [Transcriber’s Note: The Peterloo Riots in Manchester took place on 16 August 1819] Your answer to me as soon as possible will be gratefully received that I may [obscured] by the laws of my country to [obscured] its author. I am no ways conscious of acting contrary to instruction and sorry if I have so done it having been an officer in His Majesty’s Service and have born a good character in [this city?]

I have the honor to be

Your Lordship’s most obedient humble servant

George REEVES

 

[note from GOULBURN]

Acknowledge receipt and acquaint him that Lord B cannot consider himself responsible for the inconvenience which he may sustain from having assumed a character and title for which he had no authority and consequently cannot afford him any relief

 

[first enclosed bill - printed]

 

ENCOURAGEMENT TO EMIGRATE TO THE CAPE OF GOOD HOPE

A glorious opportunity now offers itself to any person wishing to settle at the Cape of Good Hope.

The most healthy climate in the world,

and a country where labour will flourish & meet with its reward,

where the husbandman can derive benefit from his industry and encouragement from his country,

The whole colony being compared to a second Paradise.

All people having any knowledge of Farming and Husbandry are certain if success, as large

GRANTS OF LAND

will be given them, and their

PASSAGE OUT FREE.

Immediate Application must be made to Mr. George REEVES, Colonial Office, St.John’s St Exeter;

Where all information and proposals are obtained.

NB People wishing to be in time for the planting season must not delay making their enquiry, as the ships destined to convey them will sail with all speed.

All letters will be returned if not post paid. Address as follows:

On Colonial Business, Mr. George REEVES Jun. Colonial Office, St.John’s St, Exeter

Cullum General Printing Office, Exeter.

 

[second enclosed bill – printed]

 

EMIGRATION TO THE CAPE OF GOOD HOPE

            A most flaming and unauthorised Posting Bill, having been stuck up in various parts of this city, holding out great but fallacious encouragement to those who entertain thoughts of emigrating to the Cape of Good Hope, it will be necessary to address to them a few words on the subject of the said Bill, to prevent the needy and the unwary becoming the dupes of crafty and unprincipled speculators, who watch every opportunity to gratify their cupidity at the expence of the credulous and necessitous.

            This is therefore to inform those, whom the most severe and complicated distresses have driven to the melancholy alternative of seeking their food in a foreign clime, or miserably perishing for want in their native land, that GEORGE REEVES JUN, the publisher of the aforesaid Posting Bill, and who pretends to keep an office for transacting Colonial Business, has no authority whatever for such proceedings, he having received no appointment for that purpose from the Colonial Department, as he is totally unknown and unauthorised by that office.

            His motives for thus unwarrantably obtruding himself on the public seems to be pretty apparent – to extract a half crown from the scanty pockets of those unfortunates who are weak enough to apply to him for information, and which he demands as his fee, for merely reading the Earl BATHURST’s circular.

            The writer of this has now before him a letter, in reply to one sent, from the Under Secretary of State, dated the 19th instant, in which is the following paragraph, “With reference to that part of your letter in which you allude to the conduct of a person at Exeter who states himself to be an Agent of this Department, I have to inform you that this Department has no cognizance of any such person.” H.G.

            NB The letter is now open for inspection at the Britannia Public House, South Street to anyone who may wish to peruse it; and it is therefore recommended to all those who have been cajoled out of their cash under such flimsy pretences to demand immediate restitution.

Dated August 23rd 1819

A FRIEND OF THE POOR

T. BESLEY Junior, Printer, High Street, Exeter

 

Memorandum

Mr. GOULBURN has got the letter from the Exeter carpenter complaining that a person of that town extracted 2/6 for a perusal of the circular. In reply to that letter I added the post script which will be found in the small printed bill

P.S.

 

REID, George

 

444

49 Exchequer Street

Dublin

21st July 1819

My Lord,

            Being desirous to avail myself of the advantages offered by Government to persons emigrating to the Cape of Good Hope, & anxious to lose as little time as possible in making all necessary arrangements, I beg you will excuse the liberty I take in requesting to know what steps I should pursue and also all particulars respecting the land to be granted & the security required. It may be necessary to mention that I can give refferences to persons of the first respectability, both in England and Ireland, for character & ability.

I have the honor to be my Lord

Your Lordship’s ob’t humble svt

George REID

 

RENTON, John

 

516

No.2 Chequer Square

White Cross Street

St.Lukes, Middlesex

[Received August 7 1819]

Sir,

            Having heard that an opportunity was now offering for settlers to colonise the Cape of Good Hope – induced me thus to intrude upon your kindness in addressing this to you for your inspection.

            I have a wife and three children, my age is twenty seven years, I can work as a Plaisterer and Bricklayer and have occasionally been accustomed to Husbandry work. The age of my wife is thirty years and has been accustomed to Servitude untill her marriage. My eldest son is five years, my second a daughter three years old, my third a daughter eighteen months. I really wish to embrace the opportunity being out of employ, but must beg the favor of you to furnish me with the full particulars of the conditions on which settlers are going out and on what conditions after arriving at the place of destination.

            Sir, your kind answer as soon as convenient will be esteemed a favor highly conferred on

Your most obedient and very humble servant

John RENTON

 

RENWICK, A

 

476

Enniskillen

27th July 1819

My Lord

I have the honor to observe in perusing a London newspaper extract of the conditions under which it is proposed to give encouragement to immagration to the Cape of good hope; I beg leave to offer self with family of five children & wife and servants in all twelve in number as settlers in the British dominion at the Cape, not more than 20 miles from Cape Town or False Bay of which place I have local knowledge and do give that place the decided preference to all my travels which have been very extensive. 

The narative of my case is briefly as follows. I am descended from protestant Ancestors distinguished for their loyalty for past Centurys.  I went out to India at an early period of my life as a [?seeker?] of fortune with letters of recommendation to some of the most respectable characters in the Hon’ble Company Service; I have been over the greatest part of the continent of India, I acted as an officer of Rank in a Corps of Cavalry in a campaign under the late Lord LAKE against the Mahratta power & French.  On peace been concluded the Corps I belonged to was reduced when I availed myself of the opportunity of returning to my native country with the fleet accompaning Lord LAKE to England.  I carryed letters of recommendation from an Hon’ble Gentleman in India to his exalted brother here.  I am now in receipt of a reward granted me for my services by the Government at Calcutta, a reward I've got to say is but badly remitted - he would not sanction it to be paid me in London instead of Calcutta which I am sorry to say subjects me & my growing family to much inconvenience.  This grievance in a great measure could be obviated by my residing at the cape of good hope.  I brought part of my family with me from India; since I changed my situation here I have taken a farm of land in the neighbourhood of Enniskillen, it is called Churchland under the See of Cloghar subject to an anual increas of fine so unlimited that Bishop PORTER’s fine is now £20 per annum for which my family's ancestors paid but 6 some thirty years back. This with taxation has baffled all economy and has hankered my limited pension, now more than a year in arear in such a manner that I begin to feel rather embarrassed but not more than my little [??] will meet.

Should your Lordship deem this simple statemen deserving further notice I can refer your Lordship to Gentlemen in London of the first Merchant character for a coroborating proof of mine.

I have lately been employed here on the Companys Recruiting but now discontinued and I regret I am left without employ.

I have the honor to be

Your Lordships most obed hble servt

A. RENWICK

Major late Annuity, H. C. S.

 

543

Enniskillen

 13th August 1819

Sir

In doing myself the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your printed letter dated the 2nd inst containing the conditions of Government under which it is proposed to give encouragement to emigrate to the Cape of good hope, the particulars I have given due attention, and I beg leave to state I have but little or no objection to avail myself of the encouragement held out to the public that wish to become Settlers there.  Disposing of my property here is the greatest obstacle to prevent me with the consideration that they Government may be graciously pleased to hold out a little more liberal donation towards erecting a cottage or farm house of a moderate description.  Should the emigrant have all the [responsibility?] to provide to make himself and family at all comfortable it might be attended with much inconvenience and sink his little all to obviate the result of so unpleasant a circumstance occurring, a trifling specific sum to be granted which could be no object on or after location would ultimately be attended with the wished for effect.

Beyond this present [score] of things above these troubling regions we are to look for what is permanent and stable, the world passes away so have my ancestors some of whom in past centurys I have learned suffered and forfeited their inheritance for their loyalty and attachment to the Royal cause, they were not obscure but any connections are [obscured] and god and reason & virtue continue unchangeably the same, we are to enter into eternal habitations and into these our works are to follow us, the consequence will ever remain of the fact we have acted as good or bad men, as faithful subjects of god or as servants of a vain world in which the present state of man is neither doomed to complete happiness nor designed for complete misery, it is in general a mixed state of comfort and misery of prosperity and adversaty neighther brightened by unending sun shine nor over cast with perpetual shade but subject to [allow] succession of one and the other, while such a state forbids despair it also checks presumption it is eaqual adverse to dispondency of mind & to high elevation of spirits.  The temper which best suits a Traveler or Settler is moderation; it ought to be the tenor of existance that virtue consists in all equal balance of the soul, it imports such proper government of [passion] and pleasures as shall prevent from running into extremes of any kind it will produce a calm and temperate frame of mind it is useful in both prosperity and adversity, [in moderation], [delimits] the bounds within which it should remain but the active mind of man seldom or never remains satisfyed with its present condition how prosperous soever; originally designed for a wide range of objects for a higher sphere of enjoyment, it finds itself in every situation of fortune strengthened and confined, sensable of [illegible] in its state; it is ever sending forth the fond desire the aspiring wish after something beyond what is engaged at present; hence that [restlessness] which prevails so generally among mankind & that disgust of pleasure which the have tryed; fill up the [??] ultimate wish of most men.  These are the objects which engross their solitary musings & [illegible] their active labours and often keep alive & warm the desire of industrious men at a [torn page] period of life; I presume it may not be deemed amoral nor [illegible] in wishing to be free from what is disagreeable.  I [illegible] neither family nor [illegible] but food and raiment convenient for a growing family and followers of this [illegible].  I am in a great measure deprived by taxation Bishops fines and by things which has deprived me of the advantage of [illegible] and most anxious hard labour for the last five or so years of my life.  I wish for nothing more than a distant field in which I can follow the impute of my mind & to exert the talent with which god has blessed me.  There is room for ambition at the Cape to act in a laudable sphere and to become the instrument of much public good.  That passion for nobility that ambition of rising to some degree of eminence & which the mind forms but an indistinct idea, which may be considered as indication of a certain native original greatness in the human soul swelling beyond the limits of its present condition & pointing at the higher objects for which it was made, happy if this latent remains of a primitive state served to direct our works towards their proper destination & lead us into the path of true bliss.

Permit me to request you will please to inform me if pensioners are allowed to emigrate without prejudice to their pension; several have been speaking to me on the subject I could give no [illegible].  I have the honor to state for his Lordships information that I am in receipt of a reward from the Government of Bengal for my services which have been exerted in the british cause as far as the exertions of a humble individual could go over almost the entire continent of India a public letter to me from the Supreme Council at Calcutta and quiting India in the year 1818 acknowledging the ability of my conduct corroborates my statement.  The reward granted me is eaqual to that of Major on the retired list from the Companys Service; the reward is paid to an agent for me in Calcutta instead of London or Dublin remitted by bills on London which is too often attended with much delay and very great inconvenience to me.  I have a son now serving in India, I have two sons more, the eldest 9 years old three daughters & my wife with our domestick four.  I can get ten able bodyed men to accompany me in the event of my case meeting with his Lordships further consideration and will permit me to proceed with some settlers to the Cape the first or second opportunity for the purpose of having [occular] demonstration of the nature of the soil & of its government whither any part of labour is subject to tything or any duty to be paid to the Governor; and to permit me to return by the Government transport, for my family in the course of a year after I embark in the event of the portion of land granted to me at the Cape will meet with any moderate and reasonable approbation of my wishes from the considerations I shall proceed

I have the honor to remain Sir

Your most obedient humble servant

A. RENWICK

 

I propose going to London in the course of the month or two on private business will do myself the honor to call at the Secretary of States office if I am permitted an audience. I can refer if required to high respectability in London for a long knowledge of me

 

REPASHEN, Alexander

 

540

Brick Lane No.2

Mile End New Town

[Received 13 August 1819]

Sir,

            I humbly beg you would let me have a serclar letter shoing the extent of the grant to settlers to the Cape of good hope as I wold wish to embrace the oppertunity of going to the above place with Permition of government. I have been brought up o the fermerin [farming] line from my youth  and I have served my king and country 10 years and I have a wife and 4 children one 16 one 15 one 6 yers and one 12 months old.

Sir, your humble obedient servant

Alexander REPASHEN

 

RESTALL, John (father of Robert RESTALL)

 

536

Goodmans Fields

August 13 1819

Sir,

            As it is the intention of Government to send out settlers to the Cape of Good Hope I am desirous of information on the subject and shall esteem myself obliged by your directing an answer to be sent to the following questions.

Query 1 The situation of the spot intended and its distance from Cape Town

2 The purposes to which the soil is applicable

3 What timber and how near the coast

4 If inhabited and by what description of people

5 Will habitations be provided for the settlers on their arrival

6 If not is it intended to afford any facility or encouragement to the introduction of mechanics as well as agriculturalists

7 As buildings will be wanting and if even green timber can be obtained, all the other materials such as deals, glass, ironmongery &c must be wanted, will they be sent over at the expence of Government.

            I am induced to make these querys being disposed to send my son out, who is 21 years old and has been brought up with me as a surveyor and carpenter and is perfectly competent, who if due encouragement is given might take out such materials, and mechanics as may be needful, or buildings in such a state of preparation as the prospect of obtaining supplys there might warrant. Your obliging and early attention to this will be esteemed a favor by

Your obedient humble servant

J. RESTALL

 

[Transcriber’s Note: R. RESTALL listed as an independent settler on the Duke of Marlborough in Hockly’s ‘Story of the British Settlers of 1820’]

 

REVELL, Richard re Robert EMSLIE

 

549

Royal Hospital Chelsea

14th August 1819

Sir,

            In the absence of the Secretary I am directed by the Lords Commissioners of this Hospital to transmit herewith a petition from Robert EMSLIE, an Out Pensioner from the 76 Foot, praying to be informed whether any deposit will be required from persons of his description emigrating to the Cape of Good Hope, and I have the honor to request that you will be pleased to lay the petition before the Right Honorable Earl BATHURST for the opinion of his Lordship and return the same to me with such observations thereon as his Lordship may think proper to communicate.

I have the honor to be Sir

Your most obedient humble servant

Rich’d REVELL

 

[Note from GOULBURN on reverese]

Acquaint him that no indulgenec is given to any class of persons other than those specified in the printed circular of which send a copy

 

[Transcriber’s Note: See Robert EMSLIE’s petition and correspondence filed under E in CO48/43]

 

REYNOLDS, James

 

482

No.15 Greenfield Street

Commercial Road

July 27 1819

Sir,

            The proposals made by Gov’t to emigrate to the Cape, I propose if accepted to make one withe my family and wish to know what provision if any for Tooles and subsistance till some part of the land is brought into a state of cultivation – how am I to know whether I shall be accepted of because it will of course be necessary to make some arrangement for such a journey – your answer to the above with what other observations you think proper will oblige, Sir

Your humble servant

Jas. REYNOLDS

 

REYNOLDS, Elizabeth (nee MEADLEY), wife of William REYNOLDS (1)

 

640

No.17 Bath Street

Tabernacle Square

Old Street Road

London

October 18 1819

My Lord,

            With the hope that your Lordship will pardon a humble individual for presuming to engage your Lordships Attention for having heard that Government was sending Families to Southern Affrica to form a Colliny for some time I doubted the Authenticity of the Report so did not apply untill Thursday last when I was informed the Number was completed but that if I was apply’d by letter to your Lordship at the Office we should obtain a grant of land by paying our Passage over, which I am affraid will not be in our power to do as there is three of us in family. We should be able to deposite the Ten Pounds better. My husband is 30, the early part of his life he was brought up in the farming business, the last 12 years he has been a Carpenter which he now follows. He has one son 9 years of age. Myself 21 and both in great hopes your Lordship will grant your Petitioners the Land and Passage over as Employment is very scarce in the Winter and we find it very hard to get our living. I myself am well aware of the difficulty in a foreign country having gone to the West Indies when young with my Father who was an officer of the 6th Battallion of the 60th Foot, his name was George MEADLEY, he was murdered on 24th March 1809 at Cornwall Road Port Antonia Jamaica on his return from escorting Sir Eyre COOK part of the way to Kingston [for] a General Review of the Troops which had taken place on that day. He had been 19 years in the army, had fought 9 general engagements in Egypt and other parts of the Globe and by his Sudden Death left my Mother and Myself then 11 years of age destitute in a foreign country to mourn the premature and dreadful Fate of a Husband and Father, except the allowance from Government and a subscription amongst the Officers to which Sir Eyre COOK generously gave 5 doubloons, which inabled us to return to England, but since I have been married which was in June I understand I forfeit the Compassionate Allowance, thus my Lord as the Daughter of a Man who lost his life while in the Service of his Country and who by length of service and good conduct rose from the ranks in the Guards to the situation which he held when he died we have presumed to hope your Lordship will grant our request.

We remain your Lordship’s most humble and obedient servants

William and Elizabeth REYNOLDS

 

REYNOLDS, William (2)

 

442

3 Waterloo Place

Princess Rode

Lambeth

July 20th 1819

Honored Sir,

                        I take the liberty of addressing you to solicit a participation in the grant allowed by Government to enable distressed manufacturers to emmegrate to the Cape of Good Hope.

            I have been for some years a Master in the manufacturing of Tin Ware and Ironmonger but business being so very bad have been obliged to give up my house and business and am very desirous of going to the the Cape with my family consisting of a wife and three children under ten years of age. I beg leave to say that at all times I shall as heretofore exert myself for the interest of my king and country having served five years in the Belston Volunteers commanded by Major PROUD (Staffordshire) and four years in the Local Militia under Sir John WROTCHLEY Bart and in the Staffordshire Yeomanry.

            I beg with due submission to say that I can procure very respectable refferences as to my general conduct for honesty sobriety and industry. If I should be thought a proper person to be sent to the Cape I shall feel it a double obligation by as early a communication as convenient. And by to say I am prepared to enter into any arrangement necessary for the satisfaction of Government, and beg to subscribe myself

Your most obed’t and humble servant

William REYNOLDS

 

RICE, J

 

496

Parochial Office

Parish of St.James, Westminster

2 Aug’t 1819

Sir,

            I have to request on behalf of the Governors and Directors of the poor of the Parish of St.James Westminster that you will be pleased to favor me with any official letters of instructions that have been issued from your office by Government relative to the benevolent and judicious project of encouraging industrious labourers to emigrate to the Cape of Good Hope; for the purpose of enabling the Board of Governors to consider how far the project can be rendered available to the mutual benefit and advantage of the Parish and its unfortunate unemployed industrious paupers.

I have the honor to remain

Your very obed’t hbl serv’t

J. RICE

Clerk to Board of Governors

 

RICHARDS, Alexander

 

577

16 Blackfriars Road

27 August 1819

Sir,

            Not having seen on of the circulars respecting emigration to the Cape of Good Hope & having been told this morning at the door of your office that an application by letter for one would be attended to  I shall be obliged if you will send one to

Your most obedient servant

Alex. RICHARDS

 

592

16 Blackfriars Road

2nd Sept 1819

Sir,

            Your circular addressed to me the 27th ult explains very clearly the terms on which settlers are to be taken out. But I should wish to know if on their arrival at the Cape they will find any preparation for their reception. You say settlers will be victualled by Government during their passage, after that are they to trust to the colonists for supply or have any stores been collected by Government. I should also wish to know if they had better supply themselves with agricultural implements, tools & other necessaries here or if there is a certainty of their being met with on the spot

I am Sir

Your most obed’t serv’t

Alex. RICHARDS

 

RICHARDS, John

 

500

August 2nd 1819

Sir,

            We have taken the liberty of addressing you by stating our wish to go to the Cape of Good Hope.

John BERGMAN by trade a printer, born in North America, and well acquainted with the new settlements; has a wife with 5 children

John RICHARDS, likewise a printer, born in England, has been a length of time in the East, and has a wife with 3 children

The favor of an answer addressed to John RICHARDS, 6 Bangor Court, Shoe Lane will meet with immediate attention.

 

RICHARDS, Richard

 

470

No.10 Little Canterbury Place

Lambeth

July 26 1819

Sir,

            Myself with nine other friends have a desire to go with our families to the Cape of Good Hope as settlers. We should be happy to learn as soon as may be consistent with your leisure what provision Government are willing to grant for such settlers. Our employment hitherto has been carpenters, smiths & engineers & husbandry men. Should the terms be approved of by our friends we have a great many more applicants to go with us to take advantage of the proposed measures Government think proper to adopt.

I am Sir your most obed’t servant

Richard RICHARDS

 

486

No.10 Little Canterbury Place

Lambeth

July 28 1819

Sir,

            I received your letter with the conditions proposed by Government for emigration to the Cape of Good Hope. As most of our Party as been abroad we should be glad to know where we are to apply for further particulars respecting our emigration. Whether any Government stores are to be served out to us after landing. What part of the Cape and how far up the country we are going to. Where and when the money is to be paid. As it is requisite fro all parties to have a right understanding before leaving the country by so doing you will greatly oblige Sir

Your humble servant

Richard RICHARDS

 

RICHARDSON, James

 

532

Heartshead

Sheffield

 Yorkshire

August 12th 1819

Please your Lordship,

                                    I humbly beg your Lordship’s pardon for taking the liberty of thus addressing you but hearing that Government had granted 50 thousand pounds to encourage emmegration to the Cape of Good Hope and wishing to go with my family which consists of my wife and 5 children, two boys and 3 girls, the oldest 12 the youngest 3 years old and not knowing the what way to apply or rightly understanding the terms alowed I made bold humbly hoping that it would please your Lordship to direct me in an answer which I hope your Lordship will grant to your Lordship’s humble servant

J. RICHARDSON

 

NB There is yong families would go if they could have their passage free as from the badness of trade they have not in their power to pay and would it pleas your Lordship to say if a Pensioner of the Royal Hospital Chelsea could receive his pension there he wishing to go with his wife and son.

 

541

Heartshead

Sheffield

August 13 1819

Please your Lordship

                                    I humbly return thanks for your answer to mine dated the 12th  and hope the following persons will meet with your Lordship’s aprobation they being all desirous to emmegrate to the Cape of Good Hope.

Charles DENTON aged 35 his wife 36 daughter Ann 12 trad labourer

William DENTON aged 26 his wife Mary 24 son William aged 1 by trad a labourer

John STAYCY aged 30 his wife 28 two children one daughter aged 8 the other a boy 2 years his trad farmer and farrier

Benjamin WHARTON aged 22 single man by trad a farmer

Thomas WHARTON aged 25 his wife 23 two children one 3 the other 1

John BARKER aged 34 his wife 32 4 children all boys one 2 one 4 one 7 one 11 by trade farmer

William HEARTLY aged 35 his wife 31 2 children one 12 the other 5 by trade a farmer

John BRIGHTMORE aged 21 his wife 19 labourer

William BALM aged 19 single man labourer

Edward LOCKWOOD 28 his wife 19 no children trade blacksmith

James RICHARDSON age 25 his wife 29 5 children one 11 one boy and one girl twins 8 one boy 5 girl 3 corn dealer

            I humbly hope your Lordship will grant an answer to this sayin weather we can have a pasport and what the sum of money will be where we are to pay it & when as I will strive to fulfill the engagement to the best of my power.

            The above names persons are all stout healthy men able and willing to do their duty to themselves and the colony. An answer to this stating every perticular nessary will be gratefully received as it will require a few weeks to settle my affairs.

I remain your Lordship’s most humble servant

J. RICHARDSON

Corn Dealer

 

680

Liverpool

December 9th 1819

Please your Lordship,

                                    Being disapointed in several of the men not coming forward as settlers to the Cape of Good hope I am desired by Lieutenant Sir Charles CLEMENTS to acquaint your Lordship that we had got others in their place not exceeding the other number and if it please your Lordship to grant permission to admit them on board the Stentor instead of the others it would be gratefully received by

Your Lordship’s most obedient humble servant

J. RICHARDSON

 

[Note from GOULBURN: Is this an accepted settler, if so accept the changes.]

 

682

List of persons going as Settlers to the Cape of Good Hope under the direction of J. RICHARDSON.

 

James RICHARDSON Corn Dealer aged 25, Sarah 29

Eliz’th 12

Martha 8

Emma 3

James 8

John 4

Richard HULLY Farmer 34, Ann 33

Richard 9

Francess 1

Ann 6

Sarah 4

William CLAYTON Farmer 32, Judith 30

John 7

Ann 5

Eliz’th 3

George CLAYTON Farmer 29, Elizabeth 30

William DENTON Labourer 26, Mary 26, William 1

Charles DENTON Labourer 38. Hannah 39, Ann 13

Luke WELCH Farmer 25, Mary 30

Jonathan KENEDY Farmer 24

Joshua MOSLY Cutler 20

John BRADSHAW Cutler 24

Richard NOON Farmer 21

 

The above named persons are now on board the Stentor

I remain your Lordship’s most obedient humble servant

J. RICHARDSON

25th December 1819

 

RIGBY, Peter

 

628

Messrs. Pickering Brothers

Merchants, Liverpool

Oct 17 1819

Sir,

            I beg you will be pleased to lay before his Lordship the Secretary of State for the Colonial Department the annexed list of families who are desirous of settling at the Cape of Good Hope and who wish to be permitted to receive the benefit of the bounty offered in the Colonial circular for a passage to that colony. I beg leave further to state that his Lordship did me the favor to post order for land to be assigned to me in Canada proportionate to my rank in His Majesty’s Service but owing to my ill state of health in the spring I was obliged to postpone it. I have now to request you would be pleased to move his Lordship for permission to proceed to the Cape of Good Hope instead of Canada [with] a grant proportionate to my rank as in [the] former instance. The individuals in this list paying their own deposits are to enjoy the whole benefit of the land assigned to the others who have not the means of [doing so]. I have agreed to put a moderate portion of [tools] and implements of husbandry on the [ship?] and they are to receive half the produce of their industry and attention for the [period] of 7 years at the close of which they are to receive 25 acres of land on the terms mentioned in the Colonial circular. I trust this arrangement will meet his Lordship’s approbation.

I have the honor to be Sir with the utmost respect

Your most obedient humble servant

P. RIGBY

 

PS I beg to forward a memorandum of my services in the Navy and copies of several letters which I have received in course of service of which I hope his Lordship will approve.

PR

 

Memorandum of the Services of Lieutenant Peter RIGBY

 

Several Bearings or Ranks

Names of the Naval Ships

Names of the Several Admirals, Captains and Commanders

Stations on which the Ship was chiefly Employed

Date of Entry

Date of Discharge

AB Midshipman

Alligator

Capt.Thomas AFFLECK

Channel

17 Oct 1794

14 Feb 1795

AB Midshipman

Amethyst

Do.

Do.

15 Feb 1795

15 Feb 1796

Do.

Caesar

Capt.Charles Edw’d NUGENT

Channel Fleet and in Squadrons to Westward

16 Feb 1796

25 May 1797*

 

 

Captain Rodham HOME

 

 

 

Do.

Neptune

Capt.Hon.Henry Edwin STANHOPE

Do.

26 May 1797

August 1801

 

 

Captain Sir Erasmus GOWER

 

 

 

 

 

Captain James VASHON

 

 

 

 

 

Admiral James GAMBIER

Mediterranean

 

 

 

 

Captain Edward BRACE

 

 

 

Lieutenant

Brisk

Rank

 

 

 

Do.

Friendship

Hired vessel

Self

 

10 Aug 1801

October 1801

Do.

Ruby

Capt.Hon. Francis GARDNER

[obscured]

May 1803

July 1804

 

 

Admiral EdwardTHORNBROUGH

 

 

 

 

 

Captain David COLEBY

 

 

 

 

 

Captain Charles ROWLEY

 

 

 

Do.

Rifleman

Transport

Self

Off coast and Downs

26 Jul 1804

10 Jan 1806

Do.

Urgent

Do.

[obscured] North Sea Cattegat Belt & Baltic

19 Jan 1806

20 Dec 1812

 

*by the Delegates during the Mutiny

 

[Transcriber’s Notes: Many of these ships are featured in Ships of the Old Navy on

http://www.cronab.demon.co.uk/INTRO.HTM . The Amethyst under Captain AFFLECK was wrecked after striking the rocks in the Channel Islands and had to be beached at Alderney on 29 December 1795 to save the crew. Captain AFFECK was found responsible for the loss at a court martial]

 

632-637

[letters enclosed with above memorandum]

To Lieutenant Peter RIGBY

Commanding HMG Brig Urgent

Clyde Walmer Road

22 February 1807

Sir,

            I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of yesterday detailing the particulars of your situation and proceedings in the gale of the 18th and subsequent thereto, as well as the measures taken by you for the preservation and defence of the brig you command as well as of the Admetus Collier Brig which I have laid before his Lordship the Commander in Chief as reflecting great credit on yourself, your officers and crew and beg you will yourself accept and convey to them my thanks for the steadiness evinced on that occasion

Who remain Sir

Your very obedient and very humble servant

E.W.C.R. OWEN

 

To Lieutenant Peter RIGBY

Commanding HMB Urgent

Clyde Walmer Road

28 February 1807

Sir,

            The Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty having (as well as the Commander in Chief) been pleased to express their approbation of your conduct during the late gale and subsequent thereto as well as for the safety of your own vessel as for that of the Admetus Collier Brig, it gives me great pleasure in communicating the same.

Who am Sir

Your very obedient and very humble servant

E.W.C.R. OWEN

 

To Captain PUGET commanding the advanced squadron

Copy to Peter PUGET

Cop to Lieutenant Peter RIGBY

Commanding His Majesty’s Gun Brig Urgent off Copenhagen

Prince of Wales Copenhagen Roads

23 August 1807

Sir,

            Having observed with great satisfaction the spirited conduct of the Sloops, Bombs, Armed Ships, Gun Brigs, Tenders and Boats under your directions which so gallantly opposed the Crown Battery, Block Ships, Prams and Gun Boats of the Enemy for so many hours this day, I have to desire you will accept on your own part and communicate to the commanders, officers and crews of the several ships, vessels and boats that were so arduously engaged my highest praise and approbation of the bravery and energy which was displayed by the whole squadron on that occasion.

I am Sir

Your most obedient humble servant

J. GAMBIER

 

To Lieutenant Peter RIGBY

Commanding His Majesty’s Gun Brig Urgent

Goliath Yarmouth

October 29th 1807

Sir,

            In reply to your letter requesting my opinion of your services in command of the Urgent Gun Brig in the advanced squadron off Copenhagen, I have great pleasure in bearing testimony to your constant exertion in the several actions we had with the Crown Battery and Danish Flotilla and of your promptitude in executing my orders during the time you were placed under my directions on that service and beg also to state that I was particularly pleased with the manner in which the Urgent was placed on the 23rd August and the fire she kept up against the attack of the Enemy on that day.

            I should be very happy to hear of your promotion and wishing you every success believe me to be, Sir

Your very faithful servant

Peter PUGET

 

A list of men’s names who have voluntarily engaged to go with Lieutenant Peter RIGBY RN to the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa to settle on and bring into cultivation such land as may be assigned him by Secretary of State for the Colonial Department, all of whom being capable of daily labour.

 

No.

Name

Age

No. of Children

Total in family

Trade

Residence

Amt of Deposit

By Whom to be Paid

1

Peter RIGBY & wife

 

2

4

Lieutenant RN

Liverpool

£10

Lt. RIGBY

2

Joseph PICKERING

36

 

1

Miller & Millwright

Do.

£10

Jos. PICKERING

3

John JONES

48

 

1

Farmer

Do.

£10

John JONES

4

Thomas JONES

26

 

1

Farmer

Do.

£10

Do.

5

Evan BYWATER & wife

23

1

3

Farmer

Do.

£10

Do.

6

Robert COINS & wife

30

1

3

Wheelwright

Prestayne

£10

Lt. RIGBY

7

James CLOWS & Wife

31

2

4

Stone Mason

Liverpool

£10

James CLOWS

8

Charles BOSLEM & wife

27

 

2

Stone Mason

Do.

£10

Chas. BOSLEM

9

Wm. ALMOND & wife

38

5

7

Farmer

Netherton nr L’pool

£17:10

Lt. RIGBY

10

Robert WILLIAMS

22

 

1

Farmer

Do.

£10

Do.

11

Isaac CROW & wife

40

 

2

Bricklayer

Liverpool

£10

Do.

12

Richard SMITH

28

 

1

Shoemaker

Do.

£10

Richard SMITH

13

William SMITH

25

 

1

Baker

Do.

£10

Wm. SMITH

 

ROBERTS, Charles

 

568

6 Staples Inn Buildings

Middle Row

Holborn

25 Aug 1819

My Lord,

            I should feel greatly obliged by your favoring me with the conditions for settlers destined for the Cape of Good Hope and am

Your Lordship’s most obedient humble servant

Chas. ROBERTS

 

ROBERTS, John

 

466

60 White Cross St

26th July 1819

Sir,

            On behalf of myself and several other persons wishing to emigrate to the Cape of Good Hope, I have to ask the favor of an explanation to the following queries.

            Whether the several parties whose proposals may be received by Government are to be settled in different parts of the country or as near to each other as circumstances or the regulations mentioned in the circular will permit and what part of the country is fixed upon for their reception, whether in the interior or on the coast, whether any & what protection will be afforded them against the incursions of the natives & if they are to be furnished with arms for their defence & if they are to receive any tools or agricultural instruments with other necessaries for cultivation and whether upon their arrival and having the land apportioned to them they are then to do the best they can for themselves, without having a provision made for their subsistence until the produce of the land will enable them to support their families, independent of the ten pounds deposited before their departure. And whether they are to be subject to the controul of the person engaging with the Government of this country on their behalf when settled at the Cape, or to be subject only to the civil power, and if subject to the controul of such person as above mentioned, in what way, and lastly whether any other qualifications are required than youth, health & strength.

I am Sir with the utmost respect

Your most obed’t humble serv’t

John ROBERTS

 

563

60 White Cross Street

24th August 1819

Sir,

            I beg leave to hand you the enclosed statement of persons wishing to avail themselves of the offer of Government, for whom I hereby undertake to enter into any arrangement with the Government that may be required of the persons having the direction of at least ten families pursuant to the terms of the circular. I am also directed by the persons so enumerated to state to you that (if required) they are individually ready to enter into any arrangement & otherwise conform to all the conditions that Government may in its judgement require of them.

I have the honor to be Sir with the utmost respect

Your most obed’t humble serv’t

John ROBERTS

 

The number of families I propose taking out are 31, as you will observe by reference to the statement, amongst whom are several families who have more than two children, and the number of such children are 11. The total number of souls altogether are 87.

 

 

Names of persons on whose behalf the within application is made

Age

Profession

Number of children under 14 years of age

No. of children above 14 & under 18

1

William POPPLEWELL

21

Husbandman

None

None

2

George STOKES

23

Husbandman

None

None

3

John BELL

29

Husbandman

None

None

4

William WARBURTON &

31

Smith

Thomas Tye WARBURTON 13

None

 

Mary WARBURTON

29

 

 

 

5

John PURDY &

33

Smith

John PURDY aged 9 &

None

 

Priscilla PURDY

28

 

Thomas PURDY 7

 

6

George FEW &

29

Husbandman

Barcelissa FEW aged 3 &

None

 

Esther FEW

26

 

Charlotte FEW 2

 

7

Gilbert HAYES &

22

Husbandman

Eliza HAYES aged 2

None

 

Elizabeth HAYES

22

 

 

 

8

Benjamin MATTHEWS

25

Weaver

None

None

9

John FRITH &

28

Carpenter

John FRITH aged 1 year

None

 

Mary FRITH

28

 

 

 

10

William BROWN

20

Warehouseman

None

None

11

Thomas THRIFT &

36

Husbandman

William THRIFT 3 years

None

 

Harriott THRIFT

26

 

 

 

12

Charles BROCKLESBY &

40

Mariner

Mary Ann BROCKLESBY 9 yrs

None

 

Sarah BROCKLESBY

30

 

Charles BROCKLESBY 7 years

 

 

 

 

 

Henry BROCKLESBY 5 years

 

 

 

 

 

Frederick 3 months

 

13

John Yoeman COOKE &

33

Husbandman

John Yoeman COOKE  8 yrs

None

 

Mary Ann COOKE

33

 

Caroline COOKE 5 years

 

 

 

 

 

Mary Ann 2 years

 

14

John BROCKLESBY

38

Mariner

None

None

15

William BARBER &

30

Carpenter

Caroline BARBER 6 years

None

 

Susan BARBER

29

 

William BARBER 1 year

 

16

Thomas HUGHES

30

Husbandman

None

None

17

Thomas GREEN

30

Husbandman

None

None

18

James POWELL

30

Husbandman

None

None

19

John FLETCHER &

27

Husbandman

None

None

 

Hannah FLETCHER

26

 

 

 

20

John SCOTT &

39

Shipwright &

Eliza SCOTT 9 years

None

 

Frances SCOTT

39

Joiner

Edmund SCOTT 7 years

 

 

 

 

 

Henry SCOTT 5 years

 

 

 

 

 

Emma SCOTT 9 months

 

21

Philip ERNST

23

Cabinet Maker

None

None

22

Samuel DRAKE &

25

Husbandman

Susan DRAKE 2 years &

None

 

Martha DRAKE

24

 

Charles DRAKE 8 months

 

23

Joseph EDWARDS &

30

Husbandman

None

None

 

Sarah EDWARDS

28

 

 

 

24

Thomas GEORGE &

32

 

Thomas GEORGE 7 years &

None

 

Mary GEORGE

29

Husbandman

Mary GEORGE 6

 

25

Robert SILVER

22

Shoemaker

 

 

26

James RODWAY &

34

Husbandman

Mary RODWAY 13 years

None

 

Mary RODWAY

30

 

Susan RODWAY 9 years

 

 

 

 

 

Ann RODWAY 4 years

 

 

 

 

 

Elizabeth 2 years

 

 

 

 

 

William 11 years

 

 

 

 

 

James 7 years

 

 

 

 

 

George 3 years

 

27

John BULMORE

19

Smith

None

None

28

Edward JONES &

36

Husbandman

Charlotte JONES 12 years

William JONES 15 yrs

 

Charlotte JONES

32

 

Henry JONES 10 years

 

29

Joseph ROBERTS &

33

Printer

Clara ROBERTS 6 months

James KEIGHLY 16 yrs

 

Elizabeth ROBERTS

33

 

 

 

30

John ROBERTS &

23

 

None

None

 

Mary Ann ROBERTS

22

 

 

 

31

George MITCHELL &

25

Labourer

None

None

 

Hannah MITCHELL

24

 

 

 

 

590

60 White Cross Street

1st Sept 1819

Sir,

            I have to acknowledge receipt of your answer to my letter of the 25th ult and am directed by one or two of the persons named in the statement to state to you that they have cocerns to wind up and business to settle which will take some time compleating. I shall therefore feel obliged by as early an answer as possible stating whether the proposal is accepted or not, as otherwise it might materially affect their interests, & to know if the statement already submitted was sufficient as any delay on that account might prove equally prejudicial.

Apologising for this extra trouble, I remain with the utmost respect Sir

Your very obed’t serv’t

John ROBERTS

 

617

60 White Cross Street

7th Oct 1819

Sir,

            In again troubling you on behalf of the party for whom I applied on the 25th August last, and to which I received your answer on the 30th ult, I beg leave to state that the persons included in the statement handed to you as above were selected as intelligent and eligible individuals who met frequently for the purpose of devising and arranging such plans as were deemed most likely to aid their prospects and forward their views at the place of destination for mutual advantage.

            In consequence of their arrangements and a reliance upon their eligibility, several have actually disposed of their businesses and made preparations for their departure. Under these circumstances, therefore, and that they may not suffer to the extent of these disadvantages I shall feel obliged by your informing me whether upon the present number being augmented, & chartering & victualling a vessel for their conveyance at their own expence, a grant of land will be made to them by His Majesty’s Government upon the same terms as specified in the circular.

I have the honor to be Sir

Your most ob’t hbl svt

John ROBERTS

 

652

2 Baynes Row

Cold Bath Square

8th November 1819

Sir,

            Inclosed I beg leave to hand you a copy of an agreement (that has bee prepared for and approved of by a respectable Society wishing to emigrate to the Cape of Good Hope) for the consideration of Earl BATHURST.

            The Society already consists of twenty five families with a capital of about £5000, which it is intended to increase in the same proportion of capital as near as possible. But previous to increasing the numbers, or chartering a vessel for conveyance, it is a material object to know whether his Lordship will grant land upon the conditions stated in the agreement, & if not whether in any other and what way.

            Should the general tenor of the agreement meet the approbation of his Lordship I will, as soon as the number that is proposed to extend this Society to is compleated, forward a regular statement comprehending the necessary particulars. Requesting the favor of an early answer

I remain Sir with the utmost respect

Your very ob’t serv’t

John ROBERTS

 

654 Articles of Agreement

 

            Articles of Agreement had made concluded and agreed upon this ___ day of ___ in the sixtieth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord george the Third by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland King Defender of the Faith and in the year of our Lord 1819 between John ROBERTS of Baynes Row in the County of Middlesex, Gentleman of the one part and the several persons who have subscribed their names hereto of the other part.

            Whereas the said John ROBERTS having applied to the Government of Great Britain for a grant of land at the Colony of the Cape of Good Hope in consideration of his taking out a certain number of individuals and families and locating them there and undertaking to provide for them or see that they are properly provided for, and whereas His Majesty’s Government for the considerations above mentioned have granted a portion of land to him the said John ROBERTS in the said Colony at the rate of 100 acres for every able bodied individual above 18 years of age or head of a family whom he shall so take out and shall actually locate upon the land granted to him as aforesaid, and whereas the said several persons parties hereto of the second part have to and with the said John ROBERTS to proceed with him to the said Colony of the Cape of Good Hope for the purposes herein mentioned at his and their own expence, and whereas at a meeting of the said several persons parties hereto a Committee was appointed to conduct jointly with the said John ROBERTS the business of the said several persons parties hereto of the second part until the said parties shall have landed at the aforesaid Colony, when a general consultation shall be forthwith held, with the whole of the said parties hereto and twelve Directors chosen to act with the said John ROBERTS in the general affairs of the said parties hereto as is hereinafter particularly mentioned, and whereas for the purposes of adopting the best means for carrying the same into execution in the way that will be most beneficial to all the parties hereto, It is hereby mutually and reciprocally agreed by and between all the parties to these presents as follows.

            That all the said parties to these presents shall for themselves and their dependents subscribe and pay properly such a sum as the said Committee shall deem necessary for establishing a fund for chartering and victualling a vessel for the purpose of conveying the parties hereto to the place of destination for the purchase of such a stock of agricultural implements and other tools and likewise a library as the Committee may find necessary such implements & tools & the library to be considered as one common property for the use benefit and advantage of each and every of the parties hereto their wives and children.

            That he the said John ROBERTS his heirs executors and administrators shall and will as soon as he shall obtain possession of the said land and have a title thereto will effectually assign and convey unto each and every of the said several persons parties hereto of the second part their heirs executors or administrators an allotment thereof equal to the admeasurement of 90 acres subject to a proportionable share of the quit rent & all other taxes or charges already imposed thereon or to be imposed hereafter by the present or any future government of the said Colony.

            That for the protection and advantage of all the parties hereto a proportion of the said several allotments so to be made as aforesaid to the said several persons parties hereto of the second part shall be [laid?] out in such towns or villages under the management and as the Director hereinafter named shall think fit and proper & as the situation shall admit the remaining proportion to be laid out farms and plantations in the immediate vicinity of such towns or villages that in each of such towns or villages shall be erected a place of public worship (if required by distance) a hall in which shall be conducted the public affairs a library & such mills as shall be found necessary for public use & an area of at least 15 acres for a market place to be erected upon the ground reserved to the said John ROBERTS.

            That the affairs of such towns or villages shall be regulated and conducted by 12 Directors to be chosen annually by ballot and the said John ROBERTS as Chairman such Directors to be chosen immediately upon landing & to be persons whose abilities & judgement are presumed to be competent to the task of managing the same in a due and proper manner & that the right of appeal from any of the penalties hereinafter mentioned shall be by petition to the said Directors and Chairman who shall have full power to inflict any fines or penalties not herein particularly mentioned and shall and may mitigate such fines & penalties as in their discretion they shall think fit & reasonable.

            That the said parties to these presents shall and will mutually assist each other to the utmost of his and their endeavour in building a cottage of equal dimensions & in clearing & enclosing with folds for the protection of cattle five acres of land for each of the persons parties hereto And further in the digging of such wells and forming of such aqueducts for supplying water for the convenience and comfort of all the parties hereto & in erecting and building all and every the public buildings mentioned in the 3rd article and the erection of all which public buildings to be conducted by the said Directors and for them to nominate classes & a competent person to direct each class in such employment as they may be most competent to until all the conditions of this article shall be fulfilled and in case of neglect or refusal of any or either of the said parties to these presents to comply in every respect to the conditions contained in this article the person or persons so neglecting refusing or not conforming himself or themselves to the strict observance hereof shall be summoned before the said Directors to account for his or their conduct in that respect & if after a proper reprimand from the said Directors he or they shall still persist in neglecting or refusing or non compliance with this article such person or persons so offending shall be fined in the sum of £10 sterling or a sum equivalent to that in currency of the colony and also be deprived of the use of the public stock of implements & tools & the library and also of the services or assistance of any person or persons parties hereto in any way whatsoever & any person or persons who shall be found to aid or assist such offender or offenders he or they so found aiding or assisting shall be subject to the penalty of £5 or an equal sum in the currency of the colony And further that should any person or persons fined in any of the above penalties not possess the means of discharging the same then and in that case such a part of the grant or grants of land made to such party or parties as shall be adjudged by the decision of a jury of 12 persons & a foreman (to be chosen from among the parties to these presents) to be forfeit such penalties or forfeitures to become the property of the said Chairman & Directors for the time being to be held by them in trust for the joint benefit & advantage of all the parties hereto and so in like manner on incurring any other penalty mentioned in this agreement or any other not particularly provided for.

            That none of the parties to these presents shall be allowed to retail spirituous liquors any way whatever within the limits of the grant made to the said John ROBERTS and that every person found retailing spirituous liquors contrary to this article shall be subject to the penalty of £50 & forfeiture of such liquors And further that should any of the said parties to these presents by intemperance or otherwise deprive the other persons parties hereto of his services or in any way disturb the public tranquility the parties so offending shall be fined the sum of £5 for every such offence.

            That no person or persons parties hereto shall be permitted to purchase any slave or slaves nor be in any way concerned in the slavery of a fellow creature under a penalty in three times the value of every such slave & liberation of the suffering object.

            That for the protection of our families and property all the persons hereto shall submit to military duty one hour every day for the first month and after that period as often as may be deemed necessary under the directions of a proper person to be chosen for that purpose.

            Provided always that no part of this agreement shall be binding on any of the said parties hereto any further or otherwise than they are consistent with the existing laws for the time being of the said Colony

 

664

60 White Cross Street

30th Nov 1819

Sir,

            I beg leave to submit for the consideration of Earl BATHURST the enclosed list of persons willing to emigrate under my direction to the colony of the Cape of Good Hope at their own expence, should his Lordship upon his own deliberation think it adviseable to grant land upon the same terms as to the other settlers now proceeding to that colony.

            The party take with them a capital of £3000 & propose to assist each other mutually until each shall be in a situation to provide for his family, and to conform themselves to all proper regulations for their future guidance.

            As soon as his Lordships determination shall be known suitable arrangements will be made to proceed in a vessel that will sail in a few days.

            I further beg to add that should these proposals meet the approbation of His Lordship I am ready to enter into any arrangements his Lordship may require on behalf of myself and the persons proceeding under my direction.

I have the honor to be Sir

Your very obed’t serv’t

John ROBERTS

 

[Note from GOULBURN]

Give him a letter to the Gov’r for a grant of land proportioned to his means of cultivation & acquaint him

 

[enclosed]

25 Bedford Row

Tuesday 30th Nov 1819

Dear Sir,

            The bearer of this letter Mr. John ROBERTS is desirous of availing himself of the offer which has been made on the part of Government to facilitate and encourage emigration to the Cape of Good Hope. He is the leader of a band of 20 persons who have a capital of £3000 at command & he has applied to me to give that testimony to his personal respectability which I own I should more willingly do for any other purpose than that of his quitting England as I think his connections situation & general merit are such as would ensure him success in life without going so far to seek it – but as a spirit of adventure induces him to apply to your office & to wish me to give whatever effect to his application any recommendation from me may afford I may confidently say that no person has applied with motives more commendable & I should think very few who could be more likely to forward the prospects of the individuals with whom he has engaged & to answer the ends of Government as far as I apprehend them.

I remain your ob. Faithful serv’t

Fred’k POLLOCK

 

Names of Settlers

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