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

Correspondence 1821 to 1837.

Here only letters by known settlers or their families, or letters of great relevance to the 1820 settlers, have been transcribed, whereas ALL the 1819 correspondence was transcribed (see CO48/41 through CO48/46) whether or not the writers emigrated to the Cape.

Unless otherwise stated letters were written to either the Secretary of State for the Colonies or his deputy.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. 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.

OLIVER, Anne, 1827

National Archives, Kew, CO48/114, 385

No 3 Union Street
Walcot Place
Lambeth

December 6th 1827

Sir

Hoping you will pardon this intrusion I take the liberty of addressing you by the request and advice of Mr. CAPPERS respecting the death of William OLIVER otherwise JONES who was placed by government as town surveyor of the Cape of Good Hope. I am his lawful widow and was married to the late William OLIVER otherwise JONES 16th May in the year 1793 at St. Georges Hanover Sqr. I am personally known at late Lord Sidmouth office now marquis of Lansdowne having several times applied to government before my husband left England also since. Mr. CAPPERS informed me if I applied to you that you would no doubt send over immediately to the authority at Cape Town Cape of Good Hope to prevent any money or moneys being paid on property taking possession of on account of the estate of the late William OLIVER otherwise JONES

there is a person at the Cape of Good Hope who represents herself as the widow of William JONES and has authorised for all debts etc to be paid to her as his widow but she has no claim right or kith whatever

therefore I entreat you in the name of humanity and justice to assist me who has a just and lawful right

sir if you would be so kind to intervene for me in any way you shall [deem] proper, I shall feel myself truly grateful for your kind help & condescension

  • Hits: 5533