ARROWSMITH, Joseph, 1820 Settler

National Archives, Kew CO48/41, 65

Aug 16 1819

Sir,

Having seen the Government circular concerning the Colony about to be established at or near the Cape of Good Hope, I take the liberty to address you on the subject as the Organ of a Party who have an idea of joining the expedition. But to me the particulars appear so vague and indefinite that previous to our entering into such an engagement we should be glad to receive some positive information regarding the following questions.

1^st

What is the exact destination of the Expedition

2^nd

What seeds & in what proportional quantity will government send out & whether they are to be given or purchased

3^rd

What are the laws of the Colony

4^th

The same as 2^nd with regard to agricultural implements

5^th

How many persons will go in each Ship

6^th

What stowage will be allowed to each person or head of a family.

7^th

Whether any restrictions & what will be paid on board?

8^th

Whether the settlers packages will be subjected to the search of the Custom House Officers in this Country as it causes great inconvenience.

9^th

Whether persons may take Gun powder and in what quantity or whether it will be supplied by Government.

10^th

As Government reserve to themselves the right of exclusion what sort of persons are considered as most eligible.

As we suppose that Government can have no objection to afford every information and as we are willing of course to provide as much as possible for our own comforts Answers to the above will be of considerable service to and considered a great favour by

Sir, your obd. Servts.

Jos ARROWSMITH , Brewer
No. 11 Pool Terrace

City Road

[Transcriber's Note: Listed in Hockly's ‘Story of the British Settlers of 1820' as a settler with DANIELL's Party on the Duke of Marlborough]