HAMSON, William et al

National Archives, Kew CO48/43, 557

Birmingham Poorhouse

July 22nd 1819

My Lord

Hearing that propositions are made to labourer mechanics etc to emigrate to the Cape of Good Hope, we the undermentioned persons, with our families being reduced to great distress, through loss of trade and other misfortunes and have been compelled to apply to the parish for relief, and having but small hopes of our conditions being altered at present, at least for the better, we have had the boldness to address your Lordship as the properest person to apply to on this subject, if your Lordship will condescend to answer this favourably you will confer a lasting obligation on us, as we would much rather live by our own industry than be supported by other means. That this letter may have the petition contained therein granted is the hearty prayer of your Lordships most obedient humble servants.

Name, age, family,

William HAMSON, 30, wife & boy, been in the Army

Slater REEVES, 30, wife, been in the Navy

[Jabeus] JONES, 32, single, been in the Army

James HARRISON, 23, single, been in the Army

George BATES, 26, wife & child, been in the Army

William HAMPTON, 21, single, been in the Army

James SIMPSON, 40, single, pensioner on reduction 5d per day

Richard TIMMINGS, 37, wife, been in the Army

William SMITH, 40, single, 5d per day been in the Navy

Charles CLARKE, 30, single, been in the Navy

Edward YARDLEY, 23, wife & child, been in the Navy

John HAMILTON, 17, single,

John HALL, 18, single,

John HARWOOD, 36, wife & 4 children,

Charles CHATWIN, 18, single,

Thomas TREES, 26, single, been in the Navy

William SHAKESPEARE, 30, single, been in the Army

William SIMONS, 42, wife & child, been in the Army

Stephen HEELEY, 21, single,