HYMAN, Charles, 1820 Settler

National Archives, Kew CO48/43, 568

On Emigration to the Cape

25 July 1819

To the Right Hon. Lord BATHURST

Haveing seen in a gazette of a Recent Date that a provision for unemployed Persons was made by Government we Whose names are Affixt being of the above Description have made bold to address you praying your Lordship to answer this by sending us such Information as we may be enabled to know, When and where to apply – what land will be allotted us – on what terms we are to possess it – what provision will be made for us in regard to a sufficiency of implyments – and in what manner we are to have the common comforts of life till we can reap the fruit of our labour in the land. We are poor people of unexceptionable character. Our names ages and connections are under by answering above adding if a man having a wife and family will be allowed to take them – you will greatly oblige us.

Your Lordships most Obedient Humble Servant

Charles HYMAN aged 21a wife no family *

John HAYWARD 28 Do 2 children

John WATTS 35 Do 3 Do

J SNELGROVE 32 Do 4 Do

J.CARPENTER 28 Do 2 Do

J SWEEDLAND 26 Do None

J WHEELER 17 Do None

Robt. AYNES 34

N. VOWLES 22

* Direct to Charles HYMAN

NB. Should this be directed wrong and should fall into other hands than Whom it is Direct they will greatly us by forwarding it to His Lordship. We mention this because perhaps tis Direct wrong.

National Archives, Kew CO48/43, 762

Frome

Somersetshire

Sept 1819

Sir

I have to aquaint you that haveing a Circular & another letter since on Emegration to the Cape of Good Hope but not rightly understanding some parts the following is mine and others cases:

We are eleven in Number but having not sufficient property individually to take out ten persons as settlers and each being unwilling to be in actual Servitude to each other. We beg to know as we are desirous of going, wether we shall be accepted if we pack advances, the sum mentioned in the Circular and Nominate one to represent the rest if the land will be granted to him and Co.

An Answer will oblidg

Yours Respectfully &c

Cha HYMAN

Direct Ch. HYMAN at Mr ARNOLD

St Catherines Hill

Frome Somerset

National Archives, Kew CO48/43, 780

Short Street

Westbury

Wilts

Sept. 8, 1819

Sir,

In reply to your letter of the 3 inst. I hereby send you a detailed account of the number, names ages and descriptions of the persons who wish to proceed to the Cape of Good Hope under my direction. The eleven men mentioned are persons of an irreproachable character, each having some small property and being unwilling to be in actual servitude, have unanimously chosen me their Representative – if we are allowed to proceed to the Cape tho' I will not boast of any superior degree of wisdom to the some of the others (who are my elders) yet going in this brotherly way I make no doubt by our joint exertions we shall be able to surmount those difficulties which will naturally be in the way. And as every man will have his own interest at heart I have every reason to hope we shall flourish as much as any company that will proceed there. I am therefore willing to make the Deposit at the time appointed. If we are accepted please to forward me an answer giving me Directions how to act when and where the Deposit will be made and such other particulars as you shall think proper if we are accepted. We should be glad to know what Port we must embark and if Settlers may carry a fowling piece and if any means have been adopted by Government for us to purchase food in the Colony.

I am sir you most obed't Humble Servant,

Charles HYMAN

National Archives, Kew CO48/43, 844

Short Street

Westbury

Wilts

Oct. 7, 1819

Sir,

I hereby send you a detail'd and correct account of the names ages and Description of all the persons who Intend proceeding to the Cape of Good Hope under my Direction. Please to excuse the small alteration that have unavoidably taken place in my list Compar'd with my last. Please to Forward an answer giving the Directions when and where we shall Embark in addition to the account of the Deposit Money.

I am Sir

Yours &c

Charles HYMAN

National Archives, Kew CO48/43, 894

Short Street

Westbury

Wilts

27 Oct 1819

Sir,

I shall remit the money on Wednesday next & should have done it today but the following circumstance has happened to my Party.

Robert WATTS, William HICKMAN & William SANSOM, three persons mentioned on my list have declined. Two of them on account of sickness and one on family affairs. I have to request you will please to let me know if the following persons will be accepted in their places.

1 John KING, labourer,26 years of age, Sarah Do----two under 10 years of age

2 Wm NEAT, labourer,24, Elizabeth Do----1 child two years old

3 Edward ADAMS, bricklayer, Singleman aged 22 years

An answer by return of post will greatly oblidge Sir,

Yours &c

Charles HYMAN

National Archives, Kew CO48/43, 898

Short Street

Westbury

Wilts

Nov 5 1819

Sir,

I hereby send you a detailed account of the names ages and &c of the persons who is to fill up those persons places who have declined going mentioned in my list as Settlers under my direction proceeding to the cape of Good Hope

John KING age 23 labourer, Elenor 24 John age 2 Sarah age 1

William NEAT 22 labourer, Susan age 23, Jane age 2[?]

Edward ADAMS 21 Mason

I have sent the sum of 85 pounds to Henry HILL Esq. The remainder would have been sent today but for the following circumstance. A family belonging to Warminster have applied to the Parish for them to pay their share of the deposit money. They are willing to do it when you have answered a letter which you will receive today from the Parish Officers. I hope you will have the goodness to answer their letter and the remainder of the deposit money will be remitted on Monday next. I am fully aware their letter don't deserve any answer but for the sake of the poor men I biseech you to write by return of post to the Said Parish Officers.

I am Yours &c

Charles HYMAN

National Archives, Kew CO48/43, 901/902

Return of Settlers Proceeding to the Cape of Good Hope under Direction of Charles HYMAN of Westbury Wilts:

Total Number of men 11

Total Number of women 11

Total Number of persons above fourteen Years of age 4

Total Number of persons under fourteen Years of age 13

Total Number of the whole Party 39

*The Representative

Short Street

Westbury

Wilts

Nov 8 1819

Sir,

I have today made up my Deposit money being the sum of One Hundred and fifty Pounds and I have only to add we are all anxiety wishing to know when we shall embark and I hope you will return an answer by return of Post giving me direction in what manner we are to proceed and when and where and any further Direction will be gladly received by

Sir, your Obedient Servant

Cha's HYMAN