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

pre 1820 Settler Correspondence before emigration

ALL the 1819 correspondence from CO48/41 through CO48/46 has been transcribed whether or not the writers emigrated to the Cape. Those written by people who did become settlers, as listed in "The Settler Handbook" by M.D. Nash (Chameleon Press 1987), are labelled 1820 Settler and the names of actual settlers in the text appear in red.

LEARS, D.M.

Written by Sue Mackay on .

National Archives, Kew CO48/44, 285

Oban

29th July 1819

My Lord

In April 1818 I took the liberty of submitting to your Lordship some observations regarding the advantage of forming a colony at the Cape of Good Hope and of endeavouring to turn the current of emigration to that quarter in preference to America. I observe with great pleasure that Parliament has voted money for this very useful purpose and I hope that under the paternal care of Government it may become an object of great importance to the nation. I have long turned my attention to the subject and being generally acquainted with the Highlands of Scotland I beg leave most respectfully to solicit that if any situation offers connected with this undertaking in which such a person may be required, your Lordship will be pleased to employ me. My Profession of Physician and Surgeon would render my services very necessary in such an establishment and having served many years in the army both in a medical and a military capacity I might be found useful in forwarding the intentions of Government. I can procure the most respectable testimony as to character and ability.

I have the honour to be

Your Lordship's very obedient servant

D.M. LEARS MD

Surgeon and afterwards Captain in the late Lt.Fencible Regt

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