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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.

MERRIFIELD, Thomas

Written by Sue Mackay on .

National Archives, Kew CO48/44, 690

26 Powis Street

Woolwich

17 Sept 1819

My Lord,

Government having proposed to send out persons to the colony on the coast of Africa I should be obliged by information whether the immediate spot is yet fixed upon and whether a person of the description mentioned in the circular letter joining with ten others may assure himself of being included in the number sent out. Whether any person shiping himself to the Cape immediately would have the same advantages of land &c. Whether such a person would be required to join himself with ten others and whether he will have the lands assigned to him upon application to the Landdrost at the Settlement with or without some authority from Government in England. Your Lordship will allow me to request the favour of an answer.

I am with great respect

Your Lordship's obed't serv't

Thos. MERRIFIELD

 

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National Archives, Kew CO48/44, 704

26 Powis Street

Woolwich

27 Sept 1819

Sir,

On the 17th inst I directed a letter to Earl BATHURST's office in which I requested to know whether (in reference to the section of the circular which states that Government will select those offers which may appear most advantageous) a person who would ship himself to the Cape at his own expence would be allowed the advantages of land &c offered generally, and having received no answer but a copy of the circular of which I was before possessed I have now earnestly to request an answer whether I shall be allowed to proceed on these terms, for which purpose I add my address and description.

I am Sir your obedient servant

Thomas Searl MERRIFIELD

26 Powis Street, Woolwich

Agriculturalist

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