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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.

WEBSTER, W.B.

Written by Sue Mackay on .

National Archives, Kew CO48/46, 451

Appleton Gate

Newark on Trent

16th Sept. 1819

My Lord

Having an intention to try my fortune among the Emigrants to the Cape, I should feel obliged by the communications of the particulars under which I am to proceed – should your Lordship deem me worthy of a grant. Is any Law or Order to be established or is the fostering care of Government to be extended to the poor forlorn creatures? Having best Medical Education I obtained from the public & Royal Hospitals the most handsome testimonials of abilities I venture my Lord to offer my services thro you to the Colony. I have made Chemistry with medicine my peculiar delight & could render very essential assistance in respect to the Chemical Arts many of which will be of necessity practised by the Colonists. I should be bound in Gratitude to you my Lord, if you would condescend to confer upon a young man who is parentless & friendless any humble situation in any Colony either at the Cape, New South Wales or Canada, & altho numerous petitioners for your favor obtrude their claims upon your notice for once my Lord listen to the solicitations of the unpatronized & I trust my future [conduct] will give you pleasure as having done [so].

I am, My Lord

Your most respectful humble servant

W.B. WEBSTER

Surgeon R[N]

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