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

Correspondence 1821 to 1837.

Here only letters by known settlers or their families, or letters of great relevance to the 1820 settlers, have been transcribed, whereas ALL the 1819 correspondence was transcribed (see CO48/41 through CO48/46) whether or not the writers emigrated to the Cape.

Unless otherwise stated letters were written to either the Secretary of State for the Colonies or his deputy.The original correspondence is filed in order of receipt. Here it has been placed in alphabetical order according to the surname of the writer, with letters by the same writer in chronological order, for ease of reading. Original spelling has been maintained. Reference numbers, where given, refer to printed page numbers stamped on the letters and will enable visitors to the National Archives to locate the letter more easily.

FELL, John, 1820

Written by Sue Mackay on .

National Archives, Kew, CO48/52, 330

122 St Martin's Lane

28th July 1820

Sir

Having been accepted as one of the party of Mr CLARK (whose letter to that effect I have now in my possession) who sailed in the ship Northampton, Captain CHARLTON, to the new Colony at the Cape of Good Hope, and being prevented from accompanying him in that ship in consequence of being unable to dispose of my business in time, I beg to ask (as I have now disposed of my business & wish to go by the first opportunity) whether, after having paid the deposit money required by Government & sent out some necessary articles by the party I wish to join, if I now pay my passage out, I shall be entitled to the Grant of Land (subject to the Conditions imposed by Gover't) and also whether I shall have the same privileges as are stated in the circulars.

As I know several families who wish to Emigrate, they requested I would ask, whether when they arrive there are their own Expence a Grant of Land will be assigned to them.

I am Sir

Your most obedient servant

John FELL

[GOULBURN's notation]

If he finds his own passage he will of course be in a situation to claim the benefit of any agreement which he may have made with Mr CLARK unless forfeited by some subsequent transaction of which Lord B is ignorant.

 

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National Archives, Kew, CO48/52, 334

122 St Martin's Lane

7th August 1820

Sir

Having received yours of the 31st Ult in answer to mine of the 28th stating that I may proceed (at my own Expence) to the new Settlement at the Cape of Good Hope - I wish to be informed whether that Letter, on my arrival at the Cape, will be thought a sufficient Document by the Governor to authorize him to permit me to proceed to the place of Settlement, or whether it is necessary for me to have any other official Document from your office.

I am Sir

Your most obedt servant

John FELL

 

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National Archives, Kew, CO48/52, 336

[Copy of Colonial Office reply]

Downing Street

August 1820

Sir

In reply to your letter of the 7th instant, I have to acquaint you that if, as stated in your former application, your name is included in the list of those persons who had engaged to accompany Mr CLARKE to the Cape of Good Hope, & was not withdrawn when it was found that you were unable to proceed with them, it will be unnecessary for you to be provided with any other Document than my letter of the 31st Ultimo, to entitle you on your arrival at the Settlement to the advantages enjoyed by the rest of that Party.

I am, Sir

Your obed't servant

[unsigned]

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