Skip to main content
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.

PIGOT, Hugh (brother of George PIGOT), 1821

Written by Sue Mackay on .

National Archives, Kew, CO48/56, 180

11 Percy Street

March 17 1821

My Lord,

I have this instant received a letter from my brother Major Geo. PIGOT at the Cape respecting whom my brother Colonel PIGOT and I called to entreat your Lordship would give him the appointment of Landrost of Albany, Colonel GRAHAM having declined it. I likewise requested if possible to be allowed to send him some agricultural implements by a Government Transport freight free and particularized a water wheel with mill stones &c &c. I now beg leave to lay before your Lordship an extract from his letter.

“If it was represented to Government that there is but one mill within an hundred miles of Grahams Town and our new Capital (Bathurst Town) I feel confident from the liberality we have all experienced you will be permitted to send one by a Government Store Ship or Transport and if you can by this same means send out clothing for another year with double the quantity of things.

Had I not come out so well supplied with them my People would have had as much reason to be dissatisfied as some others have. The wheat I am informed is blighted throughout the Colony, in this I am not singular, fresh seed therefore must be procured or we may expect the same next year.

The Cowie River which runs from Grahams Town through my estate and Bathurst Town (my fishermen inform me) has a bar at the entrance with four or five feet at low water, but within, a vessel of three hundred tons can sail up for many miles – goods landed here would save great expence and I hope to have a wharf erected by next year.”

I fear my Lord having dwelt too long and shall beg to conclude by entreating your Lordship will be pleased to take this matter into your consideration and remain

Your Lordship's most devoted and very humble servant

Hugh PIGOT

Captain RN

[Note from GOULBURN]

Acknowledge receipt and acquaint him that Ld B has never thought it advisable to interfere with the direction of the Governor of colonies in recommending persons for the situation of landdrosts and consequently cannot on this occasion divert from the usual practice. With respect to his machinery Ld B is not aware of any transport being about to proceed & does not feel authorised to take up tonnage or freight specially for the purpose of the conveyance at Govt. expence

  • Hits: 6087