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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.

SYNNOT, Walter, 1820

Written by Sue Mackay on .

National Archives, Kew, CO48/53, 311

Ballymoyer Lodge

5th Jany 1820

Sir,

The length of time which has elapsed since the receipt of your instructions directing me to expect an order from the Commissioners of the Navy Board induces me to suppose some mistake must have occasioned the delay. I consider it my duty to inform you that no official notice has been made to me and that the settlers under my care are extremely dissatisfied and difficult to be kept together, that a very heavy expense attends holding them in constant readiness such a length of time and I can assure you is extremely prejudicial to the welfare of my undertaking. Most of the stores absolutely necessary must be obtained at the place of embarkation and to be hurried off without them would expose [us] to the greatest hardships. I have received private letters from Cork informing me there is no other ship for the reception of settlers for the Cape of Goof Hope than the Fanny, whose cabin is so small that I am requested to join in the expence of making it more airy. I beg you will take these circumstances under your serious consideration and direct that I shall be furnished with positive instruction how I am to proceed.

I have the honor to be Sir

Your most obedient servant

Walter SYNNOT

 

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National Archives, Kew, CO48/53, 320

Cork

23rd January 1820

Sir,

I am instructed by Mr. LEWIS, Agent of Transports Cork, to make returns of the party under my charge now embarked on board the Fanny. A few changes have unavoidably taken place since my first returns had been filled. I have left one copy with Mr. LEWIS and it is my intention to present another to His Excellency the Governor at the Cape of Good Hope, which are exact counterparts of the enclosed.

I beg leave to express the gratitude of my party for the very comfortable accommodation that has been afforded them since their embarkation and I am convinced they will at all times support that order and regularity enjoined in our instructions.

I have the honour to be Sir

Your most obedient and very humble servant

Walter SYNNOT

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