CLARK, William, 1820 Settler

(see also the correspondence of Robert CROSBY )

National Archives, Kew CO48/42, 36

19 Nelson Street

Commercial Road

London

July 21^st 1819

Sir,

Understanding that it is the intention of Government to establish a settlement on the south east coast of Africa, I humbly beg leave to become acquainted with the encouragement intended to be given by them to such settlers as it is my wish to become one of the colonists. My family consists of my wife & self and my age is 24 years.

I am Sir with great respect

Your most obedient humble servant

William CLARK

National Archives, Kew CO48/42, 249

19 Nelson Street

Commercial Road

London

27^th Aug 1819

Sir,

I beg leave to propose myself with the following individuals as candidates for the grant of land in His Majesty's Colony at the Cape of Good Hope and that we are agreeable to conform ourselves to all the conditions under which His Majesty's Government have offered to grant lands in that colony. The persons annexed are all able bodied.

I am Sir with great respect

Your obedient humble servant

William CLARK

National Archives, Kew CO48/42, 272

19 Nelson Street

Commercial Road

London

Sep 3rd 1819

My Lord,

Conformable to the Government circular letter found under your Lordship's direction I took the liberty on the 27^th ultimo of transmitting a list of families volunteering to locate with me to the Cape of Good Hope.

I think I may safely introduce them to your Lordship as persons fully deserving of protection in as much as their necessities cannot be exceeded and are unlike those whom I know are withdrawing large capitals from the country, and for your Lordship's information I beg leave to lay before you a substance of my agreement with those individuals for the fullfillment of the Government wishes in the establishment of a happy colony.

First I propose to see that they are well & sufficiently cloathed likewise vitual'd for a term of three years

Secondly to provide them with tents until cottages can be erected for them

Thirdly to apportion a piece of land in proportion to the extent of their families which they are to cultivate to their own profit.

Fourthly that they shall devote nine hours a day (Sundays excepted) to my service

Lastly at the expiration of three years or as soon as the land is in a state of cultivation when their services expire to assign over to each a portion of the hundred acres with a cottage

By these means I hope to make a happy peasantry to these persons who [see] the colony as their only refuge against evils that overwhelm them. Upon these terms my Lord I solicit the privilege of taking out thirty one families adding myself to the Cape and most earnestly request that I may learn from your Lordship the very earliest opportunity whether my proposals are acceded or not. I ask it in charity to the forlorn individuals as the only remedy for the present distressed situation.

Wishing your Lordship's reply I am with great respect

Your Lordship's most humble & very obedient servant

William CLARK

251 (from his father-in-law)

Twickenham, 6^th Sept 1819

My Lord,

I beg to intercede in favour of Mr. William CLARK who is married to a daughter of mine, respecting his settling at the Cape of Good Hope, agreeably to the proposals he has made to your Lordship in behalf of himself and individuals he wishes to represent, as I am assured his motive is for bettering the condition of the whole, and that Mr. CLARK is a steady sober young man of good morals and a loyal subject.

I am with due respect

Your Lordship's most obedient and very humble servant

J.W. BAKER

An old Lieutenant with Rank of Commander in the Royal Navy

National Archives, Kew CO48/42, 436

19 Nelson Street

Commercial Road

London

18^th Oct 1819

Sir,

According to your directions I beg leave to enclose the three lists of persons emigrating under my direction to the Cape of Good Hope for your approval, and which I trust you will find correct. Agreeable to your letter of the 7^th inst – waiting your further directions.

I am Sir with respect your very humble servant

William CLARK

National Archives, Kew CO48/42, 448

19 Nelson Street

Commercial Road

London

20^th Oct 1819

Sir,

I take the liberty of sending for your inspection my hospital certificates as testimonials of my having been regularly educated as a surgeon &c and since which period I have been in practice four years and should it be the intention of Government to provide a professional man for the benefit of the colony I beg leave to offer myself to your notice as a candidate for such situation.

I am Sir with great respect your most obedient and very humble servant

William CLARK