Skip to main content
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.

HARCOURT, Edward

Written by Sue Mackay on .

National Archives, Kew CO48/43, 648

34 York Buildings

Baker Street

New Road

5 August 1819

My Lord

I had the honor of addressing your Lordship six months past expressing a wish to embark for New South Wales, to which application I received for answer a circular letter the which, my means prevented me complying with. I have now most respectfully to solicit that I may be sent to the Cape of Good Hope, and request to be informed upon what prospects etc & what sum of money may be requisite. Born a Gentleman, & Educated as such I served in the army, & with credit, was with Lord CATHCART at the capture of Copenhagen in 1807. Landed with Sir David BAIRD at Coruna in 1808 upon the retreat of the gallant Sir John MOORE, & the same year embarked for the peninsular, & had the honor of serving in Portugal, Spain & France until 1814 - during which period I was present at the whole of the battles fought upon the northern side of the country til the final action of Toulouse.

But from unforeseen events am much reduced & the pressure of the times render me scarcely able to exist. I have therefore again presumed to offer my services, when should they be accepted my utmost efforts and abilities shall be exerted further to serve that country for whom I have repeatedly fought.

May I be permitted further to solicit a reply to alleviate the excruciating pain of suspense, with as little delay as possible ad interim.

I subscribe myself with the greatest respect

your Lordships most obed & most humble servant

Edward HARCOURT

 

article_separator

 

National Archives, Kew CO48/43, 678

34 York Buildings

Baker St

New Road

9 August 1819

Sir

I am favored with your office circular of the 6th in reply to mine of the 5th inst for which permit me to return my thanks for your attention, but finding it impossible to raise a sufficient sum to accomplish my object, it has occurred to me that possibly the government may be induced to send out a schoolmaster, should such be the intention, may I be permitted to offer my services, when perhaps you may kindly promote my interest.

I am a married man my age is 36 my wife would accompany me, & allow me if it is not too far encroaching upon your time to beg you will be pleased to inform me whether I may flatter myself on that subject.

I have the honor to be

Sir your most obliged humble servant

Edward HARCOURT

[Note written at the bottom of this letter: No intention at present of making any appointment of the nature pointed out by him.]

  • Hits: 5830