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.

HUMPHREYS, William

Written by Sue Mackay on .

National Archives, Kew CO48/43, 566

Midleton Jul 25, 1819

Honor'd Sir

I William HUMPHREYS of the 88th Reg't, who have served 5 years, 307 days as appears by my discharge from said Reg't, do take the liberty of addressing you for to grant me the privilege of proceeding to the British Settlements North America which belong to his Majesty as I have received no pension allowance although being wounded in the battle of Ortes, Portugal, Spain and France. And in consequence of the reduction of the troops at the time of peace, was sent home together with many others. I therefore thank you to grant me the permission of proceeding to America as I understand you are invested with every power thereunto belonging and as s soldier and a loyal subject will feel highly indebted to you for your compliance and will be ever thankful.

William HUMPHREYS

NB If this should merit an answer, please direct to Midleton, County of Cork, Ireland, all I have in family is my wife and myself as I understand it must be inserted

  • Hits: 5782