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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.

PERRIN, William

Written by Sue Mackay on .

National Archives, Kew CO48/45, 290

Leinster Lodge

Athy

10th Oct 1819

My Lord,

Referring to your Lordship's circular of the 16th Augt I beg leave to propose becoming a settler in the Cape of Good Hope agreeable to the regulations of His Majesties Government for which purpose I shall immediately on receipt of your Lordship's direction for that purpose deposite or forward as directed the sum of money required by Government to enable me to bring out 10 or 15 able bodied men and their families as settlers, who are now ready to come with me, who are all of the best character and are willing to work but from the depression of the times find it almost impossible to get employment and consequently are barely able to support themselves and families.

I beg leave to state that on receipt of your Lordship's letters I disposed of all my property here in order to create a fund sufficient to carry on the undertaking with success.

I enclose testimonials of my character &c which I trust will meet your Lordship's sanction and I hope your Lordship will consider me a proper person to proceed to the Cape as a settler. On receipt of your Lordship's answer I will send returns of the men and their families who have placed themselves under my direction.

My own family consists of my wife, my sister in law and one son. Waiting for your Lordships reply, I have the honour to be, my Lord

Your Lordship's most obed't humble serv't

William PERRIN

292 [enclosed with above]

Custom House

Dublin

14th October 1819

I certify that I know the family of Mr. William PERRIN these many years, they are highly respectable. I understand he has a wish to go to the Cape of Good Hope & I have little doubt from his excellent character will prove a useful member of that rising colony.

H.B. MANTENVILLE

293 [enclosed with above]

22 Bagot Street

Sept 28 1819

I certify that I have known Mr. William PERRIN during many years past. He is a young man of good character desirous of emigrating to the Cape of Good Hope. His family is highly respectable and he has means sufficient for his support till he arrives there. He is married and has but one child. Several able men have promised to accompany him. Under these circumstances I believe he would prove a valuable acquisition to the colony.

Fr. BARKER MD

294 [enclosed with above]

I have known Mr. William PERRIN for some years. His family and connexions are very respectable and I am confident he will conduct himself with propriety in any situation he may be placed in.

Geo. STUDDART

295 [enclosed with above]

28th September 1819

I certify that I have known Mr. William PERRIN and his family for many years past, both are highly respectable and have been uniformly well conducted. I understand Mr. Wm. PERRIN is desirous of going to the Cape of Good Hope & I have no doubt should such an event take place that he would be a great acquisition to that settlement.

Thos. M. KENNY

Lord Mayor of Dublin

 

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