RODDWELL, Miller James

National Archives, Kew CO48/45, 468

2 Seymour Place

York Street

Walworth

July 26 1819

My Lord,

I beg leave to inform your Lordship it is my wish to become a settler at the new colony proposed at the Cape of Good Hope. I therefore presume your Lordship will favour me with the necessary prospectus. As I am joined by a number of steady usefull men I want to give them every information I can at the earliest period. I beg leave to subscribe myself

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

M.J. RODDWELL

National Archives, Kew CO48/45, 503

2 Seymour Place

York Street

Walworth

Aug 5 1819

Sir,

I duly rec'd your circular and in consequence submit to you the following questions, a speedy answer to which will oblige

Your obedient humble servant

M.J. RODDWELL

Whether a deposit is required at the present time or at our embarkation and how we are guaranteed by government for the fulfillment of the agreement.

Whether a list of names ages and families must be delivered and when

What freightage is allowed for each family

Whether if a man agrees to go as servant at a stated wage and surrender to the master taking his portion of land Government will allow agreement to that effect drawn up previous to sailing to be binding and prevent all future claim to the said land.

Whether there will be a Government store to supply the colony with agricultural implements &c at a reasonable rate

National Archives, Kew CO48/45, 524

2 Seymour Place

York Street

Walworth

Aug 10th 1819

Sir,

I rec'd yours of the 6^th inst and have engaged all my men but as I doubt not you have numerous applications I am fearful should your number be limited that I may be too late. To guard against that I wish to know how Government will ensure our passage as my men being principally Norfolk Agriculturalists it would be equally hard upon myself and them to take them from their present occupations and ultimately disappoint them.

Should a deposit of part of the money be required immediately forfeit to Government in case I do not fulfil my agreement I only wish to know where it is to be made.

I am Sir, waiting for your reply,

Your obed't humble serv't

M.J. RODDWELL

National Archives, Kew CO48/45, 553

2 Seymour Place

York Street

Walworth

Aug 17 1819

Sir,

Annexed is the list of men whom I propose with the approval of Earl BATHURST taking with me as settlers to the Cape of Good Hope. In respect to myself if references are necessary as to my ability for the task I undertake and my positive principals I will freely give them. Upon the latter point I can only say I am a freeholder of the County of Norfolk and a supporter of Mr. Edmund WOODHOUSE.

Waiting your answer I remain Sir

Your obed't humble serv't

M.J. RODDWELL

National Archives, Kew CO48/45, 604

2 Seymour Place

York Street

Walworth

Sep 17 1819

Sir,

A month has elapsed since I was favoured with your last letter respecting my settling at the Cape of Good Hope. I am under great inconvenience by being kept so long in suspense but trust you will oblige me with a few lines on the subject and my ultimate prospect of success in the application as soon as possible.

Awaiting your answer, am Sir

Your obed't humble serv't

M.J. RODDWELL

National Archives, Kew CO48/45, 650

2 Seymour Place

York Street

Walworth

4 Nov 1819

My Lord,

As I some time held a correspondence with the Colonial Office respecting emigration to the Cape of Good Hope and was refused the benefit of the grant made by Parliament, I now beg your Lordship's permission to emigrate at my own expence as I am now enabled being joined by some of my friends for that purpose, and whether land can be granted to us free of expence, and where.

Waiting your reply I remain

Your Lordship's most obed't serv't

M.J. RODDWELL