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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.

WATSON, Thomas (1)

National Archives, Kew CO48/46, 336

No.4 Baldwin Court

Baldwin Street

City Road

August 11th 1819

Sir,

I have been informed that you are the proper person to address relative to the proposed emigration to the Cape of Good Hope. I therefore Sir humbly beg leave to inform you that in the hope of benefit I propose to leave the country with my wife and two children.

I am by trade a Paviour – have also a knowledge of well sinking and planning out roads. Am 26 years of age and in good health, can command the sum of ten pounds and have an undeniable character.

Should I be fortunate enough to be one entitled to assistance of Government for the purpose above stated I would wish to know in what manner I ought to proceed.

I am Sir your most obedient and very humble servant

Thomas WATSON

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