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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.

WHITLEY, Michael

Written by Sue Mackay on .

(see correspondence for Richard HAYHURST in CO48/43)

National Archives, Kew CO48/46, 269

Liverpool

26th July 1819

My Lord,

Understanding it to be the intention of His Majesty's Ministers to establish a colony at the Cape of Good Hope we beg leave to suggest to your Lordship the essential benefit which would arise to individuals by opening an office at this port for the convenience of persons desirous of emigrating from this part of His Majesty's dominions. If carried into effect it will relieve a number of industrious families who are at present suffering under the pressure of the times and likewise lessen the sprit of speculation to the United States.

We therefore humbly beg leave to offer our services in promoting the inclinations of His Majesty's Government, having particular knowledge of this and neighbouring counties and we have no doubt from our connexions in Lancashire, Yorkshire, Westmoreland and Cumberland that we should be able to afford assistance to some hundreds of individuals of honest and industrious habits who would be glad to embrace the opportunity to emigrate. We therefore should feel obliged if your Lordship would transmit to us the regulations under which we might be permitted to act, which your Lordship may rely upon would be attended to with the strictest punctuality and honor.

Your Lordship's reply at an early convenience will be thankfully received by

Your Lordship's most obedient and humble servants

Michael WHITLEY

Smith FLETCHER

No. 3 School Lane

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