STANFORD, John re Miles BOWKER, 1820

Cape Archives CO6138 Volume 2 pp14-14

On Board HM Ship Weymouth

My Lord,

Wishing to state to your Lordship my complaint wherein I find myself very dissatisfied hoping at the same time for redress from your Lordship. I made a Verable Agreement with one Mr. BOWKER to proceed to the Cape of Good Hope not knowing at the same time he was to receive 100 acres of land in my name but his promise to me was 10 acres. Now my Lord I have a wife and two children. I am sent out on emigration by the Parish who paid the deposit money. Now I wish to know from your Lordship if I am not entitled to 100 acres of land agreeable to Gov’t regulation now Mr. BOWKER says I shall not have any more than 10 acres. There many familys on board who have been sent out by the Parish and hav the priviledge of 100 acres and why not me the same. I never wish to live with him if he means to defraud me and my family out of what I think in my opinion is just and right however my Lord I am obligated to leave all to your disposal knowing there will be justice done on both sides. I require no more than what is reasonable and just but my Lord I never meant to leave my own Country as a slave nor for my wife and family to be made slaves of. I came in hope of success in my undertakings but success I can expect none if this Agreement stands. I came thinking to derive some advantages of doing good for myself and family not to become a slave this government never meant to be the case. Therefore my Lord I hope you will take this seriously into consideration and give me an answer before I proceed farther on my journey.

I remain with profound respect

Your most obed’ humble servant

John STANFORD