Skip to main content
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.

WENTWORTH, Charles Augustus, 1820 Settler

National Archives, Kew CO48/46, 316

10 Well Yard

St.Bartholomew's Hospital

August 6th 1819

My Lord,

I have read the conditions for emigration to the Cape of Good Hope sent me in reply to my application to Mr. GOULBURN to which I am ready to agree in every respect, and request to know how I am to proceed or where I am to apply for further information.

My Lord I am

Your Lordship's obedient servant

Charles Augustus WENTWORTH

 

article_separator

 

National Archives, Kew CO48/46, 338

10 Well Yard

St.Bartholomew's Hospital

August 12th 1819

Sir,

Having received no reply to my last application I suspect there is some difficulty in getting to the Cape of Good Hope at the expence of Government; if it is possible I should very much desire it, as the advantages from emigrating according to the conditions stated in the circular you forwarded me are much greater than what I should receive from going out at my own cost, as the expence of taking out so many working men is more than I can afford, but if I cannot be fortunate enough to get out in a Government ship I would go out at my own expence if I can obtain a similar grant of land, and I will be especially obliged to you if you would be so kind as to give me more information on the subject, s at present I am quite ignorant of the situation.

I am Sir

Your most obedient humble servant

Charles Augustus WENTWORTH

 

article_separator

 

National Archives, Kew CO48/46, 393

10 Well Yard

St.Bartholomew's Hospital

August 23rd 1819

Sir,

I am induced by the encouragement offered by Government (having no promising prospects in England) to apply for the conditions on which persons are allowed to emigrate to the Cape and to know if the sons of officers in the army are entitled to any privileges - if my being a surgeon would be any advantage to me either by serving in that capacity on the voyage or afterwards: in what situation the settlement is made, whether near the coast or inland: if far distant from the place of landing, does Government assist the emigrants in getting to the land appointed them? You will excuse my being so inquisitive, but I am just beginning the World and to avoid acting rashly have taken the liberty to request what information you will be kind enough to give me. I have acquired a perfect knowledge of agriculture and understand the management of sheep and cattle. Is there a ready market for the produce of the land? With many apologies for my numerous enquiries

I am your obedient humble servant

Charles Augustus WENTWORTH

[Transcriber's Note: Not listed in The Settler Handbook but according to Hockly's ‘Story of the British Settlers of 1820' he was an independent settler on the Duke of Marlborough]

  • Hits: 6163