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.

BOSENCE, Richard and BECKERLEY, J

Written by Sue Mackay on .

National Archives, Kew CO48/41, 508/509

Penzance Cornwall

16th Sept 1819

My Lord,

Stimulated by the reports in the public prints respecting the Colonisation of the Cape of Good Hope a number of persons of different occupations viz: Joiners, Smithy Gardeners, Husbandmen &c, some young, some married having 1,2 or 3 children have applied to us, and request to be informed on the terms of which persons are allowed emigrate to that Colony. But not being in possession of such information as they require, have requested us to make application to your Lordship, for the necessary instructions on the subject. The number of Men exclusive of their families who would wish to emigrate, and who have made application to us far exceeds one hundred. Mr Richard BOSENCE is now fifty five years old has been the occupier of his own lands since his infancy - a wife, one son and a daughter . James BECKERLEY about 40 was bred to agriculture but has lately been a teacher of mathematics and has a family of five boys and two girls.

We earnestly request your Lordship would be pleased to favour us with the necessary instructions, as we intend to accompany the people to take the necessary cautions that may be required on the occasion.

We are my Lord very respectfully your Lordships most obedient and very humble servants

Richard BOSENCE & J BECKERLEY

  • Hits: 5316