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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.

EASTON, Samuel

National Archives, Kew CO48/43, 93

Dover

22nd November 1819

My Lord

I take the liberty of stating to your Lordship that I am by trade a house carpenter and wheel wright, professing at the same time a good general knowledge of every branch connected with the timber trade both in building and husbandry; therefore have no doubt I should be found particularly useful to the settlers proceeding to the Cape of good Hope where I am desirous of going, but having lately returned from the Continent where I have resided for some time past; I am sorry to say I arrived too late to join any of the parties going out this season.

I therefore beg to know if I may be permitted to proceed to that settlement with my son (a youth of 16 and upwards) at my own expense; subject at the same time to have the sum of £10..0.0 refunded to me at such time and under such regulations as those emigrating in parties with the permission of the Government? I beg further to state that I shall be ready to proceed on these conditions either with or without the customary grant of land.

I have the honor to remain my Lord

your Lordships most obedient very humble servant

Samuel EASTON

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