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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.

GIBSON, W.D.

Written by Sue Mackay on .

Filed under D at CO48/42

National Archives, Kew CO48/42, 801

Cummertree

7 Oct 1819

Dear Sir,

Mr. THOMSON late of Charlesfield, who has an idea of going with his family to the Cape of Good Hope as a settler, applied to Lord QUEENSBERRY yesterday [obscured] you would have the goodness to make some [obscured] as to the encouragement given by Government to settlers going to that Colony, but his Lordship being from home to Edinburgh and not having time to write, desired me to do so on that subject. Lord MELVILLE was applied to some time ago by THOMSON, who wrote to Lord BATHURST on the Aug last in Mr. T's favour, but as no answer as yet received and being very anxious to get as much information as possible, he would be much obliged to you if you would apply to Lord BATHURST on his behalf.

Mr. THOMSON can get many recommendations in his favour such as Lord QUEENSBERRY's, General DIXON's, Mr. CURWEN's and many others; and as you know Mr. THOMSON personally you can recommend him yourself to his Lordship as a person of respectability and very capable of taking a charge in the settlement under Government if it should be necessary. Mr. THOMSON's family consists of 5 sons, his wife and daughter who are to go with him, besides some workers to assist him in carrying on his agricultural pursuits, and wishes to be informed how much land will be allowed to himself and family and for the workmen he may take with him. Mr. THOMSON has already been making arrangements with the hopes of succeeding in getting out and will be much disappointed if he does not. When you write to Mr. THOMSON, address him at Foulsby, by Annan.

I am dear Sir your obed't sevt

W.D. GIBSON

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