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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.

RAY, George

Written by Sue Mackay on .

National Archives, Kew CO48/45, 464

No.8 Raven Street

White Chapel Road

24th July 1819

Sir,

Having served on the Commissariat Staff in the Peninsular War and in France, being at present out of employment in consequence of the distress of the times, I take the liberty of presenting you my solicitation for a grant of land in the Cape of Good Hope. I have been accustomed to the Continent these 13 years & am perfectly acquainted with the French & Spanish languages - ever ingaged in places of confidence & trust, I had the honor to serve under Major Gen'l Sir John BYNG and should your Lordship favor me with your kind attention it will be my study to merit the approbation of His Majesty's Government. My family consists of a wife & two children and I have a relative who wishes much to accompany us. Your ordering me a plan or prospectus will greatly oblige me and in all things I shall be happy to conform and make myself an acquisition to the state. Having a general knowledge of agriculture I flatter myself your Lordship will affirm my intentions and honor me with your notice. I beg to subscribe myself, my Lord

Your Lordship's most obed't humble serv't

George RAY

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