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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.

WOODHOUSE, Thomas

Written by Sue Mackay on .

National Archives, Kew CO48/46, 304

Ellston Farm

Near Gainsbro

Lincolnshire

[Received 4 Aug 1819]

Lord SIDMOUTH,

Humbly presuming you will excuse the liberty I have taken in addressing you upon this case of emigration to the Cape of Good Hope, I have been well brought up of a most respectable family likewise of responsabillity. Have been brought up in the farming business from my youth in a very extensive line, haveing been unfortunate in the above business since the depricated prise of land which I maid some very great purchases and at that time had acumulated a deal of money, but at present his much redused and should be happy to offer myself to you to aney part of his Majestys dominion. I understand surveying, planting of trees, setting out of roads of any discription, masuring all kinds of building, hedging and diching, making all kinds of fencing either by stone sods or quick and am happy to say can give you every satisfaction that you would wish to require from the most respectable farmer and Gent. in our part of the country

[second page written sideways with top two lines obscured in binding]

41 years of age have a good constitution and am of the oppinion his able to endure aney climate.

I am my Lord at your service

Thomas WOODHOUSE

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