GSSAThe 1820 Settler Correspondence
 as preserved in the National Archives, Kew
 and edited by Sue Mackay

Selected Settler Correspondence 1820 - 1837

Whereas ALL the 1819 correspondence was transcribed (see CO48/41 through CO48/46 at the National Archives), whether or not the writers emigrated to the Cape, here only letters by known settlers or their families, or letters of great relevance to the 1820 settlers, have been transcribed. There are many other letters in later files, thought not to be written by eventual settlers. However, if an ancestor is known to have emigrated after the 1820 settlers then it might be worth looking through the rest of the correspondence, which is arranged alphabetically. The relevant files for letters written in 1820 are CO48/52 (A-L) and CO48/53 (M-Y). Later files are labelled "Original Correspondence" followed by the year, and can be found from CO48/56 (1821) to CO48/186 (1837).

Unless otherwise stated letters were written to either the Secretary of State for the Colonies or his deputy. The original correspondence is filed in order of receipt. Here it has been placed in alphabetical order according to the surname of the writer, with letters by the same writer in chronological order, for ease of reading. Original spelling has been maintained. Reference numbers, where given, refer to printed page numbers stamped on the letters and will enable visitors to the National Archives to locate the letter more easily.

HEATH, W.J., 1827

Written by Sue Mackay .

London

8th January 1827

Sir,

In June last I procured Leave of Absence from His Honor the Lieutenant Governor at the Cape of Good Hope to proceed to England on my private affairs, since which you were kind enough to grant me an Extension of Leave for 3 months.

My intention was to have left England a month since by the Brig Patience, but was prevented in consequence of indisposition. There is a vessel which will sail in a few days and on which I intend taking my Passage, but as I have only two months leave unexpired I am under the necessity of applying to you for a further extension of leave for six weeks which will be up to 20 April next.

Trusting this will meet with your Approbation I have the honor to be, Sir

Your most obedient serv't

W.J. HEATH

PS. At Mr. BOOTH's

Army Contractor,

40 Cannon Street

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