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.

JARMAN, Mrs.M (mother of Thomas JARMAN), 1821

Written by Sue Mackay .

National Archives, Kew, CO48/56, 133

43 Half Moon Street

Bishopsgate Without

21 June 1821

Sir,

The person who takes the liberty of addressing you is the mother of a young man named Thomas JARMAN, who with his wife and child went to the Cape on board the Weymouth in COX's Party, Jan'y 1820, as one of the settlers.

He has written to me since his arrival at that place expressing himself highly satisfied with his situation, but at the same time requesting to be furnished with sundry articles as earthenware, culinary utensils, medicines and wearing apparel. I have accordingly filled a cask with such articles but have not been able to find any means of conveyance; no ship sailing direct for Algoa Bay. If I send it to Table Bay I fear the expense of conveying it to Algoa Bay will be more than he is able to pay.

It has occurred to my mind that it may be in your power to direct me as to the best mode of conveyance. Should you condescend to grant me any information on the subject it will be most gratefully received.

I am Sir with great respect

Your hbl serv't

M. JARMAN

PS I have rec'd three letters from my son expressive of his satisfaction. As contrary reports have been circulated any persons interested in the success of the colony are welcome to peruse my letter.

[Note from GOULBURN]

Acquaint him [sic] that we have no means of forwarding these articles & that the better course for her to pursue will be to ship them for the Cape and to apprize her son of their having been so sent when it is probable he may have the means of getting them conveyed to the new settlement.

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