The 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.

SCOTT, John et al, 1820

Written by Sue Mackay.

National Archives, Kew CO48/52

The humble petition of John SCOTT, James CRAWFORD, Charles SLEE and William KIDSON, emigrants to the Cape of Good Hope now on board La Belle Alliance

Humbly sheweth

That your petitioners having paid to Mr. WILLSON ten pounds as Government deposit and five pounds fifteen shillings for Stores & Commission each feel themselves much inconvenienced by the arrangement of the ship that they consider their lives in danger during the passage – in consequence of the partition placed in the middle of the ship preventing that free current of air which is so highly necessary where 250 persons are placed in a space not exceeding 15 yards by 9 yards. Your petitioners further pray that their situation will be taken early into consideration and your petitioners will ever pray

John SCOTT

James CRAWFORD

Charles SLEE

William KIDSON

[Note from GOULBURN: Refer to the Navy Board for their consideration. 8 Jany.]

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