VERGENST, M
183
July 15th 1819
Sir,
Being informed that I should apply to you for instructions relative to my obtaining permission to settle at the Cape of Good Hope, I shall esteem it a particular favour if you will have the goodness to allow me to wait on you when you are most at leisure, and remain Sir
Your most obedient servant
M. VERGENST
184
Woods Hotel
Arundel Street
Panton Square, Haymarket
July 17th 1819
Sir,
The 15th instant I took the liberty to write to you requesting an interview for taking instructions relative to my obtaining permission to settle at the Cape of Good Hope. This day I find in the newspapers the copy of an official circular containing conditions upon which Government intends to encourage emigration to that colony. By writing you the 15th it was not my intention to settle at the Cape in course of the motion made in Parliament by the Lord Chancellor of the Exchequer: this is become a casual incident which I may consider. But before I can do it thoroughly I must request you to have the goodness to inform me if my position of not being a subject of His British Majesty, but a Dutchman will make no difficulty when I for the remainder fulfill the conditions prescribed by Government.
I hope Sir you will forgive me if I request from you a speedy answer that I may the sooner consider the business and take my measures accordingly.
I remain Sir your most obedient servant
M. VERGENST
[note from GOULBURN]
The advantage of receiving assistance from Govt. will necessarily be confined to His Majesty’s subjects
187
Woods Hotel
July 20th 1819
Sir,
I have to thank you for the ready answer you made me by your letter of yesterday but since the result of the Lord Chancellor’s motion cannot concern me I beg leave to recall your attention on my letter of the 15th instant, by which I intended to get the instructions I need for obtaining permission to settle at the Cape of Good Hope, without considering the assistance held out by His Majesty’s Government for such British subjects as should be desirous to emigrate to the said Colony.
I remain Sir your most obedient servant
M. VERGENST