Historical Records of New Zealand
William Savage to Earl Bathurst
William Savage to Earl Bathurst.
My Lord,—
Since I had the honor to address your Lordship for permission for a party to emigrate to New Zealand to form an agricultural settlement in that island circumstances have arisen page 484 which make it doubtful that it will be in the power of the individuals to carry their plans into effect.
As both myself and a few friends have made considerable preparations for this purpose, we are desirous of proceeding to an English colony in preference to going to America, as we cannot reconcile to our feelings as Englishmen the idea of renouncing our allegiance to our native country.
I respectfully beg leave to apply to your Lordship, on behalf of myself and family and a few friends, soliciting that His Majesty’s Government would do us the favour to send us out to New South Wales or Van Diemans Land as free settlers, with a grant of land, and such other assistance as may have been given to other free settlers, or as may appear proper to His Majesty’s Government.
I have &c.,
Willm. Savage.
The Earl Bathurst. W. Savage, at the Rev. J. Ovington’s, Clapham Common.