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Historical Records of New Zealand

Rev. S. Marsden to Rev. J. Pratt

Rev. S. Marsden to Rev. J. Pratt.

Sydney, July 28th, 1819.

Revd. and dear Sir,—

I am now on the eve of embarking for New Zealand, and expect to be on board as soon as I have closed this note to you. The Rev. J. Butler and all his associates are well and in good spirit. The Active is now off the Heads, and has sent her boat in, as she cannot get in herself, from the contrary winds. I am happy to say all the settlers are well at the Bay of Islands, and going on well. Twelve New Zealanders are come over now in the Active; 16 will be left at Parramatta. Two are learning to make bricks, 1 nail-making, another in the blacksmith shop, and the others will be employed in my absence, till the Active returns to N. Zealand, in some useful work. I found it necessary to take up the General Gates, as the Active was at New Zealand when Mr. Butler, &c., arrived. She could not have afforded room for the missionary stores, passengers, &c., and the expence of keeping the Rev. Mr. Butler here, with his colleagues, would have been very heavy, where every thing, lodgings, &c., are so dear; £300 would have gone a little way in this colony, and while here they would gain no good. In order to lessen the expenses and to get them upon the field of action as soon as possible page 438 I took up the General Gates, in which I take four head of horned cattle and some sheep, the mechanics and their families. The Active will come to New Zealand for me when fitted out to sea again. By the time she arrives, if all is well, we shall have made all the necessary arrangements for the future welfare of the settlement. Messrs. Butler, Hall, and Kemp are in great spirits. The young men who have arrived in the boat delighted them much. I hope all will be well. We have met with no discouragements as yet. I now hope the storm is broke in this colony, and the opposition subdued in a great measure. The Judge Advocate sent me £10 10s. as a donation with the accompanying note. I waited upon him, thanked him for his donation. He assured me that he would give every countenance and support to our plans, and I am convinced he will. We have got him now completely on our side. I wish to be thankful to Almighty God for His kind overruling providence. I waited upon the Governor to pay my respects to him previous to my embarking. He was very, very polite and civil, and think His Excellency will not oppose our views. So far well. Our cause is gaining ground in the colony, and will prevail. We shall get support in time. Mr. Edward Riley has given £10 to the C.M.S., which you have credit for in the accompanying accounts. I have drawn upon you for £511 19s. 2d., and have inclosed the voucher for the satisfaction of the Committee. Shall write again immediately on my return to the colony, or if I should fall in with a whaler for Europe. You will excuse great haste, as we are all in a hurry. The ladies are embarked, and I am just ready to follow them in the boat. I cannot wait for the Active’s letters, as she cannot get in, and the General Gates cannot stay, as the cattle, &c., &c., are on board. Wishing every blessing may attend the labours of the Society,

I remain, &c.,

Samuel Marsden.

Rev. J. Pratt.