Rev. S. Marsden to Rev. J. Butler.

I have the pleasure to inform you that we had a fine passage in the Active to Port Jackson, where I found all my family well, and daughters shortly after at the Lord’s table. I had suffered much anguish of mind when at N. Zealand at the very horrid idea which some entertained of my children; my spirits were more wounded than at any thing I had met with in my life. They devote their time to instruct the ignorant and to guide the poor wanderer; no wicked insinuations will ever cause me to relinquish my labours for the good of New Zealanders.…

With respect to myself, I can say but little as yet. I have not seen the Governor since my return, nor am likely to see him. How matters will end I cannot tell as yet—but I think I shall carry my point. Our differences is now before the House of Commons. The whole state of the colony will now come before the House. I think the Governor will not remain long in the colony. Whether I shall return to England or not is yet uncertain, but I rather think that I shall remain where I am. Several members of the House of Commons have warmly espoused my cause, and have pledged themselves to see justice done to my character. The Governor must be very angry. What will be done here I cannot tell as yet. No doubt every attempt will be tried to do me all the injury possible. I have determined to maintain the contest unto the end. The foundation upon which I stand is truth, and I only have to maintain my ground, and not to be driven from my post by any attacks, and then I must conquer. I may have hard to fight. We are expecting arrivals from England every day, when I shall know more. I think it probable two King’s s[gap — reason: unclear] will come out, and after they have landed their prisoners will visit New Zealand for spars. If they do I shall visit you again if I can obtain permission.…

I have had repeated conversations with the Commissioner respecting New Zealand, and I hope Government will attend to it when the present powers that be are removed. I shall embrace every opportunity to promote the interest of the country you live in, so that you may depend at all times upon my support while I remain in this colony.…

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