Parramatta, March 15, 1814
Revd Sir,
	I was very much gratified with the Arrival of Mr. Kendall and his Family as it determined me at once, to attempt the Mission. I waited upon the Governor; and informed him, what was the ultimate object, which the Society had in view in sending him out. When he arrived we were building two Schoolhouses— neither of them were ready, or Mr. Kendall would have had one of them. It will be some time before they are completed. In Consequence of this Mr. Kendall has an opportunity to visit New Zealand before he enters upon any work in this Colony. When I sent the Active, I did not think it prudent for any of the Missionaries Families to go— but only Messrs. Kendall and Hall— Mr. King remains at Parramatta. As his going would not have been attended with any advantage, till they all go, should Providence open a way for them. I have directed Mr. Kendall to bring over with him a Chief, in order that we may make some arrangement with him for the future Settlement of the Missionaries, and that [f] the Government here may explain to them what are our views— I applied to the Governor for his Permission to go along with Messrs. Kendall and Hall; and at the first he consented, that I should go: but in a few days, when I was preparing, he altered his mind, but promised I should go, with the Missionaries should it be finally determined for them to settle at New Zealand, and see them properly fixed— I should have been glad to have gone now, as I could then have been better qualified to furnish the Society with every necessary Information— Messrs. Kendall and Hall were in very good Spirits. They have very good accommodations and I trust will do well. I think Mr. Kendall will soon acquire a Knowledge of their Language. A very fine young man about 17 years old, the Son of a Chief, has been living for some time with Mr. Kendall. They were very much attached to each other— he is gone along with him— I wrote to Duaterra, and informed him, for what Purpose Mr. Kendall was coming to New Zealand, and requested him to [f] come to Port Jackson, or to send some Person of Consequence to treat with me respecting their future Settlement at New Zealand. Before Duaterra left Parramatta he was very urgent with me to send him a man to teach his Boys and Girls to read & write— I told him then, I would send for Mr. Kendall, and  he should come. I have sent a Variety of presents to the Chiefs, and hope the Missionaries will be treated with kindness and attention by the Chiefs and natives. The young Chief, who is Mr. Kendall’s Companion, will be able to explain to his Country men the object of the Voyage. He assured me that he would return with Mr. Kendall. I think Mr. Kendall will prove himself a valuable man for the work. His Heart is engaged in the Cause— he is very mild in his manners— kind, tender, and affectionate, and well qualified to treat with an ignorant Heathen— He applied to learn the Language from Toohi, the young Chief, and made some Progress— On Board he will have nothing else to attend to. From a Combination of Circumstances I trust divine Providence has opened the way very clearly now, so as to warrant an Attempt. [f] No Missionaries could go out under more favourable Circumstances that [sic] Messrs Kendall & Hall do at present, and I trust they will give a good Account, when they return. Mrs. Kenall [sic] & Mrs. Hall with their Children are living near me at Parramatta— I shall study to make them as comfortable as I can. They are all well— Both the Master and Mate of the Active have been at the Bay of Islands, and are acquainted with the Natives of New Zealand— which will prove a great advantage to to [sic] them— It is singular that by mere Accident the Ship’s Company should consist of the following Nations, Two natives of Otaheite, one of Owhyhee— one of New Zealand, one European—Native of New Holland— one American, one from Sweden, one from Norway, one from Prussia & English and Irish. I gave particular Instructions to the Master for Mr. Kendall to read the Service of the Church every Sabbath day and when at New Zealand, the Sabbath was to be observed with the greatest Solemnity. I shall be very anxious for their return, and trust the Divine Blessing will attend upon them, and preserve ym from all evil— I have the honor to be
Revd. Sir
Yours &c &c &c
Samuel Marsden

Revd. J. Pratt—