Parramatta, 25th October 1815
Reverend Sir,
	At a Meeting held this day at the Parsonage House Parramatta, the Official Letters from you addressed to the Revd Samuel Marsden under date May 11th 1809 and December 16th 1814 were taken into consideration by us the Clergy undersigned, and after mature deliberation We are unanimously of opinion, that New Zealand opens a large and promising Field for Missionary labors. That the Inhabitants are a noble and intelligent race, and prepared to receive the blessings of Civilization and the knowledge of the Christian Religion and it is also our opinion that their improvement and civilization can best be promoted by keeping up a regular communication with New Zealand, and introducing the Chiefs into civil Society at Port Jackson, which can only be done by maintaining a Vessel for that purpose. The Vessel will be necessary for the comfort of the Settlers of New Zealand, and also for their protection from the Natives and runaway Convicts and Sailors who are put on shore by the Masters of Whalers and other Vessels. We also fully accord with [f] the Society, that the Civilization and general improvement of the New Zealanders would be greatly promoted by forming a small Establishment in this Colony for their instruction in some of the simple arts, such as spinning and Weaving their Native Flax; Manufacturing it into Twine and Cordage, and in Blacksmiths work and Agriculture.— Such an Establishment independent of promoting  the Civilization of the New Zealanders wod afford a certain pledge for the safety of the Settlers at New Zealand, as the Natives who would be instructed under the patronage of this INSTITUTION wod either be Sons of Chiefs or their near Relations, and would also accommodate such Chiefs as may from time to time visit Port Jackson in the Active where they would be kindly treated and protected from insult during the time the Vessel remains in the Harbour, which will tend to enlarge their Ideas, remove their prejudices, & excite in them a thirst for useful knowledge. The annual expence of such an Establishment at present for the hire of the necessary Buildings, Tools, Overseer’s wages, the support of the Natives and other conveniences; we estimate at £200 pr Annm.
    Under these impressions we have resolved to form the Establishment immediately on the Society’s [f] account, and to receive  into it such New Zealanders as are at present in the Colony. We wish further to observe, that we feel the most cordial desire to co-operate with the Society in their benevolent and pious exertions for the Conversion of the Heathen, but we are of opinion that no Public Auxiliary can be formed in this Colony under present existing circumstances, with any hope of success. At the same time we beg to assure the Society, that we will embrace the first favorable opportunity of carrying their wishes into effect relative to this important object. With our sincere and Christian Regards to the Society and our fervent prayers that the great Head of the Church may bless the Society’s labours in this and every other part of the Globe
We have the Honor to be
Revd Sir
Your most obed[ien]t H[um]ble Servants
Samuel Marsden
William Cowper
Robt Cartwright
Henry Fulton
Benj[ami]n Vale
The Revd Josiah Pratt
&c &c &c