Bay of Islands New Zealand Novr 12th 1816 Revd, and Dear Sir, It is with pleasure I [take] this opportuny [sic] to let you know the state of our health. I hope these few Lines will find you in good Health as they leaves me and my Family. I have not much good to say of our small Settlement at present but hope to live to see better Days— We have five Boys and girls living with us learning to read they says the lords Prayer in the evening & the evening Hymn the girls are learning to sew and are very usefull in the House when they please to stay in, In the winter they stay in the House, In the Summer they like to be dancing and going from place to place to see [f] their friends &c— I shall persue [sic] twine spinning as soon as I can get things secure, and can get the rope walk fenced in, and the natives disposed to let it be peaceably. In the mean while I shall endevour [sic] to instruct any children that are willing to live in my House in usefull knowledge and in cleanliness & industry; as far as I have provisions to maintain them, and a few clothing for the sabbath Day to apear [sic] clean and decent, for the time past[?] I can say, if I had, had more in my power I could have done more good among the children— if I had more food more clothing and some trifles to pay them for their work, the[y] will not work for nothing— As Mr Kendall has a School House built tho’ it is of little use at present as he is oblidged to go into the street or Field to teach them to read, yet it is [his] province to teach the young, but if the twine spinning does not quiet them I shall endeveour [sic] to instruct the Children unless you should order me otherwise to do [f] I taken a severe cold in august & it confined me to my Bed for five weeks, Mrs King was put to bed with a son Septr 29th We have had many trials & afflictions but blessed be God we are in good Health now— — — May the lord prosper you in all your work and labour of Love, is the sincere prayer of your most unworthy servant. So I rest Revd and dear Sir Your most obedient And most devoted servant John King Mrs Kings and my sincere respects to Mrs Pratt and Family