Parramatta N.S. Wales July 7th 1819 Rev and dear Sir— I hope my letters bearing date 7th March 1819 came safe to hand. As under I beg leave to hand you a few extracts from my Journal as they arise. I am happy to inform you that Tetterree, through much persuasion, came to School again on Tuesday March 9th, and has continued with us, ever since and his conduct taking it altogether (since that period) has been pretty good. Wednesday March 11th School among convicts, all of them very attentive. March 11th 12th 13th Strong Breeze, making rapid progress towards the end of our Voyage: School among convicts. Always make a point of speaking to them from the Chapter they read. Sunday 14th Divine [srvice] on deck in the morning. Mr Halls cabin in the evening. Tuesday March 16th School among convicts. David Wilcock one of the convicts, after speaking to them from what they had read, caught hold of my coat as I was leaving them. and immediately burst into tears and said Of Sir!!! stay and pray with me a little longer!!! I turned and asked the cause of his weeping. Oh Sir said He. I feel myself such a sinner. I know not what to do. I am indeed [f] a great sinner. I hope the Lord will have mercy upon me a Poor Sinner. I have longed to speak to you, for several days past. I hav endeavoured to suppress my feelings, but I cannot do it any longer. I feel a desire to love Xt. I hope he will have mercy upon me. With joy and gratitude to God, I embraced this favourable opportunity of speaking to him, and sveral others who were standing by, from 3 last Chapers of St Matthews Gospel, pointing them to the sufferings of Christ; who hath redeemed us to God by His own blood and shewing at the same time, how welcome every poor and heav sinner was to come to Christ and how lovingly He inviteth such to come to him, and obtain pardon, divine favour, and eternal life, while, I was thus speaking, he wept much, and several of the others who were standing by shed tears. I concluded with a short prayer for the Lord’s blessing upon His own word, to the good of their immortal souls. Sunday 21th March Divine Service on deck in the morning. Mr Halls cabin in the evening. Read with convicts in the afternoon, spoke to them from 6th Chapter of the gospel of St John, poor poor Wilcocks seemed much comforted. I believe there are several others seeking the Lord in sincerity. Viz Wm Clements, Dave Hindhaugh, & Jas Furmwal. I have several times spoken seriousy to a lad Thos Owen, who seems to be very steady and well behaved. His friends are known to the Rev Saml Cowther. This lad does not appear tl be an adept in wickedness. I hope by his regular attention to school and the reading God’s Holy word, he may be made wise unto everlasting salvation. Saturday 27 March. We have had regular school all this week among convicts, spoke to them from the first to fifteenth Chater of St Mark’s Gospel. In the course of [f] the week, all behaved very orderly, may the Lord bless and multiply the seed sow to His glory and the salvation of their souls. Sunday March 28th Divine Service on deck in morning. A sudden squall arose, and we were obliged to leave ff in the midst of the service; gave an exhortation in the afternoon to the convicts. Divine Service in the evening in Mr Hall’s cabin; Captain Lamb and all the officers in the ship attended ( except those on duty)— attended. Saturday April 4th Regular School the whole of this week, several fresh scholars have been added— spoke to them from 16th Chapter of St Mark to 10th of St Luke. Sunday April 4th Divine Service in the morning on deck, Mr Halls cabin in the evening— Good friday 9th April School this week as usual but myself very poorly the whole week; rather better this morning, Divine Service in Mr Hals cabin administered the Holy Sacrament to our own party and two others. Saturday 10th April. We reached the Island of Tristan De Chunha. Our Captain intended sending a foraging party on shore but the surff ran so high, it was found impracticable we were therefore obliged to steer away without obtaining our object— Easter Sunday April 10th Divine Service on deck in the morning, Mr Halls cabin in the evening. Administered the Holy Sacrament with 10 Commandments— My health rather better— [f] April 17th Very ill whole of this week. I have not been able to attend to any thing. At 4 Ocl PM Being in Lat 40 South and nearly 12 East Longitude A very heavy Gale set in from the south west which continued to rage furiously for 30 hours. The sea rolled along in awful grandeur. Our ship was sometimes climbing the mountanious wave, then rushing headlong into the chasm below, all dead lights were put down to keep out the sea. Sunday no Public Service could be performed by reason of the Gale. Monday April 19th We past the Meridian of the Cape of Good Hope in 38 degs 40 Mins South, weather rather moderate. Tuesday a tremendous gale, commenced and continued to rage all day most dreadful. Our ship was scudding before it, at rate of 10 nots, at night the motion of the ship became very violent, the sea running in at the Gangways and over every part of the Deck at times, one of her guns was thrown off the carriage into the sea, but was got into the ship again on account of its being fastened to the carriage. Many things broke loose and rolled from side to side. The Children were screaming aloud, and the women were very much frightened. Sailors & soldiers were tumbling about the decks in all directions. I thought on the words of the Psalmist. “They that go down to the sea in ships and occupy their business in great waters, these men see the wrath of the Lord, and His wonders in the deep. For at his command the sormy wind ariseth which lifteth up the waves thereof. They are carried up to the heaven, and down again to the deep: Their soul melteth away because of trouble, they reel too & fro like a drunken man, and are at their wits end. [f] But our blessed Saviour, who saith to the stormy wind “Peace be still” protected us in every peril, and delivered us from every danger; blessed and praised be his Holy Name for every [sic] and ever. Sunday 25th April: a very strong gale, no service could be performed on deck. Visited the sick in Hospital. One poor man seemed very anxious about his salvation. Endeavoued to point him to the blood of Christ, whch cleanseth from all sin. Tuesday Apl 27th Spoke to the Convicts from the 6th 7th & 8th Chap of Romans, af[t]er reading them Visited th sick in the Hospital. Wm Bail— a patient very ill, seemed to be very earnest in inquiring the way to obtain pardon and peace. Wednesday 28th Apl— R Stevens a patient in the Hospital died. May the Lord be merciful unto him. He was was [sic] very ignorant, (he knew but very litte (if anthing) about Xt and his Salvation. Thursday 27 Apl Buried poor Stevens at 6 Ock A.M. Friday & Satrday Regular school among Convicts. In the course of this week they have read St Pauls Eps to the Ephesians. From which I have deliv’d several exhortations. Also we endeavoured to improve the circumstance of Steven’s death. I spoke to them from the 15th Chap Corinthns all very attentive, several wept. Sunday May the 2nd Mr Hals Cabin in the evening. Administered the Holy Sacrament to 8 Communicants. [f] Saturday May the 8, Regular school among the Convicts throh this week, and very well attended. Visited the sick in the Hospital daily. I humbly endeavour, at all times, to speak a word in season to the sufferers, in this House of mourning lamentation and woe, I hope the Lord will help his own word, to their eternal benefit. Sunday 9th May Dawn Service in Mr Halls cabin, Morns & Even [?] Sunday 11 May We experienced a heavy gale, the Luarter Gallery window was broken all to pieces – by the Sea; and a great quantity of water came into the Ship. On this day Mrs Watson died. Aged 73 years. I had long visited this poor woman; she knew but little, but seemed earnestly to implore mercy. Wednesday May 12th 19__ Mr Brooks died this mor.g, Poor man, he was accustomed to swear at times, during his illness. but when asked the reason for such strange conduct. H would ^readily say it was wrong. and that he was very sorry for it. Both bodies were committed to the deep this evening. Thursday ^ 13th May George Matthews died, this poor man appears [taped over] very penitent. I hope ^he is now in glory. Saturday 15h May. In the course of this week the Scholars have read St Pauls Epistle to the Philippians; they have been very attentive, and I have spoken to them several times from the same. Sunday 16th May Divine Service on deck in the morning. Mr Halls cabin in the evening. [f] Saturday May 22th , we have had regular school this week, but I have been so poorly; that I have not been able to attend three days. In visiting the sick this week, I have found poor Bailey, exceeding anxious about his Soul, I endeavoured to comfort him wish Gods promises in his Holy Word, and to direct him to look to Christ, for pardon, grace, and and eternal life. Sunday May 23___ Divine Service on deck in the morn. Mr Halls cabin in the evening. On this day Mr Bailey died: I trust he died in faith, look unto Jesus, I hope he is now in glory in the presence of his Redeemer [?] of God. Saturday May 29_th School as usual this week, and I believe the Lord is carrying on a work of grace in several of them, may it increase among them more and more. Visited the sick in the Hospital, endeavoured according to my general custom, to speak a word in season. All of them seem very thankful for my visits. The Scurvy has made its appearances among the Convicts; many of them are very much afflicted with it. We have had foul winds for several days past: and it is so at this time. Water and other necessaries are growing are growing very short. Sunday May 30th Divine Service in Mr Halls cabin. Myself taken very poorly with pain in Stomach. Monday much better. bless God for it __________ [f] Wednesday 2nd June Visited the sick. All of the seemed very thankful, I hope & trust the Lord has in some measure blessed my labours among them. Our Water is now getting very short, Sailors, Soldiers, & Convicts, are reduced to a pint and half per day. The wind still, continues quite foul, we begin [?] to wish & pray for our journeys end; And we look for help from that God who ruleth the winds and the waves. Sunday 6th Divine Service on deck in the Morn,g & (Mr Halls Cabin) Evening. In the afternoon, I was sent for by one of the patients in the Hospital named Painter to explain the meaning of the Lords prayer. I went to him immediatily and he desired me to pray with him, and to tell him something about the Lords prayer, for he though there was more contained in it than he understood. He was very anxious to know how he could obtain mercy, and be made happy. He ^was very apprehensive at his death: Sir said He: I shall die before midnight; and this actually came to hap. He died the same evening about 9.Oclock. I prayed with him, and endeavoured according to my feeble ability, to explain the Lords prayer. I pointed out to him, that God was our ^Father in a very peculiar manner. On account of what Christ hath done and suffered for us: and that we who are by nature & practice sinners and afar off from God, are Redeemed unto Him by the blood of Xt, and adopted into the Family of heaven: and that as a father pitieth his children, even so our heavenly Father will have mercy & pity on all who come unto him through Jesus Christ, His dear Son. He is gone. ??? May the Lord receive him into the Arms of his mercy. [f] Thursday 8th June Visited the sick in Hospital, had some interesting conversation with a sick man Named Watson I had long attend him, for which he seemed very thankful. But above all, in that it pleased God to afflict him; For by it, the Lord led him to see himself as ^a sinner before him, and to flee too mercy and pardon to a saviours blood. He expressed himself in the language of gratitude, and prayed for the sanctification of his affliction, more than for the removal of them. I am, now said he: getting a little better, and if the Lord is pleased to raise me up to health, I hope he will ^give his grace that I may live to his glory. I was also sent for this day to the Hospital by a poor man named Bartholomew. I have visited Him during a long illness, he seems very penitent but he possesses but little Knowledge. I asked why he sent for me a 2nd time in the same day. He said, to pray & talk with me, I sat down by him for half an hour, and instructed him ^in the best manner I was capable of, and then concluded with prayer. May the Lord grant his blessing. Thursday 10th June Vandiemans Land appeared in sight at 7 OCK AM. Every heart rejoiced, and I trust many of us returned our sincere thanks to Almighty God, for his great goodness in bringing us safe thus far, more espicially [sic] as our Water and provisions were almost gone, and our Captain determined to put in at Hobart Town for supplies. [f] Sunday 13th June We were at Anchor in Isthmus Bay. Vandiemans Land. Divine Service in Mr Halls Cabin M&E, The passage up this Arm of the sea to Hobart Town is very delightful. Deep Bays, High Hills, covered with lofty trees form a most pleasing scene. Monday 14 June, Hobart Town appeared ^in sight at 7 0.6. A.M. A Pilot came on board at 10CK. and at 1,0CK. the ship came to an Anchor in the Harbour. The little cultivated spots here & there, as we approached the town gave it a beau-tiful & picturesque appearance. We went on ^shore as soon as convenient and ^waited on the Leut Governor, Sorell who received us very kindly. We remained at Hobart Town [?] days during which time we went into the adjacent country ^several times and were very kindly entertained by several of the inhabitants. On Friday morng we received a letter of invitation to Government House at two oclock, we all went at the time appointed and were very graciously received by His Honour. after some conversation ^with him and several Gentlemen who were present we taken some refreshments and returned. Sunday, Divine Service in Mr Halls Cabin in the morng, in the afternoon went on shore to dine. I received a copy of Vandiemans Land, Auxiliary ^Branch Bible Society , which I beg leave to transmit, with the rest of my papers. It is a matter of sacred gratulation to see the Holy Scriptures spreading through every Land; to see the glorious Gospel enlightening ever part of ^ye habitable world. Monday 21 June Our ship weighed anchor, and set sail for Port Jackson N.S. Wales , we had a very fine passage from Hobart Town to Sidney Cove , at which place we arrived on Saturday June 26th 1819 _______ all in good health. Blessed be the God and Father [f] of our Lord Jesus Christ for all his abundant mercy and goodness bestowed upon us, his unworthy servants, His loving kindness hath preserved us, and brought us in safety unto ^the House of our friend and unto the Haven where we would be ____ I sent a letter instantly to Mr Marsden our dear friend, who immediately sent his servant with a Chaise to convey me to Parramatta. ^We all Went on shore as soon as soon as the ship came to an Anchor. We went to the House of a Mr Eagar (until Mr Marsden could come down to Sidney) who received us ^in the most hospitable manner. My ^brethren & family remained at Mr Eagars several days. Sunday ^morng 27th June_ I went to Parramatta with Mr Marsdens servant in [?] Chaise which he sent for me; we arrived at his House at 12 OCK. the family were all of them at Church when they returned I was received by them in the kindest manner possible. In the afternoon I read prayers in Parramatta Church, for Mr Marsden. Monday 28th June. Mr & Mrs Marsden went down to Sidney found my family and brethren all well: we now had a happy meeting altogether, and were much refreshed [?] and comforted. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, Busily employed in getting out goods out of the Ship. On Friday we all returned to Parramatta taking our personal baggage with us. Sunday July 4th Preached at Parramatta Church from 61 Chap. [?] Jsaiah and 1st & 2nd Verses, The Spirit of the Lord &c &c &c Saturday 10th July the whole of this ^week we have been very busy, in getting our things a little in order, and preparing for our reembarkation for New Zealand. Mr Marsden has taken up an American Brigg [f] named the General Gates to convey us to the place of our final destination. we are to sail for New Zealand on the 25th of this month at farthest. Two carpenters are engaged at Parramatta to accompany us, & to assist us in the erection of Buildings. Mr Mn also intends to engage a Brickmaker, a Bricklayer & Millwright if possible, to go with us to N. Zealand. Sunday 11th July Preached in the morng at Parramatta Church from the 22nd Chap of the Gospel St Luke and 19th Verses. And he took bread &c &c &c. The Holy Sacrament was administered afr [?] sermon. Mr Marsden has nearly completed a Seminary on his Estate for the New Zealanders_ called Rangi hoo. This will be of great importance . as the New Zealanders will have opportunity of coming to Parramatta from time to time, and being under the fostering care of Mr Marsden, They cannot fail to ^make rapid progress in the Knowledge of Agri-culture and other useful Arts. Their moral habits will be much improved and ^their minds expanded: and ^by the blessing of God + their souls will be prepared for the good seed of His Holy word & the reception if the gospel of Chrust. They will also be Hostages for the security of our Settlement at Bay of Islands. We have good reason also, to hope, that they will return to their own country and become able coadjutors in the great work, of spreading the knowledge of Christ, throughout their own Land. There are five men & one woman [?] this time, at Parramatta from New Zealand: They sum a kind and affectionate people./ Dear Sir: I must conclude this epistle with my sincere love to you and your family . My Brethren, & family, Tooi, & Teeterree, also send their sincere love and affection to yourself and family, also to our dear friends Mr & Mrs Bickersteth Mr & Mrs Cooper – and all friends of the CM. Society Dr Sir I am yours faithful and Obdt St Jno Butler