Dear Sir,
	I had some time ago the pleasure of bearing my feeble testimony to the character of Mr Henry Williams, who has since been appointed by the church missionary society a lay-settler in New Zealand, though he has not been able to proceed to the seat of his destined labours in consequence of some family circumstances, which he could not with propriety leave unsettled. He however retains all his ardour for the cause, and was much disappointed by the impediments which hindered him from sailing in the autumn, though, as they exercised his submission, they doubtless improved his fitness also for the undertaking. The zeal however of Mr Henry Williams has provoked that of his younger brother; and I wish now to take the liberty of consulting you upon a case which has been proposed to my consideration. William Williams is about eighteen years of age, and has been five years apprenticed to a surgeon. Two years he has yet to serve; and I may safely say, that to his employer, to his family, and to all his acquaintance he has given uniform satisfaction by a steadiness of character beyond his years as well as by the sweetness [f] of his disposition, and by the correctness of his moral principles. The declaration of his brother’s intention has however now aroused in him a strong desire to go and do likewise, to which I have given no encouragement, lest there should be anything unsound in it. But yet I think his proposal is seriously worthy of the attention of the society, and fully expect, that, if he should be enabled to accomplish the object he has at heart, he will by the blessing of God prove a zealous and useful laborer. What I wish to ask therefore is, whether, if the society should think him worthy of that appointment, he can be so far adopted by the society as to be placed under its direction, when his apprenticeship is past, with a view of being eventually sent, as a missionary, to New Zealand, and also, whether in the event of such adoption any means exist for procuring him pecuniary assistance in passing through a university. In this subject I should perhaps consult Daniel Wilson, though, as you have frequent occasions of meeting, I am inclined to hope you will have the kindness to report his answer as well as your own. If William Williams should be sent to Oxford, and I continue at Nuneham, I shall be able to give him some [f] help in his studies, which have never been discontinued, though of course his employment during the last five years has not been favourable to their prosecution. If any further particulars should be required concerning him, I shall be most happy to furnish them; and in the meantime hoping the society will find in my young relation an instrument, suited to their views, I remain, my dear Sir, with unfeigned respect and esteem,
Your faithful friend and servant,
Edward Garrard Marsh
Nuneham, near Oxford
February 21. 1820.