M Sayer at to ascertain at to goulburn [?] Office when Sir TB arrives Ballincollig Dec.r 12th. 1820 My dear friend/ Having heard that Major General Sir Thomas Brisbane has been appointed Governor of New South Wales, I felt it to be my duty to avail myself of a very slight acquaintance which I had with him, to commend to his favourable consideration the Rev.d Samuel Marsden, & the cause in which has been so zealously & suc=cessfuly engaged: for this purpose I took the liberty of sending him the Volume of the Missionary Register for 1816 in which are detailed Mr. Mars=den’s proceedings in New Zealand – I send you on the other leaf a copy of the note [f] which I received in answer, which I think will be gratifying to you & the Committee – I understand that the General proceeds from Cork to London in a very few days; & if you consider it necessary to address him either by letter of deputation, you need not take any notice of this communication. I merely send it as an encouraging proof that the whole cause this, is opening the hearts of many to take an interest in its progress. Sir Thomas is a very active, intelligent Officer – fond of scientific pursuits – particularly Astronomy – very bene=volent – with a great respect for religion, & most regular in attending its ordinances – With sincere wishes for your personal welfare & the prosperity of our common cause, Believe me y.rs in the fellowship of the faith Henry Irwin [f] Glentown Dec.r 9th. 1820 Dear Sir I was favoured by your obliging letter of the 4th. only yesterday morning, they leave to assure you that every protection I can possible afford the Rev.d Samuel Marsden shall at all times be bestowed on him, & I shall further exert all the means in my power to promote his zealous & laudable labours – I feel much indebted to you for the Missionary Register you were so kind as to send me, & the articles respecting him I have read with a great degree of interest, & I should hope there is no officer in Command at a remote station that would be found to withhold his support from so true a zealot in the cause of Christianity & I remain with much esteem Your most faithful servant Tho.s Brisbane Rev.d [? ?] &c &c