Parramatta, Sepr 28th 1814.
Revd Sir
	I am happy to inform you that the Active Brig returned safe from New Zealand on the 21st of Augs after fully accomplishing the object of her Voyage. My wish was to open a friendly Intercourse between the Natives of that Island and the Missionaries, previous to their final Settlement amongst them. The public Prejudices have been very great, against these poor Heathens both here and in Europe. Their acts of violence and Cruelties have been published to the world; but the Causes that led to them have been kept back. Every act of Fraud Murder and oppression have been committed upon them, from time to time by the Europeans. These Natives had no means of Redress for the Injuries they suffered but Retaliation. But as they were considered such monsters of Cruelty, I did not think it prudent, in a public Point of View, to send the Missionaries wives and Families over in the first Instance; but to bring over some of the Chiefs to Port Jackson; and to establish a Friendship [f] with them. My old Friend Duaterra, with two other Chiefs and some of their Relations are now at Parramatta, living with me and Messrs Hall and Kendall. There are now eleven natives of New Zealand here at present. I considered that the Chiefs would learn more of civilized Life, and the Comforts attached to it, in two months residence amongst us, than they possibly could acquire in years in their own Country, from the Missionaries. Besides the Chiefs and their Friends living with the Missionaries at present, would remove all apprehensions from the Wives of the Missionaries; as a most cordial Intimacy and Friendship will now be formed amongst them. They will also see our mode of Public, and Family worship, by which their views will be greatly enlarged, and their minds opened to receive future Instruction— Duaterra is a man of a very superior mind, he is fully determined to improve his Country as far as his means and Influence will extend. Tools of Agriculture are the only Articles he wants; and Seeds to crop his Ground. He assures me that he will do all in his Power to prevent future wars amongst his Countrymen, and turn their minds to cultivate the Land. No man could ever be worse treated than Duaterra has been very often by Europeans; but he has the strongest attachment to them, from the Hope that thro’ their means he may [f] deliver his Countrymen from their present low degraded Situation. The Missionaries and their Families are now under no Fears of danger from them; but are very willing and anxious to go to live amongst them. I have no doubt but the divine Blessing will attend upon their Labors, and that the Society will have the Satisfaction of receiving good Accounts from them hereafter— I should have gone with Messrs. Kendall and Hall in the Active, had the Governor given me his Permission— but this he declined— It is my present intention to accompany them, when the Active Returns, and see them finally settled— I think my going along with them, will give weight and Importance to the Missionaries amongst the Chiefs and their People. I have obtained the Governor’s Sanction as His Excellency conceives my going now, will be attended with some public Advantages— I have many important duties press hard upon me, both of a private, and Public nature, but this I consider of more Importance than any other, and feel it my Call to follow the openings of Providence— As few can enter into my views, various are the opinions of my Conduct— I hope to erect the Standard of Christ’s Kingdom there, and to hear the sacred Trumpet Sound the Glad Tidings of Salvation— I consider New Zealand as the great Emporium of the South Sea Islands, inhabited by a numerous Race [f] of very intelligent men . From my own observation of the natives belonging to the different Islands in these Seas (excepting the Natives of New Holland) I think they are originally the same People. Their Language being very similar— Should the Natives of New Zealand in time receive the Gospel all the other Islands may be expected to receive its Blessings also. In my Opinion a very fair Prospect is now opened, as ever was for any heathen Nations and I trust that the Divine Governor will in his gracious Providence order all things well. Great objects are seldom obtained without great Sacrifices, and difficulties. The civilization of the Natives of New Zealand, and the Introduction of the Gospel amongst them is an important work of vast magnitude. I have no doubt, but the work can be accomplished, and I firmly believe the time is now at Hand. When Nehemiah & the Jews began to build the walls of Jerusalem, “Sanballat was wroth, and took great Indignation, and mocked him and the Jews.” I have some Cause to say, that Sanballat is risen from the dead, but faith and Prayer will again build the walls of Jerusalem, even if we are obliged to hold the Trowel in one Hand, and the Sword in another—
I am Sir
Your obedtt Humble Sert
Saml Marsden

Revd J Pratt Ll.D.