Parramatta June 15th 1815
Reverend Sir,
   Having already given you an account of the principal occurrences that took place in my voyage to New Zealand, I deem it further necessary to acquaint you, for the information of the Society what arrangements I made for the present Establishment of the Settlement at Runghee Hoo [sic]. Previous to leaving Port Jackson, I had left Messrs Kendall, Hall, and King at liberty to lay in what articles of Trade and other necessary comforts they might think proper, as I was ignorant at that time of the local Situation and many other circumstances connected with the intended Settlement. After I had been at New Zealand some time and made my own observations I was convinced that it wod be very unwise to allow any of the Settlers to trade with the Natives upon their own private account as it wod unavoidably lay a sure foundation for personal jealousies and differences amongst the Settlers— and was also likely to be productive of bad consequences amongst the Natives. The Settlers wod be under strong temptation to take advantage of the ignorance of the Natives in the way of Trade if they were to reap the profits, and one Settler wod have more means as well as natural ability to enrich himself than another by Commerce, which wod be productive of what the Apostle calls "Bitterness, Envyings, and Evil surmisings" amongst them. In order to guard against these serious evils which might defeat the views of the Society, I spoke to the Settlers upon the subject, and told them my opinion and that I cod not allow them to have any private Trade whatever; And in Order that they might have no just cause of complaint, that I wod pay them for all the Articles of Trade which they had brought with them, as well as for all the Tea Sugar &c and other necessaries which they had laid in for the [f] use of their Families: and that they shod be allowed a given Ration of what they wanted (Cloaths excepted,) per week till I had submitted this matter to the consideration of the Society and had received their instructions upon it. A copy of their weekly ration I have the Honor to enclose for the information of the Society, and shall be obliged by receiving their directions for my future guidance. The Settlers for this indulgence were to purchase from the Natives whatever articles of commerce they might bring for Sale on account of the general concern, the profits of which when sold would go towards defraying the expences of the Vessel, or the Support of the Settlement. This plan some were not prepared to sanction without a little hesitation; but I found it absolutely necessary in the Infant state of the Settlement especially, and it was at length finally adopted. The Settlers were all equal in Authority, they had no Head, and good Men when left without a Guide are not always inclined to do what is right. There are comparatively few Men who are capable of thinking for themselves, and as far as my experience of human nature extends, I think that good Men shod always be prevented from doing wrong, as well as the bad when this can be done.  I further told them, I wod allow them 5 pr Cent upon the net proceeds of whatever Cargo the Active might bring to Port Jackson. I am happy to say I left them all satisfied, and each in his proper Station, and I think they will do well. The following number of persons were left at Runghee Hoo.[sic] Mr & Mrs Kendall 1 Servant and 3 boys— Mr and Mrs Hall and 1 Boy— Mr and Mrs King & 2 Boys These belonging to the Society. One pair of Sawyers and a Black Smith bound for a time. Mrs Hanson and Son remained on their own account. Mr Hanson Snr commands the Active. I have since sent over the Wives of the Smith, and one Sawyer (the other being a single Man) and 2 Children. I also left 3 runaway Convicts with the Settlers to assist them till the Active returned, and took 3 away with me having met with 6 at New Zealand. The total number of Europeans at Runghee Hoo including Men Women and Children are 25. I cannot ascertain as yet what will be the amount of supporting [f] this Establishment, as soon as the necessary Buildings are erected and the Settlement formed it will be reduced. The Settlers will soon be able to raise Grain for their own support, and animal food will not be expensive. They will want continual supplies of Tea, Sugar, &c. and as their privations must unavoidably be many, I have no doubt but the Society will cheerfully administer every aid that may tend to lessen their weight and number. I am not much afraid of the Settlers doing their duty being now upon their Station, & I feel satisfied with them all. I shall continue to pay their Salaries here upon their applying for them, but I have been informed that Mr Hall had wrote to request that the amount of his Salary might be sent out to him in goods. This he never mentioned to me. If it is so it will be necessary that I shod be acquainted with it, that I may not draw for it from hence. I shall send you as correct a Statement as I can of all the Expences that have been already incurred on the first formation of the Settlement—and have the Honor to be
   Reverend Sir!
   Your most obedient
   humble Servant
   Samuel Marsden
Revd J. Pratt
J.P.