Tippoona, Bay of Islands 19 October 1815. Revd and Dear Sir, I have received Letters from you bearing date Decr 9, 1813, August 18th 1814 and December 16th 1814. Your Letter Dated March 18th 1814 and Missionary Registers &c accompanying it have not reached me and I fear must be lost. My Letters and parcels of Matts and Curiosities which were sent by the Seringapatam Captain Bunker have I trust come safe to hand. And I hope you will receive Letters from me bearing Date— February last, and a case containing Letters and curiosities from myself and colleagues sent by the Active on her departure from hence July 11th last. The Silver Watch mentioned in your favor of Decr 16. 1814 I have received safe. One crate [f] of crockery was brought in by the Active and I hear of the remaining two and the Stationary being at Port Jackson. I have also received The Stream of Time, Some Charts and Spelling Books, of which I have as yet received no account of. The Societys annual reports, Missionary Register No. 23, Moderator Newspapers and some Magazines are also received. For the whole of which favors I beg to express my grateful and best acknowledgments. I have no Numbers of the Missionary register for December 1813 and for January, February and August 1814. The Pocket compasses and Medicine Chest have not come to hand. With respect to that part of your Letter in which you allude to the probability of being enabled to place “all the Society’s concerns in this quarter under the “direction of the Auxiliary Society to be formed at New South Wales” I can say but little. Mr Marsden [f] tells me “that should a Society be formed upon the “public plan recommended by the Committee he is afraid all will be overturned “and he shall be able to do nothing for New Zealand in a public way.” I am also of the same opinion. There are certainly some favorable appearances at New South Wales and I trust in time much good will be done in the Colony, yet the Society’s attempt at New Zealand is not very much thought of by the inhabitants of New South Wales. Mr Marsden almost stands alone. He derives very little, if any assistance from the religious part of the community. Mr Marsden may in his proposals to come forward with pecuniary aid to join the Society in purchasing a vessel &c have made mention of friends uniting with him, but I believe he has been single in the struggle. He must have been making great sacrifices of private property of which the Society has no account in order to carry his good intentions towards New Zealand into execution. [f] Should an attempt be made to form an Auxiliary Society in New South Wales, I have no doubt but several would join the lists, but I must apprize you that if a Committee composed of such men as were leaders of the New South Wales Society for the Protection of the Natives of the South Sea Islands (excepting two or three individuals) should get the management of our affairs, it is my firm belief, the parent Society would defeat its own object by the very plan it would pursue to promote it. My Letter of July last containing remarks on different occurrences and my Letter to Mr Myers by the same conveyance will render an enlarged account at present unnecessary. The Letter to Mr Myers by this conveyance is rather more correct than the former. You can make what use of it you please before you forward it to him. [f] The Society will not, I apprehend, multiply its settlements here as it does in Africa because there is not so large a field. In time, however, I think it would be right to make some attempt where the great body of the people lies. I shall make all the inquiries I can, and be as correct in my reports as my acquaintance with the language and means of information will permit. In the mean time I indulge the hope that the Committee will continue the management of the affairs of this settlement in its own or Mr Marsden’s hands and afford him all needful support and not suffer him to sink under his present burthen. I am confident he will as to the grand object do the best he can. Altho’ Africa and Asia are extensive fields for Missionary Exertion and will take greatly from the funds of the Society, yet the Gospel must be preached in all nations. And when the [f] character and situation of the New Zealanders are considered, and such fields in the Pacific Ocean are whitening already for Harvest I have no doubt but many will chearfully contribute to raise the Islanders from their deplorable state of Barbarity and Superstition. I am informed that the character of the Natives of Owhyhee is much improved by their intercourse with Americans. Perhaps some Missionary will be in time induced to volunteer his services for the Spot which witnessed the fall of Captain Cook. Should it ever please God so to increase the Missionary Spirit, that a general attempt may be made to establish Settlements of one, two or more Missionaries in the numerous islands of the South Seas, or in the largest of them, I believe the work might be accomplished at a much less expence, and with greater ease than any plan [f] of the kind in the interior of an extensive continent. The easy access of the Missionaries to the different Islands by means of Shipping would be a great advantage to the cause, and the comforts of life might be easily conveyed to them. The Society will be happy to learn that I and my colleagues have been preserved in safety here nearly twelve months, and that we are at present under no apprehension of personal danger. There has been an unhappy dispute between the crews of the Brig Trial and the Schooner Brothers and the Natives while the Vessels were near Mercury Bay; but we do not feel ourselves the least alarmed on that account. I from my knowledge of the Captain was always afraid he would make some great blunder. He came out with me as a passenger in the Earl Spencer. He was an unfit man to go amongst Natives. [f] Our friend Shunghee is strongly attached to our interests. Whenever he hears of strong parties paying us a visit he is sure to bring his men for our protection. His residence is about thirty miles from us but he says as soon as my house is built he will come to live near me, and resume his former studies. He will put his Sons Depero and Daingho under my care. All the surrounding chiefs are my friends. The chiefs of Wangaroa who were concerned in the destruction of the Boyde behave well when they come to see us. Tippoohee expressed a desire to go to Port Jackson in the Active the last time she was here, but I advised him to the contrary. I told him he must keep from Ships. The friends of the unfortunate people who were murdered in the Boyde were very angry. He had done a very bad thing. He [f] replied “he would never make another attempt to take a vessel. I have in my last letter to Mr Woodd written home for assistance. A person of talent to assist in writing down the Language, a Blacksmith and a Schoolmaster would be of great service at New Zealand. You mention the probability of sending out some Lutheran clergy. In the selection of Missionaries you will no doubt be governed by circumstances, but if a Clergyman of my own country could be prevailed upon to come, we could better cooperate in fixing the native Language, as we should better agree in method and arrangement of letters than two persons who had been accustomed to speak different Languages. The Committee I hope will impress it upon the minds of those they send, that they cannot enter in to private Trade while they are on the Society’s Settlement. Every thing ought to belong to the Society. By [f] attending to the general good and prosperity of the Settlement we should all be more likely to live comfortably at our post. By attending to individual interests we should wrack [sic] the settlement in pieces. The Postcript [sic] in Mr Pratt’s instructions to Messrs Hall and King is exceptionable when a body of Christians are together. I have observed with pleasure some late regulations contained in the Instructions of the Committee to the Missionaries going to Africa (in the Missionary register Novr 1814) respecting Mechanics. I must now communicate my thoughts on the subject of raising a School here. I have before stated my opinion that I can have plenty of scholars as soon as convenient Apartments are prepared for their accommodation. This will be accomplished as I hope in a short time. I shall therefore acquaint you with the manner [f] in which I intend thro’ the Divine Blessing to Establish and support a School for the approbation of Mr Marsden and the Committee. Any alteration which Mr Marsden or the Committee may require to be made I shall chearfully agree to. It is my intention to take about forty children under my care. These must be clothed and fed. Such brown Cloth & Stuff as is used in charity Schools in England would suit very well. The clothing which can be procured from the Natives will greatly assist. With a little alteration it will do for working days. I trust I shall also be enabled to procure plenty of Pork and Potatoes for a few Axes which will serve the School the whole year. I shall apply to Mr Marsden for rice or a little wheat if he should think it advisable to let them have any bread. In the Summer I have every reason to believe a school can be maintained at a little [f] expense, and even in the winter if by any means a sufficient quantity of potatoes can be deposited in a Store room. Supposing there was no Smith in the Settlement I think Thirty Pounds worth of English trade would supply forty children with Pork, Potatoes and fish for one Year. Each Scholar might have two Suits per Year of clothing of English Manufactory. We could make beds of the Native clothing & ca and the children might also wear native clothing if at any time they should be inclined to pay a visit to their parents or be employed about any dirty work. If a certain sum was allowed for rice or Tea &c. The Committee could easily bear the Expence of the School and might support it out of the Separate School fund, if that way should be most agreeable. You will I am confident agree with me that [f] it is of the utmost importance to establish a school as soon as it can conveniently be done. When the Natives perceive the disinterestedness and generous behaviour of their unknown benefactors and our kind care and attention to the welfare of their children they will sooner give credit to the purity of our motives, and to the important truths which I humbly trust God is in infinite mercy preparing us to tell them. Their attachment to us will also be stronger, for we have already had a proof of this. During the last trying Winter, besides the ten children which have been clothed and fed at the expence of the Society, many sick persons have been occasionally relieved. The Natives in the rainy weather can catch no fish and many of them die for want of proper nourishment. The fern root is dry and insipid after it has been laid up some time. I conjecture it lays upon the Stomach whilst it occasions an inflammation. The poor creatures drink [f] cold water, for they have no notion of the danger of doing so, and thus hasten their death. When they come to us for relief we can not turn them away. Since the winter the attachment of the Natives towards us is more conspicuous. Many of them come upon the Lord’s Day to hear the Service and Singing. I have now received all the extra favors I can wish from the Society. I have only to request that I may have my Salary sent out in such articles of clothing and comfort as I think may be needful during such time as it pleases God to give me grace to use my feeble efforts in promoting the great object of the Society. My (a) colleagues would I believe wish to have the same indulgence. If they do, it will be much better for our different portions to be kept apart. Altho’ it will perhaps be attended with more trouble (a) It is a painful remark that we are no longer acting as a body. Jan. 6. 1815. [f] to you, yet it will be better to have it done, than to quarrel about trifles here. If you have not already sent out an investment I shall be glad if you will send for my use a case or two of Port Wine and charge the same to my account. It will be very useful here in the winter. Mrs Kendall is very weak and unequal without support to the work she has to do. You can send any Articles in Iron bound casks directed to the care of Mr Cowper or Mr Marsden. If my name is put upon the cask Mr Marsden will not permit it to be opened at Port Jackson. You will be pleased not to forget to order the three wigs I have before mentioned. The Peruke maker will be careful to make them large enough. My head is 21 inches in circumference. From the forehead to the back of the neck is thirteen inches. I do not intend to draw upon Mr Marsden [f] for my Salary from Decr 31st 1815 to Decr 31st 1816 until I have your answer to this Letter. I intend to let my two daughters continue with Mrs Hosking another year. If I can then with prudence take them away I shall do it. I have only to add with respect to any pecuniary transactions which I may have in future with the Society yt I shall put you to as little trouble as I possibly can. You could send me out an Investment to the amount of a years Salary at once in such articles as are generally useful in a family and by this means much trouble would be avoided in collecting together detached accounts. I have drawn my Salary of Mr Marsden up to Decr 31st next, and my Letters being sent unsealed to New South Wales for Mr Marsden’s inspection he will see and approve of what I am doing. I shall want a portion of fishhooks, knives, and little [f] ornaments to distribute as rewards amongst the native children. A Gross of combs for the hair, large and small, a few pairs of large scissors, knitting needles, pins and needles for sewing will be useful. I believe we shall take Girls as well as boys. Mr Hall has built a house for himself a few miles distant from me. Mr King will have one built next near me. I hope I shall then be enabled to get forward with my house and School room. Mr Marsden has sent a Carpenter who will remain here until Mr Kings house and my own are completed. It would not be prudent for Mr Hall to leave Mrs Hall alone. I am happy to say that I and my colleagues live generally upon friendly terms with each other. I hope I shall profit by your letter, and do all I can to promote peace, altho’ I must not disguise the truth, that I have always despaired of being able to act altogether in christian concert with them. [f] Our views are very different. It is our duty to watch and pray, for we have a subtle enemy always at hand! I have written to you respecting my servant Stockwell, and I believe Mr Marsden will also write home in his behalf. He and Walter Hall the Blacksmith work very hard every day. I should be glad if any thing could be done for them. I just mention them to you as I know you will be ready to use your influence if you can do it with propriety. Richard Stockwell was tried at Gloucester March 30. 1812 and Walter Hall was tried at Dublin in January 1812. Mr Nicholas a Gentleman who came out as a passenger with me in the Earl Spencer and accompanied Mr Marsden to New Zealand I expect will shortly return to England. If he does, you will obtain a variety of information from him respecting New Zealand. [f] Altho’ the Spot on which I reside is entirely unsuitable for the purposes of cultivation, and I cannot of course do much towards the support of my family whilst I am upon it, yet I think it my duty to settle here on account of the number of children that are about me. Any settlers who may come out with a view of ultimately making themselves independent of the Society ought to be encouraged to go over to Mr Hall, or to establish themselves in some other convenient place. Company is very desirable but while I feel myself safe, I shall be content. Altho’ Mr Hall is alone yet I am told the people of Warrakkees district are very kind to him and do not attempt to take any thing from him. Warrakkees Son, and another chief assist him continually with their good offices. [f] He is very glad at all times to see the return of the Active, but should circumstances so happen that she should be wanted for the conveyance of Missionaries to other Islands in the South Seas, I am of opinion, that we could do very well by receiving our supplies once a year: Particularly as vessels might sometimes visit us which took their departure immediately from Port Jackson. I state the above as my own private opinion for I believe we are as safe here as all other Missionaries are who are under protection of the Heathen. We have parted with some hundreds of axes since the first voyage of the Active to this place, but the thirst for Iron amongst the Natives is as strong as ever. A Blacksmith is a very useful man. I do not know how [f] we could do without one. I believe he is in the hands of Providence a great means of our preservation. The attention of the Natives is much diverted from our houses by the working of the Smiths. With a Blacksmith of good character, I dare venture to reside in almost every part of New Zealand. The parties who visit us from distant quarters go away satisfied. We trade with them as well as we can. None are sent empty away. I expect we shall have many visitors the ensuing Summer. By means of the Natives who came last year from the Thames, the News of our settling here must have reached a great way into the interior. Be pleased to present my dutiful regards to our Honorable Committee and remember me kindly to the Society of Clergymen [f] which meets at St. Johns, Bedford row. I also beg my affectionate regards to Mrs Pratt yourself and family. And am Revd and Dear Sir Your faithful servant Tho Kendall Mrs Kendall unites in best regards To the Revd J. Pratt Church Missionary House Salisbury Square London N.B. Please to Direct your Clerk to send me a correct list of any articles you may send. The tradesmen to whose care an investmt might be entrusted might be instructed to take care to allow for insurance & customs &c. [f] A List of such Articles as might be sent for my Investment the 1st time 12 Pairs of mens Worsted Stockings ribbd, large Size 4/6d 2 14 0 12 Pairs of Womens Do black – large size 3/- 1 15 0 12 Pairs of Womens cotton white 3/- 1 16 0 6 Pairs of Boys Worsted (10 Years of Age) 2/6 15.0 6 Pairs of Do (8 Years of Age) 2/- 12.0 6 Pairs of Do(5 Years of Age) 1/6 9.0 6 Pairs of Girls White Cotton (14 Years of Age) 2/6 15.0 6 Pairs of Do Do (12 Years of Age) 2/3 13.6 5 Yds of Black Worsted, 5 do of Speckled & 5 Yds White=18 Yds at 3/- 2.14.0 10 yds of Brown Stuff for Petticoats & Gowns &c at 2/- 6. 0. 0 30 yds of plain flannel at 2s and 30 yds of flannel 1/6 5. 5. 0 1 Piece of twilled Jane for Boys Jackets 30 yds at 1/9 2.12.0 30 yds of Fustian at 1/6d and 30 yds holland at 1/6 4.10.0 30 yds of check for Aprons at 1/6 2. 5.0 28 yds of dark print t 2/6 and 28 yds at 2/0— 5.5.0 28 yds f Pink or dark do at 1/8 2.6.0 5 yd of Jaconet Muslin t 4p & 12 yds at 3/- 3.0.0 10 yds of Superfine Black Broad Cloth at 25/- 12.10.0 30 yds of Superfine Black Carseymere 15/- 4. 0. 0 12 ds of Bed ticking (cotton will do)— 2/- 1. 4. 0 1 Piece of Russian Sheeting 40 yds at 2/- 4. 0. 0 2 Pieces of Irish for shirts 52 yds at 2/6 6.10.0 30 yds of coarse towelling at 1/- 1.1 0.0 12 Pocket Handkerchiefs 1/- 12.0 6 cotton Table Linen 4/- 2.8.0 12 Pairs of Worsted Stockings (mens small ribbed) 4/ 2.8.0 6 Pairs of white cotton ribbed / mens small 5 1.10.0 Buttons, Molds, thread, Ferreting & 1 case of Port Wine & Insurance to make 90£ 79.17.0 [f] N.B. If the Medicine chest was sent in the Frances and Ely it is very probable the Surgeon of the American Privateer took it away. The Frances and Eliza was taken by the Warrior American Privateer and retaken afterwards. If it should not be thought proper to send out my Salary by way of Investmt I shall submit. In that case it would be better to end me out a copy of such things as are sent to Mr Marsden or else I shall not know how to order such things as will suit me.