Tippoona Bay of Islands 19 October 1815. Revd and Dear Sir I have received Letters from you bearing date Decr 9. 1813 August 18. 1814, and Decr 15th 1814. Your Letter dated March 18.1814 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 Captn Bunker have I trust come safe to hand, and I hope you will receive Letters from me bearing date — Feby 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 of crockery was brought in the Active and I hear of the remaining two and the Stationary [sic] being at Port Jackson. I have also received the Stream of Time, some Charts and Spelling books of which [f] I have as yet had no advice. The Society’s Annual reports, Missionary register No 23, Moderator Newspapers and some Magazines are also received. For the receipt of which favors I beg to express my grateful and best acknowledgments. I have no Numbers of the Missionary Registers for Decr 1813 and Janry Feby and August 1813 but I probably can have them from Mr Marsden. The Pocket compass and Medicine Chest which I requested are 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 an Auxiliary Society to be formed in New South Wales” I can say but little. Such a measure if it could be adopted without danger would be a great thing as it would greatly ease the Committee in its ordinary toil and an Auxiliary Society would assist the Parent Society in bearing the expences of the Settlement [f] but Mr Marsden 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, it is true, 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 is not altogether popular there. Mr Marsden almost stands alone. He derives very little, if any assistance from even the religious part of the community. Mr Marsden, in his former proposals to come forward with pecuniary aid to join the Society in purchasing a Vessel for the South Seas may 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 benevolent plans with respect to 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 in the New South Wales Society for the Protection of the Natives of the South Sea Islands (excepting three or four Individuals) should get the management of our affairs, it is my firm belief that 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 enquiries 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 its affairs in its own and Mr Marsden’s hands & 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 character and situation of the New Zealanders are considered, and such fields in the Pacific Ocean are whitening [f] 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 Natives of Owhyhee are much improved in their character by their intercourse with Americans. Perhaps some Missionary will be in time induced to volunteer his Service 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 will be made to establish Settlements of two or three 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 expense and with greater ease than any plan 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 [f] 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 under no apprehension at present 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 of the Trial 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. Our friend Shunghee is strongly attached to our interests. Whenever he hears of strong parties paying us a visit he is seen to bring his men for our protection. His residence is [f] 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 our 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 he 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 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, [f] a Blacksmith and another 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 regulated by circumstances, but if a Clergyman of my own country could be prevailed on to come he 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 into private trade while they are on the Society’s Settlements. Every thing ought to belong to the Society. By 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 the settlement to pieces. [f] The Postscript in Mr Pratts instructions to Messrs Hall and King are 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 Missionary Settlers going to Africa (in the Missionary Register Nov. 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 in which I intend thro’ the Divine Blessing to establish and support a School for the approbation of Mr Marsden and the Comee. Any alteration which the Committee or Mr Marsden may require to be made I shall chearfully agree to. [f] It is my intention to take about forty children under my care. These must be clothed and fed. Such brown cloth and Stuff as are 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 &c which will serve the School a whole year. I shall apply to Mr Marsden for a little rice or 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 expence, 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 [f] one year. Each Scholar might have one or two suits of clothing per year of English manufactory. We could make beds of the 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 Tea or Sugar &c the Committee could easily learn 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 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 benevolence and generosity of their unknown benefactor, and our kind care and attention to the welfare of their children they will soon give credit to the purity of our [f] 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 occasionaly [sic] relieved. The Natives in the rainy weather can catch no fish and many of them die for want of 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 cold water for they have no notion of the danger (a) of doing so, and thus hasten their death. When they come to us for relief we cannot turn them away. Since the winter the attachment of the Natives towards us is more conspicuous. Many of them come upon the Lords Day to hear the Service and Singing. (a) The Natives ascribe every thing to Atua that gives them pain. [f] I have now received all the extra favors I can wish for at present 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 colleagues would I believe wish to have the same indulgence. If they have, it will be much better for our different portions to be kept apart. Atho’ it will perhaps be attended with more trouble to you, yet it would be better to have it done than to dispute 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 [f] send my Articles in Iron bound casks directed to the care of Mr Cowper or Mr Marsden. If my name is upon the Cask Mr Marsden or Mr Cowper will not suffer 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 and from the Forehead to the back of the neck is thirteen inches. It is not intended to draw upon Mr Marsden 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 transaction which I may have in [f] future with the Society that I shall put you to as little trouble as possible. You could send me out articles to the amount of one years salary at once. After I received one allotment I could give you suitable directions how to select another. 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 the inspection of Mr Marsden he will see and approve of what I am doing. I shall want a portion of fish hooks, knives and little ornaments to distribute as rewards amongst the children. A gross of combs for the hair (the teeth large and small) a few Pairs of large Scissars, knitting needles, pins and needles for sowing will be useful. I believe we shall take a few Girls as well as boys. [f] Mr Hall has built a house for himself a few Miles distant from me. Mr King will have one next which will be built 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 our houses 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 long despaired of being able to act altogether in christian concert with them as a Body. Our views are very different. Be this however as it may, it is my duty to do all I can, to watch and pray lest I myself should be wrong, we have a subtle Enemy always at hand! [f] I have written to you respecting my servant Richard Stockwell, and I believe Mr Marsden will also write home in his behalf. He and Walter Hall the Blacksmith work hard every day and behave very well. I should be glad if any thing could be done for them. I just mention this 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 Bristol, 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 will I expect shortly return to England. If he does you will obtain a variety of information from him respecting New Zealand. Altho’ the Spot on which I reside is [f] entirely unsuitable for the purposes of cultivation, and I cannot do much of course towards the support of my family, 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 feel myself safe I am content. Altho’ Mr Hall is entirely alone yet I am told the People of Wanakkees district are very kind to him and do not attempt to take any thing from him. Wanakkee’s Son and another Chief assist him continually with their good offices. We are very glad at all times to see the return of the Active, but should [f] circumstances so happen that she should be wanted for the conveyance of Missionaries to other Islands in the South Seas I am of opinion we could do very well by receiving our supplies once a year, particularly as vessels might occasionally visit us which took their departure immediately from Port Jackson. I am now communicating my own private thoughts. I believe we are as safe here as all other missionaries are who are under the 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 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 [f] to the working of the Smith. With a Blacksmith of good character, I dare venture to reside in almost any 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 spread 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 which Meets at St Johns— Bedford row. I also beg my affectionate regards to Mrs Pratt yourself & Children, and am Revd and Dear Sir yours & the Society’s faithful Servant Tho Kendall— Mrs Kendall unites in best regards [f] N.B. Please to direct your writer to send me a correct List articles account of any articles you may send. The tradesmen to whose care an investment is intrusted should be instructed to allow for insurance, customs &c. The Revd J. Pratt Church Missionary House Salisbury Square London N.B. If the Medicine Chest was sent in the Frances and Eliza 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. [f] List of such articles as might be sent for my Investment the first time Supposed price £ s d Pairs of Mens Worsted Stockings (large size ribbed 4/6 2.14.0 Pairs of Womens Do White large size 3/- 1.16.0 2 Pairs of Women’s white cotton do 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— Do (6 years of age) 1/6 9- 6 Pairs of Girls white cotton (14 years of age) 2/6 15.0 6 Pairs of Do (12 DoDo) 2/3 13.6 6 Prs of Black worsted Prs of Speckled & 6 Prs of White 18 @3/- 2.14.0 10 Yds of Brown stuff for Petticoats 2/- 6.0.0 30 yds of fine flannel at 2/ and 30 yds of flannel 18 5.5.0 30 yds of twilled Jane (drk) for boys Jackets 1/9 2.12.6 30 yds fustian 1/6 and 30 yds Brown holland 1/6 3.10.0 30 yds of Check for Aprons 1/6 2.5.0 30 yds of Dark Print at 2/6 20 yds at 2/- 5.5.0 20 yds of Pink or dark at 1/0 2.5.0 5 yds of Jaconet Muslin at 4s and 12 yds at 3/ 3.0.0 10 yds of Super fine Black broad cloth at 25/s 12.10.0 5 Yds of Superfine black caseymere. . . 15/- 4.0.0 12 yds of cotton bed ticking at 2/- 1.4.0 40 yds of Russia Sheeting at 2/- 4.0.0 52 yds of Irish Linen for shirts 2/6 6.10.0 30 yds of coarse towelling 1/- 1.10.0 Pocket Handkefs 1/- 6 Tabe Cloths cotton 4/- 1.16.0 12 Pairs of Mens small ribbed worsted Stockings 4/- 2.8.0 6 Pairs of White cotton (Mens small ribbed) 5/- 1.10.0 Buttons button molds thread Fessets. [?] 1 case of 79.17.0 Post to me & insurance Goods Insurance to make 1 years salary.