Parramatta Octr 26 1815
Dear Sir,
	I observe in Mr Kendall’s Letter when speaking upon the death of Duaterra, that he remarks, Duaterra had imbibed strong Prejudices in his mind against the Missionaries. These Prejudices originated at Port Jackson, just before I sailed with him to N. Zealand, from some Person or Persons with the most dark and diabolical design, telling Duaterra: not to trust us,— that our only object was to deprive the New Zealanders of their Country, and that as soon as we had gained any Footing there we should pour into New Zealand an armed Force, and take the Country to ourselves: and to make the impression more deep, they called his Attention to the miserable State of the Natives of New South Wales, who are going perfectly naked about our Streets; and from whom the English had taken their Country and reduced them to their present wretchedness— This Suggestion darted into his mind like a poisoned Arrow [f] destroyed his Confidence in the Europeans, and alarmed his Fears and Jealosey [sic] for the Safety of his Country, for which he had the most unbounded Love. On our sailing from Port Jackson, I perceived him to be much dejected and cast down; and a constant melancholy upon his Countenance. I often inquired what was the Cause of his Grief, but he cautiously consealed [sic] the matter from me, and always evaded giving me a satisfactory Answer— I repeatedly pressed him to tell me; and a little before we arrived at New Zealand, he informed me that he was told at Port Jackson, that it was our Intention to take his Country from him; and that the New Zealanders would be very angry with him, if he should be the Author of their Country been [sic] taken and given to the English. I pressed him much to inform me who had told him these things— but no Arguments I could use, would induce him to tell me— I concluded he was bound by some solemn Promise not to reveal the Author of this intended Mischief. I frequently endeavoured to remove his Fears but to no purpose. The Poison infused into his mind was too subtle, and infectious ever to be removed— Mr Kendall mentions Warrakee also as having the same [f] Fears, the Chief they purchased the last Piece of Land of. This Chief was Duaterra’s uncle, and I have no doubt but he had mentioned his Suspicions to his Uncle— which induced him to make the pointed Remarks he did— Warrakee is since dead— and I hope these groundless Fears will die with them; and that the Persons who intended to give the fatal Blow to the Mission will by the overruling Providence of God, be disappointed, and their wickedness brought to an End— I have thought it necessary to explain that Part of Mr Kendall’s Letter which I have mentioned as it cast a Cloud over the Character of a very great, and extraordinary man, and whose memmory [sic] will long be precious to them who knew him—
I am,
Revd Sir
Your most obed[ien]t hum[b]l[e] Ser[van]t
Saml Marsden
Revd J. Pratt