Bay of Islands 6 Novr 1816
Revd and dear Sir,
	I am now writing confidentially. When the proposal was first made to the Committee by Mr Marsden to establish a Missionary Settlement at New Zealand, it was thought that the produce of the industry of the Missionary settlers would upon the commencement of their labours “go very far towards the Support of the settlement” and “that they would be enabled to render themselves independent of the Society in a very little time.” We have now resided nearly two years at this place and to all appearance there is no probability of our obtaining the necessaries of Life, in any other way than at the expence of the Society. The spot on which we live is barren, and as you will observe from the view is so mountainous that it is quite unsuitable for the purposes of cultivation, or for cattle. I objected to landing here at first very strongly to Mr Marsden, because there was on the other side of the village and in sight of it a more even tract of Land with a more fertile soil. But Mr Marsden thought we should not be safe. He expressed his desire for me to settle here, I therefore thought it my duty to do so. There are also other serious impediments which in my opinion would stand in the way of our easing in any important degree the burthens of the Society, even should our situation be more favorable for the purposes of Agriculture, and not only this but which tend to check the main object of [f] the Society. I need not enter into an explanation further than to recall your recollection to what you have stated in your own Letter to me confidentially. While it is for me to tremble for my own stability, I grieve to say, that the same impediments still exist.
	My dear Sir, I thank you for the assurance of the kind care and protection of the Society. At no period of my life have I felt more the want of christian advice and encouragement than I now do. Mr Marsden out of a regard for my comfort, and the welfare and happiness of the New Zealanders first appointed me Supercargo of the Active, and then through his recommendation I was appointed a Magistrate, but both these offices have exposed me to occasional insult and like Joseph’s coat of many colours to the envy of Messrs Hall & King. I have given offence to some Captains of Vessels by declaring the truth on such occasions as I felt myself bound to do it; and even when it would be their own interest to attend to my observations. In some instances, I have been left entirely to my self when by the union of my colleagues with me we should have all come off with honor. The two persons above mentioned are employing their fears against me the one told me in his late illness that he had made some observations respecting me to you for which he was then sorry— Both of them look too much at me. I am not perfect. Alas I am an heavy laden Sinner, I trust I feel [f] the burden in some measure, and my remedy. This is my Comfort and encourages me in my work “that the Cause in which I am engaged is not mine. “It is the Lord’s.”
	Mr Carlisle will be an useful man I trust. He is disinterested. In my opinion he will abide chearfully [sic] by your instructions. He commenced his preparation for his voyage Decr 14. 1815. He wishes to have nothing laid out upon him by way of outfit. I think he ought to draw for his salary from that time.
	It is now about nine months since we had any communications from Port Jackson. It must be several months more before the Active can finish her present voyage and return from thence. I hope we shall have some other vessel in the mean time. Mr Marsden complains that this undertaking is beyond his strength. I am confident he will be very sorry to hear that no wheat was grown at New Zealand last year worth mentioning. The Settlement was rationed up to July last. The whole of the Workmen will return to port Jackson by the King george & the Active. I am not displeased at this as we have got comfortably into our houses, I hope that no other persons than Missionaries will in future be permitted to settle amongst us here— I shall be glad if the committee will stgate to Mr Marsden clearly what provisions we ought to have. I think the Society will find us in Wheat, rice, Sugar, Tea and Soap. We can pay for the trifling comforts out of our Salaries.— [f] Mr Marsden is ready to do all in his power to assist us but he cannot do much more in my opinion without the further help of the Society. He is greatly imposed upon by tradesmen— He lays out sometimes money also for no purpose and knowing what will best suit us. He has sent 50£ Sterling worth of beads which the natives will give nothing for. He has also sent a great quantity of trashy iron to the amount of Fifty Pounds more which cannot be made up— I speak these things freely, because I do not hereby impeach Mr Marsden’s pious intentions in the slightest degree. I think you ought to know how we are going on. This Settlement will press itself upon your consideration. Provisions we can get from Port Jackson such as Wheat &c but Iron Steel, and other articles of Barter we shall want from home. The Natives will give very little for beads, I want some very common ones merely to present as rewards.
	My family is now in want of clothing. I cannot tell what answer you may give to my letter respecting supplies from home— I wish to be guided by you, if you determine for us to procure clothing from Mr Marsden, we could wish for a Copy of the Invoice— but we I should be better pleased if I could order such things as I want to the amount of my salary.
I have sent a Wig. Should you have sent me none I hope you will send this to the Peruke maker & order three for me. You will let him examine it at any rate for fear the former measure should not do.— I am very much in want of flannel.