Parramatta Jany 22 1817
Revd & Dear Sir
	I am happy to inform you that the Active left all the Settlers well in New Zealand in Decr last and that they have every Prospect of carrying the object of the Society into full Effect— I can have no doubt, but the time is now come for the natives of these islands to receive the Blessings of Civilization and the Knowledge of the Christian religion. I have at present eleven New Zealanders at Parramatta, all either Chiefs or Sons of Chiefs— four of whom have been now between one & two years with me— two of them can speak the English Language pretty well; and have acquired considerable Knowledge in the common Concerns of civil Life. They can now dress their own Flax, and one of them can spin a web of Canvas very well. Their Conduct has been very becoming, far superior in every moral Point of view, than any of our common People— no Person in the Colony can charge them with any Impropriety— nor has there been a single Complaint against any of them while they have resided in the Settlement— As far as I can give an opinion, there is every Reason to believe that [f] the Benevolence of the Society, and their Exertions will be rewarded in the End in seeing this noble race of human Beings ranked with civilized nations— On this Account I trust the Society will not be discouraged at the many difficulties that may arise, and have arisen to oppose their Views, and wishes. The Letter Philo Free will speak Conviction to every impartial mind— I informed you before that no auxiliary Society could be formed in this Colony under present existing Circumstances— and this you will easily perceive from what hath taken place. The Philanthropic Society could not  be brought to answer any benevolent Purposes, tho’ honoured with the names of Persons in the first Situations from the same Cause. My Colleagues wisely for themselves stand far off, and if they were to espouse my cause, and the Missionaries I am not aware that they could do any good and there fore it is better for them to be still— You will see also in the Sydney Gazette an Account of a native Institution under the Authority and Sanction of Government and that the meeting of the natives took Place on the 28th of Decr 1816. This Institution is established close to my Church at Parramatta and within a few yards of my own House— I believe it hath now been established above two years— The Governor has never invited me to see it, nor mentioned that there was such an Institution to me— nor expressed a wish that I should assist in instructing the Children. [f] He at first appointed as Manager or Superintendent of the Institution a Mr Shelley, who was not a member of the established Church— and Mr Hassall to assist who also is a dissenter— I shall be exceeding happy to see any thing done for the poor natives— and should readily lend any Assistance in my Power. Was I permitted to do so— I only mention this Circumstance to shew the Spirit of the times. Two of my Colleagues are members of the Committee for managing the Institution, one living 15 miles distant, and the other more than 20 miles— while I reside upon the Spot— I have been Treasurer and Principal Manager of the Orphan Female Institution from its origin— The Governor nominated three Ladies as Patronesses to that Institution; and not one Clergyman’s wife in the Colony has anything to do with the Female Orphans. This is another public mark of his attention to the Clergy. I could enumerate many Instances were it necessary to shew, that common Apparences [sic] of Respect were not observed towards me; and such public marks to the contrary as could not escape the notice of the most ignorant, while at the same time great Professions are made of good will towards the missionary Societies, and those connected with them. Thro’ the Help of God I have stood my Ground to this day, and still hope to stand against all opposition. At the same time I feel the necessity frequently to pray to be delivered from unreasonable, and wicked men— [f] I do not expect ever to experience an harder Struggle, than the present, which time will soon decide. The wisdom of your Committee will suggest what use may be made of all the Information I have transmitted— I have laboured to put them in Possession of Facts: and leave the Cause with them. The Expences have been much increased by the secret means used to render abortive the Labors of the Societies to evangelize the Heathen in the South Sea Islands, and I have also been much distressed in my [mind] on this Account and have felt the Burthen sometimes more than I could bear— was their [sic] a Society formed here, it would relieve me greatly— but as it is at present I have to bear the Burthen alone, and to act in very difficult Cases entirely upon my own Judgment. The Society I trust, will make every proper allowance for any thing that may appear incorrect in me, when they take into their Consideration the peculiar Circumstances I am placed in—
I have never received a Line from you or the Society in answer to my Letters after my return from New Zealand— which Letters you must have received in Decr 1815. This I cannot account for, as I have had answers from private friends to Letters sent at the same time— The Active is getting ready for Sea— and will sail again for the ikslands when she is prepared— I shall write m ore fully by a Ship which is expected to sail for England soon
I am yours truly
S. Marsden
Revd J. Pratt