Parramatta March 30, 1817 Revd Sir Should any small Colony be sent to New Zealand, I should have no objection to go there for a time, to assist in forming the Settlement, and arranging matters with the natives. I am of opinion that New Zealand will repay, at a future Period, any reasonable Expenses, if what its seas and Land produce can be brought to market. I am well acquainted with the natives for one hundred and twenty miles on the east Side of the Island; and some of the Chiefs I know as far as the River Thames— I should be under no apprehensions of danger in examining the Country for the most advantageous Situations for fixing a Colony. With a view to a settlement being formed at some distant Period I shall send over Cattle from time to time as [f] opportunity offers in the Active— I have six young Cows which are now ready to embark when the vessel sails. These i shall send at my my [sic] own Risque and Expense, and as my own property— When the Colony was established it was a great oversight in the british Government, the neglect of sending any Quantity of Cattle for many years— The Colony was victualled principally from England for more than twenty years— and so scarce were Cattle that they sold at the highest prices— a Cow would sell for £80— to £100, after the Colony had been established almost twenty years— and Horses from £100 to £150. At length the Government imported Cattle from india and the Cape; and tho’ the first expense was very great, yet it was comparatively small, to victualling the Colony from Europe. We have now the greatest abundance of animal Food— I am not afraid of the natives killing my Cattle— I have [f] no doubt but they will take Care of them, for a small Reward— The Horse and mare I took over with me are doing well— The mare has got two Females— These are the property of the Society— There can be little doubt, but the islands will be stocked with Horses from there, if no more are imported in time— Cattle I consider of vast moment in a new Colony; as they will supply so many of the real wants of the Colonists— There are numbers of islands along the East Coast upon which Cattle might be put, and taken off as they were wanted— Whether a Colony is established or not, I have resolved to introduce a number of Cattle into New Zealand, and let them take their Chances— The males may be killed to supply the English Whalers or any other vessels with fresh meat, if no Europeans sh[oul]d settle there— and if they should, they will be ready to supple them with animal Food milk and Butter— [f] Should the Revd A. Cheaps Plan be adopted in any degree, and my Services considered by those concerned of any moment in forming the Colony it would be necessary that the Permission of the Governor of this Colony should be obtained for me to go to New Zealand for a given time— I have little doubt, but we shall have another Governor and then this Point might be settled with him. Another Clergyman might be sent out to do my duty in the Colony; and on my Return from New Zealand he might either be appointed to officiate at New Zealand, or he would easily obtain an Appointment in this Colony— I have merely mentioned these Circumstances to you in Consequence of Mr Cheap’s Letter— I am ready to render all the Service I can to promote the object of the Society, and in any way that divine Providence may point out— My long Experience in this Colony might be of some Service in the first Instance— I am Dear & Revd Sir Yours affectionately Saml Marsden Revd J. Pratt &c &c &c