Parramatta Feby 25th 1819
Rev & Dr Sir/
	I shall now inform you what I am doing relative to the Seminary at Parramatta. I was unwilling to go to any very heavy Expense till I was fully convinced from actual Experience that the object would answer the Ends proposed. After having the natives living with me for more than your years, I cannot entertain a doubt of the success that will attend the final Establishment of a Seminary here for them. I am now erecting a commodious Building upon an Estate which I purchased on the Banks of the River opposite to the Town of Parramatta. The Situation is very pleasant, and convenient in every Respect. The estate contains upwards of one hundred Acres of Land, and every [f] operation of Agriculture, Gardening, Nursery &c may be carried on, with the simple Arts. When I get the Buildings completed there will be accommodations for any missionary who may visit Port Jackson, while he remains in the Colony. here the natives can be taught, and constantly employed – The produce of their Labour will contribute something towards their Support. They shall learn to plough and sow, and reap, and the management of Horses and Cattle, and whatever else may be deemed advantageous to them – It will be no object when a Chief's Son has learned to plough, and become acquainted with a Team of Bullocks, to let him take them Home with him. If I find that I can put up the Buildings and complete them without Assistance from the Society I shall do so – [f] Should I be pressed for £200, I then shall draw upon you for that amount as a Loan – Should any future Circumstances render the Seminary unnecessary, the Buildings will still be upon the Estate and no Loss of any moment will be sustained by me, if I keep them as my own. I hope to have the Buildings completed in a little time, as they are now in a forweard State. Hitherto I have either hired an House for the natives to lodge in, or provided them with Lodgings in my own House/ The following natives are with me at the present time.
Towha	Ko-Tooma	Towaquarree
Ko Kie	Ekaee a woman	Ko Doodoongha
Ko-Eve	Ko Makkoo	Ko Taate
Apo	Savtaka	Tounghahoudoo
Kowpa	Apappa	Henganow
What number will return in the Active is not determined yet, but I think 10 of them will go back – Some of them having lived [f] nearly a year with me, and have made very considerable Improvement. The Chief's Son where the Settlers reside has sent me over a Chain for a dog which he made since his return – He promises to be a very good Smith – I have sent it to you, as the first attempt made by a native on the Island. I can have little doubt, but this young man will soon make Axes, Hoes &c if he can only get Iron. I shall send him some of what I received the last time, Muskets & Gun Powder I disapprove of, as they tend to enflame their warlike Spirit. Saws, Spades, Howes & Axes, will civilize them, and induce domestic and commercial Habits – will give them some thing to eat, and to sell, and will prepare them for receiving the Gospel. The Settlers may plough & preach. They will then make a happy nation of them. You will excuse any mistakes, as I have much to do –
I am Revd Sir
Yours very sincerely
Saml Marsden
Revd J. Pratt