Bay of Islands 20 May 1819. Revd and dear Sir, The Rambler being ready for Sea I have only time to acquaint you that I yesterday received from the Revd S. Leigh the Methodist Missionary who is on a visit to this island, the Missionary Register for 1816 and a Number of the Missionary Register for February 1818. You tell me that your Orientalist the Revd Mr Lee is preparing for our use a Vocabulary, Grammar &c in the New Zealand Tongue. I hope I shall always be willing readily to avail myself of every assistance given me; but I have to intreat you, that those little works which I may from time to time be enabled to send home may not be so disposed of as [f] to put a damp upon my future proceedings. If any thing in my publications should be thought wrong, let me made acquainted therewith in order that I may either rectify it myself or give a sufficient reason why I think it ought to remain in the original state? If what I have already written on the subject of fixing the sounds of the vowels should not be deemed satisfactory, I could wish to explain my self more fully. On the Sunday after easter I had an opportunity to examine some Taheitian sailors belonging to the Ship King George, and they read the Works of their Missionaries both in print & Manuscript very readily, whereas I am told, the Society Islanders could never be taught by our method— It would have rejoiced your heart, my Dear Sir, to have been with [f] us on that Day. The New Zealanders went down on their knees, and continued to behave with decency & listen with attention whilst they heard the Prayers in their own Tongue, and the Taheitian Sailors in the Evening were reading in my house and singing the praises of their redeemer. They would not take a mouthful of Victuals until they had implored the Divine Blessing nor would they rise up until they had given thanks. They slept in one of our barns, and spent part of the night in singing and prayer. I intend to go on steadily, according to the plan I have laid down in my Catechisms until contradicted. If the Lord is pleased to countenance my poor endeavours, he will be entitled to all the praise & glory. [f] I have been in much trouble of mind during the past year. I trust the Lord will undertake for me. When you meet on the Saturday evening, do remember your faithful Servant Thos Kendall My kind affectionate regards, with Mrs Kendall’s to yourself Mrs Pratt & Yours Revd J Pratt