Parramatta June 8th 1819
Revd & dear Sir
	I send you a Copy of an Agreement entered into between Mr Kendall & his three Colleagues relative to private trade. Mr Hall would not join with them. It is very difficult to manage this Point tho a great evil. I much approve of the Agreement which Mr Kend[all and] his three Colleagues have made. Mr Kendall has the work of the Mission wholly at Heart, Mr Hall feels differently. I am sorry to say Mr Hall can never be governed. He forms an opinion of his own, from which no Person on Earth can turn him. He went to Whytangee in Violation of the most possitive [sic] Instructions that I could give him and at the Risk of his own Life; and Family’s and I am fully convinced he will never alter for the better; for he puts no value upon other men’s opinions however experienced they may be. He is also a very grasping earthly man and never seems to lose sight of his worldly Interest. This is always in view, and his Avarice tends to confirm and support him in his obstinate and stubborn opinions. If he believes any Plan will promote his Interest, that Plan he will follow if he sacrifices his Life in the attempt— [f] I know Mr Halls Character. The love of the world must be his besetting Sin, and this Spirit enters into all his Transactions. I feel it my duty to speak thus plainly, as he is a Servant of the Society’s and I cannot tell what he may state to you when he writes. On the other Hand, in the midst of so much Rubbish there is some good in him— he possesses many valuable Qualities for a missionary. He is strictly moral in his Conduct, he is hardy in his Constitution, plain and simple in his Food: a good Mechanic and works hard from morning till night. No man can be more industrious, nor set a better example to the Natives for Sobriety, Industry and Morality. Mr Hall is a man that would live in any Part of the World from the mere dint of his Industry and Perseverance for he fears no dangers, nor shrinks from any Toils. With the mixture of all his good and bad Qualities, I have reason to believe that he is a pious man, tho his Piety does not benefit his Colleagues. It does not shew itself in that Brotherly kindness, that Christian meekness and Humility of mind which should at all times adorn the Christian Character. I have spoken to him often when in his Company on this Subject, and often wrote to him in very plain Language but I despair of him, ever being different from what he is at present— [f] Mr Kendall will never bring him into his way of acting or thinking, because he thinks himself so much wiser, and a much more useful man than Mr K.— Mr King is a man of very moderate Abilities but conducts himself well. I send you a Letter of Mr Carlisle’s from which you will see his views— Mr Gordon is a pious man, but very timid— I think he will return to Port Jackson from mere Apprehension of danger. His Conduct has been humble and good, but he wants firmness of mind. he is a man that fears where no Fear is— I am anxious for the Active’s return before the Surry sails— but I fear she will not, as she had not arrived at the Bay of Islands when the King George left the Settlement. She ought to have been there three weeks before, and must have met with contrary winds— Six New Zealanders are with me at present. They will get into the new Seminary this week, tho’ not completed finally. I hope we shall soon get into a regular System of Agriculture, Gardening, Nursery &c. These are the objects that I shall have it in my Power to attend to more than any other. As they are principally young men who come to me, they are too old to learn to read [f] our Language much, but not too old to learn the simple Arts, and Agriculture. If they are taught to milk, the management of Cattle and Horses, to plough &c. the knowledge of these things will improve their Situation in their own Country, and forward the general object of the Society. When the Active returns this voyage it is my Intention to send her again as soon as I can to New Zealand, and make the Bay of Islands her Station. When the weather will admit, she will put to Sea, and kill Whales. By this means if she should be fortunate, much of her Expenses may be covered. This Plan will also tend very much to extend our Influence, and Intercourse with the natives all along the Coast and gradually open the way for extending the mission. I am anxious to pay the island another visit. The Settlers and Chiefs urge me to see them again. There are ten or more Children belonging to the Settlers who want baptising. Should the Revd Mr Mortimer arrive I should wish to accompany him but I shall not obtain Leave from our present Governor. I have no Hope while he remains. I am now looking for Tooi & Teeterree’s Return— I am informed Tooi Brother [sic] is gone to England to look for him in some vessel that touched at N. Zealand. I remain Revd Sir
Yours affectionately
Saml Marsden
Revd J. Pratt