Parramatta July 20th 1819
Revd & Dear Sir,
	Nearly two years after Walter Hall returned from New Zealand he made out an Account against the Society to the amount of £73.1.8. At the time he was discharged I conceived he was £4 indebted to the Society, and as I had no Reason but to believe that the whole of his demand was unjust, and not only so but that he had robbed the Society's Stores to a large amount, I could not admit his Claim. The matter came to be investigated before the Supreme Court, where he produced witnesses to swear to what was false – I was reduced to the only alternative either to admit, his unjust demand or to bring the Settlers from New Zealand to prove the Falshood of his Statement, as the Court could not, or would not admit any written Evidence [f] that I had to adduce. Hall and his Advisers were aware in what a dilemma I was placed. After much painful vexation I deemed it more prudent to submit to the Judgment of the Court, than to call over as Evidences the Settlers, tho nothing could be more unjust. Halls unjust demand which with the Expenses amounted to £202 – I have paid, which has grieved me much. I hope this be the last Sum of this nature. We shall be able now with the Assistance of Messrs Butler, Hall & Kemp to manage the Affairs of the Society upon a more regular System and put the whole Establishment upon a proper Plan. It was impossible under the existing Circumstances of this Colony to remedy the evils. Hall would never have acted as he has done had he not met with Countenance from others. When I was at New Zealand his Conduct was not correct, but he could not be spared. When I remonstrated with him he told me, he could get his Pardon without my Influence, which has led me to think that his mind was poisoned before he sailed from Port Jackson. [f] In future I hope Care will be taken to settle finally every Account with Individuals who may be employed in the mission previous to leaving the Settlement, and legal Receipts sent to N. S. Wales to prevent a recurrence of any similar Imposition to Halls____ I have no doubt if I had brought the Settlers from New Zealand, Hall would have been severely punished, but he and his Advisers knew I could not do this___ I need say no more upon this vexatious Buisness____
I am with much
esteem yours affectiona[tely]
Samuel Marsden
Revd J. Pratt