Church Missionary House April 5/20 Dear Sir— We wrote to you on the 25th of November, by the Saracen; and have since received various letters from you of Feb. and July 1819; together with one, undated, accompanied by an account of the expences of the Seminary at Parramatta from Aug. 8/17 to Mar 22/19, a Statement of the expences of two Voyages of Messrs Birnie’s Brig Queen Charlotte, and a list of Articles wanted for the Settlement. We have also received a copy of your Letter, of Feb. 24/19, to the settlers; and your Letter to Mr Good of Feb. 14/19. On the subject of private trade, the Resolutions of the Committee of June 22/19, a copy of which we hope you have received, will have so fully informed you of their views, that it is unnecessary to do more, at present, than to express their conviction of the importance of a strict adherence to the regulations therein prescribed, in proportion as the Settlement enlarges. Another Copy of these Resolutions is enclosed. We shall bear in mind what you say, as to the manner in which Mr Kendall’s mind is apt to be affected by opposition to his views, and not act precipitately on his representations of what is passing about him; though he enjoys the confidence of the Committee, and they entertain the highest opinion of his integrity, zeal, and usefulness. We thank you for the details which you have given, relative to the probable annual expence of the Settlement in the Bay of islands. The Committee are confident that every effort will be made, on your part, to keep the expences as low as is consistent with the [f] welfare of the settlement, and the success of the objects for which it was formed; and refer, therefore, the nature and amount of the supplies, and the market from which they can be most advantageously procured, to your discretion. The regular and due supply of the School, appears to the Committee to be a matter of so much moment, that they particularly wish such an arrangement to be made as will effectually secure it. We have already conveyed to you the approbation of the Committee of your views for the employment of the Active on the coast of New Zealand. The gracious interposition of Divine Providence, in the prevention of injury to the Active and her Crew and of discords and quarrels between them and the Natives of New Zealand, demands our grateful acknowledgments; as one among the many circumstances, which encourage the prosecution of our efforts, to convey to that Country the blessings of the Gospel and of Civilized life. The neglect of the Settlers to take proper precautions to secure the Horses, is much to be lamented; not only on account of the loss of the Animals, but of the risk of irritating the Natives, and of alienating their minds. To supply the island with Horses and Oxen for purposes of Agriculture, is so immediately connected with the civilization of the Inhabitants, that the utmost exertion of the Settlers should be employed to preserve and propagate them. The use of Oxen as an article of food, will contribute to the same end. The Committee admit the force of your reasons, for not receiving, at present, the Natives of New Holland into the Seminary at Parramatta. Should, however, circumstances so far change, as to allow of their introduction, we are persuaded that the object will not be lost sight of. The Committee consider this Seminary to be so closely connected with their objects in New Zealand, and are so fully satisfied with the principles on which it is founded and conducted, that they will cheerfully [f] advance the sum of £200 which you mention, should you find it necessary to draw for that sum in order to complete the establishment. The Committee regret the event of the Action, instituted by Walter Hall; not only on account of the pecuniary loss to the Society, but more especially on account of the imputation which ill-disposed persons will cast on it by the success of Hall’s suit in a Court of law. Should any such case unhappily occur hereafter, they consider that it will be better to bring over the Settlers from New Zealand, at almost any expence and inconvenience, rather than to suffer any man to carry his point through the absence of witnesses, who can prove the illegality of his demands. The attention of the Committee having been called to this subject, they have thought it expedient to pass the annexed resolutions, for the regulation of the future intercourse between the Society and those who shall be employed in its service. Mr. Good has introduced your Son to the Committee. They will have great pleasure in doing every thing in their power to promote his welfare and comfort during his stay in this Country. Mr. Good having at the same time, informed the Committee of your wish that the Society should defray the expences of Mr. Charles Marsden’s education and maintenance while in England, and charge the same to your account with the Society, they will very gladly comply with your wishes respecting this arrangement. The sum of £50 was advanced, on this account, to Mr. Good, in December. We are truly rejoiced to learn, through Mr. Good, that you had obtained leave from home to return to England, as we trust it indicates the approaching termination of that oppression under which you have so long laboured. The permission also which you have received from the Governor to accompany our friends to New Zealand leads to the same conclusion.— The [f] Committee are deeply impressed with this new expression of your devotion to the real interests of that country, and of your voluntary sacrifices of ease and comfort on its behalf. Mr. Allan has communicated various particulars in confirmation of your reported Statements respecting the Colony. This, however, is, we believe, now so well understood in this Country, and in that quarter where a right impression is of the greatest importance, that, we apprehend, those causes which have occasioned you so much disquietude will soon cease to operate. The prospect of so favourable a change, will, we trust. Not only prove an immediate relief to your mind, but induce you to remain at a Post, which opens so wide a prospect of usefulness, and where your experience and information may, with so much advantage, be brought to bear on the interests of the Gospel. It is a subject of painful consideration to the Committee, that you should be so circumstanced as to be deprived of that Co-operation on the part of any of your Colleagues and others, in the Colony, which would, in so many ways, prove consolatory to your own mind; but they have had too long experience of your integrity in the conduct of their affairs, to feel any dissatisfaction at your not having been able to get your accounts regularly audited. Your continued exertions to serve the Society, afford the Committee the most lively satisfaction, and call forth their warmest acknowledgments. The Committee so strongly feel the importance of the Active to the welfare and prosperity of the Settlement at the Bay of Islands, that they are willing still to incur considerable expence in her support, assured that all practicable economy will be continued with the attainment of this object. All the Bills of which you advise have been accepted and paid. With our earnest prayers that you may enjoy the presence and blessing of God in your own Soul, and in your ministry and labours. We are ever, Dear Sir Affectionately yours (Signed) Josiah Pratt Edwd Bickersteth