Parramatta July 27th 1819
Revd J Dear Sir
I am requested by our dear friend Mr Marsden ^to say what I know concerning David Reed Esq Surgeon of the R.N. who has offered himself as a medical Gentleman for our Settlement in New Zealand. And who also came out with us from England, in the Ship Baring; as Surgeon to the Convicts. [scribbled out] As this is a matter of the greatest importance, both to us as Missionaries, and to the Island of New Zealand. I beg leave to say that I think it impossible to find a Man better qualified for this important Situation. During the whole of our Voyage; He paid the greatest attention to Tooi, Teetterree, Mrs Kemp, my Child myself & other Passengers. He is a Gentleman of great experience, very kind and amiable in his disposition, & of a truly benevolent heart. This I saw verified throughout the whole of our passage to N.S. Wales: both towards the Convicts, Sailors & Soldiers; and indeed to all on board the Ship — Mr Reed also is an excellent navigator. I believe he understands Minerals – Fossils – &c &c &c [f] Therefore I think that (under God) he is a gentleman calculated & thoroughly qualified to be of infinite Value to the Natives of New Zealand as well as the greatest comfort and usefulness to our Settlement. We should then have an Hospital for the Temporal [?] as well as a Church for the Spiritual wants of the Natives; and I do sincerely hope that He will be sent into this Vineyard of the Lord as soon as possible. 
			We shall be off for New Zealand in a few hours. We are all in good health at this time thanks be to our gracious God & Saviour for all his mercies ——— 
			Dr Sir/ We all join in sincere love to you & all our dear friends, and I remain you faithful and Obedient servant
John Butler
PS
Mr Reed expects 400? Pr Annum; and I hope this will not be an Obstacle in way of his coming out; I hope the Society will look to his great abilities, as well as to his Salary.
Dr/ Sir/	I hope you will send out for me Mr Hall & Kemp half a dozen ^strong hearth fenders of a moderate size. Also a quantity of Grass seed & Clover Seed, of every Kind. — [f]
The seeds must be packed in tin cases and made Air tight, or else the[y] will not grow
P.S. Dear Sir
		I very much approve of Mr. Reid coming out to New Zealand — he would be able to instruct some of the Settlers Sons in the Knowledge of medicine as well as some of the native youths, who may have or will hereafter attain the English Language. Should the Committee approve of his nomination—
I am 				
      Dear Sir	       	    
Yours affectionately
Saml. Marsden__