Sydney Cove on Board the
Dromedary Feby 9th 1821
Revd & Dear Sir,
	Governor Macquarie preventing my return to England, when I so much wished it, was one of the most providential Events that ever happened to me at any time. Had I been out of the Colony when the Commission of Enquiry examined into the Affairs of these Settlements, my public and private Reputation must have been ruined in this world. I feel most sincerely thankful to the Supreme Governor of the world, who has the Hearts of Kings in his Hands and turneth them as he pleases. I should have been branded with every Crime that could have disgraced [f] human nature, without having an Opportunity to vindicate myself. As I have been on the Spot, tho' no means have been untried that Power or Interest or Malevolence could do to injure me. All Ranks have united their Abilities to aid the views of their Superiors. Men might as well attempt to prevent the Sun from rising at its appointed Hour, as to attempt to bury the truth for ever under Falsehood – I have not had a common Task to perform. I bless God I have no doubt but my Enemies will be covered with Shame, and that the Cause of Truth will triumph in the End, in Spite of the Influence of Power Perjury and Corruption. I should have returned to England in the [f] Dromedary, could I have persuaded myself that any Stain would be suffered to remain upon my public Character – Man may say what they think proper of my religious Principles, but I cannot suffer any man to charge me with any disgraceful Action as a Member of Society – The Commissioner of Enquiry is in full Possession of my Case; and I cannot doubt but he will do impartial Justice to my Cause. He is a Gentleman whose Sense of Honor and Truth is in my opinion very great. If I was not convinced of this I should return by this Conveyance – Being persuaded as I am, that no one can justify my Superiors in their Conduct towards me my return does not appear so absolutely necessary at this moment [f] as this would be attended with much Trouble and Expense; as well as Loss of time, and many Privations to myself when ever my Cause is heard, that all manner of evil have been spoken of me falsely, and that I am justly entitled to rejoice in this. I cannot for want of time send you the particulars of what has come under the immediate Examination of the Commissioner by this Conveyance but hope to do so by the next – God will in the End bring good out of evil, whether I am acquitted or condemned.
I am
Revd Sir
Yours very sincerely,
Saml Marsden
Revd J. Pratt