Sydney Feby 8th 1821
Revd & Dear Sir
	I have sent my Journal to you by the Bearer Ensign Alexr McCrae of the 84th Regt who has been serving with a detachment of his Regiment on board the Dromedary – Mr McCrae is a young man who has taken some Pains to gain a Knowledge of N. Zealand and its Inhabitants, and can give you much Information that may be depended upon – you will hear various Accounts, and probably contradictory ones, but you may rely with Confidence upon any thing that Mr McCrae may say, because he will speak from his own Knowledge without Prejudice. [f] I beg particularly to recommend him to your attention – you will know if the british Government intends to form a Settlement, which I think is  probable. If this should be the Case, and a Party of military sent out, Mr McCrae would be of infinite Service in forming the Settlement, as he would have very great Influence with the Natives and would prevent any unpleasant Circumstances from taking place which would be likely to happen if a Settlement was formed entirely by Strangers – I need add no more than to refer you to the above Gentleman
I remain
Dr Sir
Yours affectionately
Samuel Marsden
Revd J. Pratt