Sydney July 24th 1821
Sir
	On the arrival of His Majesty's Ship The Coromandel from New Zealand, I found four New Zealand Chiefs on board from the river Thames. These Chiefs embarked I believe with the intention to proceed to England. On meeting with Shunghee and Whykato, they persuaded them not to go to Europe, on account of the length of the voyage, and the severity of the climate, telling them they would be likely to die, and never return. From what Shunghee said to them, they were induced to leave the Coromandel, and afterwards they informed me that they would not proceed to England, but would return to their country. Finding that this was their fixed determination, I provided them a passage in the Westmoreland, when the Westmoreland was ready for sea, they objected to go on board, unless the Captain would engage to land them in the Thames, alledging if they were landed in the Bay of Islands, they would be cut off by the Inhabitants there as they were at war with their Tribes at the Thames. I then promised when the Active returned from the Derwent I would send them in her to the River Thames. They therefore informed Shunghee, that they would return home in the Active, and he was to communicate their [f] Intentions to their Friends. I have felt it my duty to state the above circumstances as I have been informed the Chiefs are now on board the Coromandel; whether Capt Downie intends landing them at New Zealand, or to take them on with him to England I cannot say if he takes them to Europe against their inclinations and any  of them die, it will be unfortunate as they are men of great influence in their own country. In consequence of the deaths of some of the New Zealanders who have gone to England and the sore afflictions that all have suffered from the effects of Climate, independent of the immense expense and trouble that attended them while in Europe, I have been directed by the Church Missionary Society, not to allow any more to go home, on their account without some very unjust [sic] cause.
	I have deemed it necessary to make this official communication for my own justification. As Captn Downie takes these chiefs upon his own responsibility, should they proceed to England, I have no further observations to make, but only to request you will have the goodness to lay my letter before His Excellency the Governor for his consideration [f]
I have the honor to be
Sir
Your most obedt
hum Servt
Samuel Marsden
Colonial Secretary's Office
24th July 1821 
A Copy
Revd Sir
	I have in Command from His Excellency the Governor to inform you, in reply to your Letter of this date that the four New Zealand Chiefs mentioned have been taken on Board His Majesty's Ship Coromandel, with a full and distinct understanding that they are to be landed by Captain Downie within six miles of their own Homes
I have the Honor to be
Revd Sir
Your obedient humble Sert
F. Goulburn
Coll Secretary
Revd Saml Marsden
Principal Chaplain–