Parramatta March 20, 1821 Revd Sir, I hope the Returns of the Active will meet some of the heavy Expenses of the New Zealand Mission – There is no present Prospect that any merchants here will keep up a regular Intercourse with the Islands of New Zealand – I think the Society will be compelled to keep a Vessel for some time to come – As I have got a corresponding Committee now formed here to assist in managing the C. M. Society's Concerns, consisting at present of a Captain Irvine, the Revds Cartwright and Hill, I hope the Society will gain some Interest in the Colony in time – Captain Irvine is a pious Gentleman, who has retired with his Family to N. S. Wales, where he intends to reside; and I think he will be [f] of considerable Assistance to us – Some one of the Corresponding Committee I hope will occasionally visit the Settlement at N. Zealand and watch over the Concerns of the Society there – If it should meet the Approbation of the Committee to purchase a larger vessel than the Active, one about two hundred Tons, we are of opinion that greater Benefit would accrue to the Society, as the Active is too small for the Fishery – A vessel of 200 Tons would be navigated nearly at the same Expense – there would be more Room for the natives on Board, as they are all generally anxious to be Sailors; and if any Gentleman wished to visit the Settlement with a view of promoting the object of the Society he could do this with more speed, and be better Accommodated. I think the Society would run no Risque [f] in purchasing a larger vessel, and this might be done at little additional Expense – The Active would sell here for a considerable Sum – Perhaps there are Merchants in London who would amongst them furnish a Cargo so as to pay for the Expense of bringing the Vessel out,– The Goods might be consigned to Mr Robt Campbell Senior Merchant, who wod dispose of them, for the benefit of those concerned – I have requested Mr Campbell to furnish a List of such Articles as he knows will meet with a market should any of the Merchants wish to venture any Goods, and the Committee should be inclined to purchase a larger vessel – I will readily advance three hundred Pounds to be repaid again when the Active is sold, towards purchasing a larger vessel– I wish much to visit New Zealand again [f] if an opportunity should offer, and to visit the South Part of the Island as far as Cooke's Straits – The Active is too heavy a Sailor for Expedition – She is only adapted for Burden – Perhaps a vessel such as will answer the Purpose, I intend may be purchased in England, for little more than what the Active will sell for here – Oil will be almost sure to pay with a proper Ship. We have six New Zealanders now on Board the Active, and I should like to have many more if there were Convenience for them – They are well at Sea – but not so well in N. S. Wales from lying upon the Grass at nights in the dew which cannot be prevented, and from eating unripe fruits they are subject to Bowel complaints – Should the Committee approve of a larger vessel, it would be well to get if possible [f] a few pious good men as Sailors – I have merely dropt these Hints for the Consideration of the Society – Should they appear objectionable we must go on as we are at present – if the Society should approve of them I hope they will fully answer the object intended I remain Revd Sir Your obedient Humble Servant Saml Marsden Revd J. Pratt