Sydney, July 24, 1821
Revd & Dear Sir
	I find it necessary to drop you a Line in addition to my former Letter – Captn Downie brought from the Thames four New Zealand Chiefs with him in the Coromandel, with the Intention to take them to England – From what Shunghee said to them, they declined to proceed any further – I suspected the officers were offended with me on this Subject – I wrote to Captain Downie to provide for them when they left the Ship, or to apply to the Government to do this – This he declined to do – I then wrote a Letter on His Majesty's Service to him on the same Subject – He now found it necessary to lay my Letter before the Governor – It was arranged between them that the New Zealanders should be put on Board the Coromandel again – but as I did not know what Captain Downie's Intention was, I wished to learn this, and wrote again an official Letter to the Colonial Secretary – As I was now without my Fears they might be [f] taken to England – I enclose a Copy and the Answer for your Information – Should Downie under any Pretence take them with him, you will know how to act – or should the Officers say any illnatured things of me, you will know the Cause – Capn Downie and the officers seemed not well pleased when the Chiefs first declined to go any further – I have thought good to give you this short explanation should any thing further be done –
I have the Honour to be
Dear Sir
Yours very truly
Saml Marsden
Revd J. Pratt