Cowes Roads Aug 28 [1809]
Dear Sir
We are now waiting for the wind to change in Cowes Roads— as soon as it comes to the east we sail. Wm. Hall, his wife and John King are on Board and well. I have no doubt, but they will be pretty comfortable. John King I take entirely, he will live in the same manner as my Family. William Hall as he has a wife, he will require a little more attention. I have laid in for him two Sheep, one dozen Fowls, in Case they should want now and then a little fresh meat. When we kill a Sheep we shall give them a Part. I was very happy to find when I went on Board, a New Zealander, a very fine young man, who came lately to England and is now going back again to his own [f] Country— I hope with a little Assistance King and Hall will be able during our Voyage to get some Knowledge of the New Zealand language– as soon as we are a little more settled, and prepared for Sea I shall endeavour to assist them, with the New Zealander to draw up a short Vocabulary. The common terms I think of the language they may acquire, and by daily conversing with him may prepare their minds for more easily understanding the natives when they arrive. Mr. Cartwright, and William Hall do not exactly agree— Their Situation is new to them both, and what may now give them a little uneasiness will in a little time be thought nothing of. I trust you will have a good account of them all.— Mrs. Hall is a very valuable woman [f] I am very much pleased with her indeed— I shall endeavour to make them comfortable— After all our nonsense with the Captain we have got all our things on Board— our Live Stock Hay, Corn &c. and are all very good friends— I preached yesterday for the first time— we have more than 200 on Board— have had two Children born since we embarked— and shall have many more— I will write again from the first place we touch at— excuse great haste, as I write these few Lines in the midst of Bustle, with my kind Respects to Mrs. Pratt
I remain
Dr Sir
Yours sincerely
Saml. Marsden
Revd. J. Pratt