May 3d. Parramatta
1810—
Dear Sir
	________"On our arrival at Port Jackson, I found the Merchants here had formed a determination to make a Settlement at New Zealand, in order to procure Hemp &c,   which that Island produces. The People were appointed, who were to form the Settlement; and every other necessary Preparation made, and the Ship ready to sail under the Sanction of the Government here: when, at the moment, a Vessel arrived from New Zealand, bringing Information that a Ship called the Boyd, which had sailed from Port Jackson for Timber to carry to India, had been burnt by the Natives, and the Ship's Crew murdered; with the Exception of about eight Souls consisting of three Boys, one Girl, one woman, & three men persons. This was very alarming News; and deterred, for the present, the Merchants from their Intention of forming a Settlement on New Zealand. [f]
Had this Settlement been formed, it would have afforded great Protection to the Missionaries; as a regular Communication would have been constantly kept up between this Place and that Island. On Saturday last, a Vessel arrived from New Zealand with Spars; which brings a Confirmation on the Fate of the Boyd. I saw a New Zealand woman yesterday, who came in her the last Vessel, and she related the melancholy Story to me. The Cause of this misfortune is not yet exactly known; as the Natives had, at all times, previous to this affair, been kind and attentive to our People. It is generally believed here that we were have been the first Aggressors. It is said that many of the Presents which had been given to the young Chief Matavi, who was in England at the time I was there, had been stolen from him; and also that one of our Ships, which touched there for Supplies, had taken away the Natives' Potatoes by force them, as well as Spars which the Natives had assisted them to [f] cut. Tippahee, the Chief, was also cruelly neglected and illtreated when he was at Sydney the last time. The young Chief who was in England died about ten days before the Boyd was burnt. The young man who came out with us, of whom I gave an account in a former Letter, is much distressed for what has happened at New Zealand. I believe it will be found out that we have treated the New Zealanders with the greatest Injustice. It is much to be lamented that English men should be such Savages, a they often are, when amongst poor Heathens whom they imagine they have in their Power. The whaling Ships, which were on the Coast of New Zealand, landed a number of men, and made an Attack upon the Islanders, in order to punish them for their Conduct to the Boyd and Crew- Several New Zealanders were shot, and Tippahee, without paying for had a Ball thro' his Neck. No doubt, but various Reports will be spread in England against the New Zealanders- but it should be remembered, that they have none to tell their Story, or to represent the Injuries which they have suffered [f] from European Cruelty. From In concequence of what has taken Place, you settler William Hall, his Wife, and John King will remain here at present. The New Zealand Chief, who has been with us on Board the Ann is very much attached to the Missionaries- He promises to go over to New Zealand and see what State his Country is in, and to return again to Port Jackson for Hall, his wife & King and to bring six of his own People with him to live with me,- to learn our Trades &c he wishes the New Zealand women to remain with Mrs. Hall, he has such Confidence in their Goodness and Affection. It will be of great Service to the Missionaries to remain here for some time, as they will acquire much Knowledge which may be of Service use to them hereafter. As the Missionaries will be very little Expence if any, to the Society while they remain at this Place, it will be better for them to continue where they are, till a good understanding is established again between us, and the New Zealanders. The Merchants here will, I believe, endeavour to make a Settlement on the Island if it can be effected they can- A Ship is now gone [f] to examine into the affair of the Boyd, and with an Intention of leaving a certain number of men there if matters can be arranged for their Safety. Till that Vessel returns I cannot say what may be done. The Ship Ann (in which we came out) is going to New Zealand to take in Spars for India. The difference between the New Zealanders, and Europeans is, as far as we know, confined to one district. The last Ship which came in with Spars met with every attention from the natives. I am happy to say that I have Reason to be satisfied with William Hall & John King. Mrs Hall is also a most excellent woman. What has taken Place at New Zealand has not in the least altered the their Intention of your letter in the least of going there. Under the present Circumstances tho’ they might be safe, as they would offer no Injury to the natives, I should not think myself justified in allowing them to go. While they Hall & King were on Board the Ann, I allowed them no time to contract Habits of Idleness [f] They will find no difficulty in labouring for their Support in this Settlement. They will also benefit this Colony by their Christian Lives and Conversation while they remain, tho' not actually engaged in the work of the Mission. They shall cultivate an Intimacy with such New Zealanders as are, or may hereafter be in this the Settlement, in order to prepare them the more for their work should Divine Providence open a away for them to proceed to that Island With Respect to this Colony, I hope things will now go on better- more order is established, and more attention is paid to the Sabbath day, than formerly- I am getting the Schools arranged, not less than 500 Children are now, in one Part and another under Instructions present Circumstances th; three of my Schoolmasters are pious men. My Colleagues are men of Piety I trust we shall be very happy togather [sic], and that God will bless our Labors. I believe that the Heathen nations around us will be enlightened from this Colony, and "the Glory of the Lord will shine upon those who are now sitting in darkness and in the Shadow of death." [f]
The Society may be assured that every necessary attention shall be paid to their Missionaries, and that I shall feel a Pleasure in communicating to them such Knowledge as may be of use to them in future. Should Circumstances render it necessary for them to continue in New S. Wales, it is my Intention to see if any thing can be done for the Instruction of the Natives of New Holland. I purpose to place Wm. Hall, his wife, and King upon a Piece of Land, and to make some little Establishment for the accommodation of our own Natives, and those of the Islands who may visit us, and who have no Place of Protection. How far I may succeed I can not say as yet. I shall write to you again when opportunity offers- You will excuse this hasty line- Present my Respects to the Society- all our Families are well-
I have the Honor to be
Sir Your most obedt
humble Servant
Saml. Marsden