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Earliest New Zealand

Chapter VI

page 193

Chapter VI.

To Rev. Samuel Marsden.
Ship “Westmorland,”
Sydney Cove,
Jany. 8th, 1822.

Rev. and Dear Sir,

I have hitherto endeavoured to consider you as a father and a friend, but the mysterious way in which you act, and your conduct toward me of late, leads me to draw conclusions of a very different nature.

I have learned that when you returned from New Zealand, you immediately began to speak evil of me and mine.

As a minister of the Church of God, and a Magistrate of the British Realm, to be charged with unfaithfulness or neglect of duty, either the one or the other (the very thought of which) appals my heart, and makes my blood run cold.

I have, however, one consolation, and that no man taketh from me, that with all diligence and sincerity I and mine have laboured to forward the objects of the Honourable Church Mission Society, and to promote the temporal and eternal happiness of the heathen among whom we dwell, and I am now ready and prepared to meet every charge, and to give unto all men, publicly, a full and satisfactory account of every day's work and slavery, both of myself and my wife, ever since we have been engaged in the service of the Society. The Society will, I trust, ere long be in full possession of these facts, and there are living witnesses who have seen with their eyes, and will come forward and bear testimony to these truths.

But since you have taken upon you to traduce my character without any just cause, you must therefore stand prepared to justify your own. Some things have taken place lately which I think not altogether right. There are many things which I could mention, but I shall confine myself to a few. You know, Sir, that some time ago I made application to the Society for goods as a favour, in order to get them as cheap as possible, and I have a letter from Mr. Pratt saying they were sent. These things have arrived, and the most of them you have sold at Port Jackson, and those you sent to New Zealand you did not consign to me, but to another, and charged a higher price for them than was originally done by the Society. Do the Society indeed wish you, after granting a favour, to put a tax upon it? Is it worthy of their name and character, or that of the Christian world to do this? Have you not endeavoured to defraud me of my legal rights (for I cannot call it less) by wishing to charge me with £55 of travelling expenses? altho' I was not receiving any salary at the time, and for which I signed my name two and a half years ago, and what moneys, I have no doubt, have been paid by the Society long since.

page 194

Did not other moneys stand against me which ought not? Have you not acted quite as bad by refusing to honour a just bill which I paid for timber on account of the Society? Did you refuse to pay it on account of the timber being bought with powder? I think not. Did you not pay Mr. Kendall for this timber bought with powder in kind? Did you not pay Mr. Wiliam Hall for his timber purchased in the same way? Further, did you not yourself buy four large casks of powder, and put them into the common stock or store? Did you not pay away a large teakettle full of powder to Shunghee (Hongi), and half a gallon to Rewah for land? Did you not endeavour to conceal this act, by not entering it in the deeds?

Did you not purchase of Mr. Wm. Hall, two muskets and twenty-six pounds of powder, and pay him also for fifty-six pounds of powder, most of which Mr. Hall paid for sawing done for the Society? Did you not purchase of Wyeduah (Wairua) a lot of potatoes and flax on the beach at Ranghee Hoo with a musket? Did you not afterwards send down fifty-one bayonets at one time, seventeen of which Mr. King received as a ration?

Has not the “Active's” cargo been bought with these forbidden things? and have you not received it, knowing it to be bought with muskets and powder, and have you not replaced them? Did you not at one time employ Mr. Smith to purchase six muskets, to put on board the “Active,” to trade with the natives?

Did you not say to me in New Zealand with your own mouth, that a gentleman of one of the universities had applied to you for a native head? Did you not signify to me your intention to procure a skull without hair?

Did you not employ Mr. Wm. Hall to go to the village at Ranghee Hoo to see if he could obtain such a thing?

(Did he not also purchase one from Pomare, for an axe in 1814? Bretts' N.Z.)

Did you not receive a native head from Jacky, and give him an axe? I am sure I saw him with one, and he afterwards assured me that he had given it to you, and that you had given him an axe, which he showed me. I believe these things can very easily be proved.

Have you not charged my son for £19/16/0 for victuals, after agreeing with me for forty pounds per annum and his food?

Have you not sold the supplies which were sent out to clothe the wretched New Zealanders? You say for want of an invoice you have done this; granted, but do the Society, or the Christian world expect to be repaid by the wretched and distressed heathen? Have you not sold to the crew of the “Active” the slops intended to clothe the native servants? yea, have you not even sent the Society's slops to Van Dieman's Land, to be bartered away for provisions for the “Active's” crew, instead of sending them to New Zealand in order to minister comfort to the distressed?

My very heart aches while I put these important questions; may your conscience return an answer as in the sight of a heart searching God. When these things are fairly represent to the Christian world will the world altogether justify you fully?

I have eight men and three women at work for the Society, and who will expect a new suit of clothes each on my return, according to page 195 my promise. Am I to purchase them out of my own little pittance, or must I forfeit my word, and be annoyed by the natives calling me a deceiver?

When I engaged with the Society, did I say to the Society, “Put me into one of the priest's offices that I may eat a piece of bread?”

Now, Sir, I do feel it an imperative duty as the clergman and head of the settlement, to request that you will furnish me with everything necessary for establishing a school at Kidec Kidec (Keri Keri), as far as the Society have granted you the means.

I have already informed you that three families of chiefs have applied to me to be taken in.

I must also request some trade for the purpose of carrying on agriculture for the benefit of the Mission, and of administrative comfort to the natives in general.

If you deny my request, I shall merely call at New Zealand, and take my family on board the “Westmorland,” and proceed to England. But should you be inclined to favour it, I shall be happy to meet you and consult with you, and point out as far as I am able what those necessaries are. At the same time, I am willing to be guided by those circumstances, and to act upon those principles, as may be most likely to forward the great and blessed work in which we are engaged.

With my earnest prayer that the calumny you have endeavoured to cast upon me may be returned in the richest blessings of heaven upon you and yours,

I remain in the hands of the Gospel,
Your affectionate brother,


JOHN BUTLER.

PARRAMATTA,
1822.

Rev. John Butler,
Dear Sir,

Had you not arrived in the “Westmorland,” it was my intention to have sent Mr. Cowell in the “Active” to New Zealand. As you are fully acquainted with the state of the Mission, and can give Mr. Cowell every information he may require, I will thank you to consult with him what is best for him to do, and communicate to me the result of your determination.

As you are better able to advise Mr. Cowell than I can possibly be, I shall be guided by the determination which he and you may come to on the subject of his accompanying you to New Zealand. Mr. Cowell's remaining so long in this colony at a very heavy expense, has given me very great uneasiness, and something must now be done to relieve the Society of this expense, as it cannot continue. Your early attention to this business will oblige.

Dear Sir,
Yours sincerely,


(Signed)

SAMUEL MARSDEN.

page 196

(THIS REPLY IS IN THE “HOCKEN” LIBRARY.)

To the Rev. Samuel Marsden.
SHIP “WESTMORLAND,”
Jan. 11th, 1822.

My Dear Sir,

I received your letter concerning Mr. Cowell, but I must beg leave to decline taking any part in Mr. Cowell's concerns while my own remain unsettled. And I am still more astonished that you should attribute his being left behind to me. The “Active” was here a fortnight after my arrival, and you never consulted me what was to be done during that period. I beg leave to press upon you the necessity of answering my letter forthwith, and of settling my accounts, as I am in great want of the money, to lay it out for necessaries for my family.

I am living on board of the “Westmorland,” for want of a better lodging. And as a friend said to me yesterday, “It is to the eternal disgrace of ye clergy of this colony, to suffer a minister to return from a heathen land, and not with all their philantrophy offer to take him into their home.”

With my sincere respect to Mrs. Marsden and family,

I remain, yours truly,


JOHN BUTLER.

The following is in the “Hocken” Collection, which also holds a copy (possibly the original of Butler's letter of 8th). The appearances suggest that Butler sent this, and the comments thereon, to the C.M.S. Although he may have attached his comments when he returned to England in 1825.

The C.M.S. have minuted it: Recd. July 31/22. Com. Aug. 6th/22. Ack. to Mr. Marsden, Aug. 31/22.

Marsden to Butler.
PARRAMATTA,
Jany. 22nd, 1822.

Revd. Sir,

On Wednesday, 16th, I wrote you a second letter on the subject of yours to me of the 8th, and just as I was putting the wafer in, you came into Mr. Campbell's office, accompanied by Mr. Cowell, when I immediately handed you my letter, which you then read, and told me you would give me no answer to it. (Butler comments: “I told Mr. Marsden I would stand by what I had written. The letter accompanies these papers.—B.”) As this rested with yourself, I had no more to say at that time upon the subject. As you have, after making your charges, declined to support them, I feel (Mr. Butler's comment: “I offered to come forward at P.J., and prove them. This I did in presence of Mr. Cowell.) called upon to make a few observations upon them by way of reply. In the first place you charge me with defamation. You observe, “When you returned from New Zealand, you immediately began to speak evil of me and mine.” In answer to this charge, I page 197 beg to say that when I returned to New South Wales, many of our friends (Mr. Butler comments: “There are many friends to the Mission, but many of them have said to me that Mr. Marsden hinders them coming forward, by the way in which he acts.”), were anxious to learn the state of the Mission, and also how every individual felt in their new station. I satisfied their enquiries as far as I could in general conversation, without the most distant intention of injuring anyone in the Mission. (Very unusal for Mr. Marsden.) My most ardent wish was that all might be happy, and prosper in their work—with respect to yourself, I thought you were too violent with the natives, and I feared this would be productive of evil, and not good. (Rev. Butler comments: “Shamefully wrong, the whole of the natives will testify of my kindness to them.”) I was sorry Mrs. Butler was not more reconciled to her situation. (Salt-junk—no house—general cook.) (Rev. Butler's comment: “For a very good reason Mrs. B. was dissatisfied. Mr. Marsden made her wretched, see my journal.”) She had come out against her will, and therefore she was to be pitied, as that would always make her unhappy. No person should be forced into such work; if they are, they cannot be happy. Mrs. Butler repeatedly told me she never wished to come, and on that ground she has cause to complain, and demands commiseration; her difficulties would be much lighter if her mind were at ease. (Rev. Butler comments: “Wonderful! He allows Mrs. Butler to work very hard. But he cares not for it.”) I never charged Mrs. Butler with neglect of duty; I know she is a woman who cannot be idle, and has slaved very hard. (Rev. Butler's comment: “Very pretty! Well he may say I do not understand.”) If this is speaking evil of you and yours, I have done so. I have never accused you of neglect of labour, for I have always said you have laboured hard. As for charging you with neglect of duty, I do not understand exactly what you mean. The term duty is used in too general a way. If you had mentioned to what part of your conduct you applied the term, I should have known what reply to have made. As a Magistrate of the British Realm (The boot pinches here—Marsden had been removed from the “Bench.”) here I think you mistake the extent of your authority, as you could not act even in New South Wales in that capacity. Your Magisterial authority was merely local. (Rev. Butler's comment: “By his wish I became a magistrate. Is this right?”) You observe, “Since you have taken upon you to traduce my character without any just cause, you must hereafter stand prepared to justify your own.” I do not see the force of this argument. One man may accuse another, and yet the accuser may have done no wrong. You accuse me of selling the things which you say you wrote for. The articles which you allude to were not your property, but the Society's. They were not consigned to you, but to me as the Society's Agent. (Rev. Butler's comment: “But I expected to have a portion for my family's use, as I wrote for them.) If you mean to insinuate that I derived any advantage from the sale of these goods, you are mistaken. You know better, and you know why I diverted them to be sold—because there were no invoices of the prices of the different articles, but only the sum total. Without I had known the price of each separate article, I would never venture to send them to New Zealand, for if I had made a mistake and overcharged a single penny on any other article, and it had been discovered, I should have been accused of fraud and speculation. (Rev. Butler's comments: “The goods which I applied for were, I apprehend, the only goods for sale, and there was an invoice of them (2). The goods were not for sale, I believe, but for the natives. These goods were ‘Manchester’ for the schools, which were sent out in page 198 the ‘Elizabeth,’ that I complain of.”) Knowing the persons I had to do with (Rev. Butler's comment: “Are we all liars, and Mr. Marsden the only true man?”) I was not going to subject myself to groundless suspicions, to endless explanations and continued complaints. All you can say, my agent sold them, and I have told you the reason. (Mr. Butler's comment: “No!”) But you cannot say my agent or I put a farthing in our pockets. I admit I sent under the care of the Rev. T. Kendall, such goods as he chose to take, whose prices were known. I conceived he was the proper person to take charge of them during the voyage, and to hand over the public stores on his arrival, to Mr. Francis Hall, the storekeeper. (Rev. Butler's comment: “Wrong.”) I admit also that the shipping expenses and the insurance, amounting to about six per cent., were added to the different articles, which were for sale to the workmen and settlers, in order to keep the sum total of what the goods cost, correct. Mr. Kendall put the insurance and shipping charges upon the different articles with his own hand, under my directions. I conceived this just. The sum is not worth mentioning. (Rev. Butler's comment: “There are two distinct invoices, the goods of one committed to Mr. Kendall at Rangahoo, the other of Hall, Kedde Kedde.) (Readers, please note that, before ordination, Butler had been for many years foreman-clerk to a large carrying company, and would instantly perceive the trickery.)

Should the Committee in London think this an unjust “tax,” they will remit it. You told me you thought it was just that all the labourers should pay the small additional sum, but unjust that you should pay it. You receive £200 per annum, (Rev. Butler's comment: “Only £160; my son £40.”) while the carpenters receive but £60. I think it no disgrace either to me or to the Society to charge the actual amount of the original cost paid in London, nor do I think I should be a faithful agent if I omitted this charge. (Rev. Butler's comment: “This is grossly false and wrong, for Mr. Marsden kept teasing me about them, in order to draw words from me. I told him it might be just or unjust with us, just to them (carpenters), I only wished to speak for myself.”) You ask, “Have you not endeavoured to defraud me?” I answer, “No, never.” (Rev. Butler's comment: “It was, and I have Mr. Marsden's letter who saith the £55.”) The £55 was never charged to you in any of your accounts, and you know well that it never was or intended, and you cannot show it was. (Rev. Butler's comment: “I can.”) And therefore I do not hesitate to say that your insinuation is false and unfounded. I admit a small bill drawn by Mr. King was charged to you by Mr. Campbell, but not by me. The mistake was rectified the moment it was pointed out. You suffered no loss, and you know Mr. Campbell was a man of such honor and integrity that he would immediately correct the error. You ask, “Have you not acted quite as badly refusing to honour a just bill which I paid for timber on account of the Society?” I never refused to pay a just bill. (Rev. Butler's comment: “Wrong, the bill is just, and so proved by all the committee at New Zealand.”) I contend the bill was not just. I am not a little astonished that you should mention such a disgraceful business. Shortly after your arrival in New Zealand, it was determined you, Messrs. Hall and Kemp should settle at Keddee Keddee. (Rev. Butler's comment: “Among the most warlike tribes, where we should want £25 worth powder to shoot them.”) You wanted timber to build your house, with a considerable quantity of logs were lying upon the beach at Rangee Hoo. On my enquiring to whom they belonged, Messrs. Kendall, Hall and King claimed them as their property. I proposed to give them whatever they had given for them (Rev. Butler's comment: “This is all Mr. King page 199 claims.”) in order to forward your building at Keddee Keddee. Messrs Hall and Kendall agreed to my proposal (Rev. Butler's comment: “Mr. Kendall was paid in powder by Mr. Marsden, Mr. Hall in money, and I have the account.”) Mr. King presented a bill, and demanded to be paid in money. I told him I could not purchase the timber, and pay for it in money. (Rev. B. comments: “What! in powder and muskets, for it was bought with these articles.”) It would appear very strange to purchase timber from the settlers in money (Rev. Butler's comment: “And how very strange to refuse Mr. King, after paying Mr. Hall.”) for building their own houses with, and I would not set such a precedent, (Rev. Butler's comment: “Alas! then why pay Mr. Hall in money?”) but that Mr. King might have payment in any articles he wanted. You ask me if I have not charged your son £19 for victuals? I answer, “ I have, and justly, too. (“Unjustly!”—B.) I had many reasons for wishing your son to return with me to New South Wales soon after our arrival in New Zealand, some of which I shall mention. It gave me much concern to see such personal difference between you and your son. I had never seen a father provoke a son to wrath so much as you did him, nor a son so disobedient to a father as he was to you. I was apprehensive that some very serious evils would arise from these differences, independent of the bad effects produced upon the minds of the heathen by your mutual quarrels. (Rev. B.'s comment: “Exceedingly exaggerated. Mr. M., like a drowning man, he will catch at a straw.”)

[Compiler's comment: A better simile would have been to liken Mr. M. to the patiki, which escapes detection by stirring up the muddy bottom of the estuary. Mr. M. must avoid, and he does, the references to his purchase of tattooed heads, purchase of the land by payment with gunpowder, and his shipment of the fifty-one bayonets. Probably Mr. M. only intended the natives to use these for trading purposes, as patiki or flatfish spears.]

Lo, the poor Maori, whose untutored mind
Puts the taotahi on his gun
And stabs his foe behind.

(Pope's “Essay on Man,” up-to-date.)

Your son then talked of destroying himself (Rev. B.'s comment: “A complete lie.”) or of making his escape, as Mrs. Butler can testify, (Rev. B.'s comment: “He never!”) and she was very unhappy on his account. I felt much for her distress. This was one reason why I wished your son to be removed for a time. You may remember that, shortly after we landed at Range Hoo, a very serious quarrel happened between you and the chief Motoee, about a pit-saw. You suffered yourself to be overcome by the most violent passion, and for a mere trifle; I was present. I expected Motoee would have given you a mortal blow every moment with his maree, from your threatening language toward him. (Rev. Butler's comment: “Exaggerated and false. See my journal for the truth) [probably Oct. 14th, also Oct. 6th, 7th, 1819.”] (Marsden returned from Hokianga to Rangihoo Oct. 12th) At length I got you into Mr. Hall's house, when I retired into the bedroom. In a few moments I heard Mrs. Butler scream aloud that the natives were killing you. I hastened to the spot, where I found you had renewed your quarrel with Motoee, and Motoee was brandishing his maree over your head. (Rev. Butler's comment: “He never did. Mr. Marsden was not with me, but Tu-tiree.”) After separating you a second time, I returned to Mr. Hall's, page 200 where I found your son in the act of loading a musket to shoot Motoee. I did not doubt but that moment he intended to do so. I was alarmed at the idea of a thoughtless youth presuming to shoot a New Zealand chief, by which the life or every European in the settlement might have been sacrificed. This very act made a deep impression on my mind, (Rev. Butler's comment: “It would have been well if many others of more importance had done the like.”) particularly when I contrasted your conduct and his together. I did not think it was prudent for him to remain until you were more settled, and better acquainted with the character of the natives. As I was pressed by the chiefs to take their sons with me to Parramatta, I thought he might be usefully employed in teaching them under my eye and roof. I should treat him as one of my family, and he would meet no improper company at my table. It was arranged between you and me that he was to have a salary of £40 per annum, and a ration equal to what was issued to people at New Zealand, but his wine, spirits, and other extras were to be paid out of his salary. (Rev. Butler's comment: “This is false, for I told Mr. M. I would not pay any part of his food.”) I charged for his board and lodgings 12/- per week, half to himself, and half to the Society. (Good milch-cow, that Society.) He was treated in every respect as I should treat my own son, and enjoyed all the comforts of my table, and the best society in the colony. He must have been a considerable expense to me, more than what I charged, when the price of living in the colony is considered. I believe he would not have got such a lodging and table for less than £2 per week. As you have refused to pay me the £19—it's for 15 months' lodging, etc.—I have no doubt the Society will. I was also anxious that your son should form friendships with the chiefs' sons who would be under his care. I had some other reasons for wishing your son from New Zealand (Rev. Butler's comment: “I should like to know what these are. As soon as I can see Mr. Marsden I shall enquire.”) which I need not mention. I have now replied to the principal part of your letter of the 8th inst. You observe “My heart aches while I put these important questions.” I hope I have relieved you of the heartache, and you are now quite well. (Rev. Butler's comment: “I am not, but worse than ever because I know him guilty.”) I shall now make a few remarks upon your letter of the 11th, in which you state you wish to attach “eternal disgrace” to me and all my colleagues—for not receiving you into their houses. Some of my colleagues are extremely poor, but I believe they are willing to use hospitality according to their ability. I think you have not put it into their power to show their willingness to receive you into their houses. On your arrival, you never reported yourself to me, which you ought to have done. (Rev. B.'s comment: “I saw and shook hands with Mr. Marsden the very first morning of my arrival.”) I at first thought this was an unintentional omission, and therefore, on my arrival at Sydney, I requested the Rev. R. Hill to accommodate you with a room in his house, and a seat at his table when you remained in Sydney, and to show you every attention as a minister of the Established Church. If you had been my son, I could not have done more for you. When I saw you for the first time in Sydney, you appeared as if you wished to avoid me. (Rev. B.'s comment: “How can this be? Mr. M. avoided me, and left me to go to Parramatta as I could, and then without an invitation.”) I also requested Mr. Campbell to supply you with what money you might want, and he told you in my presence he would. You did not apply to me for lodgings. If you had, they would have been provided for you. You united yourself with persons* whose society you approved of more than page 201 the society of the established clergy. No doubt you had your reasons for doing so, and you pleased yourself. Of all the crimes that have been laid to my charge, no one to my knowledge ever accused me before of the want of hospitality. You complain you were in great want of money. This could not be; you had only to ask and to have. State things fairly and honestly. You pressed upon me to answer these letters. I have done so. Perhaps you will be satisfied. I only regret the loss of time, as I might employ it much better—and have none to throw away in such differences.

I think the day will come, and much sooner than you think of, when you will see and feel the impropriety of writing these two letters, as there is nothing in them of that meekness and lowliness of heart which our blessed Saviour hath taught us; and at the same time He hath also said, “It must needs be that offences come, but woe to that man by whom that offence cometh.” If I have given offence, I must bear the judgment, and if you have, you must bear it.

I am, Rev. Sir,
Your most obedient, humble servant,


SAMUEL MARSDEN.


Rev. John Butler.
John Butler to Governor Brisbane.
To His Excellency, Sir Thos. Brisbane, Governor of New South Wales
and its Dependencies.
SYDNEY,
Jan. 7th, 1822.

May it please your Excellency to take into consideration the following circumstances.

Whereas on Tuesday morning, February 27th, 1821, Captain Wyer of the ship “Rambler,” a whaler, from the port of London, came to Kiddee Kiddee, in Bay of Islands, New Zealand, having in his boat four convicts, whom he represented as having stowed themselves away on board the ship, while lying at Vandieman's Land.

These men he wished to land, and to leave them in my charge as Resident Magistrate; but this I could by no means consent to, as I had no means of restraining their persons, or of correcting their vices.

As His M. store ship, the “Coromandel,” was then lying in the River Thames, two hundred miles from Kiddee Kiddee, I requested Captn. Wyer to deliver them to Capt. Downie, of H.M. Ship. Captn. Wyer endeavoured to excuse himself by saying he did not know the place, and he did not like to risk his ship for the sake of four convicts.

However, rather than they should be put on shore and left to the mercy of the savages, which he appeared determined to do, I offered my services to go and pilot the ship into Coromandel Harbour. This offer was accepted, and we proceeded on board. Next morning the ship put to sea with a light breeze, and on Friday morning we were at the entrance of the Thames.

page 202

At this time the wind came on to blow hard, and immediately in our teeth, and it continued so until Saturday afternoon. Capt. Wyer grew impatient, and altho' the wind became fair about five in the afternoon, he ordered the ship about, and stood for the Bay of Islands, where we arrived about ten on Sunday morning, at which time, contrary to my advice, and of that of his officers, he determined to land the prisoners, and leave them to their fate. A boat was then manned, and Mr. Rivers, the first officer, was sent with them, and he landed and left them on the beach near Cape Bret.

As soon as the boat returned, I requested to be landed at the missionary settlement called Rangee Hoo, which was on the other side of the harbour, at sixteen miles distant. My request was complied with immediately, and, having landed me, the boat returned to the ship and she stood out to sea.

On Wednesday, March 7th, I had occasion to visit our salt works, which are situated about fourteen miles from the spot where the convicts were landed. When I arrived, I found two of the aforenamed prisoners in the hands of a savage, who considered them as his property, and who was then in the very act of holding a consultation about killing them. I immediately interfered, and begged that they would hear what I had to say. They replied, “These men are King George's cookees (slaves), and are very bad men.” I said, “Truly they are so; but then you must not kill them by any means, for if you do King George will be very angry with you.” After a good deal of polemical discourse, their passions abated, and they assured me that they would not kill them; but the chief said they should remain in his place four months, and work for him, and if they wrought well he promised to give them plenty of food, and then at the end of four months he would permit them to go on board of any ship that would take them. I told him I should be glad to find his words true. I then made him a present of a tokee and some large fish-hooks, which pleased him much.

The prisoners stood by, begging for their lives, and for me to intercede myself for them. This I did, as my heart ached for them. I also counselled and advised them to the best of my power to go with the chief, and endeavour to please him in everything, until an opportunity offered to send them away. They then got in a canoe, and the chief took them away, and thus they lived and dragged out a miserable existence for some months, when the “Rambler” returned into the Bay of Islands to refresh, having lost several hands at sea, and to my utter astonishment, when she went out of the harbour Capt. Wyer took two of these very men he some months before so cruelly and wantonly put on shore among the savages of this island. The other two are gone away in whale ships.

I consider such things as amounting nearly to the highest pitch of wickedness, and have thought it my duty to inform your Excellency of the whole of this affair, in order that your Excellency may be enabled to take suitable steps for the punishment of such offenders.

I have, etc.,


JOHN BUTLER, J.P.

page 203
SHIP “WESTMORLAND,”
SYDNEY COVE,
22nd January, 1822.

To Revd. Josiah Pratt,
Church Missionary House,
Salisbury Square, London.

My Dear Sir,

I have to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 13th March, 1821, by a whaler, Captain Gardner, the morning we sailed from New Zealand to Port Jackson. I suppose you will expect an abstract of my voyage, and the reason of my visiting Port Jackson.

First of all I would say that Captain Potton, of the “Westmorland,” has behaved to me in a very gentlemanly manner, and paid particular attention to all my requests.

We sailed from New Zealand on the 27th November, 1821, and arrived at Sydney Cove, New South Wales, December 11th, 1821. We had a very pleasant voyage; public prayers in the morning and evening, and Divine Service twice on Sundays. I preached in the morning, and the Revd. Williams, a Tahietian missionary, in the afternoon.

I apprehend (as it is not fully stated by the committee) you feel anxious to know the reason of my visit to this place. Now the reason is this: I was in great need of wearing apparel of all sorts for myself and family, as well as many other little comforts which I could not obtain in any other way. When I first agreed with Mr. Marsden, he wished to be my agent at Port Jackson, and promised if I committed my concerns to his trust, he would pay particular attention to my wants, and send me all the little things which I might write for from time to time, for the comfort and use of my family, and pay me interest for all moneys left in his hands. This spontaneous offer I gladly accepted, and relied on Mr. Marsden in full confidence.

Well Sir, to be very short, I wrote to Mr. Marsden time after time for things, but I never could get him to pay any attention to my orders, and while my brethren who employed other agents obtained everything they sent for, I was left completely without, and no market to run to in a heathen land. I even wrote to my son, Samuel Butler, and he put the order into Mr. Marsden's hands, and besought him to get the goods, and send them down in the “Active;” but, like the man who had two sons, he said, “I go, sir,” and went not. I never received them, and further, as I conceived that those accounts which are settled ofttimes, are generally the most correct, I wrote to him to draw a balance between us, and forward the account to me, but here also I failed, as you will see by the minutes of the committee, held Oct. 1st, 1821. However, I received a letter dated Sydney, March 10th, 1821, in which it appears he intended to send my account that time. He begins his letter by saying, “Dear Sir, you will look over your account, and see that it is correct. I may have forgot something or other. The £55 you received in cash, when you were here, which is the first sum.” This £55 is the travelling expenses which I complain of, as having been charged to me by Mr. Marsden, in his settlement at the time, when I am led to believe, by comparing the date that I signed my name for the above sum, and the date of his letters, the money had been repaid page 204 to him by the Society, there being one year and nine months between the dates. We had a very long passage out from England, it is well known, and I was in debt to Mr. F. Hall for some moneys furnished by him for general use, and the remainder was laid out in Sydney for the use of goods for our whole party.

When I arrived here I saw Mr. Marsden on my landing, at Mr. Campbell's. I paid my respects to him, and asked after his family. He appeared to be busy with Mr. Cowell, and I left them, and went into the town to deliver some letters—I returned to the wharf, and Mr. Marsden was gone. I then asked Mr. Campbell to favour me with a sight of the accounts, which I had signed when at Port Jackson. He replied, “They were sent to London at that time.” I said, “Sir, you must have a copy of them, I should think, and I would like to see it.” “I do not know, however,” said he, “I cannot find it now.” I then told him I must see it before I went out of the counting-house. He then opened a drawer, and produced a copy of the accounts immediately, and I saw the £55 in question, which was all I wanted. I then paid my respects to the late Governor Macquarie, Esquire; this I conceived my duty, as he appointed me a magistrate at New Zealand, and I had some communications of a magisterial nature to make to him. He very kindly invited me to dine with him, and wanted to introduce me to Governor Brisbane. Both these favours I gladly accepted. When I was introduced to Governor Brisbane, he treated me with every mark of respect, and appointed a day to see me at Parramatta.

I waited on his Excellency, according to appointment, and had a good deal of conversation with him about New Zealand. His Excellency was pleased to manifest his goodwill towards the Mission, and said he would render us every assistance in his power, and asked me if the gift of some cattle and sheep would be of any service. To which I replied, “Your Excellency, they will be of great utility.” He then said, “Sir, be so good as to drop me a line respecting them.” I then answered, “Your Excellency, I will.” This I did, and have sent you a copy of the letter. He also wished me to hold my magisterial authority —which I promised to do. He then invited me to dine with him on Christmas Day. This favour, also, I gladly accepted.

Wednesday, December 12th, I breakfasted with Mr. Leigh, who was then about to leave the colony in the brig “Active” for New Zealand. Mr. Marsden called, in his chaise, having the Revd. Mr. Cartwright with him. They were on their way going to Parramatta. They came indoors, and Mr. Marsden said to me, “Mr. Butler, where are you going to lodge?” I answered, “I do not know, for I am a complete stranger.” He said, “I think you can get lodgings at Mr. Hill's.” I answered, “Very well, sir.” After Mr. Marsden was gone, I called on the Revd. Mr. Hill, but was not asked indoors.

In the course of the day, I called on the Rev. Mr. Cooper, who invited me in, and we sat down, and had some conversation about New Zealand. Mr. Cooper said to me, “Sir, where are you going to lodge?” I answered, “I am not certain, but I think at Mr. Hill's.” I called again at Mr. Hill's, and was answered at the door, and not receiving any invitation from Mr. Hill, I was led to conclude I was not wanted. I then went to see Capt. Thompson, of the brig “Active,” who received me into his house, and furnished me with a good bed, and gave me the best his house could afford, and I shall for ever stand indebted to him and his wife for their great kindness and hospitality.

page 205

On Saturday I went to Parramatta to the Rev. Mr. Marsden, and remained until Tuesday morning at Mr. Marsden's, when I returned to Sydney, and immediately collected my thoughts for business, and those things for which I came more especially to the colony.

In the evening Mr. Marsden sent for me and Mr. Cowell to visit him on business. We attended according to Mr. Marsden's request, and I found that Mr. Marsden's objects were to enquire of me about Mr. Cowell's concerns. I gave him all the information in my power. I certainly thought Mr. Marsden or Mr. Hill would say something about my lodgings, but not a word passed, and I returned to my host, Capt. Thompson.

Next morning I went to Mr. Campbell's, saw Mr. Marsden and asked him to settle my accounts. He said, “Mr. Butler, I must settle your accounts at Parramatta, but you can have any money you want from Mr. Campbell on account.” “I thank you, sir,” said I, “but I would be glad to have my accounts adjusted as soon as possible, in order to know how much I have coming to me.” Mr. Marsden then left me, and the next day I took my book to Parramatta, and I asked Mr. Marsden several times to look over my papers. He gave me several evasive answers, and at length told me he must settle with me at Mr. Campbell's office, Sydney. I said, “Very well.” I then set off up the country for a few days to see Captain Irvine, who was a member of the committee here, and Mr. Hassell. I was treated very kindly by both of them.

I preached at Mr. Hassell's on Sunday, December 23rd, 1821, under his verandah, there being no church within twenty miles of this place, and they had only three sermons preached at this place for two years past. Mr. Hassell sent notices round to the neighbouring farmers and when the time came for Divine Service, I found a considerable number of persons coming to hear the Word of God. After service, I churched a woman, and christened a child.

Monday morning, December 24th, 1821, I bid adieu to this truly pious family, with my earnest prayer for the divine blessing on them and theirs. I called at the Rev. Cartwright's, Liverpool, by the way, and arrived at Parramatta in the afternoon. I went to Mr. Marsden's, and remained until Friday morning. From the coldness with which I was received and treated, I concluded I was not wanted there, so I returned to Sydney, and put my things on board the “Westmorland,” where I now remain, going on shore daily to do my business, and returning on board to sleep. I saw Mr. Marsden at Sydney, and asked him to settle my accounts; he said, “Go to Mr. Campbell's, and he will settle them.” I then went to Mr. Campbell's, and he said, “Sir, I can do nothing with your accounts until Mr. Marsden comes, and I expect him here by and by.”

In a little time Mr. Marsden came, and I said to him, “Sir, I would really be very glad if you will look over my accounts.” (Mr. Cowell was with me at the time.) He then said, “I am too busy,” and I said, “Sir! will you let Mr. Campbell and I look over them?” He said, “Why do you ask such a question? I trust him with all my affairs, and it would be singular if I could not trust him to settle with you!”

After Mr. Marsden was gone, I asked Mr. Campbell for my accounts, and as soon as I got it, I said, “Sir, I perceive here are moneys standing against me which ought not.” He said to point them page 206 out. I did so, and proved his account to be wrong. Moreover, I said to him, “Sir, you have not given me credit either for a bill of £26/18/11 drawn in favour of me at New Zealand.” Said he, “Since you have your books on board the ‘Westmorland,’ you had better take this paper and make them out according to your books.” I then took the papers with me on board, and made out the accounts, which on examination were found to be correct. Mr. Campbell then said, “Sir, leave me this account, and I will get you this money.”

In a day or two after, I saw Mr. Marsden at the office, and said, “Sir, the accounts are made out and ready; they only want your approval. It will not detain you many minutes to look over them,” when he again put me off. “I am going away with Mr. John Palmer, and cannot settle to-day now.”

It was not till after all these suffering tricks, together with a good deal of harsh and unkind treatment which will hereafter be substantiated on oath if necessary, by those who have had ocular proof, that I wrote my letter to Mr. Marsden in which so many strong interrogations appear, and notwithstanding all he can say or urge against them, or however he may endeavour to explain them away, I fear, alas! on examination they will be found too true, if it is done impartially; and of this I am sure and certain, that the committee will examine without reference to any man's situation.

Mr. Marsden received my letter on the Friday, and he came down on the Monday following to settle with me.

Mr. Cowell was present at the meeting. At this meeting, Mr. Marsden, I conceive, acted very wrong, for he endeavoured to keep back nine months' salary, that is to say, from January 1st to October 1st, 1821; and it was not until I threatened him with immediate law, that he paid me my very hard earned wages.

With respect to the letter which I have written to Sir Brisbane, Sir Thos., I beg leave to observe that, even before I wrote to him, I acquainted the Revd. Mr. Samuel Marsden with all the particulars which passed between us, and I begged Mr. Marsden to go with me to his Excellency about the cattle, which he promised to do. After finishing the letter, I took it to Mr. Marsden at Mr. Campbell's office, for his inspection and approval. He refused to look at it, in the most indignant manner; he would neither read it, nor suffer me to read it to him, altho' I besought him in the most earnest manner.

If this is proper usage for a missionary to receive from the agent of the Society here, then I think it is but fair that all the world should know it. With respect to Mr. Cowell, I must say that the poor man has been used exceedingly ill by Mr. Marsden, almost from his first arrival in the colony. I am certainly meeting of people who are sounding of these things in my ears. There is but one opinion here, generally speaking, concerning him—it is this that Mr. Cowell is a sober, steady, and well-disposed young man.

The other morning I breakfasted with him, and a person came to his house for a little money, and he had not a sixpence in his place. He sent an order down to Mr. Campbell, Mr. Marsden's agent, for £10, and the order was refused. Afterward I went down with Mr. Cowell, and was present when Mr. Cowell said to Mr. Marsden, “Sir, I would be glad if you would let me have a little money,” and Mr. Marsden said, page 207 “No! I cannot advance you another shilling.” The poor man was completely upset by Mr. Marsden's treatment. Mr. Cowell asked him, saying, “Sir, do you mean to cut off my subsistence altogether? I have a person now at my house waiting for a little money, which I owe him.” Mr. Marsden said, “I cannot help that. I cannot advance you any more money.”

We went back to the house, and found his wife in tears, and for the honour of the Society which I love from the bottom of my heart, as well as to manifest my sympathy for a brother, I said, “Mr. Cowell, you shall not want while I have a sixpence left,” and I immediately advanced him £23 for his use.

Last Sunday I performed Divine Service, assisted by Mr. Cowell on board the “Westmorland” in the harbour, and preached from the 107 Psalm: “They that go down to the sea in ships,” etc., etc. We had a great congregation of sailors, considering the notice was very short. D.V., we propose having service on the “Westmorland's” deck next Sunday, when we are led to expect our congregation will be more numerous. I am going to Parramatta this day, Jan. 23rd, 1822, to dine with his Excellency, Sir Thomas Brisbane, and I have an invitation to dine with his Excellency Governor Macquarie on Saturday night next, and shall feel myself highly honoured in having an opportunity of certifying my sincere respects for all the kindness his Excellency has manifested toward me, who am altogether unworthy of so much notice.

Mr. Cowell and his family will accompany me to New Zealand in the “Westmorland,” and we expect to sail on or about Tuesday, 29th January, 1822.

Give my sincere love to all friends, and may God bless and preserve you and yours, is the earnest prayer of

Your very affectionate,


(Signed)

JOHN BUTLER.

SHIP “WESTMORLAND,”
30th January, 1822.

REV. John Butler, DR. ON A/C OF THE HONBLE. CHURCH
MISSIONARY SOCIETY.
For passage and goods as under, to and from New Zealand:
£sd
Mr. Butler and native, to and from New Zealand3500
Mr. Bean, Fairburn and children to P.J.2000
Miss Kendall and three labourers2000
Mr. Cowell and family to New Zealand3000
Mr. Butler and natives, expenses on board600
To Freight on goods, and landing at Kiddee Kiddee and Rangee Hoo8000
£19100

Recd, the contents of this bill by a set of bills, drawn on Josiah Pratt in my favour, and endorsed by Mr. Marsden.

(Signed)

JOHN POTTON.


REV. John Butler.
page 208
BOUGHT OF JOHN POTTON.
£ s d
7 Paint Brushes, large at 4/- 1 8 0
6 dozen Women's Combs 3 12 0
2 dozen Men's Combs 1 4 0
6000 Fish-hooks 4 10 0
Gave an order payable on sight.
(Signed)

JOHN BUTLER.

Copy of a letter from the Revd. S. Marsden to the Missionary Settlers and Mechanies employed in the service of the Church Missionary Society, in the Bay of Islands. (“Historical Records,” McNab, page 578.)

PARRAMATTA,
March 18th, 1822.

Dear Sirs,

As — complained very much of my injustice towards himself and others employed in the service of the Mission, in charging to you for the goods issued from the Society's store, the shipping expenses and insurance, which amounted to about 6 ½ per cent., and which had been charged in the account current by the Society to me, I have to request you will inform me if you feel yourself aggrieved by this charge, and whether you consider it just or unjust that you should pay the actual sum for the articles you receive, that the Society have paid in London for them. I shall be happy to forward any complaint you have to make upon this subject against me to the Society. I thought it just and I charged it—you may be of a different opinion. I derive no advantage from this. I do not make a gain of you. No part of the money ever comes to me, tho' a very deep impression has been made here upon the public mind, to my prejudice, from the statements of —, so much so that some of my friends strongly recommend me to bring the matter before a court of justice previous to Mr. —'s return, in order that he might prove that I had acted wrong, if he could. I beg to refer you to Mr. Williams, who knows what has been said upon this subject.

(Evidently John Williams). [Readers please note that Mr Henry Williams landed for the first time in New Zealand on August 3rd 1823, or nearly eighteen months after this letter was dated. He came to Australia in the Lord Sid-mouth, about June 1823, and left Port Jackson for New Zealand on the 23rd July in the Brampton.]

If I had acted improperly in this matter, you had the Society to appeal to. There was no necessity to throw me into the hands of the enemy for the sake of a few pounds, and which I have not benefited by. I spend my time in looking after the concerns of the Society, in providing for your wants. I travel at my own expense; and have all the anxiety and responsibility of the Mission upon me; as far as it can be laid upon me. This is enough, without any criminal charges being made against me by any of the missionaries, as they have the Society to appeal to to redress their wrongs.

I have only to request that you will state your complaints to me, and leave the Society to judge how far I have injured you as individuals; and give me an opportunity to reply to your charges, if you have any to make, and you will oblige.

Yours, etc.,


SAMUEL MARSDEN.

page 209

According to Alex. Strachan, 1853:—

“When Leigh was in England in 1820, the London Missionary Society was then holding its annual meeting in that city, and as a result of his solicitations, the contributions of the English people to the New Zealand Mission were packed in old casks, and were sent to Hatton Gardens in such quantities that Mr. Taylor had some difficulty in finding room for them in the neighbourhood.”

These goods were shipped to Sydney, and re-shipped to New Zealand as required. The Methodist Mission received theirs, as their Mission was sustained for some years upon the proceeds. The C.M.S. Mission, however, seem to have been less fortunate; and it is questionable if many of the contributions ever left Mr. Marsden's natives establishment at Parramatta.

The same historian states that two jackasses had gone on some tapu land, and had been moved to a desert island by the natives, and that two valuable horses, which Mr. Marsden had sent for agricultural purposes, had been killed for the same offence.

KIDEE KIDEE,
April 1st, 1822.

To the Committee, (The N.Z. Committee)
Brethren,

The Rev. Mr. Butler hereby declares in the name of his son, and his own name, that had they received the same treatment from any officer of the Hon. Church Missionary Society in England, as they did from Mr. F. Hall, on Tuesday, March 25th, 1822, neither of them would have remained in the service of the Society any longer, conceiving it to be contrary to the doctrines of the Gospel of Christ, and opposite to those principles and rules which the Society hold forth for the guidance of their missionaries.

Mr. Hall, in the first place, refused my son some trifling stores, to pay natives for work done for, and on account of the Hon. C.M.S. (say three iron pots, one adze, one pair trousers), and then charged me with being a bully, because I told him I should name the matter to the Society, and he further said I held flannel belonging to the Society the value of which I knew too well to give to the natives; I told him if he thought so he had better write to the Society to that effect. Query. Am I a thief?

He next said I endeavoured to deprive him of his situation. This is shockingly false. I then told him I wished to establish a school at Kidee Kidee as soon as possible, but it appeared to me as if he desired to thwart my plans, and I am still in the same mind, or else why should Mr. Hall wish to wrest the things out of my hands, which I applied for at Port Jackson? And notwithstanding his receiving a letter from thence to say certain goods marked “B” were intended for me. he still persisted that I had never given in a demand by list to Mr. Marsden; and that it could be proved so.

page 210

I would then ask how did the things become marked in my name? and how was it that he received a letter from Mr. Campbell to say such things as were marked “B” were intended for me. I need not say anything on this point, as the fact carries its conviction with it. Besides this the Society must know by my letter from Port Jackson, which is an exact copy of that which I handed to Mr. Marsden for articles to enable me to establish a school on a small scale, and also for implements of agriculture.

I remain, brethren,
Your affectionately,


(Signed)

JOHN BUTLER.

EXTRACT FROM THE REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE, LONDON, TO THE ANNUAL MEETING, April 30th, 1822. AUSTRALIAN MISSION.

“The Seminary at Parramatta for New Zealanders, has for the present had been suspended,

(Note—thirteen had died, principally chiefs' sons. See Marsden to Pratt. 1/4/1822) the change of habits and climate being found injurious to the health of the natives, and to require a degree of attention to them, which under the present circumstances could not be paid. Mr. Samuel Butler left in the beginning of March, and returned in the ‘Hope’ to New Zealand. The Committee feel, however, that such advantages have already been derived from the seminary, and are likely still to be derived when it can be placed under due management, that they wish every effort to be made to place it on a permanent footing.”

Copy of a letter sent to the Rev. Thos. Kendall by Rev. Saml. Marsden, dated Sydney, June 11th, 1822.

KIDDI KIDDI,
July 17th, 1822.

Rev. Sir,

I received your letter signed by yourself and Mr. Cowell, in which you make application to me to send you two carpenters to build you a church. When I compare your letter with the minutes of the last committee at Kiddee Kiddee, I am astonished that you should venture to make such an application to me under the circumstances you were in at the time you wrote.… . The statements of the minutes upon the melancholy subject, are supported by the general voice of all who visit New Zealand, as well as by the natives who are at Parramatta.

I would ask you what can you want a church for? What do you intend to preach? Is not your crime a public disgrace to the said ministry to which you have set apart? and will it not bring a curse page 211 and not a blessing upon all who do not separate from you, and fly your tent? I should expect to be consumed in your iniquity, if I did not immediately withdraw from you…… How do the enemies of the Gospel in New S. Wales blaspheme and triumph? I know not what to say to you. The deed is done—you have ruined yourself in this life, and lost your honourable and sacred rank in society, which you can never regain to the day of your death. You must be sensible that I have suffered many painful hours and days and months on account of the misconduct of some in the Mission, but this is the most painful circumstance that has happened. If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him, but if a man sin against the Lord, who shall entreat for him? This is your awful case. Be assured your sin before the Lord is very great, for men will abhor the offering or the Lord. May God be merciful to you, and put away your sin that you may not die. I shall mourn for you as Samuel did for Saul. I beg to inform you that your application for a church I am bound by every principle of religion and propriety to refuse, and at the same time I feel it my painful duty to communicate to you, as agent to the C.M.S., that all intercourse between you and me must now cease, so long as those serious charges against you stand uncontradicted, and further, that you will now consider yourself suspended from duty as a missionary belonging to the C.M.S., until the pleasure of the Society is known. I feel it also my duty to call upon you to deliver up all the property in your possession of a public nature, to the existing committee for the time being.

While I lament your fall, more than any other man, on account of your distressed family, your own precious soul and the Mission, I am compelled to withdraw all public confidence, and countermand support from you until I receive instructions from the Committee at Home.

I remain, with much concern,
Yours,

(Signed)

S. MARSDEN.


Rev. Thos. Kendall.
RANGIHOO,
Sept. 28th, 1822.

Mr. Chairman,

Revd. Sir,

I have already sent my answer to the Revd. Samuel Marsden's public letter, bearing date June 11th last, and while I desire to sit myself down in silence under the severe sentence of suspension and desertion as pronounced by him, as far as the missionary settlers here, and himself as agent of the Society are concerned, yet I must now entreat the committee of missionaries to suspend all further and future proceedings against me, except such as are not only Christian, but open and manly. I own with self-abasement and abhorrence that I am a sinner in the sight of God, and that I have been a very unworthy servant of the Society, but I may perhaps be allowed to suggest, without incurring the charge of vain boasting, that my last ten years of incessant toil in the service of the Society would, in my opinion, with feeling men, entitle me to a little consideration. I boast not when I remind you that at a time when everyone else believed it to be a desperate adventure, I was one of page 212 the first missionaries who ventured to embark with my family for New Zealand. I was one of the first missionaries who brought over with them the word of life and salvation; I was the first missionary who slept on shore among the natives; the first missionary who attempted to fix the native language, and to introduce into print the first rudiments of the Christian religion, and also the first missionary to introduce prayer in a language which the New Zealanders could understand.

I have made the New Zealand language my study both by day and night, in order that I might acquire as much knowledge of it as would enable me to be useful, and it is fully my desire and intention, should it be the divine will to restore my mind to a state of tranquillity, to do the poor deluded New Zealanders all the good I can. It is true I have have carried my measures of conciliation and social intercourse with the natives to a criminal excess, and I have not done those things which I ought to have done, but the doing wrong is not any rule why I should be prevented in future from doing right, and I mention my conviction with reverence, that I do think Almighty God has something still for me to do at New Zealand, or why should He have been so merciful to me? Whilst I record my numerous faults with grief and shame, I will account some of His mercies at least with praise and thanksgiving. It pleased God to spare my life when I was on my passage eight years ago from Port Jackson to Van Dieman's Land—a person was shooting at a mark behind which I was seated, and I removed just at the moment he proceeded to draw the trigger of his pistol. It was not on account of any righteousness of my own that I was then spared, but it was because the Lord was merciful to me. It pleased God to spare my life when I was on my first visit to the Bay of Islands, and in imminent danger of being drowned; when I was taken up out of the water, I was at my last gasp. If I had not then been taken up at that critical moment, I should have in all probability sunk to rise no more. The Lord was a second time merciful to me. It pleased God to spare my life when I was on my return from New Zealand to Port Jackson. I was quarrelling with the captain respecting some natives. He attempted to fire off his pistol at me twice; the piece missed fire; if he had succeeded in firing it off the third time at me, I must have perished, but he was providentially prevented by the chief officer. I own I erred exceedingly on that day, and the language I made use of neither became me as a man nor as a Christian, yet it pleased the Lord to spare me, and in the midst of deserved judgment to remember me in His mercy.

It pleased God to spare my life when I was fired at by Walter Hall; his pistol was pressed hard against my body, but the contents passed by my side. It was not for any righteousness of my own that I was then spared; it was because the Lord delighted in showing mercy.

It also pleased God to again spare my life when I was a few weeks ago in danger of being drowned in the River Hokianga. I desire accordingly to bless His holy Name for His continued kindness and preservation, and I assure you, Sir, I do not feel it. to be a trifling manifestation of His mercy that at the time when one of my colleagues was bearing the minutes of the committee to Port Jackson—in which my conduct was censured—minutes which were known to every missionary except myself and Mr. Cowell, and at a time when sentence of suspension and discontinuance of support for myself and large family were happily unknown to me, a perfect stranger should providentially page 213 come into the bay and put into my pocket, for services for which I should have charged nothing, the handsome gratuity of one hundred and fifty pounds. (Was this connected with Baron Du Thierry?) If my song is of judgment, it is also of mercy, and I desire humbly, heartily, and truly, to render unto the Lord the praise that is due to Him.

My Christian brethren, let us deal kindly to one another. With respect to my own case, if God is angry with me, I wish Him to be my judge, for I am sure He will do what is right, but let not man, nay, let not the right to smite me unfriendly, lest in doing they should, instead of serving God, oppose His wise and unswerving counsels.

Mr. Chairman, I wish you every temporal and spiritual blessing you may stand in need of, but I must candidly tell you I feel a little hurt at the measures you have taken on my account. I hope, Sir, that you have not forgotten that we have been sent here by the same congregations, and that we have the same common friend, who I am sure would do everything in his power to encourage us when doing well, and to comfort us when in distress. He knows we are fallen men, and liable to sin, but it would grieve him to hear that we are so much divided as we are.

I devoutedly pray that neither you nor your children may experience the same trials which have fallen to my lot since I resided in this country; you will then be free from any bitter heartaches which attend the person whom nature is permitted to buffet and make miserable.

I am, Reverend Sir,
Your obedient servant,


THOS. KENDALL.


To Rev. John Butler,
Chairman of the Committee of Missionary Settlers
at New Zealand.
KIDDEE KIDDEE,
August 1st, 1822.

Dear Sir,

____From a hint lately received, I am led to believe that — and — think they have it in their power to recover the amount of rations, during the time they were employed building your house by contract. From past experience of the conduct of these men, I believe that now they have got their wages settled to their satisfaction for the time they were on their passage from New Zealand to Port Jackson, that they will be unprincipled enough to sue for this also.

As I was not present when the contract was entered into, I shall esteem it a favour, before my departure for New South Wales, if you will furnish me with every document in your power, calculated to resist so unjust a demand, in order that the Revd. Mr. Marsden may be prepared in the event of these wicked men bringing an action against him.

I am
Dear Sir,
Yours, etc.


(Signed)

F. HALL.


To the Revd. Mr. Butler.

* Rev. Leigh and Rev. Cartwright.