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page 7 (on verso of p. 8) continues from p. 4 and is cont'd on p 11

7 + 8

Rev Samuel Marsden to W.Wilberforce, Esq.
Parramatta, Feby 6th, 1800

Honoured Sir,
Though I have already troubled you with
a long letter upon the affairs of this colonialist
I think it my duty to mention another subject
of great moment to the happiness and prosperity
of these parts of his Majesty's dominions,
which is, the state of the poor orphans. The
provision is made by Government for their
education, nor yet by individuals. It [indecipherable - might only?]
be made to appear that a proper establishment
for these children would eventually be a great
saving to the nation, in addition, to, the religious,
civil, and moral advantages which would accrue
to the colony. There are, I believe upwards of eight
hundred children in the settlement. Some of these
children were born on the passage to this
country; others, after the arrival of their parents.
Their fathers, in general, are either sailors, soldiers,
or prisoners; the former quit the country with
the respective Ships they belong to, and the
two latter have seldom either inclination or
ability to provide for their children. In addition
to these; some are orphans in the strictest
sense; others relinquished by their unnatural
mothers. From principles of humanity it has been
an established custom to issue a full ration of
provisions from the public store to every orphan
or destitute child, as an inducement for settlers
and others to take them under their protection.