FL14425144

page 7 (on verso of p. 8)

completed, I purpose turning my whole attention to
the creation of a school, and then I shall hope to
see some fruit of my labours. We begin now to be
supplied occasionally with mutton. Sheep thrive
exceedingly well: the fleeces improve in quality yearly.
In the course of time we shall be able to
manufacture cloth. The number of ewes at present
in the settlement is near 4 000. This year we
have had several whalers fishing on our coast;
some of them have been very successful, and
will soon return to England with their cargo
of oil. There is every reason to believe that a
whale fishery will be established at Port
Jackson; should this be the case, the whalers
may contribute to lower the prices of English
goods in the colony. Mrs M_ and my little
family are all very well. My native boy, whom
I have had now more than four years, improves
much; he has become useful in the family; can
speak the English language very well; and has
begun to read. Should you be able, sir, at any
time to send out a schoolmaster and mistress
well qualified for such an office, they will be
very acceptable. and their situation will be made
comfortable here: none but married persons
should come out in that capacity. The above
I write in haste. I will give you a more particu
=lar account by the next conveyance.
I am,
Honoured Sir,
Your most obedient, humble servant,
Samuel Marsden