FL14425159

p23 on verso of p. 24

Rev Saml Marsden To W. Wilberforce, Esq [24 & 23]
Parramatta, July 27th, 1810

Honoured Sir,
I wrote to you by my friend Mr Campbell, which letters I hope you will duly receive. They would explain to you in what situation I stood with the Governor. My refusal to act with persons whom the Governor has appointed magistrates, gave breat offence; my own conscience tells me I did right and I have not repented, though perhaps I may feel the effects of my refusal in one way or other while the governor remains in the colony. It is not consistent with morality, religion or sound policy, to nominate men magistrates, who have been convicts, and who are still living openly in profligacy. What the governor's motive can be I cannot conceive. He issues public orders in favour of morality, while he appoints men magistrates whose general conduct and example militate as much as possible against it. In the worst of times in this colony we never had a man put in the situation of magistrate who had been a convict. I know the day will come when a change must be made. I still repeat what I have always said, that the expenses of this country to the mother country will be in proportion to the morals of the inhabitants. The expenses of the colony at precent are greater than any former period, and are likely to be so. I have no doubt that the governor is anxious to do what appears to him to be best, but he will find, that the happiness and prosperity of this country depend very much upon the selection of proper men as magistrates to aid him. They should be men of character and property; acquainted with the local situation of the inhabitants

[continued p. 27]