File 1: Hassall family, correspondence, volume 2, pp. 1-297, 1794-ca. 1823

11 [indecipherable] purely for the sake of the provisions, take these children. who would otherwise perish for want of care; but were there a public building proper for the reception of these orphans, where their food could be dressed together, one third of the provisions would be quite sufficient for their support. It should be remembered that the ration issued to the orphans is not given merely for the support of the children but as a compensation to those who have the care of them; hence the above reduction could easily be made without any loss to the orphans, provided an establishment was made for them. I have taken the liberty to lay this statement before you for your information. I cannot but hope, if Government were acquainted with the real state of the children in this country [indecipherable] a burden they are to the state, while at the same time their education and morals are totally neglected - they would be induced to adopt some means to lessen the expenses on one hand, and on the other, to have the children brought up in the principles of morality [indecipherable] industry. If some private or public estate [indecipherable] is not instituted for them, they will be more abandoned than their unfortunate parents: at present they are brought up in idleness, and uncleaness, and robbery, and scattered up and down in every part of the settlement. I have had frequent consultation with Governor Hunter upon this subject. His Excellency is of opinion, if some person who had local knowledge of their situation was at home to represent their state (as this cannot be sufficiently done by letter), some redress might be obtained for them Though I am very sick of the iniquity of this country, and anxious to enjoy [indecipherable]

12) some little peace and quiet of mind, yet were [indecipherable] England, and could see any prospect of a proper institution for the poor children, I should willingly embark again for New South Wales In that case I should have some hope of doing a little good to the rising generation. Mr [indecipherable] one of the missionaries sent out to Otaheite, is the bearer of this: he has resided in this settlement long enough to see the state of the clergymen and of the children, and can furnish you with any further information upon this subject, if it shoild be in your power to support or in any way promote so humane an undertaking as an orphan school. I am Honoured Sir, Your most obedient, humble servant, Samuel Marsden

Revd Samuel Marsden to W. Wilberforce Esq Parramatta, Augt 7th 1800

Honoured Sir, I have the happiness to inform you, that after much painful anxiety and many difficulties, the Orphan School at Sydney is at length opened for the reception of sixty girls. I cannot but view this institution as the foundation of religion and morality in this colony: without an establishment of this nature, to rescue the rising generation from ruin, it could never prosper. The unfortunate children who are now taken under the [continued on p. 15

13 3 Sydney Sept 1695

Sir Probably you will be a little surprised at receiving this unexpected line, but as a circumstance has taken place in this colony which I am [indecipherable] greatifying to you I have taken the liberty to [indecipherable] it. On the 11th of this month the [indecipherable] admission was read, I secured information that the cattle which was later [indecipherable]. They [indecipherable] into camp [indecipherable] that their number [indecipherable] fully ascertained. The man has found them counted 39 three larger [indrcipherable] come to collect, they imagine these are many more than the above number I [indecipherable]

14 you contended very strongly know I [indecipherable] in England that the cattle should not be [indecipherable] , but found, which is now [indecipherable] the case. Another singular circumstance has also happened lately; [indecipherable] some convicts left the colony in an open boat hope of making their escape, some of these have been found a few days since by Captain [indecipherable] (who commands His Majesty's Ship [indecipherable] of 20 guns I think [indecipherable] out now [indecipherable] ) in port [indecipherable] & brought to Port Jackson; they has not been heard of for the last five years, & [indecipherable] this time [indecipherable] of New Holland. I [indecipherable] not yet learned how [indecipherable] spent their time among the [indecipherable] savages, they were quite naked like the miserable natives when Captain [indecipherable] met with them. [indecipherable] suspect [indecipherable] the Colony [indecipherable] much; cultivatiom

15 patronage and protection of the committee for orphans must otherwise have been lost to society. I have transmitted home by William Balmain, Esqr, a copy of our proceedings to the present period, and requested him to wait upon you with them on his arrival in London. If you, sir, should have it in your power in any way to promote the above institution, you will render an essential service to this infant settlement. Should we be able to get a building erected for the boys, we shall want a proper person to superintend the school. If one cannot be met with in England qualified for the situation, opportunities sometimes offer here, if Government would give any encouragement for a person of abiliyies to remain in the colony. Mr Cover, one of the missionaries who returned from Otaheite to Port Jackson, was in many respects a proper person, but he could get no appointment; and therefore returned to England. Should Mr Balmain wait upon you he will give you every information respecting the state of the children. I hope my colleague the Revd Richard Johnson has safely arrived in England before this period. In consequence of his weakly state, I do not expect to see him any more in this country. My duty is now very hard; having no assistance, and preaching both at Sydney and Parramatta every sabbath day: much of the care of the Orphan School also devolves upon me. The colony is not much better in a moral sense than it was when Governor Hunter was here. Governor King has taken every means to prevent the introduction of so great a quantity of spirits as