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[Page 12]

[continuation of letter]

that perishes by an honest industry, I hope you will
be willing to do all the good you can to the miserable
objects around you: There is ample room where
you are  - pray for much of the spirit - conduct
yr self with a peaceable spirit to all - and ever con-
duct the settled necessities of the  colony in all yr measures 
for general good. My love to all the faithful
among you, & I cannot persuade myself that
there are not any of this description. Remember
me to yr husband from whom I expected much.
We shall send to Otaheite again.

Yrs
M Wilks

[Address on letter]

Mrs Cover
Missionary
Port Jackson

If not there
to any of the Missionaries
of some there
Mr Cover [indecipherable]

[New page]

[New letter to above]

London 21 Oct. 1799

Dear Brethren

A few weeks ago we addressed a letter to you, and com-
mitted it to the care of Governor King who was then ready to sail for New Holland,
this gentleman having since been under the necessity of returning to this Country by providential
interposition, we have now the opportunity thro' the same friendly medium of inform
ing you that we have since received your public letter subscribed by all the Brethren
except John Cock - and another letter signd by Mr. Cover, and Mr. Henry, both
dated from Sydney the 1st Sept. 98 - In the first of these you detail to us various
circumstances, which led to the resolution you have thought it necessary to adopt of removing
from Otahete - that which actuated the married Brethren, principally, appeared
to have been the apprehension of insecurity respecting the females, which is doubtless
a consideration of great importance - this seems to have prevailed from the time
that Capt. Wilson departed finally from that Island, altho it does not appear that
during the long interval of his absence previous to his second visit there, that any grade
of alarm on this subject subsided - the single Brethren's reason for quitting their
station is alleged to be from motives of prudence, which we presume appeared satisfactory
to their own minds, but without a further specification, we are of course incompetent to
judge of - The opinion we entertain Brethren, of your understanding, you sincerity,
your constancy, and devotedness to the Service you had undertaken, gives a strong Bias