File 1: Rowland Hassall papers, 1797-1810

[Page 21]       

[Envelope]               

Mr Rowland Hassal Paramatta New Holland

pr fav Rev Mr Marsden

Received this August 30th 1801

[Letter]

Sydney 5th Feby.1801

Dear Brors.

I have the happiness to inform you, that having made my appearance, to Mr Smith the Provost Martial, he immediately reported the same to Govr King; and in 10 minutes after I rece'd the glad tidings, that I was a prisoner at large, entirely at liberty to go were I thought proper, but to make my appearance to the P.M. once a day. I was very sorry on my arrival at the Royal Admiral, to find, Cap Wilson had proceeded to the Hawkesbury. I was fearful of being returned to my old Den.   

Hope Mrs H, is well the children and also -

I am yours sincerely

Wm Smith

all the Missionaries compl. to Mr. Mrs. H. and Family

[Written on bottom of page]

Not the same words [Writing torn through]

 

[Page 22]

[Envelope addressed]

Mr Rowland Hassal Parramatta

[Letter]

Iron Hull. One of the strongest cells

23rd Feby 1801 Sydney

I am sorry this is the harbinger of bad news, respecting myself, but however misfortunes losses and crosses, awaits the children of men. Resigned I must be, and resigned I desire to be knowing what I experience I deserve. On my return from the Church yesterday afternoon, Mr Smyth the P.M. was waiting at the doores, who had received letter from the Governor desiring him to inform me, it was the opinion of the Judge Advocate, in which he concured, that the Bankrupt laws, did not extend to this Colony, or any others. In which letter Mr Smith was ordered to take me to the prison, where I am now confined, with the usual attendant of an additional constable to take care I don't tumble down and hurt myself, in case I should run (I suppose). The subscriptions are now in circulation, Captn Wilson, agreeable to his promise, and exceeding generosity; has put his name for the £50-

My love and respect to Mrs. H and Shelly and the family

Yours [indecipherable]

Wm Smith

Mr Youl is very ill with the flux. The other Brethren are well. The resurrection men [Mesrs .Mason & Elder] are reported to the Governor bad consequences are likely to ensue. The man (Riley) was taken from the coffin, and carried to Toongabbe in a sack as I understand.

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[Continuation of letter on Page 22]

have you heard anything of Main. He thanks you to enquire of Mr Marsden if he can give an order for Main's wheat to be put into the stores at Hawkesbury if you can get an order pray send word to him. I do think he is not in good financess he might have got my wheat ready long 'er this. [List at bottom of page]

Dr to W Smith

[details and amounts indecipherable]

[Letter]

Matavai in Tahiti           Aug. 12th 1801                           

Dear friend,

As our Brother Shelley will fully acquaint you with all the particulars of our voyage, and also our present situation; it will be superfluous and unnecessary, to repeat the same.

When I take a retrospective view of all the circumstances, thro which the mysterious, but unerring providence of Jehovah hath conducted us, and the work withert, wherein we are proffesedly engaged I am at the same moment filled with wonder, joy and gratitude, on the one hand, sorrow  and fear on the other. It was far from my thoughts when twelve of us set out together, to embark on the missionary cause, that so soon, our then small number would be reduced (as it is seen this day) to two-thirds. Not only this, but that also of the few remaining here one would be found, that made a ship wreck of the faith, denyed, you betrayed his Lord and the great cause he was entrusted with. Both thou'  Hymenaeus and Philetus, may do thus, nevertheless the Foundation of God standeth sure, and he knoweth those that are his.

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[Continution of letter on Page 23]

It is well that the fullfilment of the promises in the book of God do not depend on the faithfulness of any of the sons of Adam. In every age, some like Judas proved traitors to their Lord and master, yet his cause will prosper, and that in spite of all obstacles.

But as I am in haste I must be short. I hope that you, and your family are in health, as we are at pressent, (except Mrs Henry as you will hear) however at present she is much better. The gloomy appearance of the missionary cause in these parts of the world, when we left our native land and especially, when at New South Wales, in some measure prepared our minds to expect the worst that might happen, so on our arrival here, we were agreeably disappointed, on seeing the Porpoise at anchor in the Bay, and finding our Brethren in health and safety. We have reason to hope that the Day is at hand, when some of the clouds will be dispelled, and the glorious sun of Righteousness to appear in these regions of Darkness and superstition, yea, when its healing influences

[Next page of letter]

influences will spread far and wide, and these nations, that have been from time immemorial as it were, the objects winked at, and passed by in the sovereign Government of Jehovah, yet now to be favoured with the high priviledges that others have been partakers of for thousands of years past. May the happy period speedily arrive, when the good news will be made known among all the nations of the Earth, that Jesus my fully see of the travail of his soul and will be satisfyed.

I should be very glad to hear from time to time the state of religion in N. S. Wales as I am full persuaded that the Gospel was not sent there for nought, let the pressent appearances of things be ever so discouraging. Remember me to the Revd. Mr Marsden, and to Mrs Marsden, and to all that love the prosperity of Zion. I should be glad to hear how they come on at Kissing Point, and wish to be remembered to Mr Sheppard and Mathew Hughes. So I conclude, assuring you that I am your sincere Brother and well wisher.

John Davies

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[Letter addressed to]

Mr Hassall Paramatta Port Jackson

[Different writing] Receivd this Oct 2d 1801

[Address on envelope]

Augt 15. 1891

Mr Hassal Oaksbr New South Wales

[Upside down]

Receivd this Oct 2d 1801