FL14372981

[MS 682]

M^r Marden's [Marsden's] Family are all well, and now living in their new house exalted on
high, beholding the dwellings of Parramatta, small motes, when compared to their
solitary mansion M^rs M. was not satisfied at your neglect in not writing
her at the time you wrote from the Derwent- M^r M has had great battling since
your departure, and it appears he had to contend with all the most powerful men of the
Colony, who were combined against him - M^r Secretary Campbell in Philo Tree
now [termed? turned?] Philo Pay [Bay?]- That affair was brought before the criminal Court- where M^r
C- was found guilty of permitting it (as Editor of the Sydney Gazette) to be printed
Time will not allow me to enter into particulars, more than to relate that judgment
was not permitted to pass, as M^r C's Friends thought if it were brought before
the civil Court where he would have a sufficient field to defend himself, he
might cost M^r M, consequently the cause was tried in the just Balances and
found wanting - with Damages in the Publick Character of M^r M- £200 and all
costs - An action was also entered against M^r Howe the Printer, but his solicitor
being aware of the consequence observed there could be no utility in bringing it
forward because he was sure from the Evidence to be cast, therefore by consent
of both parties M^r G. Howe was fined nominal damages, with all costs - * This has
given great unhappiness to the family M^r M. is scarcely the same man he used to
be & gets much impatient M^r Hosking's and Bowden's letter, sent by them to the
Methodist Society, has been returned to the Colony on Manuscript and says
much more against the worthy Clergyman of this Colony than appeared in the
Magazine, which came to hand before the death of Mr Shelly; and am sorry
to say, palpable falsehoods, and others of the kind are daily making their appearance

The beginning is, but the end is not known - There appears to be nothing but malig
nity presiding in all the inhabitants of this Colony-
Our family has not escaped the malicious tongue of man- Several unpleasant
circumstances have taken place - Our worthy friend Mr [Lawe?] has been exerting all
his Power and influence with the Governor to injure Father in his esteem, even at
the expense of truth. W Hayes has used all his insinuating Powers with M^rs
[indecipherable] in London, and M^r King who has arrived in the Colony - He at first seemed
to think much of what had been said, but to appearance he is much more
reconciled than at first - He is just on the eve of leaving the Port on a
voyage of discovery around the Island of New Holland - We have also
met with many other trying circumstances, but so long, as our enemies do but attend
to truth, they may use their endeavours to injure us, but shall not prevail, for I hope
the Lord will at all times influences our minds to do that which is fast in his
Sight - True it is that life is a broad and thorny Mazze, beset with snares
and traps on every side , but there is an alone who is able to direct our cause
and bring us through if we rely upon him -

I had much more to commiunicate but time will not permit, therefore
must conclude by requesting you to give my Christian love to all our
Friends in old England- All our family, with M^r Marsden's, and
numerous friends, too tedious to mention, join in love with me - Adieu my
dear Thomas - May the upholding, & preventing Grace of God, through Jesus
Christ our Lord, establish you in truth, keep you from falling, and
perfect you in every good work to the Glory of his holy Name, is and
shall be, the prayer of your truly affectionate Brother

S: O: Hassall

Parramatta 9^th Dec: 1847

To M^r Thos Hassall

from Bro Samuel Recd 16/7-18

* not Mr [How's?] escaping a severe fire as the Phrase [indecipherable], but the persecution raised against M^r M by the most powerful in the Colony