File 1: Rowland Hassall papers, 1797-1810

Hassall family papers, 1793-2000

Papers of Rowland Hassall, being mainly manuscript letters received and including some copies of letters sent.

Papers include:

Letters received (9) from the London Missionary Society, 1797-1810, signatories include Joseph Hardcastle, Thomas Haweis, John Eyre, George Burder and Matthew Wilks. The letters reflect the object of the Society, 'to spread the knowledge of Christ among heathen and other unenlightened nations'. When Rowland Hassall and a group of missionaries fled Tahiti for Port Jackson in 1798 the Society despatched a letter, September 1799, reflecting their shock and disappointment. After their initial disapproval the Society encouraged the missionaries to preach to the convicts and colonists and to attempt to convert the 'heathens'. The correspondence reflects Rowland Hassall's relationship with the Society. He remained loyal to the Society and provided hospitality and support for missionaries passing through Port Jackson. There are copies of letters sent (3) by Rowland Hassall to the Society reporting on his activities, 1808-1810.

Letters received from missionaries, 1801-1810, including William Smith, John Davies, William Henry, William Shelley, Henry Bicknell, and Henry Nott. There are also letters received from William Carey and other missionaries of the Society based at Serampore [West Bengal, India]. Rowland Hassall retained contact with the missionaries in Tahiti and supplied them with goods from his store at Parramatta. The mission station at Serampore sent news of their work when ships came through India on their way to Port Jackson.

Letters received from family and friends in England, 1800-1804. Correspondents include Reverend George Burder (4) who sent news of the local parish, West Congregational Church, Coventry, and of his family. Burder was also a signatory to some of the London Missionary Society letters after his move to London in 1803 and appointment as Secretary of the Society. There are also letters sent by family members and friends in England giving family and local news.

Letters received from Samuel and Elizabeth Marsden, 1806-1810, mainly written when Samuel Marsden was in England. Rowland Hassall acted as agent, and managed Marsden's interests while the Marsdens were in England. Samuel Marsden's letters (8) discuss the management of his affairs and his efforts to recruit chaplains for the colony. Elizabeth Marsden's letters (2) contain Marsden family news.

File 1: Rowland Hassall papers, 1797-1810

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