My dear Brother William,
Exactly 43 years since I left Windham. (Letter dated March 2 - 14 1865) The accepted spelling is Wymondham - but is pronounced as Clarke wrote it. It is a small town in Norfolk, England, and is also the former home of the Kemp family of Kerikeri.
George my first born, is a minister and one of the best preachers I have ever heard. Four years since he visited New Zealand. Pious, clever and liberal towards all churches. Married the daughter of dear Martha’s attached friend, Mrs Hopkins, who has six children. (Mr and Mrs Hopkins were very prominent in business and church life in Hobart, Tasmania) Samuel, much like our dear father is a farmer and has four children. Henry is a 3rd Civil Commisioner, capable of filling any colonial appointment, married with no children. William, 3 children, mechanics preferred to farming. Hopkins, my sixth son, married two children. Holds a position of subordinate nature in government. Edward C. of E. Clergyman. Engaged in missionary work under my friend Bishop Williams. A first rate Maori scolar. Marsden. My secretary, superior intellectual powers. John, youngest son, with Marsden farms the homestead. Mary eldest daughter, not married; has been engaged some years to a gentleman of her years in Tasmania. She is studious, intelligent and capable of writing on any subject she chooses to study. I am not quiet sure that she will not write the history of New Zealand. She has long been collecting materials for it. Jane, rather domesticated, splendid house wife; and great assistant to her mother. Martha 3rd She is amongst her sisters, as Marsden is amongst his brothers; very dignified in her deportment, yet affectionately kind to all who come into contact with her. She was so unfortunate as to get a fall from her horse about three years ago which dislocated her shoulder, and not having a medical man at hand it was never put right. Poor girl, she will be bound for life to a certain extent for though she can use her arm yet is not able to raise it to her head.. Sarah, delicate fragile creature, afraid one time we would have lost her but for some months has greatly improved. Deportment of an educated lady brought up in civilized country rather than that of N.Z. had the advantage of a Tasmanian education. Henrietta, the youngest now, in her twentieth year, clever, studying as though her existence depended on great attainments, she will be an ornament to society. I read with her almost every day. She spends a good deal of time in my study. And now my dear Brother to complete the family narrative we have buried two sweat infants and know how to sympathize with bereaved parents and we do not forget you and your sorrows on the loss of some of your dear children.