To Captain Brown

Ship "Merchantman."
1st September, 1855.

Dear Sir,

As we are now by the aid of Divine Providence approaching the termination of our voyage, and soon, we trust, to bid adieu to the dangers of the deep through which you have hitherto safely guided us; we the undersigned think it a duty incumbent on us, before our separation, perhaps, for ever, to express the high estimation in which you are held by us, whether we regard your professional qualifications, or your personal character and disposition.

Throughout the lengthened period, during which you have had command of this vessel, along with your excellent first and second officers, Messrs. Patterson and Funnell, shown an anxiety to faithfully discharge your trust, and displayed all the qualities of an able and skilful seaman.

Nor have we forgotten your considerate regard for the recreation and mental improvement of those under your care, when you instituted a course of lectures, some of which were delivered by yourself, and that at a period, when your time was almost wholly occupied in the discharge of your professional duties.

In your intercourse with all around you, you have uniformly exhibited great urbanity of temper, and kindliness of disposition.

We therefore, Sir, in conclusion, unhesitatingly declare, that, go where you may on your leaving us, or whithersoever your pursuits may afterwards lead you, you will carry with you our sincerest and most heartfelt wishes for your future happiness and prosperity.

We remain yours, &c.,

Mr. & Mrs. Morris	Mr. & Mrs Leathwick
Mr, & Mrs. Denize	Harkness Hamilton
Mr. & Mrs. Vickery	Charles Hamilton
Mr. & Mrs Knox	Clara Wiffen
Mr. & Mrs. Bischoff	W H. Smith
Mr. & Mrs. Hampshire	Robert Coup
Geo. Hewett	Emily Booth
Mr. & Mrs. Coup	Elizabeth Smith
Mr. & Mrs. Lavery	F. Smith
Mr. & Mrs. Hills	W. H Saunders
Mrs. McGregor	T. Vaughan.

Source: Papers Past Daily Southern Cross. 7 September 1855, Page 3

Arrival New Zealand

The ship Merchantman, 1,600 tons, left Gravesend for Auckland on the 21st of May, with 150 passengers, and was to call at Plymouth for Colonel Gore Browne, the new Governor of this colony. The Merchantman is also bound to Canterbury, and is said to be the largest merchant ship which ever visited this colony. The Egmont, one of Messrs. Willis's vessels, also sailed for Auckland about the 25th of May. These were the only two vessels which sailed for New Zealand during the month.

Source: Papers Past The Nelson Examiner. 15 September, 1855, Page 3.

MERCHANTMAN

1018 ton ship
Built in 18-- by for
London to Lyttelton & Auckland (6 Sep 1855)
Under Captain Brown

Passengers include:

BISCHOFF	Mr & Mrs C.F.
BROWNE	Colonel Gore
BROWNE	Miss
BROWNE	Mrs

Source: The New Zealander, 8 Sep 1855