Whanganui 12 August 1850 My dear Susan After returning from my river excursion I was delighted at having a letter from Papa and you, especially as Mrs Kelham deprived me of one by the previous mail. The morning after I returned from Rangitikei from which place I wrote you two letters although you only acknowledged one, I started up the river in a fine large canoe with a crew of 16 men besides Mr Park and some chiefs. Two days and a half brought us to Pukehika where there was a large feast with 1500 natives assembled. Our share amounted to a ton of kumeras besides pigs, potatoes, birds preserved in their own fat, and a variety of other produce, so that independent of our own ample supplies we could not starve under these favourable circumstances. There was no occasion for my considerate young girl to indulge in such foolish apprehension of danger. I send you a rough sketch of canoeing by which you will see how comfortably I am sitting in the stern of the middle canoe with Capt Campbell facing me wearing wearing his broad Kilmarnock, and Mr Park taking his observations in the last canoe as quietly as if he was sitting in a drawing room, in fact during fine weather these excursions are so agreeable that the most delicate ladies would enjoy them. Take care of the sketch for me like a good girl as I intend to have it properly finished and copied. I am very much vexed at Mamma's annoyance owing to the unfortunate matter of her cousin (of whom she was so fond) has made. No doubt she would be an excellent companion for Mamma in New Zealand as it would drive all ideas of her going home from her head but don't you think it would be a very melancholy thing if her coming out here should cause a separation from her husband as they may yet, unless he is a most vicious abandoned character, be reconciled. It is 2 am, a late hour to be writing in a clergyman's house. I came over here to spend a few days before I leave for Rangitikei when the bell rings at 7 in the morning to rouse us up for prayers and breakfast which are over by 8. I always think of you conjecturing whether you are continuing your excellent resolution of early rising which I confess I find some difficulty in accomplishing unless I go early to bed. In a few days I expect to hear of you from Mr McDonell who recently dined with you at Dalmuir. I intended fully to have written to Mamma by this opportunity. Will you apologise and give her my kindest regards. Tell her that I feel very sorry for the the misfortune that has attended her cousin. When am I to be favoured with a knowledge of the books with which you amuse yourself? I wish I had the opportunity to read that you have as you seem from the severity of the weather which is rather broken here also at present to confine yourself pretty much to the house. Really puss I must ask you to forgive a short letter tonight as I have only finished some despatches and a long letter to Dr M'Leod of Glasgow, portions of which he may probably publish when he receives it. I feel the want of a clerk very much. Good night or rather morning and believe me to always to remain My dear Douglas Yours affectionately Donald McLean