13 December 1867 Doonside My dear Donald I was glade to hear that you were at the station as I know you will find everything going on well there. I would have liked to have seen you but as I have a carpenter up here with me finishing Mr Walker's half done work I could not well get down to see you and as I could not be of any material service to you down there I thought it was better to keep at work as I had an idair you might be up this way. I find Mr M Walker fonder of talking about other people's affairs and not the truth than doing a proper days work so I sent him about his busness. What do you think of the arrangements the man that is to ..s the locks has done. He has got a good flow of water. I hear it is the report that you are on of the party that is to escort the Prince through the country. I hope it may be true as it will have the tendency to do you some good and what you deserve at all events. It would do Douglas good. I hope Annabella is quite well. Always your attached brother Archibald John McLean Williams tells me that Holmes is to be here soon by this steamer and they are going to try to do something about him