23 October 1867 Doonside My dear Donald I feel very disconsolate not having made up my mind what is best to do about building again. The place looks very well but will require a great deal of money to make it pay or keep me out of debt and that is what I cannot stand. I hope you will soon come up. Having lost my horse from the Big Bush house and had to go after my saddle I went away without seeing you. I was trying to sell my pigs and other things before going to Akitio. If I do go if I could be of any use their. I cannot do without some active employment and employment that would pay me. I have nearly worked myself out now striving to make a living and it has gone against me at preasant but I hope to be in better spirits before long. Whenever I have got some advice with you when you are not so busy as I require some condolence at preasant. When I left your house I fully intended to come back again had I suceeded in what I was doing. Always your affectionate brother Archibald John McLean