Maraekakaho Jany 26th 1862 My dear Donald I quite expect to see you up by the steamer but in the event of yr not coming I sent you this as I knew that you will be anxious to hear from us. I got yr letter and also a kind letter from Mr Strang. Tell him that we are very much surprised to know that he did not get the box which we sent him. The dray man says that he gave it to Janisch who promised to see it off by the steamer & it is so provoking that it should have got lost. Poor Mrs Fergusson died the Saturday after you left. It came very sudden in the end. A very solomn warming be you always ready. We are all getting on as usual. Archy busy with many little things upon which I can heardly [crossed out] hardly put a name. Alexander has been but very little at home of late but I think that the plains are so far settled now. You will be glad and I am sure I am but too thankful to tell you that he is keeping quite sober and has promised me that he shall never again drink as he has been doing lately and may God grant that he will keep to his resolution but he has been at the port twice since and came home quite sober. Dear little Douglas will enjoy being with his grandpapa. I quite long to have him here. Alexander and I are going to keep him alltogether. We often talk of him. I have no news to send you and with love to Mr Strang, Douglas and yourself. I am my dear Donald your affectionate sister Catherine