Ahuriri April 14 1851 My dear Susan Papa will perhaps tell you that my work here is rapidly progressing and the chances are that before many weeks I shall have an opportunity of judging whether or not the reports I hear of your not looking so well as usual are true, or mere fabrications to fill up empty corners of letter paper. I imagine the latter is most probably the case as you ought to look well when you have plenty of wholesome exercise. No one to interfere with your precious time or cause you to make mistakes either in collar making, sewing, housekeeping, gardening, early rising!! reading, visiting, or your various other amusements including a fair share of gossip as to the contemplated marriages etc at Wellington. I am glad to hear that Miss Redish is to be married. You seem to think a great deal of your bridesmaid qualifications therefore do not make any mistakes or you shall hear of them. I shall expect to hear more from you respecting McCauley's history than your opinion that he thinks too highly of Oliver Cromwell. The third volume is probably not out yet as he was to spend some time collecting information for it in Ireland. It will no doubt be most interesting. I like the vols you have read very much. The writing is so expressive and free. It reminds of Walter Scott's prose style very much. I expect Park every minute with about 1 or 200 natives so that you must again be contented with a few lines as I shall have no chance to write when he and his party come. Moreover we both ride off to the interior after dinner. We have had splendid weather for our work and I am glad to say that the roughest of it is now completed at least for this season although there are some difficult points yet to settle. Remember me kindly to Mamma and believe me to remain Yours sincerely Donald McLean You need not write me to Ahuriri by return Rose as I shall be on my overland journey to Wellington or Rangitikei.