10 August 1867 Napier My dear brother The letter I had written to send to you to inform you of the sad calamity which has befallen us was mislaid when the mail left but you are doubtless awair of all the circumstances regarding this as my wife's letter to Catherine would inform you of all the particulars. This misfortune has been a sad sad blow to my hopes to see my wife's hard labour & my own and the gatherings of years completeley destroyed. I may say everything is gone, furnature, clothing, harness, saddles, oats, bacon, the dairy & all it contained, all the shed & whare & all my stores. All all is gone and I must just commence the world anew which at my time of life will I fear be rather an uphill job. I feel this calamity more on my dear wife's account than my own as it will suject her to hardship. She is illfitted to endure in the delicate state of her health at preasant. I hope you will write on receipt of this and gave me your opinion what you think best for me to do in my preasant trying circumstances. I have put up a sort of shelter that I can come and go to and look after the place. I cannot say any more till me meet again. And always remain your affectionate brother Archibald John McLean