26 August 1868 Glenorchy My dear Donald I was glade to receive your letter at the time that my leg was gaving me great trouble as it cheered me up. I am happy to state that I came home yesterday in the cart but cannot put my foot under me as yet but I trust in a few more weeks to be able to walk without the assistance of cruches. I was very sorry at the distressed state of affairs in the colony owing to the native prisoners. It is a pity they ever followed them up so unprepaired for such desparatoes. I am certain it will gave you a great deal of anxiety and trouble but I hope as there is so many gold diggers in the north if they will make much further resistance that by the government promising volunteers grants of lands from what they will or may concour from the natives you may depend the government will get plenty to put down the disafected party and if they will only confiscate the lands they take they will soon put down the war. I hope this Governor will shew himself firmer than Sir G.G. but indeed it is very hard to know what is to be done for the best. The weather has been very cold and wett all this month and very hard on stock and grass but I hope we will soon have a change for the better. Mr Condie could not get the oats sowen as yet but if the weather clears up he will in a few days now. He has tried the grass sowing machine but I fear it is not going to be of much use, besides it appears their should have been two handles with it for which it is likely you have paid and they have not come but of course Mr Condie will tell you all about it. He is very anxious to forward things. The diggings are taking a great many people away out of this place but I expect we will soon find some of them coming back. I hear today that Bob and Hugh the bulock driver is made up their mind to go to the diggings. T[w]o very good men but they may not go for all that. Mr Condie [?] got a sheepherd yesterday for the back country at the rate of £50 a year so that the wage is not gone up any as yet and is a very good lad. He was here before and with the Masons for 2 years. The McLean lad I have will turn out a good lad I think, so will his brother. He is very usfull to me now. I hope you hear good accounts of poor Alexr and that he may change his ways and do better. Remember me to Annabella, Catherine & Mr Strang when you see them. Hoping to see back soon. Always your attached brother Archibald John McLean PS. I sent some blue gum seeds and a note to big John McLean and I hope he has got them as I do not like to promise a thing and not do it. Please inquire.