7 July 1874 Glenorchy My dear Donald As I hope before this gets to Wellington to hear of your safe arrival there in good health and spirits after your trip. I am convinced it will do you a great deal of good after so many years of hard studdy and labour in and out of office. I would like very much to see you but I must forgo that satisfaction till after the Assembly is over when I hope you will come and spend sometime here. I have many things to tell you when we meet but will not mention them at preasant. I have reason to believe that there will be some opposition this session but they cannot do anything as far as I hear and can see through the press etc it will bea piety if Ormond does not keep his place here. I do not know anyone here fit to fill his place any way equal to himself. Rhoads might blunder away pritty well but never equal to Ormond. He is so well versed in the busness of his office. Like yourself it is his hobby. We have had a very severe cold and rainy winter, what is passed of it. The worst weather we have had for the last 13 years to my revlestion [reflection] but not withstanding stock here is looking pritty well. The dividing fence which is as for as this place has been a great boon to the weaners. They are double the sheep they were this time last year. I had a very severe attack of illness that nearly carryed me of. There had been a gathering in my bre[a]st for some time round an old wound in my bre[a]st which burst and I thought at first it was a blood vessel, but thank God, altho it has left me very low and weary for a time, I hope to be better than I have been for some time after it heals up. But I can assure you it was very near departure from this world of cares and trouble. I was for three days of last month quite resigned to my fate. All that trouble me was not having any of you near me at the time, not even Douglas. Young Archy McLean and Condie were very attentive and so was Smith. I am sorry to hear that Kate is not at all well. I hope the warm weather will recruit her. I hear Douglas is very attentive to his busness. I hope and trust he will soon be master of it so that he may come here as the name is sadly wanted in this place more than you can imagine. However when we meet Your affectionate brother Archibald John McLean PS. After writing this I find I used two sheet but as the mail is starting I will not alter it. Gave my best regards to Annabella and Douglas and I hope you will find the household all well on your return and things to your satisfaction. I was pleased with your letter from Sidney. The alfhafa is coming up a little. I hope you were succesful in all your undertakings while away. I hope the mares have arrived safe. I believe they will be a good speck. Heavey horses have gone very high here from £50 up to 68 & 70. Yours ever Archibald John McLean