6 [Oct] 1873 Napier My dear Donald I came down today with Catherine to see poor Alick having got word yesterday that he might go off at any moment, but I am happy to say that we found him better than we expected and to all appearance rallying but I much fear he never will recover. He does not wander today as much as he had done last week so Blythe and those that saw him say. I do not think that the Dr can do him any more good in fact in the meantime the Drs are doing nothing for him. They say that a blood vessel as burst and discharged blood to the brain and that there is no way of getting at it but letting nature take its course. My own oppinion is that if he can be removed at all in a week or so to the cottage that he change might do more good than anything the Dr can do. I fear he never will again have the use of his left side. He has expressed a longing wish to see his sister Kate. Poor fellow he was pleased to see us today and told me to write and say he was better. People have been very attentive and kind to him and Condie & young Archy have been exceedingly kind and attentive and must say Blythe has been remarkably considerate and attentive to him. I am sorry to see her tellegram that Mr Hart is not well and that Kate is not coming per 'Luna' but I hope you will come. My Kate will stay with him till she sees a change so as to see to his wants. It is to me very painful to see him but God's will be done. Tell dear Douglas I got his letter and that he must have heard from me before this comes to hand. All is well at the station and the busy time near at hand. I am glade you got through your work so well this year and that it is over for a time. We will all miss poor Allick from among us. It is onley now one sees the blank. To me it is very cold indeed to go to the cottage and find him not there or likely ever to be there. If you do not come yourself do let Douglas come for a few days. The dear boy would cheer us all up. Yours affectionately Archibald John McLean