[first page/s missing] [Written between 1864-1873] you might find him a short government appointment to go to Melbourne that would cover his expences and by that means I believe he would be able to find out all that would be wanting to get possession of this section & house that he says now must be very valuable as it is in the heart of the town of Prarahan. He says it may by this time be worth some thousands. At all events from 2 to 3 thousand so that is worth looking after. You will have heard that we have found out all about the two sections at Napier bought and paid for at Munn's sale and Kate told McLean to take possession of them at once as she got Kinross to look them up in the old books of Stewart & Kinross. I told her how to go about it when she went down a week ago for I was always under the impression they were bought at Munn's sale. Beside Alick told Blythe so so there is no trouble in the matter now. I may let them any time a good offer turns up. You must understand that McDonald does not in any way want any favour of you or any member of the government but this is my own idair of going there. Cheap way of colecting information and gaving the government a chance of the services of a good man for a short time if wanted. If not it is likely he may go on his own account and do us the favour of finding out all he can for he is a man that would not be under any obligation to anyone. I will not say anthing about the fearful burning over the run as I leave it till we meet. It has cost me a great deal of anxiety, more than I can express. I dare say you have had many version of it. It has distroyed, I may safely say, half the feed. I said all I could about setting fires with such dreadful dry and windy weather well knowing the result. I cannot say no more. Old Campbell is sending you all the fruit he can. They all have a down on the poor old fellow because he trys to send you any thing. I told him never to mind to go on and do his part and take no nottice. He is getting honey for you just now as I hinted to him any thing from the station was always worth more than from anywhere ealse in Mr McLean's estimation. I now must end trusting to see you before long as I sometimes get very low spirits I always like to see and here often from all of. I trust dear Douglas is keeping his health. I must tell you he is the apple of my eye in this world. Your ever affectionate brother Archibald John McLean The room is ready for Annabella anytime you like to let her come.