14 March 1876 Glenorchy My dear Donald I hope you have been quite well since you left here and that you have not had much worry altho I see by the papers that the natives to the north are not very quite just now. I have had two very strange dreams a few nights ago about you and the natives. I saw you among the King natives dressed very fine and looking very noble and I could see happy but very black on one side your face but when you turned it towards me I thought it almost shined and then you vanished out of sight for a time and came back again with what I thought a roll of perchment in your hand and was going to show it me but some one came forward at the time in a great state of excitement. I think a white man, an officer, and got the roll of perchment from you but returned it again but you then did not appear pleased. Depend upon it there is something very good in this dream or otherwise some trouble. The getting the roll back looks good. I always find when I dream of you well dressed and looking cheerful it has hitherto turned out good for you but what it is onley a dream. Condie was here on Sunday and said he would be ready to go away on the Friday. I certainly will miss him being so long acquainted with each other but I have no doubt but Archy will do his utmost to forward the interest of the place, but I hope we will have more of yourself when the new house is finished. I know very well whatever ministry New Zealand may have they cannot well do without you but I think on the whole it is almost time for you to have others try their hand. You have made your mark and it is hard to be always in harness, altho I am convinced you could not do well without it or traveling on behalf of the coloney in some way for its benefit, a trip through the States and home to see the many wonders there and at home things you cannot form any idea of. The new house is getting on well and I will be glad when Annabella will come so as to see her. The house will be very well finished indeed, the work is first rate. We are having very hot and close weather for this month making up for the rain and bad weather when you were here. I would like to here if anything comes out of my dream. Pray let me know. I will write before long again. Your ever attached brother Archibald John McLean