1 May 1852 Liverpool US packet ship '[H]uguenot' My dear brother I was delighted to have a persual of your letter to Uncle and glade to find you are pleased in your partner. I trust you may continue so. As to myself I never will get married as misfortune has placed me at present quite opposed to such a step. I wrote you from New York but I see by your letter that you cannot comply so never mind. I am doing very well at preasant and trust yet to make enough to take me down with you and soon strive to purchase land. I know was I down there I would do well. I have great pleasure to find you have commenced to mind your worthy sisters less or more as I am placed in a way I cannot do as before. It relieves me greatly but there is one thing I would wish you to do is to when you do send let each know what she has to have and write themselves as well as Uncle. You cannot conceive what fine girls they are, well worthy of your nottice and I am pleased your blood still holds in the true veins of the McLeans. Write if you ever hear of Alexander. John is master of the brig Annie of Port Louis doing well. Please let me know how much you sent Uncle as all your sister got was £5 which I used but paid them back. Flora Ann poor dear is here with me at preasant and sends her love to you and yours. She desires me to tell you to write to her care of Hugh R Hugh Esquire, Garth View, Bangor, N Wales. Also address my letters to her care as she is my nearest sister and greatest favourite. Altho they are all amiable she possesses more of her mother's ways. Catherine if due out in New Zealand would make a good match I am certain. She would not trouble you long. May God guide you and yours is the earnest wish of your affectionate brother Archibald John McLean