10 November 1867 Maraekakaho My dear Donald We got home that night about 8pm. We called at the Meanee to see and get Alexr home with us but he declined coming but said Mr Fitzgerald and him would be after us that night and home before us. He has not come as yet and I feel very anxious about him as he is very much wanted here at drafting. I was down next morning early and found things doing pretty well but found it was high time some one belonging to the place went there as it made people see we were not all asleep. Fitz has a man here waiting for him since I came up and I cannot understand what is keeping him. I hope he is not detaining Alex. I would like to see you for about one hour or less to confer regarding washing as it will require two or three days to put the wash pool in order and if Alexr is not home tonight I intend running down tommorrow and seeing you to explain matters. There is nearly 7000 lambs docked and the suposition is there will be about 8000. They look well. They will be mustering the rest on Monday and if all is well finish the docking next day. It is a good thing Duncan Liveston was here as he did all in his power to manage matters very well and Twigg worked very well. If he only [k]new how to understand matters regarding sheep as well as his account keeping it would be an advantage but that he has to learn but he does his best. I hope Alex will behave himself tonight. Yours always Archibald John McLean