Wellington January 23rd/61 My dear brother I know that you will be glad to hear that Catherine & myself arrived here in safty on the 14th inst after a very pleasant and prosperious voyage of 15 weeks. We had a very nice party in the cuddie and amongst the rest was Mrs Johnstone and family with whom we got very friendly. I suppose that you had letters from home by the last mail telling you all about my leaving and I am very glad indeed that I have done so for I have not felt so strong for years as I do at the present time. The voyage has done me a great deal of good. Poor Catherine was ill the whole way, and it was well for her that I was with her. Good kind Mr Strang is exceedingly kind to us and very unwilling to part with us but the steamer goes to Napier on Monday & C is anxious to get to her "good man" as soon as possible & more than that we are very unwilling to put him to the expence of coming here as this is a busy season at the station. My dear Annabella gave me up without a grudge as she hoped it was for my good but I shall never feel happy untill I get her out. Capt McDonald kindly paid my passage for me & greatly recommended recommended me to come. A number of yr friends has called upon us & we have been asked out a good deal. I think that Mr Strang seems very pleased with us both & as for Cath she could grace the Queen of England's drawing room. I have had such glowing accounts of my darling little nephew, not only from his grandpapa but from all who knows him that I feel quite longing to see him & I hope that I shall have the pleasure very soon of seeing you "both" at the station. Mr Strang says that it is yr intention to go there soon as you can get away. I am thankful to hear that John is so prosperous & no doubt you know that he has got a young daughter. Mr Strang speaks highly of his wife & I hope ere long to see them. I paid a visit of 2 days to Flora Ann on my way to London. I left her well in health but very much cut up at my departure. She has too pretty children. Mr Strang has just sent up for my letter so I must refuse all news till we meet which I hope in the good providence of God shall not be long. Give my dear little boy my love & a kiss from his reial Aunt all the way from Scotland. Catherine joins me in love to you & in haste I am ever yr attached sister Catherine McLean P.S. Mrs Fraser desires me to tell you that Mr Strang has got quite young again since we came & that she thinks all the widdows are to be laid aside. I am well acquainted with his old flame Mrs Gordon in Edinburgh. Write me soon Catherine