29 July 50 Rangitikei My dear Susan Have just finished a letter to Papa. Had a fireside chat with my Highland friends who are all gone to bed while I have the satisfaction of sitting up to write to a young lady who hints that I may in future wear silk handkerchiefs without being hemmed and who considers it a most serious crime to be accused of procrastination while the very collar on which the accusation is founded is not more than half finished now. If there is any chance that I may have the pleasure of taking the collar to its intended owner of course I shall be instructed to make certain apologies for the delays in furnishing this exquisite and elaborate piece of workmanship finished by the hands of the most industrious punctual early rising attentive young lady that I have ever had the good fortune of knowing but setting all joking aside I can assure you that your punctual correspondence by every mail has given me the greatest satisfaction. The reason of my having missed one mail would have been explained in the letter acknowledged by your postscript of Saturday night, moreover it frequently happens as you are aware that I may be stationed many miles off when the mail arrives and departs. So you say that the grand Wellington parties and balls are knocked in the head for the present much to the disappointment no doubt of many yourself excepted who wishes to display their handsome features and figures on such eventful occasions but I cannot agree with you in altogether abandoning these amusements although you are perfectly might in observing that private parties are much more homely and pleasant for instance Mr Hervey's party at your own house as described by your mother must in the enjoyment it afforded have surpassed those which I have attended in Wellington good as they were. I left Wanganui at 1pm today and intend going back again Wednesday thence I go up the river 100 miles in a canoe. I have not yet decided where to go after my return. If it were practicable I should like to visit Wellington within the time I mentioned if no contingency arises to prevent my doing so. I am glad you got a fine day to take your mother to Mrs Kirkton's and Kelham's. It must have done her a deal of good. Can you not manage to go out with her more frequently. Certainly the weather from what you state must me much against although strange to say I have been out during the greater part of last week and did not feel any inconvenience or impediment to my operations from the weather which was on the whole very fine with an occasional Scotch mist. You cannot conceive how delightful it is to receive letters in the sweet solitary bush. Do not therefore punish my occasional neglect my not writing frequently as I peruse your letters with increasing interest. I could keep writing to you for hours but I am certain you will be indulgent in your ex...tions after a long ride and with kindest remembrances to Mamma believe me to remain Ever sincerely yours Donald McLean I may have a chance of adding more before the mail leaves. Goodnight but I need not wish you that as you are sound asleep hours ago. [Note on transcription: Mrs Kirkton was the wife of Rev William Kirton, 1806?-1871, minister of St-Andrews.]