Whanganui 5 Octr 1850 My dear Susan A short letter is better than none especially when I am writing to a sensible young lady that approves of my finishing my duties before I go to Wellington so as to have more spare time when I get there. I am glad you enjoyed the late dance so much. Miss Lewis no doubt looked very amiable and pleasing. You need not be in any way jealous of my attentions. What a strange coincidence our being both similarly engaged that lovely Tuesday morning. This is one of my busy packing days. The men are now waiting for orders to start and they would not bless you did they know the cause of detention, however you must have compassion on them as they have a journey before them and allow me my dear Douglas to bid you good bye! Did I write you a cross letter last week. I was in a rather a bad temper about something when writing? Be a good girl. Give up your lazy habits, they will not add to your health & happiness. So my pussy you must fully resolve to abandon them. Above all things adopt some uniform system or plan to regulate your proceedings otherwise you will always be pushed for time. I guess you have not done much in the reading way lately and I cannot conceive why, if you assisted Mamma during the day, you should not be able to sleep till 1 or 2 in the morning. Exercise will cure all this indisposition but I fear Papa & Mamma indulge you rather too much my lady so I must look after you a little strict myself. Good bye again puss & believe me to remain yours Donald McLean If you can read this letter I can feel satisfied that your eyesight is not impaired. What progress have you made with Rankins, Popes & Rollin?