Mon chere frere How unsatisfactory you do write not a word of news beyond what the papers give. I was very glad to get your last as my ever morbid feelings made me imagine you were under some imaginery cloak as I saw you wearing an ill fitting white shirt but I suppose the lack of trousers accounted for it. (I have sent all that were left behind). Douglas wrote me such an amusing letter by last mail. Mr Hart not recovering as fast as one would like from his last attack of gout. He is very low & feeble. The water is now laid on and what a convenience - but these improvements are all being done with such a sinking of heart not knowing but when all is completed an exodus to a cannibal island will be the issue of it all, but time discloses all state secrets however diplomatic they may be. Yours in haste Annabella McLean Dec 1st 74