Wellington 15th. Sept. 1851. My dear Maclean, I received your wedding cards a few days ago. I most heartily congratulate you on your recently acquired happiness; and that you may enjoy a long life, and a happy one, is my most sincere wish; or, as they say in the Old Country, - "May you hae thumping luck wi fat wee anes." It is now beyond a doubt that the "Maid of Isley" is not in foal. I am very vexed about this, after all the expense that has been incurred with her. I hardly know what to advise you to do with her. She is not fit for a hack, as she cuts very badly with her hind feet. I think the best thing that can be done with her is to put her to Rubens this season, as he is on the spot; and it can be done without incurring so much expense, - and to do so early, and have the whole season before her to make sure. Her Reddlesworth colt is not going to be so strong as I expected. He will be very much like herself in appearance. I only hope he may prove so in other respects. The sheep are doing very well. They will begin dropping their lambs the end of this month. She dogs have never molested me for more than twelve months. I expect to have a splendid crop of roots this season. By the way, did you see old Abraham of the Wangaehu's when in Wellington the other day, or has he been telling you that Campion is trying to get the Native Reserve between the rivers for a Sheep Run, and I believe is liksly to succeed, too. If I had known that this would have been allowed by the Authorities, I very possibly would have had it myself before now. It is the finest place I know in this country, either for a Cattle or Sheep Run. We had our forest Race Meeting last week. There are two new Races established, - a Produce Cup, and a Stock Horse Race, for the Rangitikei and Wanganui districts; to be called the "Grazers' Purse." The horses that run must have been regularly ridden after Stock, for at least twelve months before the day of entry. Sutherland is going to run his colt in the Produce Race. I am breaking him in now. He promises to be a fine, strong, valuable horse, but quite out of his element for the turf. Sutherland doesn't back him to be first, but he takes the "long odds" that he won't be last. It Is wonderful to see so strong a horse come from so small a mare, What a thousand pities you ever parted with her! I would sooner have a foal from her by a good horse, than from the "Maid of Islay". The poor thing was sold the other day for £10 - deal lame. We have had awful wet weather here this season; which has thrown our Spring very far back. The old Duke and all the clan are quite well. Nothing troubles the old man, now that he is fairly settled in Waitoa; but his old enemy, the rheunatism, and the want of some other old fogie to play picquet with. He desires to be remembered to you, and expecting to hear from you soon. I am My dear MacLean Yours faithfully (Signed) Jn. Cameron. P.S. Don't let it be known I said anything to you about Campion's business. They may think I did so from sinister motives. W.J. To:- Donald MacLean Esq.