10 January 1864 Maraekakaho My dear Donald I received your by the young man but he does not understand about any wool but Lecester and will be of very little use here, mearly to do any other work. He tells me that Tanner has engaged him for 12 months. He told us you wanted him to stay for a fortnight here so we can keep him employed. They were gathering the ewes and drafting since Saturday and the natives went home and will be here tonight to commence in the morning to the ewes, weather permitting which has every appearance of doing and if so we will get on well. I was glade that Annabella arrived safe and in good health as it leaves us all here. Alex has got everything in good training and paying every attention thanks be to God. I hope he may now do well. He never payed so much attention to his duty as he has at this time. I inclose the dray note for Kinross so that you may see it and forward it to him. W on the bales is for wethers and H H half breed hoggets. I put that on them to distinguish them so they are all well ordered. G is for grease. I had a lot of artichokes ready to send you and some colifours but could not get up for them in time for the dray. I hope Douglas will improve in his new class. Another year ought to make him ready for a higher school. I will have to go down after shearing is over. I supose you cannot come up for some time now. Capt Carter stayed a night with me on his way in land. Your affectionate brother Archibald John McLean