Stobs Castle, Hawick July 10th 1859 My dear Brother I hope that you have got my letter of last month to say that I received yr kind letters andbills for forty pounds quite safe, but in the event of its not reaching you I think it adviseable to acknowledge the receipt of the money by this mail also I feel my dear Donald that words are wanting to express my feelings of gratitude for yr kind consideration and may the Lord himself reward & bless you is my fondest prayer. Lady Boswell came home here a week ago and then I left. Annabella quite well and very busy preparing for the vacation. She is indeed most anxious to get on & makes the most of everything. She promised me to write you herself by this mail and tell you of her progress. Poor girl she is so grateful both to you and myself for doing so much for her. I do think that another year will make her very accomplished. That is to say she will be able to make a very good appearance. Flora, her dear little girl and husband are all well. Anna is going to visit them during the hollidays. 2ndI feel very much greived that dear Archy is not sending for his wife. I know that the want of her must be an unspeakable loss to him and the sooner that he gets her out the better. She says that nothing will tempt her to go ... but that must just depend upon circumstances I still cling to hope that in God's good providence I have yet be with my beloved sisters in the far off land but I fondly hope before that time arrives to see "you" my dear D in your native land. I am so glad to hear that my darling little nephew is at school and so well looked after. Give him my love dear child and may God bless him. I hope that John is getting on well with his business. Let me know when you write me for he seems to have forgot that his sisters are in existance. Before I left Edinr Anna & I got our likenesses taken with the intention of sending them to you & I think that I will send them off by this mail. When you look at the picture you just see us for they are considered very like only that the figures are too large". As Anna is writing I need not say any more at this time but God willing shall soon write you again. All our friends are well. Give my love to my dear brothers when you write to or see them. And my dear dear Donald with much affection to yourself. I am every yr attached sister Catherine McLean Write me soon