24 September 1857 Port Napier My dear brother I have received your letter per Erin and are happy to hear you are in good health since we parted. Thank God I am as well as ever you saw me at present. I have been hard at work since you left getting your sheep home to your run. I have Captain Carter's sheep on the run and about halfe of them has lambs since. I have sold your cattle for five pounds five and bought sheep for the money and they are on the station and lambing fast. I have 500 sheep on the station since you left hear and all young sheep at the lambing. You shall have a hearty crop of lambs this year about 1300. The horses has arrived safely and allso the cattle from Wanganui. Your run is a large one about twenty thousand acres the best run in the district. Mr Cooper and me has managed that for you. I am going to buy 300 acres of your place tomorow as there are a great many sharks going about at present. I am going to act according to my own judgement as regards the purchase of the run and I am satisfied you shall be pleased at what I do. I have made some good bargains in horse flesh since. I as I am not a good hand at the pen I shall not trouble you till such times as I se you. In hopes to se you soon or hear from you. Your ever affectionate brother Alex McLean As I am in a hurry you must excuse the scroll but I am glad to tell you all is doing well. Alex McLean PS If you can buy cheap flour in Auckland send me a ton as I am afraid I can not get the wheat if I don't go and thrash it. Wheat hear is 12 per bushell. In haste. A McLean