Wells Denholm Hawick Roxburghshire July 2nd/55 My dear Donald You will I am sure be sorry to hear that our dear good worthy aunt McLean is no more though she had arrived at a good old matured age still her death is a very great loss to us. She was a woman of such good sound clear understanding & always I shall write you again soon. My letter is very ill writen but indeed I am half asleep for it is four am in the night. Give my love to Archy McInnes & kiss my wee pet for me. My dear brother may God bless and keep you. Ever believe me yr attached sister Catherine McLean [bottom of page cut off] P.S. I am sorry to tell you that I still feel the effects of the rheumatic fever which I took at this time 2 years. If possible I shall go for a few weeks to the sea side. Capt McDonald told me that he would be glad to see me at Portobello. Catherine ready to give a good advice indeed few, if any, could come up to her in that. She parted this life on the 24th of April after a short but severe illness (I mean in the end, for she has been long ailing). A fortnight before her death mortification took place. She did not speak of much pain. Mrs Coll Fraser & her sister Miss Campbell wrote me that it was most beautiful to witness the Christian like riseyination with which she bore all sufferings. Her end was most peaceful, calm and resigned. She spoak with much affection of us all, you & I believe myself in particular. She had not much to leave but what she had is left in equal shares to everyone of us and as it is more interesting I will give you her own worlds [crossed out] words: - My 12 silver table spoons I leave as a last token of affection to my dear nephew A J McLean. My watch and 2 salt sellers to my dear nephew Donald McLean, my tea spoons to my dear John McLean and in equal shares to my dear 3 nieces I leave all my rings & broches, beed & table linen. My dear brother how gratifying it must be to you to know that she lived to recive your most generous donation & that she wanted for nothing during her life time, and moreover ample to pay every respect to her remains. It was our dear aunt's wish to be intered at Tyree but from the nature of her complaint it could not be accomplished. Her remains were laid in Bunessan church yard in the same grave with her grandmother. All the most respectable people in the district attended the funeral. The Revd D Campbell minister of Asapool & brother to Mrs Fraser took his place as the nearest relation. Alltogether every respect was paid to our much respected & loved aunt's remains which I am sure you will be glad to hear. I can't express my beloved & good hearted brother how proud I & your other sisters were that it was all due to your generosity. I was staying in Edinburgh with Lady Boswell all winter which was quite a treat as I had the pleasure of seeing Annabella frequently who resides there. She is a smart nice looking girl & so amiable. I do wish that she was out with you. I am sure she would be a very great comfort to you. Ere you receive this you will most likely have got Archy's letter telling you of his marriage to his cousin Catherine Douglas, a very sweet lady looking person she is. He was obliged to set off for New York a short time after their marriage on urgent business. By desire of Catherine's father & mother she went back to Shore Bank till he returns which I hope God willing will be soon & then she goes out with him. Uncle was in Edinburgh attending the General Assembly in May. He is looking remarkably well. Still looking after the young ladies but never coming to a final conclution with them. I am glad to learn that your little boy is such a fine child. Darling pet, what would I not give to see its sweet wee self. I do hope if you are still intending coming home that you will bring him with you. I have been on the look out for some time back for a chance to send him a little Highland dress but as yet not met with any anyone going. I was in Glasgow 3 weeks past. Saw Aunt Anne & Bell, both well. I also saw Mr John Lamont the Writer who asked kindly for you. On my way home saw Capt McDonald of Glen Con who resides at Portobello near Edinr. He likewise kindly enquired for you & so did the McLean of Chalastal [?]. Flora Anne is well. I heard from her yesterday. Still in Wales & in the same situation. I do hope my dear D that yr answer regarding mine of September last is at hand. By the same mail which leaves Hawick on the 3rd. I am writing both to Alexander & John. The latter's address I have not but shall enclose it to the fer...y. It is very odd that he does not write us. I have writen to him frequently.