6 October 1874 Glenorchy My dear Donald Yours of the 23rd Septr came to hand anouncing the death of the very worthy old gentleman which at his mature age would be to himself a blessing as I make know doubt but he must have felt his unwelledness very much in the end. Dear old man I would so much liked to have seen him before he went hence. He was one of the few good old men that has left but few if any to fill his place in the social kindleyness of their ways. Catherine and I have lost in him as dear friend but it is onley a lesson among the many that we get to prove that this world is not our abiding place and ought to make us feel that we should look with more zeal and fervour to the abode of everlasting rest. I am so pleased to see that dear Douglas was so attentive to him in his last days and that he would have died with the feeling he had good and kind friends arround him in his last moments which to the aged is always a great satisfaction and comfort. I was pleased to hear that he spoak of me in his last moments. He always thought so much about Strangs Grove which will last for many ages when we all go hence and a pritty spot it is getting. Dear Kate has always been kind and considerate in the sick room and it was well she was so near him to see to all his little wants. I hope her own health is improving with the warm season coming on altho this season has been a very unusal and boisterous one indeed. It has been the worst I have passed in New Zealand at the preasant time. We have very cold hail showers. We were expecting you here before this time but of course there is many things to prevent you still I hope you will come soon as I have many things of interest to explain to you relating [to] the back country etc etc that I cannot do so well by writing. I hope Douglas will come up soon. I am longing to see him and you, also Annabella. Yours ever Archibald John McLean