9 February 1861 Maraekakaho My dear brother I am glad to tell you that Archy's wife and our sister Cathrine arrived safe hear the other day. Our dear sister is a fine and hansome good looking girl that we may be all proud of and long Kate as Archy calls his own wife, she is a hansome stately well mannered lady and a great deal of Aunt McLean about her. The moment I saw her I could tell the likeness. I am well pleased with them boths and I hope we can make them comfortable. I shall do my best but I wish you were hear before I go south as we might arrange better but I hope you will be hear in my absence. I am sorry to part with my dear sister and leave her hear but thank God she is abble to look affter her selfe. I am very anxious about this Otago business but hope to get through well with the work and soon be back to Napier again. My anxiety is now far more than it used to be on account of my sister being hear but I hope this vessell will be hear before long as the season is advanceing. I shall write you the number of sheep and all the particulars next week. I should like to tell if I saw the ship the number she would take the first trip. In haste with my love to Douglas Your affectionate brother Alexander McLean