22 December 1861 Monday Maraekakaho My dear Donald Ferguson's man came up here to anounce your being at Napier and going away again today. I would have gone down but as Alex is going I could not leave as we are shearing. I am so sorry that I could not see you and Douglas for a few minutes. Alex from what I can learn is in great want for money at preasant. He said you promised to him £400 by last mail. I asked him what it was all for but he would not tell me. Captain Charleton came here on his way to Carlyon's and he was at him to borrow £600 for ten days. Charleston came to me and asked me if he would be justifyable in gaving it to him. I told him that I did not know what he wanted it for. When he told me that from what he heard at Napier that Alex had been gaving some accomodation bills to other people and that they took the advantage of him in his cups. This is to warn you but I hope as Charleston on the word of the fraternity told me not to mention what he said to Alex or any one. Mrs McLean heard him asking him for the money so if you please you better see how matters stand before you launch out money without knowing for what. Their is 30 bales shorn and the ewes are commenced but the wet came on and we let the Maories go till it got dry. I do wish you could come up but I trust you will soon be back from Wellington. Catherine is very anxious to see you as well as myself. I consider I am doing my duty in gaving you this information as Alex will not tell me anything about money matters and as I have often said to you I am certain things are not as represented to you in more ways than one, so you had better take care. Do not be in any hurry about money till you return. Ever your affectionate brother Archibald John McLean PS. I am sorry to to write you in this way but I consider it prudent. Do not say anything to him about my information till you come back. A J McL