Taranaki 18 Augt 1852 My own dearest Douglas A small vessel, the 'Eclare', is in sight and before sitting down to breakfast I must send you a few lines. Yesterday I went out to see some of the old and new settlers in the neighbourhood of my little farm and they all seemed so pleased especially the old ones to see me back amongst them again. Every one pressed me more than the other to partake of tea, home brewed ale, milk and other simple fare of their farms which I prefer to all your artificial luxuries of Wellington. Here you have fresh honey, fresh butter, good bread and every thing you can wish for in a plain way. A native is talking while I am writing, two vessels, I should say three, are in sight. I am certain to hear from my puss today. The weather is clearing up after some rain. I must work hard, pay some visits and do my best to leave here in a week but I shall if spared to it come back again with puss to see the place where her Donald has spent so many years. I trust you have the same fine weather at Wellington that we have here and that you continue to enjoy it. My anxiety to hear from you and of you by every opportunity increases daily. Some of the ladies here say that I am not on your account to delay long at Taranaki neither do I feel disposed to do so. Goodbye my own pet. Ever yours Donald McLean I was going to write another letter but I find the mail is closed. I must try to send this by private hand. Ever your own devoted Donald