6 August 1861 Maraekakaho My dear Donald I received the trees by Kean but they were a long time on the passage but I went down before then with the cart and got them up as quick as possible and I am now as busy as I can planting them. I do hope and trust they will live but I much fear they are rather late. It will be a sore disapointment to me if they don't after all my trouble. If they would only live they would make a wonderful improvement among the blue gums. Alex & Catherine arrived here on the 31 ulto all well. Alex tells me he got on very well with the last cargo. He says he left them all safe on the station and got things in working order before he left. He thinks well of the run and says he expects a good percentage to be got of it. He speaks of going up to Auckland and see you when of course he will gave you all the news and I hope every satisfaction as regards money matters. Of course you will have heard that the Monanue died and it has caused a good deal of comotion among the natives. I called to see them on my way for the trees at the wake and they were much pleased. They said you would be very sorry to hear of his death. Sister Catherine looks very well and is rather pleased with her trip south. The old wife is pleased she has returned for they get on remarkable well together. I expect a visit from the Maori chiefs every [crossed out] as soon as the Mona is buried to make terms about the plains. However that is not your affair and you need not be angry at me looking after myself. Your old friend Mr Golland told me that they were disposed to let me and Alex have them before any stranger. He also said he was one of friend in the matter. I will write you again soon. We all join with kind regards. Ever your affectionate brother Archibald John McLean