20 June 1853 Melbourne Dear brother It is now a long time since I h[e]ard from you. I have wrote you often but never received an answer but I take the oportunity of writing you these few lines by the bearer William MacKinnon who is going down to New Zealand to buy land. If you can be of aney service in getting him a good place I should like you to do so. I am much astonished that you have not wrote me this long time but if you get this letter I should like you to answer it imeidately as I should like to hear how you are getting on in that part of the world. I should like much to go down and see you and should their be a good opening down their to buy land I should like much to go and live near you. I am doing well hear at the present time but I do not now how long it may last but write all the particulars as soon as this comes to hand and by so doing I shall let you have all mine. Dear brother excuse me for this short and hurried scroll but if you answer this I shall always be glad and happy to write you. In haste dear Donald Your affectionate brother A[lexander] McLean When you write address to the care of John McLean, Bucks Head Hottel, Little Lonesdale St, Melbourne and he shall forward it. Yours for ever A McLean