28th December 1863 Glenorchy My dear Donald I send John down with Douglas as I wanted him to see how Powdrell makes the cheese. He also wants to see you regarding sending for his wife. He answers me very well and I will be very glade to make terms with him about the dairy when he comes back if he makes up his mind to remain so that I hope you will forward his views regarding his wife's coming out for as far as I can see I could not be better served in a man for my works as he takes equal interest with myself about place. Should he want a pound or two to buy cloths with please to gave it to him and we will settle about it again. I was in hopes you would have come up Christmas Day and passed the day very dull had it not been for Douglas. I do wish that old Ferguson was away from the station. He is doing no good there. I have gaven him a good many hints. They are both there now but I hope not for long. We were to comence shearing today if the weather was dry but the rain yesterday will prevent that. If you should see Dan Stuart about Napier, if he has not come up, I wish you would start him up with John who is to return at one. Wishing you many happy returns of the season. Always your affectionate brother Archibald John McLean