27 October 1852 New York My dear brother I am happy to inform you I now command the barque 'Mary' of this port under the long looked for glorious flag of freedom and bound from here to San Francisco and the vessel is 10 years old, strong and well built but a dull sailor. Her register tunage is 300 tons. She is well formed and well fitted, everything comfortable for the voyage from here to San Francisco and New Zealand. A friend of mine Captn Benjamin Barnard and myself will, if God spares us, pay you a visit to New Zealand in full splendour under the American flag wich if you have not changed your oppinion since married was your own advice to me. Therfore I hope your interest will not be wanted to assist your ocean bird. Depend upon I am determined to put this view and idea in full force if God spares me and that I can see my way clear for making up my lost time. You have always told me if I sailed a vessel down among the colonies under the American flag I could make rich. My sisters were all well when I left England last and so was our dear old Uncle. He is still unmarried and says I am to be his hare [heir] at law so much for that. Dan you see I am have not yet married Miss Douglas. My funds not being equal to hers was the onley reason yet, a good time is coming. Look out for a letter from Captn Barnett from here. In haste believe me Your ever affectionate brother Archibald John McLean