7 February 1846 Taranaki New Plymouth My dear brother Several years have now rolled over our heads without seeing each other or even interchanging thoughts by letter, but at present I can assure you they all appear to me as a day or an hour from being at present [crossed out] under the joyous anticipation that you are either at Hobart Town or Sydney as Captain the barque 'Ramilies' with troops for the former port bound afterwards to New Zealand where they are much needed with with eight pieces of cannon. The state of our island at present is most unenviable more especially the northern part of it thanks be to Providence this district is as yet in tolerable tranquility how long it may remain so is difficult to forsee but when our present difficulties are terminated, the rebellious feelings of the natives fully suppressed, and peace restored, we will no doubt get on better than we have hitherto had an opportunity of doing and it is to be hoped from our beautiful climate and innumerable local advantages that we may have many of our countrymen comfortably established in a part of the world that cannot be superceded for congeniality to the British constitution and should it go on favourably that I continue to retain my position with Govt. or otherways I hope to be enabled to advise what I have not hitherto attempted some of my relatives to establish themselves here and if I have undergone the various changes of life as a lonely adventurer from my father's home it would be my greatest pride to see some of his household encircled around me pursuing their several avocations. At my present residence I am happy to have several very good friends around me, one of them a magistrate here who if you should come to see me will I am sure give you a cordial reception is sleeping on the sofa whilst I am writing and as you likely to call at Auckland I hope you will not forget to call on [crossed out] see the Col. Secretary who is one of my staunch friends there. My giving you full information on various subjects might cause a relaxation in your desire to visit me and will therefore avoid saying anything further till I see you off the Taranaki Roads with your flags hoisted for a boat which you cannot if you hold me in the same esteem you have hitherto done avoid doing especially if you frequent any of the New Zealand shores. Believe me my dear Archd to remain your very affectionate Donald McLean