9 September 1867 Doonside My dear Donald I received both your kind notes. In your last you wonder at my not writing to you. I did so but the first letter got mislaid for which I was sorry for as I felt I had a right to acquaint you of the sad fire in the first place. Indeed my first impression was to have gone to Wellington to see you and I was very near doing so overland till I thought I might as well let Kate go to consult you as she was anxious to see Catherine at all events. Then the weather was ruff and she could not get on board the steamer the time before and the time before that Alexander's illness prevented her going so between one thing and the other I was sadly bothered and did not no what to say or do. I make no doubt but the trip will do her a great deal of good as the loss by the fire has troubled her very much. Of course by this time she will have spoaken to you of our plans regarding building on the leaced land at the Big Bush. Alexander offered me his share if I liked and he says it can be made a freehold of before long at a moderate rate. I do think myself I could do better there as the land if far superior to any thing up here. You are awair I worked and struggled hard up here but had a very poor return, in fact I was getting into debt and but little to show for it. This year my labours in the way of grass is beginning to show very good progress but really it would not pay one for fencing and to fence it all in would cost at least £600. I had 1000 posts on the ground ready to begin to fence this summer but I have gaven them to Alexr to keep him going finishing the fencing at the cottage and he was to gave me others in their place. They cost me on the ground £5.12, the carriage was so heavey £3.5 per 100 posts getting them out the bush and spliting came to £2.7 but they are all heart of totara and good posts. I hope you will soon be up as I will not commence to do anything till I see you. If I had 200 acres down there once a freehold I would consider myself well of as I would be near the market and turn everything to account. Being so far from market coast me a very great deal up here and many things that might have been sold was lost. Alexr is quite will and very attentive to his busness at preasant. I had a few lines from John from Wellington. I am glad that his wool is doing so well. I have no news of any importance. There is two parties started to prospect and I had some idia of going out with them to see the country but could not get at the time. I hope they may be successful as it is much wanted here but the accounts from home is pretty good better than by last mail. Hoping to see you soon. I remain your affectionate brother Archibald John McLean PS. I had many dreams about Douglas lately. I hope you have had good accounts of him. The dreams were very good in my opinion.