Tuesday noon 19 April 1865 Glenorchy My dear Donald I was truly happy at the change I saw in you for the better when down on Sunday and I trust in providence you may continuue to keep so but I find that a great number of people complain very much of Napier being very sickly at preasant and altho you are on the hill and in a very, I would say, healthy place still I am convinced a trip inland would brace you up very much and if you at all could arrange it so as to come up next week before the weather begins to break and then take advantage of the time up here to make your house more comfortable for the winter while up here [crossed out] would be doing good in every way. I fairly see that you over work yourself for the publick and no other man. In the state of health you have been in would toil as you are doing you know I can see and read in your appearance when your mind is at work and mental work of all other work is the most trying and I know by myself that when worn down with care in the China Seas from the effect of mental work in my profession that I could not stand very long, therefore my dear brother I hope you will take a few days up here soon. If you do not want the gig for two or three days you might lend it to poor Mrs Blair as she had a desire to come up with Alick and her own brother would take her down and bring you some little things that I have got for you also. Besides it would be bringing Alex home where I hope he will stay for some time. Duff was at me again today regarding the horses and said he was going to gather them but I arranged with him to leave it till Monday first and if Alex was not home by that time that I would do my best to identify the station horses and he agreed to that but I think shurely he will be home before that. Poor Kate is making great changes in the cottage. She has got the old man painting and sorting it and making it look quite blooming ready for you so that you can spend your time at any place you like now. Do come and I am certain you will tell me afterwards of the benefit it will be to your health and mind and your appearance will do a world of good among the men were it nothing ealse. I have got them at getting the potatoes in etc etc. Your affectionate brother Archibald John McLean