3 May 1865 Glenorchy My dear Donald I have not heard a word from port to hear how you were or any other news till the mail brought me the papers and by them I saw you were attending to your hard task in the Council Chamber so that I trust your strength and vigour is fast coming again. I almost despair of you coming up here however I hope there is a good time coming. I hear that some of the new force is likely to come up to this quarter, if so I may get rid of some of my produce independent of your very miserable Napier. Nobody will buy their till they can get things for half price and sell at double price. However that may answer for a time but if a population will once come into the place it will alter their way of doing busness very much. I inclose you a letter from Esdaile which will oppen your eyes regarding the Otways. Indeed I was going to write to you to take care of how you arranged with them had this not come to hand for I heard a great deal about their brag from other parties a few days ago and I trust you will be mindful how you manage with them for they are very likely to have been extravagant at home and it is very hard to believe on their story altogether. Even Mr Strang heard something about them and I make know doubt but he has warned you by this time. I hope that you are safe with them any way but certainly if what the inclosed states is true which is very likely it may it looks very bad. Mrs Blair is at the cottage still. She was here for to or three days. I believe she goes down on Saturday and I will send you some little things. In haste Your affectionate brother Archibald John McLean