Taranaki Monday 26 Augt 1852 My own dearest Douglas Your short letter by the overland mail reached me on Saturday and I find that you are becoming anxious for my return, therefore I shall endeavour to leave this on Monday next so that you may be looking out for me sooner than you expected. You must have had several letters from me lately. The next will in all probability be myself so that I need not write you at great length today. I am glad that you are in such good health and spirits. Papa tells me that he leaves on the 20 of next month for Nelson. A vessel arrived here, the 'Sea Bell' or some such name, on Saturday with letters for every one else here as late as the 14 inst but not a line for me of any kind. I am sorry that I should have as you say written you a short and cold letter and trust those subsequently written have not been so. As pussy well knows how fond I am of her although she has sometimes rather imprudently given me a little vexation, however I trust that the Almighty may always guide and protect you. I have just been reading a portion of the 119th Psalm from the 111 verse to the 120th. There are beautiful passages in the Psalm that deserve your attention, indeed if we can make the words of truth contained in God's book our guide we need not be so fretful about the affairs of the vanishing world. May God bless you then my own pet and preserve you is the earnest and sincere wish of your own affectionate Donald McLean. I received a letter from one of my aunts on Saturday dated 1849. It was taken out by a gentleman to Auckland who kept it all this time until Mr Blackett of this place called on me with it. Breakfast is announced 1/2 past 8. The 'Gwalior' that takes this is shaking her sails. I might go by her had you not so earnestly requested that I should not go by sea. I remember once that you were afraid of my being on board the brig in a severe gale before we married. Goodbye puss. Be a good girl. Keep yourself easy and contented. There are many much worse of[f] than you are. Do not then be so despairing. Ever your own Donald.