Taranaki 30 July 1852 My own Puss, I cannot possibly allow the overland mail of Monday to leave without sending you a letter however short although I have written you a day or two since by the 'Governor Grey'. I am still fully engaged with the various duties and arrears of work that you have partly occasioned by keeping me away from this place but if I can succeed in settling a few questions here I shall not willingly come back again unless little pet is with me. In every page I read, in every step I take, I feel dull and lonely without you, indeed the longer I am absent the more intense my love for you becomes. Taranaki has no charms now for me and much as I always liked the place and people how far removed such attachments are to what you feel for one with whom under God's Providence you have to spend your lifetime, and I do sincerely trust that no imprudent acts or conduct of yours will cause it to be an unhappy life either. Much my dearest Douglas depends upon you as to our future happiness. I mean even in this mortal and changeable life, and you have a great deal to do with our prospects of being united in Eternity. Nothing delights me more than to see a good and an amiable wife who anticipates her husband's wishes and calmly undergoes every trial to make him happy. Few wives my dear Pussy are more attentive and fond than you are and I may safely confide in your prudence and good management the favorable reports of your health gives me the greatest satisfaction and I sincerely pray to the Almighty that he may preserve and spare you to aid and comfort your kind and indulgent parent even if you should never do anything for your own Donald whose whole earthly happiness is centred in your well being. I have bespoke the butter for you, a 50lb keg of good. I have tonight got in a pair of boots for arrears of rent from a shoemaker who held an acre of land at £1 a year from me. He has also to make me a pair of slippers and the tailor is making me a black dress coat as you expressed a wish I should have one to save the wedding coat. I board with Mr Sergeant Halse and have a bedroom and office at the Crown Commissioner's who also boards at his brother's so that my expenses will not be great. I have got in about £15 of debts lately and in the course of a week I expect more. I am afraid Miss Wicksteed will be long of coming but I must not press a lady. If I notice anything among bachelor goods that you require I shall take care of them for you. Your tin case of course shall not be sold as it was no doubt purchased with a view of keeping your dresses. The Europeans and natives here make various enquiries respecting you and when you are coming up. Mr Govett is getting better. Miss Hunter I have not seen. Mrs Govett laughs at my being married and says how slyly I managed it without saying a word to her. Monday night 1st. I have only to add dearest that the mail is about to close, that I am soon going to send a messenger to Wellington. God bless you and I remain Your own Donald McLean