My dearest Douglas In the course of a few days I shall be under way for Wellington and shall not delay very long on the road at any rate I will push hard to be with you at Xmas. I hope Mama is recovering her strength with this delightful weather. I am thinking of you every hour or minute in the day and shall be really happy when I again kiss my own dear little pussy. I send this by a Mr Harris who is leaving for Wellington by way of Wairarapa today. Mr Williamson I intend to despatch by vessel so that he may if a vessel should come in soon be there a few days before me. He takes a few supplies of hams, bacon etc for you. I had bad weather during last week but now it has cleared up again. Give my love to Mama and Papa and believe me pet ever to remain Your affectionate husband Donald McLean 11 December 1851 Ahuriri Excuse dearest the shortage of this note. It is merely to report progress and to prevent you from being anxious about me.