27 November 1857 Liverpool My dear brother Having this long time back wished to get to New Zealand to push my fortune I now take the advantage of the ship 'Egmont' going direct to Auckland where I hope and trust to meet you and my brother Alexander in good health. I had command of a fine large ship bound to Bombay about 5 months ago but having lost my masts I put into the Straits of Gibraltar to repair damage where I took very ill and was obliged to send her off with another captain. To be candid with you I have been so very unfortunate at sea that after all my experience I have got quite disgusted with it and would rather be a farmer on shore as long as I could make out day and way than following the deep. Times are dreadful poor in this country at preasent and I well no my dear D. you will be able to do something for me out there. Anyhow I will have a better chance than here. My wife is a most noble creature and one you will be pleased to see. You may be able to get me some employment under yourself that would be more comfortable than the way I am. I will take all my nautical instruments with me in case I may go to sea about the coast. My dear D. I have often longed to be together and perhaps the Almighty has put dificulties in my way to force me at last to join my brothers. Flora Ann is well married and I expect Catherine will be as well before long. C. is a noble girl and so is my dear little pet Annabella. If I can make money in New Zealand I certainly will have her out with me. I hope your son is doing well. My wife having none of her own will be a good teacher for him, something like Aunt Jessy to yourself. Uncle and Aunt are in their usual and as far as I know so is all inquiring friends. I send you this as a fore runner of my plans to prepare your mind to expect me altho if a good ship should turn up for me before the 'Egmont' sails on the 25th next month I may alter my mind. I have long strove to get a ship to visit your ports but always failed. Indeed I am convinced if I was once out there I would get busness to do would answer me better than following the sea. I hope Alex is doing well. The accounts I got of him were very flattering. I will write you again if I go go by the 'Egmont' so that you may be on the look out for indeed I am certain I could do far better there than I can here. Shurely my dear brother I can be able to get a spot of ground through you that will keep me comfortable in my old days as I never will have any family to trouble me. I am so made up in this idea that it be a very rare chance will prevent me from putting it in execution. I wish to God I had gone off some 3 months ago. Give my love to Alexander accepting the same yourself and believe my ever your attached brother Archibald John McLean