18 July 1865 Glenorchy My dear Donald I hope this time you are safe arrived from the East Coast and that your labours there may be crowned with success. There is no doubt but it is the best policy to let the natives fight against each other. It is the shurest way to expect any success and may I hope soon bring piece about. I supose I may dispare of seeing you up here altho your preasance is very much wanted for a short time. I would drive you up with the gig if you would only let me know when you were coming. I have to go down by the end of the month at all events and if you are in Napier then I would like to have you come up with me. Hector Duff requested of me to ask you as a favour if you went on to Wellington this week to take a letter from him to Mr H W P Smith who he expects in Wellington as he wants him not to sell the run till he sees him. He also wished me to acquaint you that Smith has made up his mind to sell for £42,000, taking £25,000 of the money in cash and the rest to remain on interest for a term of year. He thinks the Watts will become the buyers or a firm in Otago Douglas & Co. No doubt it is a good run but it is a good price in one way but considering that he tells me that there is upwards of 30,000 acres free hold and 25,000 sheep, it is not very clear. Perhaps you might think a bargain yourself but I fear the times and price of wool would not justify so heavey a speculation. Still who knows what Smith and you might do about it. Twigg was up here on Saturday and I was so pleased to hear that you were in such good spirits. I trust this mail will bring good tidings about dear little Douglas. I long to hear of him now. I have had a number of dreams lately but I think they are all good. Hoping this will find you and Catherine well as it leaves us both. Always your affectionate brother Archibald John McLean