Rangitikei 20 Augt 1850 My dear Susan A very short time ago I was congratulating myself on your being such an excellent regular correspondent but of late I fancy that you must have had a repetition of Mrs Kelham's visits and must therefore be forgiven, although you must be conscious of my increasing anxiety to hear from you by every opportunity. Tomorrow I am proceeding up some distance towards the interior but not in a canoe so that I am not likely to hear anything from Wellington for the next ten days at least. Mr Hickson is the bearer of this to Papa. From what I have seen of him I like him very much. Mrs H intends coming this far next summer. It will be a nice healthy trip for here as there is sufficient comfort and accommodation on the coast for ladies to travel. It would do you a great deal of good to take such an excursion. You must forgive me for a short epistle Susan as I am really fatigued and with kind regards to Mamma. Believe me to remain Very sincerely yours Donald McLean When I get to Wellington I shall expect you to hem 3 silk handkerchiefs for your late neglect which is an exceedingly moderate punishment when you consider that I always write to you even after the most fatiguing journeys. Good night Douglas. Be a good girl. D McLean