Mon chere frere Your letter of yesterday made me more happy and content than either previous letters or telegrams as you said you are much better than you have hitherto been. By all means ask Mr A'Deane. He has ever been a consistent supporter and a good unoffending settler. There are a good many children. It might be awkward if they remained long but whilst you are up country the attention would unhinge no one. The English news seems good. The elections are still equally balanced. Mr Shepherd & the establishment finally spent Xmas at the Harts, a most pleasant day. We have beautiful showery weather, fruit and everything grows luxuriantly. Do earnestly hope you will have thorough relaxation when up country. Had a few lines from Douglas yesterday telling me not to send any letters. I think we will be very glad to return. He feels the heat. Little Tiny actually killed a rat the other night in my room. Alarmed the household to a great pitch. He is regarded now as quite "Hero". Miss Lewis said I ought to put a medal round his neck. I am interrupted. Yours in haste Annabella McLean A great deal of anxiety is expressed here in reference to Thursday by even outsiders. Monday 28 December [1874] Hobson Street