time after it heals up. But I can assure you it was very near departure from this world of cares and trouble. I was for three days of last month quite resigned to my fate. All that trouble me was not having any of you near me at the time, not even Douglas. Young Archy McLean and Condie were very attentive and so was Smith. I am sorry to hear that Kate is not at all well. I hope the warm weather will recruit her. I hear Douglas is very attentive to his busness. I hope and trust he will soon be master of it so that he may come here as the name is sadly wanted in this place more than you can imagine. However when we meet Your affectionate brother Archibald John McLean