as I never had any luck in it. It is a sore trial for me to leave my dear wife behind me but I trust in God I will soon be able to manage to make a better home for her in the colonies than I ever could do here. Now my dear brother I am laying out all I have got to take myself and sister out. So as I am coming that near you I hope you will not only be glade to assist us but feell thankful to the Almighty you have got it in your power. From what I have heard that Alexander is very generous to others so between you I hope you will now try and procure for your old ocean bird a resting place near you for I will take any situation rather than follow the sea much longer. Perhaps I may get in some of the steamers on your coast if so I may continue for a while till I make a few hundreds to purchase lands. You will address me to John's care Melbourne or Messrs MacMeekin Blackwood & Co, Melbourne. I hope you will receive this in time to have an answer before us. Trusting this will find you and dear child quite well. With best compliments to Alexander & McInish. Mrs McLean joins me in best wishes for you all. I remain dear brother your attached brother Archibald John McLean Donald McLean Esquire Chief Land Commissioner Auckland, New Zealand