You I hope will think nothing of this but I need not say to put the amt [?] to good account for mind you you at preasant are the main stay to all your father's family. I would be delighted to see you married and settled in life with some one equal to you. In many points you can my dear brother get plenty with money and family if God spares you to visit your native land and plenty even in the colonies where you are so well known for intergrity and worth. I just had a few lines from Alex and he says that he fell in with Alexander & Golland in the port who have to settle the Domett affair and that they agree with him in all points which I am glad of as it was gaving him much anxiety. His claim is £500 and if he will get that he will give up possession. I think Domett has beheaved very shabby in this matter but Alexander has got him on all points if he works the card well as possession is nine points of the law. I am very much disapointed at Jessy never answering my letters. Two I have written since I came here. I will write John soon. What is he going to do at Otago. I trust something shure. I well know he has an old wrech of an owner to put up with but for all that he must be shure of something before he leaves. Poor fellow he is a good boy in may ways, to good hearted and very shrewd and clever in his profession, a better steamboat Capt I never saw. I now must end with the fered hope you well come down here as I hear them say in March and bring my dear little Douglas with you. Do bring him to stay with