9 July 1861 Maraekakaho My dear Donald I hope you have received my last letter and that I will soon have an answer or the gratification of seeing yourself soon. Report states you are to be here by the 'Lord Ashley' with Gen. Cameron. If so I will be made very happy as I want to see you very much indeed. It will be needless for me to gave you a detailed account in this letter if we are to have you here so soon. We had a letter from Catherine and she states that up to the 18th ult there was no account of Alex. I expect the bad winter has gaven them a great deal of trouble driving sheep so far. I am astonished that Condie has not written eighrer [either]. I hope and trust nothing