Saturday evening November [pre late 1873] Glenorchy My dear Donald As Mr Esdaile is going down tommorrow I write you a few lines to tell you how things are getting on here. I took Mr Esdaile up with me here yesterday and cut two colts and 8 of your calves and branded them. I then went down and wished to get those below done this day but it was put off. Alex said he would get them done next week, he then would be able. He is a little better and at work but in a very shaky state as yet and of course I did not gave him your letter in case of it irritating him till he gets over the effects of the fearful doses of drink he has been taking of late. It appears that old Archy from what I hear has been keeping drink for him and by what I hear leading