I have the shoe brushes the boy took them by mistake Mr Russel's station Wairarapa Octr 8th 1851 My dear Douglas You will say that I am making slow progress in going through the Wairarapa but I am anxious to see the settlers and the natives, also to give the poor horses some rest after the severe weather we have had. The valley has been one continued sheet of water and for some days the rivers have been quite impassable. Now I am on the coast and a good road before me. The people here are exceedingly hospitable and kind. Mrs McMaster is a nice person. She seems pleased that Jessie is with us. By the way dear