17 December 1863 Maraekakaho My dear Donald We have got on very well with the shearing up till today. It showered last night and will stop us part of this day only for that we would be done with the ewes tommorrow. There is shorn now 6793 and we have branded 77 bales. Alex is afraid that some of the sheep is missing. By the number that came in last night I find that a good many is out yet but I cannot say the number till they are shorn. Douglas is a great deal better. I hope your influenzia is