27 November 1857 Liverpool My dear brother Having this long time back wished to get to New Zealand to push my fortune I now take the advantage of the ship 'Egmont' going direct to Auckland where I hope and trust to meet you and my brother Alexander in good health. I had command of a fine large ship bound to Bombay about 5 months ago but having lost my masts I put into the Straits of Gibraltar to repair damage where I took very ill and was obliged to send her off with another captain. To be candid with you I have been so very unfortunate at sea