Mosgiel Warehouse. Stafford Street. Dunedin. 16th. August 1872. The Honourable Donald McLean Esq. Minister for Defence. My Dear McLean, Many thanks for your telegram. I have, by the S.S. "Wellington", shipped a case containing Moagiel goods addressed to Lieut. Col. Girton. I have also written him a long letter of explanation, and also, enclosed an invoice to him. I hope you will like the Mosgiel blankets. They are very good; although they may appear high-priced they will last any two ordinary pairs of imported ones; and mind, they are made of pure New Zealand wool. I think you should just give me an order for our whole stock, some 140 pairs. I am sure they will give satisfaction. Why should we not supply Government House with blankets. I am quite sure you have not such blankets within its walls. Our 14 Ib. blankets are fit for Her Majesty (God bless her) to sleep in. I would also draw your attention to one fact, that woollen goods of all kinds are rising fast in price; and I question very much if the price will not very soon exceed ours; besides the Country is benefitted by the rise in wool, and you cannot have high-priced wools and low-priced goods at one and the same time. We cannot make any more white blankets until next wool season, as that class of wool is all shipped. Will you read our letter to Col. Girton. Our plaidings (serges) are splendid. They would make beautiful drawers and under vests. I hope you will not be displeased at my sending such large samples, and charging for them. Each piece will make one pair drawers, or an under shirt. Besides you can not judge an article by a small piece. I hope you will give us an order for tweed. That grey tweed is splendid cloth, and we have put in in very low in price, as wool is a little easier in price; and for a large order we can do it a little less. 1000 yds we would have to charge 5/4 nett. Will you kindly place these goods at the disposal of the "Industries Committee". It might do me a good turn. Hoping you will send us a large order for all our goods, I remain, Yours truly, (Signed) A.J. Burns.