Monday Morning 7th. April 1851 (In a devil of a hurry.) My dear Maclean, I have this instant heard that a native is about to start for your quarter. Although I am up to my eyes in business with Office work, I cannot allow him to depart without sending you a short note to let you know how we are all getting on in Whanganui. Since you left, we have had an addition to our society, in the shape of O'Connell and Davy, and the Campbells. The latter returned from Taranaki about a fortnight since. There is no improvement in the town station so far as regards gaiety. We sadly want yourself and Park to enliven us. I suppose we shall soon see you here, as another payment is nearly due. The Mass is particularly quiet compared to what it was in olden times. Smith and his ship are expected daily from Wellington. The former, I presume, will soon be off. We understand that the Taranaki people are becoming very impatient at your prolonged stay in the Province; so that when you return, you had better look out for squalls! Ken and the young man are quite well. Mrs. S. desires to be kindly remembered to you and Park; and we wish to know when they will have the pleasure of being introduced to Mrs. S. With best wishes to Park, Believe me, my dear fellow, Faithfully yours (Signed) J.M.M. Sutherland, To:- Donald McLean Esq.