28 July 1860 Maraekakaho My dear brother I received your note the other day and was glad to hear you and Douglas was well. I am happy that the boy is the better of his trip. I am sure a few months in the country would do a great deal of good to him. I hope you will let him come hear in the summer. Tell him if you don't send him I will go for him. I got home the day after you left but I do not feel strong but getting better dayley. We have had cold winds and bad weather since you left but our lambs are over danger before the bad weather set in. Today is a fearfull day. We never saw the likes in the coloney. Snowing all night and all this day. We have nearly a foot of snow in the padock at the door. All the plains from hear to the port is covered. I hope we shall lose no sheep but a great maney will inland. Our sheep and lambs are strong. I am afraid a great number of sheep will be lost in this district. I have not seen anything of the land in the pappers but I shall send to Tiffen to se what is the delay. I shall wattch the time. I don't fear oposition. We are going on the best we can hear doing a little . Write me soon letting me hear a little of your news. The old skiper in his old way. What about Otago. I hope you will secure that run before before any delay. Runs will not be easy got. If that run of MacLean's is a good one I would sooner give him his price for than buy land hear at ten shillings. As you say and I allways told you sheep must have room to do aney good with them. I do not no whither I have done right or wrong. I sold the old Hobertown mare for £60 and I got the first foal to Tanner. She is old and will not have more than tow foals if she has that. I thought it was best to take the offer but the Maid of Islay will not be sold you may depend as she is your favourite and my own to. I am sorry we had so little time together when last we met but it could not be helped. I need not give my advice in those troublsome times as you no best yourselfe but if I could se you we might taulk over matters and as I am such bad hand the pen I shall leave it alone. The weather is clearing up a little and I am going to look about some horses. I shall say no more in hopes this will [find] you and D well. I remain your allways affectionate brother Alexander McLean PS Archy MacLean is verry proud of his watch with maney thanks to you. A McLean