Letter from James Mackay, to Donald McLean Esq. dated 28th. October 1858 Dumchans (?) 28th. October 1858 My dear McLean, Many thanks for your very welcome note per "White Swan". I regret that you did not come down by her yourself, as the would have had an opportunity of thanking you personally for your many kind acts to James. Another thing, it would have afforded us much pleasure your being present at Annie's wedding; and while on this subject, allow me to state that your brother has got some wedding cake for you, and Mrs. Gascoyne, etc. I wish that I could have seen you, as I was anxious to have had a long chat about James. The South is his -------(?); and I wish him to marry and get settled down, as the poor fellow can have no comfort leading the vagabond wandering life he is doing at present, much to the injury of his constitution. Now, if he marries, he must throw up his present appointment under you, as that (even with the rise), leaves but little after paying his necessary expenses when away from home. If, however, the other appointment talked of, was combined with his present one, and a good salary given, then he could devote his whole time to the Government. In the meantime, should you wish him to settle to native affairs down the West Coast, allow me to recommend you to take advantage of his now being in the humour to do so; as should he get married some 12 months hence, you may rely on it, the will be stronger than yours in regulating his movements. He had a sad disappointment last week when there was a grand ball, at which he had been engaged to dance with a certain young lady, which he was prevented doing by having to go to the Pelorous, thereby attending to his duty first. That is as it ought to be, and I need not tell you, than in this you can depend on James. With the best of good wishes of all the Clan I am, my dear McLean, yours very sincerely (Signed) James Mackay. To:- Donald McLean Esq. P.S. Young Coates is very nice. James brought him over for a holiday, and to be present at the wedding.