My dear Susan I was much pleased to receive both your last letters. One of them came to hand at Turanga 200 miles from here and the last of the 7 I got here on my return and also found Mr Park and Pelichet waiting for me so that you conceive I have had but little spare time for writing of late. Moreover you must not suppose if a vessel should go in from the East Coast that you should receive a letter by it. For instance if you will look at the map you will at once see how widely extended the East Coast is and that although I move about a good deal I am not ubiquitous. The chances are excepting from Ahuriri Ahuriri that I never ever hear of vessels bound to Wellington. So Miss Maggy Paul is to be married to the amiable and good young Hunter. She ought not to want for venison. I should like to be at the wedding but that is not probable. Your Porirua trip gave you a slight initiation of bush life. These darling mosquitoes are great favourites with the ladies everywhere as they kept their imagination alive even if they slightly injure their beauty. I was glad to hear of your historical progress and the selection you are reading. Mr Park tells me that I am expected in Wellington this month. How that report has arisen I know not for it will be impossible for me to be there before May next, if then. There is so much to attend to in this quarter and I begin already to feel that the cold weather and wet is setting in. You must really forgive me Susan for a short hurried letter this morning. The vessel has hauled out of the river. I have several others to write yet, therefore believe me to remain in great haste Always yours sincerely Donald McLean March 14 1851 [On verso] You never said a word about Papa's accident or how it happened. I am exceedingly vexed I cannot get time even to write one letter home. [Note on transcription: George Hunter married Margaret Paul on 5 June 1851 at St Paul's Church.]