Sydney. 17th. July 1872. My dear McDonnell, You will, of course, be aware that the steamer "City of Melbourne" and "Here", owing to their having the small-pox on board, on their arrival here, from Auckland, were at once placed in quarantine; so I have not had an opportunity of replying to yours of the 20th. ulto; and as I perceive there will not be one direct before the 2nd. August, I have determined, to write via Melbourne. In referring to the purport of your letter, I find on enquiry that this is the worst time of the year for procuring horses of the description you require, as they are seldom brought down in mid-winter, owing to their being in bad condition. At present all the squatters are preparing for shearing. A short time after the Spring has set in would be a far more favourable time. You must bear in mind the style of horse you speak of, , are always saleable in this market, and are difficult to meet with. But I doubt not you would be able to procure them from to each. I fancy there would be a great deal of trouble and risk in taking unbroken ones, and should certainly recommend them to be handled on the Station first, which would, of course, add a little to their price. My idea is that if anyone could be sent here, like yourself, and visit the station, you would be able to select the style of horse, and give far more satisfaction, than leaving it to anyone here; though doubtless you would require a little information, which I fear not I would be able to get for you. With respect to the method of transporting them, I am inclined to think that the steamers would be glad of the opportunity of taking 10 or 15 on deck at a reasonable charge. If not, there are frequently, I think, vessels taking coals to Auckland, that you could make arrangements with. I will write to you again on the 2nd. of August; and in the meantime I will get all the information I can procure. I hope this will not be detained in Melbourne. I hear that there is a steamer to leave on the 20th. and I trust this will be in time for her, and believe me Yours sincerely, (Signed) E. Spofforth. I have not given any publicity to this, thinking it advisable not to do so. E.S.