Melford Cottage, Napier 28th January/60 My dear McLean, At three minutes after midnight or more properly three minutes A. M. today the family of Fitzgerald was increased by the addition of a daughter. Both Mother and child are doing well altho' my poor wife suffered much. Hitchings attended her and no man could possibly behave or with more . Now indeed my dear old friend I do feel happy, for dear Fanny will not be the poor lonely, almost widowed, creature she has been during my frequent absence from home. A new hope burns within me, a feeling that previously was unknown, and which must guide and strengthen my future labours. I will write to you to Auckland by return of the ''White Swan'' Ever believe me, with sincere friendship, M. Fitzgerald.