he has to work from the 1st of this month at the rate of £40. He paid by labour £20 of the amount. Mike is also some in debt however I do not know his arrangement. I have not heard anything more of the Nairn affair, only Alexander says the natives are going to have him off. Alick I believe is at the pa today about it. I hope you will be down by this Swan and that nothing comes the way to prevent you. The sheep are doing very well but very few winter lambs which is as well as the weather is very cold. We took the ewes out last month, one of the big Lecester ewes have got a fine ram lamb and I expect the other two to lamb soon. Their has been very few callers since you left and we have been pritty quite thank God. If Alick was only to turn and be what he should be and the native land secured in a proper way with the help of providence we could get on to be a little comfortable in a few years. Douglas tells you to bring Fido down with you and sends his love. I have no more to say till we meet. Always your affectionate brother Archibald John McLean