Woburn June 8.64 My dear Maclean, Since my last I find that the Auckland steamer for Sydney leaves on the 1st. of every month so that it would defeat the object of our trip very much to postpone it till the Augt. steamer. Altho mrs. Russell is daily improving still it is extremely probable that a renewal of some of the worse symptoms might take place when the watweather sets in and as she is very weak I should be afraid that a second attack might injure permanently her constitution. While I regret therefore the necessity of resigning my provincial duites I have no right to hesitate to do so when claims of a stronger nature interpose. It would be a bitter reflection were I to neglect to take a step which promises to be so beneficial to my wife's health. Besides you will easily find one who will fill my place more satisfactorily than I have done and there is ample time to do so before the Council meets. I shall be on my way in a fortnight. Meantime believe me Very truly yours, Purvis Russell,