I heard he was their and was two hundred miles to se him. I wish you were so near here and I would soon have the pleasure of seing you. He was then second officer of a fine baurque called the Nelson, and he came out this year first mate of the Hoogley from London. I did not se him but had a letter from him. He is a promising lad that I hope will do well. Archy is halfe owner of a fine ship called the Naphail of Grenock. He is out in Bombay. His crew are all Highlanders. He will be in Greenock by this time. I believe that is the most particular of my news. Al[l] our friends were well when John left this year. My dear Donald I hope you will write me as soon as possible