be allowed to burn those nasty government despatches which went up to you by the Rose for Papa told me that one of them might keep you some time longer. How I wished that you might have left before the vessel got up. Why did you send me that cheque I cannot imagine. What you think I can possibly want with more money. You must surely fancy you have got a most extravagant wife. I mentioned dearest in one of my letters that I had received the letters from Mr Russel's station and also the one enclosing £3. It surely must have been lost. Look over my letters again dear. I often when in a hurry do not write distinctly and you may have passed it over. I have given up all hope of working your slippers at present as that work requires attention which I cannot give but I am making you a purse which is easily done and I shall do the slippers some other time. I must now my darling husband bid you goodbye for I think Mama will waken soon. Mama told me when she heard I was writing to give you her kind love and say that she hoped she would soon see you. God bless and preserve you my dearest Donald and believe me ever your affectionate and devoted wife Susan D McLean [Note on transcription: Susan Strang (nee Collins), died on 30 December 1851 aged 52. Captain C Rhatigan, 65th Regiment, died 17th September 1851 aged 46.]