Long, heavily cross-written  letters from Maria at Tullochgorum to John, mainly at Oaklands Mount Gambier, of family and general news such as:- visitors and friends;  Bishop and Mrs Nixon (10 Apr., 2 May), Mrs Nixon's baby died (20 May), Nixon's "charge" (23 May);  Fanny M. played backgammon with Mr Bell (2 May);  Archdeacon and Mrs Davies (5 May);  James and Charlotte Grant's wedding and honeymoon  (2 May), to live at Melrose (8 May, 23 May, 5 June), Melrose House burnt down (5 Aug. 11 Aug.);  Mary Scott marrying Swedish count (8 May, 20 May, 31 May, 16 July, 18 Aug.);  trading ship "City of Sydney" (15 Apr.);  screw steamer "City of Melbourne" (23 May);  election (5 May); gold (31 May, 5 June, 11 Aug.);  visit to Campbell Town (16 June);  visits to Cambria; George Meredith (J.M.'s father) better (16 June, 30 June);  dined at Government  House (30 June); Governor's visit (5 Aug, 18 Aug.);  Glover's sketch book sold for 10 or 15 guineas (30 June).  Also preparations for wedding on 2 October:  Bishop's services promised, J.M.'s brother Edwin invited (22
Sept) and reply from John M. from Observatory, Hobart: commissions, furniture, Bishop Nixon to dine tomorrow when "everything will be arranged".