FL4651281

On going to lunch just now & mentioning to
Mr Learmonth that I had been writing to you
I found that he knew you, having made a
voyage with you in the Argo. He desires to be
warmly remembered to you, and wishes me
to say that if ever you come to Victoria, it will
give him the sincerest pleasure if you will
pay him a visit. You will like your
visit if you make it, I can guarantee.

He is one of our most excellent men, and his
wife is also an excellent person and they
seem to be bringing up a most happy and
orderly family. There is something also
to see in the establishment, which produces an
average weight of washed wool (exclusive of the
lambs) of 3lb. 6oz. Water is stored at the
head of what was a gully, but is now a valley with
a stream sufficient to irrigate garden, & hundreds
of acres, as well as to furnish spouts &c. for sheep-
washing, for more than 30000 sheep.

We found the Duke of Edinburgh an agreable [sic]
young fellow, but I dont think we surrounded
him altogether with eligible companions
as a rule, while he was here. Let me
commend to your notice Lieut. Haig one of his
Equerries, Lieut. Romilly of the Galatea, and Capⁿ Taylor
of the Marines as people you will be sure to like.
There are many others among them no doubt
whom you will like also. With my kindest
remembrances to yourself & all friends
believe me Yours faithfully
[signed, on right] G W Rusden