Elwes writes that he has bought some sheep from Claud Alexander, and that he will keep the sheep on Ewart's account on his estate until Ewart wants them. He suggests that it would be preferable if Ewart's fat-tailed ram would be sent to himself, and asks whether he received the Shetlands from Greystoke. He thinks he had now better not come to Dundee as he wishes to superintend the earmarking of his new sheep.

The year is not written on the letter.

Alexander confirms the arrangements for Mr and Mrs Ewart's short visit and comments that he must try and sell Elwes some sheep.

Alexander asks whether Ewart still wants to purchase some sheep from him, and makes suggestions for shipping arrangements.

Alexander writes that he cannot afford to buy Ewart's clouded leopard but that Ewart should not let her go too cheaply. He offers his young Mysore bull to Ewart's Celtic shorthorn, and will try to get a photograph of the hybrid and provides details about piebald lambs.

Alexander reports that his pregnant mare has died. He asks whether Ewart would like to take on all of his fat-rumped ewes for £10. He has a donkey very near foaling by the mule 'Jacob', which proves that he can still get stock. He states that can give Ewart the breeding of the sheep if he saw them.

Alexander writes that he doesn't have very many old sheep but plenty of piebalds and shearling rams for 30 shillings each as well as a black ewe which interested Elwes. He asks Ewart to let him know which sheep he wants as he must send all his spare stock to market due to the drought.