William Parkinson Esq.
Nov. 22nd 1848

My dear sir,

I feel obliged by your letter and content of £10, which I regret to say is somewhat short of the full amount, when all the accounts have been collected?. You must not trouble your self with the balance as it will be time enough at the end of next quarter. I feel greatly pained to be under the necessity of telling you that I am exceedingly displeased with James. This is the first day I could … him his lessons since I was ill. , and from what I saw I … he had been scheming most disgracefully during the time of my illness. I see now he is impossible lazy. I will make him work. I can tell you how much I felt in observing that he had missed 25 questions in his Greek Testament.I will give him no indulgence whatsoever until I see a radical change. Nor will I let him out on Sunday to tea until it is time to go to … I think it is my duty to mention these facts to you, that he may not be rewarded for idleness and as my sole object is his advancement I trust Mrs P and Mr Johnston will excuse my candour. Trusting to have a better account to give you shortly,

I am dear sir

J. Lester.