Belfast, 
May 1853
My dearest James,

I cannot tell you the gratitude I feel today on recipt of your welcome and long expected letter. We are deeply .. to our heavenly father for keeping you in so many dangers and bringing you so far on your voyage home. I wrote some time ago when I received your letter from Batavia and Mr Greening sent me the direction in care of shipline and Brother … Amsterdam and I hope you will have it on your arrival. I told you in it that your father had accepted of a curacy within two miles of Belfast called Ligoniel. It was Mr Knox spoke to the Bishop and Mr Millen (?) the Rector (?) of Belfast gave it to him. We are living n Mr Br … for the present time but we hope soon a suitable house the … is very pleasant tp … bank is juct opposite …. we are surrounded by … and not very far from …. We were up to the top of it a few daays ago and I was thinking of you my …. the night we … as I looked at the Lough and when I think more (?) how many dangers the lord has brought you through we have great cause for gratitude. We were all at (?) Mr Aickens where Dada came in and gave me the letter that Mr Thompson had forwarded from Ravensdale. Bessis, Cathy, Francey and Willie and Maria and Mary were just in to go up to Killough with Mrs Aicken … old Grandma will hear the good news that night. I sent your letter to me and am sure she will be delighted. She is, thank God, wuite well and I was down .. for dinner on Sunday week and able to go about as usual. All the rest are quite well, thank God and Francey so delighted about it --- she is so fond of birds (?) and … is greatly improved and is by far the …. of the girls (?). I have not .. to tell you mention of our affairs but I did in the letter to Amsterdam only I may say again the Mr Gracey is no longer Agent. He was very … to Grandma but its a mercy it was found out before … were all in his … but Mr W. Nelson of Down is now .. and is .. the affairs very ..

Your friends Mr and Mrs Surch are well now she had very ill but is much better. I saw Joe a few weeks ago here. There is a great Exhibition in Dublin now, it was opended early this month. Mrs Lascelles is going up ro spend a month or two. Fanny Archer is staying with Mrs Russell (?) formerally of Ardglass. Willie went up with Mrs Russell’s daughter last night to the Mail to Dublin. He will have a few days to see the Exhibition. I believe it is very worth seeing. I hope you wil be glad to come once from L’pool to see us as I am sure your clothes will need an over hauling my poor fellow but I am glad you like the profession better. I trust you will be a credit to the name (?) you have by good conduct. I …. Dada was down at Mr G.. office and he had got a letter from the Captain also I suppose by the same mail. I am sure you must feel delight .. with the … After the dreadful … weather… is very .. I care … write I feel so miserable (?) when I got your letter my poor boy when I think that you were sick and had no kind friend near you, but te lord watched over you and spared my poor James. May you never forget the goodness of God. Poor Captain Scott I … was ill of … also but no news. Mrs S. to take care of him now …… after the troubles. I am … well be very glad to be England?? as will yourself. I mentioned in my letter to Amsterdam .. a note to C. Scott if he would give you as much as would purchace a suit of clothes Grandma would … as it would her wish to … to you but I will write again when I hear from Grandma and let you know what…. I meant to conclude as it is near post-time (?). Only the Dr.wished me to … your letter immediately. He sends his kind love to you and Mr Thompson like Dada, Cathy and Willy also join in kindest love and hoping that in …… of your arrival in L’pool. I …. I would go over to meet you but perhaps ……… will but this is only a thought. I thank God again that you are alive, the Lord bless and keep you safe home is my constant prayer.

Your affectionate Mamma,

A.C. Parkinson

in haste

We like Belfast very much for many reasons but particularly that it is now home.