Liverpool 
1st August 1853
Mrs Parkinson,
43 Upper Stanhop Street, Belfast
Dr Madam,

You have doubtless heard long since of the "Dalriada’s" arrival here. I would have written before this but ship? of business the natural consequence after arrival from a long voyage prevented me.

The subject on which I have now to address you is to me a very painful one and I am sure to you will be more so, up to our arrival in Amsterdam James conducted himself remarkably well, but no sooner had we got to Newdeep that he appeared to loose all regard for himself scarcely a day passing that he was not drunk, going on shore and stopping away all night and on one occasion he absented himself for three days and nights from the ship and that in company of the lowest blackguards he could meet. I repeatedly cautioned him on the course he was purusing and even threatened to write to his Grandmother but all to no use. I have advanced him about £10 over and above also his wages which amount to about £9 no inconsiderable sum for a young man in his situation at sea (as much as I had for the whole time of my apprenticeship) but notwithstanding all that he is very bare of clothes. I am afraid to let him have any more for fear he puts it to an improper use. At Newdeep I gave him £5 to buy clothes but a day or two before we left the bill came in to me to pay as he had spent all he had got in the latter end of the week. I will be able to let him leave, but if there is not a great refreshing?? in his conduct I could not think of taking him out again for fear of the influence it might have over the conduct of some young lads I was going to take out next voyage.

Believe me Mrs Parkinson it pains me very much on your and his families account to be compelled to give you such a character of your son but I have no doubt when you and Mr Parkinson see this you may be able to open his eyes to a sense of what he owes to himself and friends as throughout all this are many good traits in his character.

Mrs Scott’s health has been very bad for the last twelve months. She goes over to the Quoile about the latter part of the week to stay until the ship is ready for sea which will be in three weeks or a month. I believe she accompanies me as we are going to the west coast of America which is the finest climate in the world for a person threatened with consumption which I am afraid is her complaint.

I intend going over to Ireland before I leave when I make a point of seeing you.

I remain Dr Madam,

Yours respectfully,

J.W. Scott.