Birkenhead
September 30th 1853
My dear Father

You must excuse my not writing sooner, as we were very busy this week getting in stores and the rest of the provisions. The only time that I have for writing is after 6 in the evening and the letters have to be in before 8, so I have not much time to correct mistakes, and after a hard days work a person is not in the best humour for writing. I have got on very well since and have been enabled to keep my promise. You need not write to Capt. S on any particular subject, as I think my future conduct will have the most effect with him, and I do not think you will have time to answer this as the ship goes out of dock on Tuesday, but I suppose if the wind is ahead we will stay in the river until it changes. I am very sorry that I had not more time at home to see my friends when you are writing to Armagh give my love to Aunt J. and Uncle Edward. You may be sure that I will do my best this voyage as I feel the importance of improving my time. I expect at the shortest twill be 15 months until we are back. I am not kept at what you call menial employment but am given seamens work to perform and have learned a good deal since I came over. I might have an opportunity of writing again before we sail but twill just be to let you hear that we are off. Give my love to Doctor Aicken and Willy and remember me to Mr and Mrs Rogan. Love to Frances and Bessie and tell her I had not time to answer her note and believe me ever your affect son

James C Parkinson

Goodbye