Excuse haste
Bendigo
July 10th 1857
My dear Mamma

I received yours dated April and am glad to hear that things go on well. I should say that as you are at less expense at Killough it would be better to remain there until all debts are paid and then you would be in a better position to reside in Belfast should you think it desirable, which I’m sure it would on account of the family and the advantage of society. I am quite content to remain sometime longer, and for that matter only it was my dear Father’s last wish that I should go home and on account of you all I should make this country my home, for there are no masters to oppress a poor devil, for out in Australia we are all on a level. Everyone can if he likes gain a good living although everyone cannot make a fortune. You folks have queer ideas of this country. You see in every newspaper accounts of some party stumbling over a few hundred oz but you must bear in mind the thousands of unlucky ones. I have been engaged in a quartz reef speculation for the last 5 months being one of a company of 20 called the Prince of Wales Quartz Mining Compy. We are sinking on the Robt Burns Reef and are down about 120 feet. It is a very good chance as parties close to are getting as much as 40 oz to the ton, but I expect we will have to go perhaps 50 feet more. If we strike it will give me a lift. The digging is turned into regular mining, you cannot go and fall on a pile on the alluvial. Now at any rate if I am spared some time I shall go and see you all, should I have to come back again. The enclosed will give you some more news as I am a very poor composition. Remember me to Dr Aitken and give my love to Aunt Bessie, Kate, Frances, Maria, Annie, Bill, Sam, Georgie, Mrs and Joe Miss Lascelles etc and believe me ever your affect son

James C Parkinson