Bendigo
February 11th 1858
Dear Mamma

Although the English mail has not arrived yet I thought it best to write to let you know how I am getting on. We have not yet got payable gold but I expect in a month we shall be all right, the next claim to us has struck gold very rich, so I think I may begin to count my chickens, so that after all my illfortune I hope to be fortunate yet. This summer has been very hot and there has been very little rain but that does not affect me, as our gold is in quarts rock and is ground in a mill to extract the gold. Bendigo is about the most flourishing field in Victoria at present. The reefs are turning out better than ever, one party got 650 oz out of 11 ton of stone.

I hope you are comfortable settled in your new home, you must have fine times of it now. I would like to have a spell with you now after so many years of hardship, but I hope it shall not be long.

You must excuse me writing a long letter as in this monotonous place there is nothing but gold and hard work to talk about, but in my next I hope that I shall have plenty to say. Give my love to all my Sisters and Brothers Aunt and Uncle E Mr West Miss Lascelles not forgetting Joe Mrs S etc believe me ever yours affect

James C Parkinson