Bendigo
June 13th 1858
My dear Mother

I received yours and sisters dated April 10th and enclosed forget-me-not and am glad to hear you are all well. You should not be too anguished about me with regard either to my return or good luck as both are uncertain yet. We’ve had a great deal of trouble to find the reef and now it will be some time before we get it into working order as we have water to contend with but still we have a very good prospect.

I am sorry that Sarah is leaving you but of course we must all look out for number one. The Whisky party have got on very well. I have heard of, but am not acquainted with them. There is some talk of war with France here, but hope it shall be amicably settled. I am going to get my likeness taken tomorrow but it will be too late to send by this mail, but you may expect it by next, and then you shall see if this boy is much changed for the worse. I have not much news, everything is looking up at the present. The railway is about to commence. Last week there was a large nugget found at Ballarat. The largest in the world (220 lb) two hundred and twenty pounds! Please remember me to Dr Aitken Sen. and Junr. And give my love to Aunt E Miss Lascelles Mrs and Joe Surch Sisters and Brothers and believe me yours affect

James C Parkinson