Bendigo 
July 12 1858
My dear Mother,

(Written on Newsletter of Australasia)

As the mail is about to start I thought that I might as well write, altho the one that is due has not arrived yet. I have no great news to tell you except to tell you that I am well and as contented as I can be in Australia. We have had a much longer job at our reef than we expected as we have had to sink another shaft to be able to work the reef to advantage and also on account of the water, but it would be impossible for me to tell you on paper the difficulties we have to labor under. However I believe I shall be all right shortly. I have got my likeness taken and have sent it so you may expect it shortly after this. It seems pretty well taken but the eyes look a little queer. However, I expect you will be able to recognise it. I only wish it were the reality that was going, altho I do not want to be ‘packed up in a box and directed’ yet. As Jack told his ship mates they show? people did with the dead.

This country would be very pleasant if one had good society to mingle in but the bulk of the population is of the lower caste, so one cannot expect to meet with much kind or refined feelings among them, but I am ... for the time or rather means of revisiting the scenes of early youth. If I dont make haste there will be a great fear of me becoming an old mans ‘beg pardon’ I mean a confirmed bachelor but we must hope for the best. I am thinking of how it would be best to do if I should get a considerable sum out of this claim, I mean in the way of investing it, as I do not expect a pile and even what I expect to get will take some time before it can be pocketed and should I continue reefing I should have .... ... , but I want to go home or rather am wanted I suppose I should say, and should I get as soon as I get this it will throw me out of the line altogether as I would have to do something at home, but good situations would not be as equal in emolument? to a laborers wage here, do you catch my meaning, altho I could lay? it out in property here which would turn in more by a great deal than at home and have an agent here. You can just give me yours or someone’s idea on the subject. In fact I do not know what I would be fit for in the old country when you are bound up by so much restraint stuff and nonsense it rough and ready here, and only requires steadiness, a stout arm and a small portion of that sense common, only common sense to get on altho many may be a long time before they get a start like me. Excuse my ... and with love to all allow me to subscribe myself ever your affect son.

J.C. Parkinson.