Bendigo, 
June 13th1859
Dear Willy,

Mamma and sisters must have forgotten what I have told them more than once in my letters, namely that they should never be uneasy about me although they do not hear from me regularly, but just imagine that I am well, just as theirs dated April finds me. Altho’ I cannot speak so encouragingly of my mining prospects, which are as usual rather dull at present, although I was very confident that we were about to do well, still the claim has not turned out as bad as the former, altho’ I did not expect so much of it as we have for 3 months work recd about 40 oz of gold, but I have not been able to pocket anything yet, but still have hopes, but I am nearly tired waiting on the turn of the wheel and think if I do not succeed soon I shall pay you a visit but I am afraid my pockets will be light, but I cannot help it. I wish that I had the opportunity and the desire to learn business that you have, for I can see now that there is no other occupation in which a person by steadiness and application is surer of getting on in the world than a thorough knowledge of it. It may feel irksome at first but you must remember that you are only planting the seed which require labour. As you sow so you must expect to reap and you may thank God that you are enabled to gain your livelihood with your coat on your back and hold a position in society. For if you go out in the world and have not the acquirements to fit you to hold a good situation, no one will ask whose son you are. At your age I thought that the sea was all that it was represented in books, but let me tell you I found the difference when I came to take the broom in my fist. Altho’ no doubt had I been in a better position and allowed to go when I should have been and properly educated for it I should have got on better instead of now working like a horse. If you can at all to determine bring yourself to follow the course marked out for you do it without loss of time and with your whole heart and you will feel that you are living to some purpose. A man walks with a firmer step when he has an object in view and especially when that object is the carving out of his own fortune. He can say to himself that I am doing my best to gain a favourable independence and there is no fear of your success if you only do right, and above all avoid those companions that would lead you into anything approaching to evil. Feel a pride in doing as you ought to do and your conscience will be your approver but I would not have you do anything against your inclination for I too well understand the proverb "Convince a man against his will and he is of the same opinion still" but I only wish to impress on you the desirability of fitting yourself to hold a respectable station and be enabled to associate with gentlemen. A person who has been brought up as you have, if he chooses a rough life of it soon gets disgusted with the society he is compelled to move in and afterwards when too late will long for that "feast of reason" that he once enjoyed. But pray to God to guide you in your choice and he will order your goings. Only one thing more I will say. If you knew the half of what I have suffered since I first went as a sailor and the sufferings and dangers I have gone through away from ones kindred, you would never allow the idea to enter your head of trying it, but whatever you determine on always look up and try and raise yourself. I am very sorry to hear that one of my old friends has payed the debt of nature but hope that it is for the better. Remember me to Joe, Miss Lascelles, Mr West, Drs Aicken and Mrs Fanny and with love to Mamma, sisters and brothers,

I remain, your affect brother

James C. Parkinson.