Bendigo 
July 14th 1859
Dear Mother,

I received yours dated May 16th a few days ago and also newspaper and for which I am much obliged. I am glad to observe that the Great Co. Down is getting on well. I am at a loss to know why you do not receive my letters as I write nearly every mail, but hope that you have received some before this. I am getting on a little better than usual, but not near as well as I expected. As yet the reef is poor, and does not yield more on average then 1 oz per ton, but indeed if I do not see a better prospect shortly as soon as I get sufficient to take me home comfortably I shall go, but I do not like, as long as there is any hope of bettering myself, to give up. There is one thing in reefing when you do strike it heavy, you are up in the stumps quick for although I cannot accuse myself of being a spend-thrift. I could never save money by little and little. I must be in where I think there is any likelihood of success.

I am glad to hear that Willy is glad to commence his career and hope that he will do his best to get on as he has a fine opportunity, and also that Annie’s determined to choose the better part. May she all my dear sisters be kept in their first love, and not allow the enemy of souls to get the upper hand. I hope England will be able to keep out of this war. We already feel the effect of it as the price of gold has fallen 2/6 per ounce which is a loss of several thousand pounds weekly to the miners of this district. I enclose the news of the month written a great deal better than I could give to you so with love to Joe, Miss Lascelles, Sisters and Brothers,

I remain,

Yours affect

James C. Parkinson

P.S. Remember me to Dr Aicken Mrs Hughes Mary O

I did not send the paper as it made the letter too heavy. I had to pay 1s 3d for the letter.