Ship Norfolk
24th Nov 1859(?)
Dear Mother,

I suppose you will be surprised to see this. I met with an accident at the claim and was not able to work and to mend the matter the claim has turned out nothing so I thought the best thing I could do was to come home as I am sick of working for nothing and think that I have tried my luck pretty well. When I arrived in Melbourne I took my passage in the Norfolk for London as there was none laid for Lpool, and she was ready to sail before my chest came down from the diggings so I expect that is gone. There was not much in it that I cared for except some letters and specimens but it cannot be helped now. I am very glad that I have got so near home safe. I would not spend 5 years like the preceding ones again for all the wealth of Victoria. Perhaps I shall be able to find something to do at home for I can tell you that I have had my fill of rambling. I had one of my ankles bruised and the other sprained, but they are nearly well now. I have not got money enough to buy clothes and get home any way respectable so could you manage to send me a few pounds.

When you write direct to care of Mrs Kenfell 239 High St. Poplar Middlesex as there is a party on board here whose mother lives there and he has invited me to stop with him. We expect to get home in about a fortnight. We left Melbourne on the 1st of October. Do not let anyone know that I am so poor if you can help it and do not think anything of it or take it to heart. I dont and excuse this for since I came on board I have gained 8 or 9 lb. Give my love to all,

Hoping to eat my Christmas dinner with you,

I remain yours,

J.C. Parkinson