Point de Galle.
Ship Martaban,
October 1st 1861
My dear Mother,

I left the Mauritius ten days ago and after a very quick passage have almost reached Point de Galle where we are to receive orders to proceed most likely either to Bombay or Calcutta. I wrote to you from there. But this will reach you as soon, but so I thought I might as well write. I hope that we will be homeward bound from our next port as it will give us fine weather to get home in. We have had no accidents or sickness of any moment since the Mauritius is a very healthy place but everything is very dear as all articles of general use have to be brought there. I expect to be home next June if everything goes right. I hope that everything is going on well at home and that Sam and George are getting on well at school.. I do not know what will be best for me to do yet as I do not like the notion of going so far away to settle down, but if there is nothing else I intend to pass for second mate as soon as I get home as I do not believe I could have done so before. I will do all I can to make good use of the time to come with the help of the most high, I am sure that you will have no more trouble with me. Give my love to sisters and Brothers and Miss Lascelles and remember me to Joe, Sarah and Mary and I hope she is better and believe me your affect.

James C. Parkinson

(in pencil) Oct 10th We arrived here all safe and are bound to Bilipataru? and from there to London. I hope you are all well.

Yours,

J.C.P.