Returned letter ( 0 )
Address
James Parkinson, Esq
Ship Martiban
Captain Hepburn
Falmouth
to be kept at Post Office till called for
East India Docks
London
(reverse) Not .. or West India .. James Smith
My dear James,

We were just home here yesterday and was very thankful this morning to see your letter enclosed from Belfast. I felt a goodeal at hearing and only Mr Carmichel the owner wrote from Greenwich to say the Martiban was op… at the Equator and all well and expected in six weeks .. would be due but hearing that Cholera was so bad at the Mauritius when J Nelson was there same time you were alarmed me very much, but thank God (God) you are safe home and I trust we shall have a short time together happily. How many dangers you have passed through. Surely God hears and answers prayers and he will save you and make you his own by adoption and grace but still look to the sinners friend to give grace for every turn of mind. I suppose we cannot make up our mind till we hear from you again and when you will be coming so Kate will have time to think of your kind offer. I would not have been so soon here but George has been very busy at his books as he has been at the Gunn’s? College trying for a premium for Greek and Latin and hopes he will obtain it, that he has …. to get to this refreshing little spot? and indeed I needed a change as I have had a goodeal of anxiety about many things but thank God we have got nearly clear of Nelson and Mr Pilson is now our … agent. Indeed he has been exceedingly kind and is determined to be firm with the tenants but kind and attentive to all that …… will bring but we will have him I trust to talk all over soon as I do not know whether the girls will be writing but .. … they will and tell you the Belfast news all about Willie Aicken and his bride so as my time is short I will only say that Miss Lascelles sends her kind love and is so glad that you are safe. Maria? is staying with her and sends kind love also. Joe is very glad also to hear of you. Wm O and Mary sends kind regards. This is a lovely day and the weather is going to take up. We have had a very hot summer and spring but the crops look well. Our little garden looks so well. We have peas and beans, nice cabbage and my flower beds also are looking so well not forgetting the best? flowers. The potatoes which I hope will stand this year as last. The same big bed. The Miss Forbes and little Ann .. are going next week to lodge in Mrs J… and Mrs Overend will come after they go away. Mrs Overend’s youngest son died last March of cholera. She is a grandmamma now as Mrs John has a youngster. What a sad thing the death of a young man on board the Martiban and you are safe thank God. I cannot be half thankful. Poor Sally? is still lamentably poor …. loss … mercy. How it happened makes me feel more but she will be glad to see you. Many have been enquiring for you and none more anxiously than Mrs Carson? She is a steady friend and now dear James I must conclude hoping to hear soon and also soon to see you once more which I did not expect.

I am joined by Willie and Georgie, Sally and other friends in kindest love to you and many prayers that you may be kept safe from disease,

Ever your fond mother,

Ann C. Parkinson

… Aicken and … Hughes are gone to some island. I forget the name. Its said that it is a good place. …. is Dr Aicken’s nephew and the other is brother of his.. I am sure you are glad to see the letter.