December 25th 1862
New Zealand
Littleton, Brig Prairie
My dear Mother,

I wrote as soon as I arrived in Melbourne to let you know that I arrived safe altho we had a very long passage. I stopped a fortnight in town but from the accounts of the various goldfields I did not like to go up the country. There I shipped in a vessel for Hobartown and joined this Brig there. The Captain is the best man ever I sailed with and a teetotaller and no one could desire better than we get to eat. Beautiful white, bread fresh meat, potatoes, plum duff etc.I mean to stop in her until I have some money and I think this place or the neighbourhood of it will suit very well to settle ashore. Labouring men get about ten shillings a day and sailors in small crafts get eight pounds per month. It is a great deal better than Victoria and very healthy. The vessel I am in trades generally between Hobartown and this place so I think you might venture to write here to "the Post Office to be left till called for" as I am sure to come back here again. I am sorry that I missed the Dec. mail but it was gone when I arrived but I shall write every opportunity. I hope you did not send any money to Melbourne as I got one letter there when I landed but there was no order but I did not require it, so if you have not sent it you can keep it and as soon as I can get anything worth sending I will but I want to get settled on land as soon as I can, but I thought that as the old place was so bad that if I went in a coaster for six months that I might find something better. This is a fine country much better than Australia at present, there are no hot winds but it is pretty cold in winter. I am getting four pounds per month but I hope soon to get something better. On second thoughts you better direct your letters to "Mr J. Young, Glenochry, Hobartown" for me, and if I am not there I can send for them. Give my love to all, and believe me your affect,

James C. Parkinson.

P.S. I never enjoyed better health anywhere.