Brigg Prairie
Hobartown
June 14th 1863
My dear Mother,

I received your welcome letter on my arrival from Sydney and am sorry that you sent the money as I do not require it so you can do as you like either write to Muntz to refund it to you, or send it to my direction here. I have a few pounds now which I intend to employ in trading and expect to make about £15 next trip. Some things are very plenty here and very expensive where we are going to. I have shipped in the same vessel for another 6 months for £4.10 per month. I have should have been mate of her this time only there was another party in the way but "Thank God" I can now I hope put my whole trust in him that he will "Order my going". His grace has been sufficient to restrain me from the sin that before so easily beset me and I enjoy health of body and soundness of mind at present and I am confident that he who has raised me up again can keep me from falling. I am very comfortable at present, and if it is his will I intend in 6 months to try my luck in New Zealand for I have not given up hope of seeing you yet again in the body. I can see all my evil doings now and with God’s grace I hope yet to be able to send you and my dear sisters and brothers some pledge of my well doing. I think perhaps it might be as well for you to keep the poor old house for yourselves as it costs so much to keep it in repairs for tenants and let the other but you must know best. We are going to the same place again and maybe 3 or 4 months away but your letters will be all safe when they arrive. Please remember me to Mr Pilson and I hope he will all the domestic happiness that he can wish for. I would like to hear of some of my sisters getting settled and it grieves me that I cannot do anything to assist them at present but we cannot tell what may turn up in a little time. Give my love to Miss Lascelles, Sisters and brothers and remember me to Joe and poor Sally and Sarah and believe me yours affect

James C Parkinson

I shall be very glad to receive your likeness.