Hobartown
November 19th 1863
My dear Mother,

I am glad to be able to tell you that I have got over a very necessary operation which I wish had been done before. Latterly the ailment which I had when at home has got a great deal worse and prevented me doing my duty. In fact I have suffered a good deal with it on my arrival here. I went to the highest medical practitioner here Dr Crowther and he told me that the disease was Fistula and I had better get it cut out which was done and I am able to walk about again thank God but I shall not be able to go to work again for some time. You need not be uneasy as everything is going on as favourably as possible and I am very comfortable and have about £20 left yet. I shall feel quite different when I get well as it has been a great drawback to me. My old Capt. has gone to get another vessel and I expect to be well in time to join him when he comes. This is a beautiful place to live altho it is dull and not much business doing in it. Thank God I have been enabled to continue steadfast and I trust that I shall be kept from falling. I am glad to hear that George is getting on well and hope that W and S are doing so. Tell Bessie not to give up hope yet as I am older than she is. I had a letter from Muntz about that money, and I wrote to him to send it here but have not received it yet. Perhaps he has sent it to you which is all right and perhaps I may hear from him again. Give my most affect love to all and believe me.

ever your affect son,

James C. Parkinson.

P.S. Direct to Mr Fisher as usual. I received both the likenesses they are very good.