Hobartown
December 22nd 1863
My dear Mother

I have just received yours dated Oct. as the mail has been delayed about nine days this time. I am sorry to hear that poor Miss L is so ill but hope that she may be spared. I have been here now two months and nearly well as the wound is almost closed. I feel about ten years younger since I had this done. I wonder at the goodness of God in rising me up and restoring me to perfect health after the way I have abused it. This has been a heavy drag on my purse as I have to pay £1 per week for board but thank God I have been a little provident. Muntz wrote to me about the money and I answered his letter twice but have not had any communication with him. I told you distinctly to send it so that I might have it on my arrival in Melbourne or not at all. In matters of business we ought always to do what we have arranged to do or it makes confusion. No letter goes wrong here. I have never lost one since I have been in Australia or here, so long as it is properly directed. You need not put such a long direction on yours as Mr J Young Hobartown, Glenochry, Tasmania is quite enough. Van Diemen’s land is obsolete. I like this place better than any I have been in yet. The climate is much milder than at home and there are no hot winds like Australia. Mr Young who receives my letter is a native of this and his wife and are very nice and kind people. He saw me once before on the diggings. I have been out at his place and am to spend Christmas there. The country is lovely. Grape vines grow around the house and such a bloom of roses. I have kept myself very circumspect since I have been here and the few who I am acquainted with are of the better class. I have become acquainted with a young person here who I think would make as far as I can judge a very good wife, as she has one essential thing in her possession the fear and love of God. The only objection that I can see is that her parents are poor but respectable and religious and in a new country like this I do not think it matters so much whether we are well connected so long as we belong to Jesus Christ’s own nobility. As Mr McGough has it, a person feels so heartless here when they have no home of their own. You can give me your thoughts on the subject. I am not in a hurry to put a halter on this involvement? yet. I would certainly let George take his own way and I hope God will bless him, and as the eldest was not fit for the Kingdom may he take warning and remember that it is a bitter thing to sin against the Lord, and that he has every reason to believe that God will open the way for him as ever since I have been here I have found that men speak well of one when he does well to himself. I have been very comfortable since I have been ashore and am with very kind people and I know and feel that God will open the way for me. I hope that Miss L will leave all to some of you. I have health and strength and am beginning to value them. Remember me to all my sisters and brothers and Miss L., Joe, Sally, Aunt etc., and wishing you a happy new year

I remain yours

James C Parkinson

PS Would someone copy "The little Village Child" and send it to me. I owe Miss Lascelles one pound and will send it by next mail if I can possibly. Tell Catherine that at present she ought to try and content herself at home where she is at least comfortable. I as yet cannot offer her a home. I know it is only natural for her to like to see the world, but if we only knew the value of the blessings we enjoy it would make us more contented

Yours James C Parkinson