Hobartown,
January 7th 1864
My dear Mother,

As I am going away to sea in a day or two I must write to you before the usual time. I have perfectly recovered my health and feel quite active and smart again. The wound has completely healed up and I have been very comfortable while on shore, and if a vegetable diet is any good to renovate the system I have had the benefit of it while here. I have shipped on board a brig called the "Dart" and am going to Auckland. The war is over as the natives are inclined for peace so there is no fear of them taking me for a soldier. But I have better news to tell you and that is the wounds that sin has made in me are also healed by the application of the blood of Jesus. I wonder at such love after my continued rejection of him. I can testify to the boundless love of God in being with me so long after Judas like betraying the Lord who bought me. May he grant me grace to retain the sauce? of his forgiveness and to be steadfast.

I enclose the likeness of the young person I mentioned in my last and hope your opinion may be favourable. Altho she has rather disfigured her countenance to keep in the laughing but I do not intend anything serious until I am in a better position than at present, as 3 months ashore ran away with some cash. She seems to be very amiable and truly religious and all that know her speak well of Rebecca Speakman. Please remember me to all and believe me,

Yours affect,

James C. Parkinson.