Auckland
Feb 4th 1864
Dear Mother,

As I might not have an opportunity of writing for some time I thought I might as well let you know how I am getting on. We arrived here safe from H.town a few days ago and are going to take government stores down to near where the War is going on. The place is all in a bustle with soldiers landing and stores going up to the front. Nothing decisive has occurred yet I think it will be sometime before it is settled but you need not be afraid of me as we are exempt. Thank God my health is perfectly restored and I do not feel any inconvenience from the wound. I hope that God in his goodness will lay out some way for me to get my living on land, as I would not think of settling in life while I had to go to sea. I sent you a photograph of a young female who I became acquainted with at the Methodist Chapel and she appears to be in every way fitted to make a good wife and best of all I believe she is truly religious and if I can settle ashore I think I might do worse than marry as it is time now a person does not want a fine lady here but one that can wash a shirt etc. I have been at several meetings here and Glory be to God I feel that I am getting into the old paths. May He enable me to be consistent and shew to the world that there is a reality in religion. Do not be disappointed if you do not receive any letter next mail as I may not be able to send one. There is a young man in the commissary dept. here of the name of Maxwell who was at school with me at Lesters. May God bless you all. Give my love to Sisters and Brothers and friends and believe me,

Your affect,

James. C. Parkinson.