Auckland,
J? 6th 1864
My dear Mother,

I wrote you a letter from H’town to be sent by the last mail before I left as I came away in the early part of the last month from there so that you might not be uneasy at missing a mail, and as things were reported very flourishing here I have stop’d but do not intend staying long. As I find that they are far different than ..... and shall shortly unless things change for the better return to Htown and sail out of it as I have done. It was with the intention of stopping on shore that I came, as a person cannot live on shore in Htown as there is no employment except going to sea. But perhaps things may turn out better than they appear so you can just address your letters as usual or at least as I directed in my last to Mr Sculthorp, and I am sure to get them when I return but where ever I am I shall always write where possible. The Troops are in winter quarters at present so there will be no more fighting for some time. I do not like this place when it rains. The streets are ankle deep with mud and there are such a number of people here seeking employment. In my last letter I gave poor Kate my experience of this country so she can please herself. I have no influence as I am only an inferior? position but if she knew any influential person coming out or to go to it might be different, as I know there are sometimes situations to be met with that would suit her, but I am sorry that they are above my control. God Almighty direct and protect you all. I grieve not for myself but that through my former follies I am now unable to do my dear sisters any good. I hope you got the photograph of my intended but I am afraid it will be some time before anything serious takes place. If I could scrape some money together so as to be able to buy a small vessel I could live in H’town. What makes things dull at present here is the winter but business is pretty brisk. Give my most affect love to all and believe me,

Your affect son,

James C. Parkinson

I am sorry you sent that money as I do not require it.