Ningpo China
December 5th 1864
My dear Mother,

I am sure you must be anxiously expecting a letter from me as I have missed three mails but it was not altogether my fault. I thought I would make a long voyage as times were pretty slack in Auckland, and we are now trading in the Chinese Seas and it is uncertain when I may get back to the Colonies again, but I hope it may be soon as I do not think I am come so away so far again. I am in the Barque Dispatch of Melbourne and very comfortable considering as we are only a few days from port to port. The weather is very mild altho it is winter. I think when I go back I shall try and get some situation ashore in Sydney. Are there not relations of Mr Riddell in Sydney? Perhaps Aunt E. could tell you. I shall have a great bundle of letters to read when I get to Htown again. I may not be able to send you another letter for some time but when I get back you will have a letter every mail as usual. I have not much to say except that I am in good health and hope that I will be settled before this time next year. Do not be uneasy at not getting letters regular as I cannot always hit the time and we are in some out of the way places. Give my love to Sisters and Brothers Miss L and believe you me yours, J.C. Parkinson

Segon (Saigon) Cochin China