Barque Dispatch
February 12th 1865
My dear Mother,

I am afraid that you have been uneasy at not receiving letters from me so regular as when I was in H.town but I suppose by about this time you will have received the one I sent from Ningpo. The place we are in now is a French settlement and postage to England is very high. It is about 60 miles up a river and very hot. We have been here a month and are waiting for .... I am sorry that I came so far from Australia but I did not think the voyage would be so long and I think I shall be hard to induce to quit it again. As I cannot receive any answers to my letters as there would be no use in you writing here as our movements are so uncertain. At the very least we cannot be back in the Colonies in less than six months. I hope that when I get back I shall be able to get some situation on shore altho things are but dull now.

I hope you are all well. I never enjoyed better health than I do at present and I have had no return of my disease. I have very little news to give you as I have not received any news from H.town since I left, but your letters are in safe hands until I return. The name of the agents for the ship are Jardine and Matheson Hong Kong Capt. Macarthur but there would be no use in you writing as we may be on our way back before your letter would arrive. Should I not get spliced when I get back as I never will until I get something permanent. I might perhaps take a trip home but I cannot determine anything until I get back. I give my most affect love to Sisters and Brothers, Miss L, Aunt etc. and believe me ever,

Your affect son,

J.C. Parkinson.