1st December 1865
160 William Street,
Melbourne  
Dearest Mamma

You will be surprised to hear that I am coming home. I find it impossible to stay any longer from home. I have had a great deal of roughing it in this country. People at home have no notion of it. Whatever in fact this country is as bad in respect to wages as home. I am coming home in the Roxborough Castle bound for London. I am starting tomorrow. I need not tell you what I have come through. I will have a good yarn for a winter night round the fire. I am so sick and tired of this country without a friend to speak to you and when I did get work it was of the very hardest kind at 6s week in a burning sun from any daylight to dark. I expect to arrive in London about the end of February. I am working my way home as cook mate. You need not write any letters for I should not get them. Oh I know what it is to have a home now so keep up your spirits.

Dear Mamma, I remain your affect son,

J.C. Parkinson.