The Barque Nightingale
Hong Kong
January 12st 1866
My dear Mother

I am thankful that at last I can write to you in better spirits than I have done lately as I have left the "Queen of the East" and am on board the Nightingale of Melbourne and I am going to start for there in a few days. I knew the Capt before and he gave me a passage back as soon as I asked him. I can tell you that I hope never to see the coast of China again and when I get back will use every endeavour to have done with going to sea as it is so uncertain. You may direct your letters as usual to Mr W Sculthorpe, 125 Argyle Street, Hobartown as I shall go there as soon as possible. I have been very much depressed in spirits since I came on this coast at not hearing from you but my whereabouts was so uncertain that it was no use in you writing. I hope you got my letters as I wrote when I had an opportunity. I fancy that I shall go to Adelaide soon and settle ashore but I can get my letters from H.town till I know. I hope you are all well. I have been very uneasy but hope that our communication will not be again interrupted. We expect to get to Melbourne in two months from this. I hope that I am thankful to God for his preserving care when I have seen so many stricken down around me. Give my most affect love to sisters and brothers and friends and hoping that the next letter you receive will be from Australia …

I remain yours affect

James C Parkinson