Auckland,
Barque ‘Bella May’
June 7th 1866
My dear Mother,

As the New Zealand mail leaves on Sunday for Australia I thought I would write a few lines as I am sorry that there has been such a long interval between my letters lately but I hope that is at an end. I wrote from H’town last mail and gave you a pretty long letter so you must not expect much this time. I am going out on Sunday next to see if I can find Dr Aickens place as I forgot to bring the directions with me. The times are very dull here now. The greater parts of the Troops have been withdrawn. I hope to find a letter to me from Sam when I get back which I expect to do in about a month and if it is possible I will and see him. I am thinking of going into business in Htown as the persons I have been stopping with are going home and have offered me their shop, so when I hear from you in answer to my last I hope I will be able to leave off the sea for ever. The lady that has been my intended when I was away in China was told by a relation of hers from Melbourne when she saw my likeness that I was a married man, and had a wife and two children and that my name was Mulligan. So as she was so weak as to give credit to such a falsehood I have not spoken to her since and dont’ intend, but I have been recommended to a person who seems suitable to make me a good wife but will tell you more in my next.

My health is very good in fact I feel better than ever. Perhaps the prospect of being settled soon has something to do with it. I told you my wishes in my last so I need not repeat them. Give my most affect love to Sisters and Brothers Aunts Joe Miss L ‘et cetera’ and believe me ever,

yours affect,

James C. Parkinson

2/5 Argyle St