Hobartown
July 23 1866
My dear Mother,

I hope that before this you have received my letter which I sent on my arrival here. In it I express my wishes with regard to the money so it is no use in repeating them. I have been since down in Auckland and spent two very pleasant Sundays with Dr Aicken and his family at his residence 7 miles from town. Mrs Aiken and himself were very kind just the old sort and Greaves is a fine fellow and has a chemists shop in Newton Auckland. I am glad to be able to show some return for the Drs kindness as he wants some fruit trees which I am sending to him. I am not going back to Auckland myself this time as I am going second mate with my old captain "Hopkins" in a vessel called "The Picard" to Rockhampton, and I intend when I return to try the land for it with the help of God and most likely get married. At present times are very dull but there is some hope for a change for the better soon. I told you that I had broken off my engagement with Rebecca and I have not done wrong but I will not again say anything about my love affairs till I am certain that it is going to take place but I think I will be more fortunate in my present en a morata. Dr A has a lovely family of five or six boys and two daughters just "blooming into womanhood". I have been a few days ashore at Mr Sculthorps and they fed me up in great style and are very kind. I am sorry that I did not see poor Sam but things are very dull and I hope that he will get a comfortable situation at home after his ramble and content himself as he must now know something of the hardship we exiles have to put up with. But thank God I never was better or more comfortable since I left home. I received the box from Sydney left by Sam and thank you all for the beautiful presents it contains and hope the one I shall get for a wife will be more worthy of them than her for whom they were intended. I send two carte de vesit of myself one for yourself and one for Aunt E. I am sorry they are not better taken. I must conclude with love to all and remain yours J.C. Parkinson

You must get them coloured? as I have been disappointed?