January 31st 1868
160 Liverpool Street
Hobartown
My dear Mother

At last I have the pleasing news to communicate that you have got a bouncing Grand-daughter who arrived here safely this afternoon and half past 2. Poor Chris suffered severely for 15 hours but is now as well as can be expected so the little stranger was just in time for the mail. She is a splendid child and I hope to be able to do my duty to her.

We have had great stir here on account of the Prince and everything went off well. I send you a paper with the whole account of the proceedings so it will be unnecessary for me to tell except to give you any idea of his reception. I hope that things will soon change for the better here as the country has been so misgoverned. There is very little work for the labouring population. There is a Mrs Boyd here who comes from the neighbourhood of Ballynahinch who wishes to make enquiries if any of her relatives are alive. She left there about 35 years ago Jane Ervine was her maiden name, her father William Irvine and her brother James Boyd Ervine, her brother in law James Coulter and her uncle resides between Ballynahinch and Saintfield a place called Drumahalis named Hugh Purdy. The name of her native place is Cargy Creevy. Her son in law is a photographer and his direction is Cregalty Cottage, Harrington Street, Hobartown. So if you be able to find out her people. That is the direction as she wishes to hear from them and I know you can find out by inquiry. I hope that Sam is getting strong and healthy. They will be proud now they are Uncle and Aunts. I hope you will not distress yourself sending me much as I have robbed you all enough but I hope Providence will bless our endeavours to gain an honest livelihood. I have not much to say more except that I am well and Chris will write to you next mail and sends her love to all. Remember me to all, love to brothers and sisters, and believe me

Ever yours affect

James C Parkinson

PS I forgot to say we received your last letter and newspapers. I must send two. We intend to call the stranger I believe Anne Catherine.