Sydney 
August 24th 1868
My dear Mother,

I was sorry that one of us did not write by last mail as I was here when the mail went but thought Chris would have written but when I got back I found that she had trusted to me. I am still in the steamer as things are so dull in H Town, but expect to get something to do on shore shortly on shore. Times are very dull and as I have told you we had to give up shopkeeping as there was such a falling off in trade. We had a shop in the principal street in town in the grocery line and did pretty well at first but latterly we lost a good deal. But I will have employment on shore for the summer and perhaps something may turn up afterwards. Dear Annie has had the Hooping cough severely but is much better. She is a surprising child for her age and promises to be a fine girl and is very strong and healthy. She can say Da Da already, and has got the same button nose as I use to have but her eyes are dark like her mothers. She will look well in a carte and everyone admires her. I hope she will be spared to us and perhaps Providence may order it so that she may be able to see her dear Grandma. It is very unpleasant to be from home but it is better than being idle. Poor Chris has had a hard time with her in her illness but I hope when I return to find her quite well. I am sorry to hear that poor Sam is out of employment and not quite well yet. I hope that he will get something to help him. We got our last letters together so I suppose one was detained. I feel very much at you being so uncomfortable and so muchalone. I wish we were altogether again but there is not much chance of that yet.

There seems a general depression all over the colonies so I think I will try and remain where I am at present as it is healthy. I am sorry to hear of Walter L’s illness. I do not think his wife is any connection of Chris she has an Uncle a Doctor in Cork and one in London and has a cousin here of the name of Harris, his mother lives in or about Dublin. I do not like to advise about the old house but I think it would be well if you could get a good Tennant for it. The cottage would do you in summer. I must conclude with love to Brothers and sisters, Miss L, Joe, Sally et cetera and believe me your affect

James. C. Parkinson