Hobartown,
January 29th 1869
My dear Mother,

Again I sit down to answer your last two letters which arrived together. I am glad that you are pleased with the likeness but sure that you would be more pleased with the original. God grant that she be spared to us as she is getting so engaging. I have been on shore now some time and she is getting very fond of her dada. Whenever she sees me coming she stretches out anything that she may have in her hand for me to have some and also has got rid of the cough and has got 8 teeth without any trouble. I think she will be very like her Grandadda. I hope that she may learn to follow his footsteps.

I am working on shore now and I hope to be able to remain. I had thought of shifting but I believe there is a general depression over the other Colonies as well as this. Only there is so little doing here in the winter time. There is a tremendous quantity of fruit exported from this place in the summer and a great quantity of jam made which causes employment in summer and wool together. We had not to sell any of our furniture when we gave up business but it left us rather low, but thank God we have been able to keep above water ever since. Chris is well and sends her love and so is dear Annie. We expect Mr Miles is going home to London again from here but I will write and let you know if he does. This has been a very hot summer and very little rain. The country is parched up greatly and the flocks and herds have suffered. I am glad that Sam is better and hope that he will soon get something to do that will suit him.

I am sorry to hear that Miss L is so frail. It is a pity she is so lonely. It would not be agreeable I know but either she ought to be with you or some one with her. Give my love to her. We intend to get a number of cartes taken of ‘Annie’ as soon as we can afford it. I will send them for general distribution.

I am glad that Johnston got into Parliament. There is an Orange Lodge started here as it wants it to keep the Rebels quiet. I must conclude as it is almost 12 a clock and I have to rise early and work late so you will excuse this scribble with Love to Sisters and Brothers, Aunt E. Mr Surch and Sophy, Sally and etc.

And believe me, Ever your affect son,

James C. Parkinson