December 3 1869
Hobartown,
Argyle St,
opposite Peacock’s
Chris sends her love and Annie a kiss to her Grandma.
My dear Mother,

Your welcome letter and 3 newspapers etc. arrived al safe. In fact I do not think one letter has gone astray since I have been here so you need not be uneasy except the steamer goes to the bottom. I am sorry for poor Sam but hope he will get over it. It takes a very strong constitution to stand the knocking about in this country. I often wonder that I am so well. All that troubles me is an occasional inconvenience from indigestion which is very unpleasant, and I am very particular in my food, but otherwise my health is good. I was surprised on hearing that Frank had left the Carlisles. I would not go back if it were my case, but you cannot expect much else. We have changed our residence much for the better as the cottage we live in now is in the outskirts and in a very healthy part. We have a fine garden and can keep fowl, and it is near my work so I hope that we will soon be more comfortable. Only my spell of idleness in the winter has thrown us back together with poor Chris’ illness. She is a good deal better and Annie is quite well and can speak very plain and is full of fun. I hope before this you have received her cart. Luke Coates ought to be getting near the Channel now. He was to go from Shanghia to London. We had letters from him. I hope that I will not have to go to sea again as it is a very uncomfortable life. Please send me a few seeds of ‘curly cabbage’ in your letter. Excuse this scrawl as it is late. Give my love to sisters and Brothers, Miss L and Sally Joe etc.

Believe me,

your affect son,

James C. Parkinson