Hobartown,
Christmas Eve 1869
My dear Mother, 

Would it be any saving if you would send some calico and such like out

I thought to have written you a long letter this time but have delayed it too long. I arrived here safe about a fortnight ago and have been at home since and intend to remain till after the Holy days. I hope to be able to get something to do on shore. I am very comfortable and would feel comparatively happy but for the thoughts of going away again but perhaps there is better in store. Of course you have heard of my marriage before this. I am well content with my bargain and could not be better suited and have a nice little cottage.

Christina sent her carte about two months ago. I also told you that I had received the money safe. I think you had better send the remainder as I wish to try something on my own account and there are sometimes opportunities of purchasing land here very cheap and if I had a house of my own it would be a great saving and the value of property cannot be lower than it is at present. Does Kate still think anything of coming out to the colonies? If so I would look out for a situation as governess and there are some pretty comfortable ones and very few properly qualified persons to fill them. At any rate should she think anything of it I have got a home to offer her on landing which I had not before. Christina is well aquainted among the elite and have no doubt would soon hear of something that would suit, but if she had any prospect of getting comfortable settled at home do not let this unsettle her, but if she would like to come let her keep as much of my money as will bring her comfortably out and send me the remainder. So use your own judgement. I am sorry to hear by your last that Aunt E is so unwell and that is an ailment there is not much cure for. I send the carte of the only remaining natives of Tasmania. I am sure you will admire them. I will also send by a ship bound to London a part of Wedding cake which I hope you will receive safe. Give my love to Miss L, Joe, Brothers and Sisters and give poor Sally Hanna one pound for me when you draw the money and accept £4 four pounds yourself to buy something with. I had a letter from Munce stating that he had sent the money but I never received any letter except that and the one he wrote when he arrived in the Colony. Tis very strange as I never had a letter go astray yet and have always got yours. If it was sent it must have been misdirected as I enquired at the Post Office and they said the writer should make enquiries at the office where it was posted. With love from Christina,

I remain yours affect,

James C. Parkinson

We recd the hair