Hobartown
December 30th 1869
My dear Mother

As usual on the arrival of the mail we received a letter and 3 newspapers from you and also one for Annie. I suppose before this you would have received her carte which I hope will please you all. Annie is very well as present but was troubled with worms some time back but I hope has got rid of them now. She is a regular old woman and very intelligent for her age. She stayed with her Grandma when Chris was ill and made herself quite at home. People here say that she is liker Maria than anyone of we folk. We have removed to Argile Street near "Brickfields". We have a very comfortable cottage and a nice piece of ground for less than we were paying for the other and it is nearer my work and more healthily situated. I am in steady employment now and beginning to get round but the winter and illness put us back a good deal. I suppose you know before this that we received the £5 safe as I mentioned it next letter. I am sorry that we are so placed to need anything from you but I hope there will be a turn in the tide now. Chris is a good deal pulled down but hopes she will soon be strong again. The flying squadron has just arrived from Sydney so there will be great doings.

There is a Mr Douglas here at present preaching and I believe doing a great deal of good. He is a Anglo-Irish American. A great many do not like him for he speaks the truth. He does it all for nothing and seems to be very earnest. I am glad to hear that Sam is better. I am sometimes troubled with indigestion which is very disagreeable. I suppose Luke will soon be with you. Remember me to all at home and with love to Sisters and Brothers. I remain

Yours affect

James C Parkinson

Excuse this

Chris sends her love and …Chris’ mother desires to be remembered.