Hobartown
November 5th 1870
Dear Mother

As usual your letters and Newspapers came safe except the one sent to Annie. We only recd the envelope of it which I enclose. I am glad that you are all well and that you have such pleasant weather. We are all well and Baby is thriving and a fine lovely boy and Annie is growing and full of life. I have employment now and I hope I shall not be idle again as it puts one back so. We will have a good crop of vegetables in the garden as the Spring has been very favourable. I only wish that I had purchased a piece of ground and built a house on it as property seems very cheap now and 5 S per week is something out of ones wages. I hope George will be successful. Baby will be very like him - Chris is pretty well and sends her love to all. God bless the Prussian King. The papists here cannot understand it. He seems to attribute his success to the right source. I hope England will be preserved from war although she deserves a whipping. I hope you have sent the box in one of the London ships as they come here direct. The G Britain goes to Melbourne and there is the additional expense. We have very little news to tell you only that there is no improvement in the times. Although the Railway bill is passed and that will cause a stir when it commences. Give my love to Sisters and Brothers. Remember me to Miss Lascelles and Joe.

And believe you me your affect son

James C Parkinson