Hobartown
January 30th   1871
My dear Mother

We received your always welcome letter and 4Ns and am glad to hear that George is getting on so well and that he may be finely successful. I have employment now but there is the likelihood of the usual recess in winter which puts one as far back as ever. We all enjoy pretty good health except Chris who is troubled with a rash over her. This summer has been very warm. There are hundreds over from Victoria and yet the heat seems to follow them. I am sure you must feel better in the old house away from the bustle and smoke of Belfast. I am afraid it would not be for me to go home as I am so accustomed to be constantly employed and it would be very difficult for me to get anything suitable at home. But God enables us to do our duty and leave the result to him. I believe Luke C is coming to Sydney again. He seems very careless of those whom he is bound in duty to remember. Tomorrow is to be our annual Regatta day. It will be a grand affair. H.M.S. Clio is to be flag-ship and there are champion races for all the Colonies. I include some of Willy and Annie’s hair. We have quite enough to do to attend to them as they are very stirring but I suppose that runs in their blood. Excuse this short and rambling epistle. Give my love to all in which Annie and Willy and Mamma join and believe yours affect

James C Parkinson