Hobartown,
March 25th 1871
My dear Mother, 

As usual we received your welcome letters and also one from Bessie and 3 newspapers and am glad to hear that you continue better. I am sorry you were disappointed this time in not receiving one from us as it was written, but the party who was to post it forgot till it was too late but it shall not happen again. We were glad to hear that Luke got safe and I am sure enjoyed himself. He must be a fine big fellow now. I am sorry that there is no opening for poor Sam at home, as he is rather slight built for hard work. As yet there is no prospect that would suit him here but we are to have the railway which I hope will make things brisker here. Thank God I can see my way for employment now altho is laborious and long hours yet we must be thankful and we hope soon to be a little better off than we have been. I have had a constant supply of cabbage from the seed Sam sent ever since and a great many of the vegetable, pumkins and veg/ marrows grow in the open air here and grapes. I am sorry poor Sally is ill. Please remember me to her. Tell Bessy there were 6 tea spoons, 4 desert and 2 tablespoons sent. Crest on all 'wheat sheaf'. Chris is well as are also Annie and baby. Annie says their dadas. Mamma is sending her out such a lot of pretty things. She will be very fond of her needle. We hope to be able to send baby's carte next time, he is a fine child. I am glad that the war is over and hope that peace will be established. Papa has had a sad fall but serves him right. Excuse this scribble but my hand is cramped. Give my love to all and believe me,

Your affect son,

James C. Parkinson