Hobartown
April 19th 1871
My dear Mother

Your welcome letter disappointed us very much as we fully expected that Luke would have brought the long expected box, and I know that it must have been nothing but neglect on his part. His mother desires me to say that she feels much hurt at the way he has treated you after all your attention to him. The parcel has not arrived yet but suppose it will come in good time. For the future do not trouble yourself sending things out as every common necessary is to be had here except a few particular articles. If you choose you can forward the rest of London. Should you receive a new letter from the carpenters of the ship "Ethel" Capt Harmonsworth, his name is Johnston and I intend writing to him this mail to let you know when the ship sails. I spoke to him before he sailed about it but thought that Luke would have brought it. For the future you shall have noticed once or twice in the year when there are H.town vessels in London, from acquaintances of mine on board the "Ethel" must have arrived in "London docks" last month and is a regular trader. I hope that some time we will have something to send you. Chris has not got baby’s carte yet as the weather has been unfavourable but hope soon not to have it. I have got along pretty well this summer and hope that I shall not be long idle this winter. I am glad to hear that Sam is well and hope that he will be successful and perhaps we might meet in the far west yet as there are no prospect of independence here. I hope George will be sucessful after all his studies and may the Most High enable you to bear all your anxieties. The prayer of your affect son

James C Parkinson

PS We recieved 4 newspapers and I am glad the war is over. Our garden is a great help. There are all sorts of English flowers here. Chris desires to be remembered to you. Annie and Baby are well and he can say DaDa and is a good tempered little fellow. Annie will have a very good voice