Hobartown
May 18th 1872
My dear Mother

We were glad to hear that you have received our letter as we were too late posting it. But should you not receive one every mail you must not be uneasy but for the future we shall be more careful. I am sorry to hear about Miss Lascelles illness but as she has been spared to so great an age we must expect that the great change cannot be far distant. May she be enabled to look "beyond this vale of tears" and while she has time and opportunity obtain a passport to eternity. I am glad that George is well notwithstanding his hard studies and hope that he will finally be successful. I hope that I soon will have better news for you with regard to our worldly affairs, as we are to have a mainline Railway across this Island which will be certain to benefit the country and give employment to many. In fact if it had not been I do not know what we would have done as times have every year been getting worse, and we have found it very hard to keep anything square, but I am sure that I have more than I deserve. May we all shew our gratatude by rendering Him the homage of our hearts. The Lodge is getting on slowly but steadily. Most of people here do not understand the object of it oe aee its necessites but they are beginning to have their eyes opened. I received the letters that were sent by the "Rangoon" but they were nearly illegible. Annie and Willy are both very well and very engaging. Willy can say a good many words very plain and will be a singer. Annie is very fond of her needle. Christina is much obliged for the bow but begs me to excuse her writing as she only feels so-so. I have employment at present and I hope that I shall have no more idleness and now dear Mother I say no more at present. But with kind to love to sisters and brothers and Miss L, I remain ever your affect son

James C Parkinson