Hobartown
August 10th 1872
My dear Mother

We received your ever welcome letters and papers and am glad to hear you are all pretty well. I will be glad to see the pictures when they come. I wonder very much that Sam has not got enough of rambling. In the first place he is rather slight made for hard work, and should he again be exposed to hardship probably would again be laid up. I know that the climate of Canada must be very trying and the work most laborious, surely he might get something to suit him if he put his shoulder to the wheel at home. Although the great interpreter make his and all our paths plain for us. Enable us to follow the leading of his Providence. We have not been as bad this winter as last. I’ve had some employment constantly although not sufficient but half a loaf is better than none so we must be thankful. This winter has been the most severe it has been since I have been here nearly 3 months constant wet and a great many have been taken away. Thank God we all enjoy good health. Willy is very engaging now and can speak very plain and is a funny little fellow. Annie is always sewing or us at the crochet work, only the designs are rather irregular. I’ve got the second generation of cabbage from the seed you sent me. Our spring is about commencing although vegetation never ceases here. I should very much like to see you all but under present circumstances I am better here. Tell the Rev. S… that I shall call the next after him, only he must remember me in a corner of his Will. Well, we have all our troubles, some have wealth and no weans to leave it to, and others have got weans and no wealth. Well I would not change and I hope that he who has sustained us so long well will not leave us if we can trust in him. I am glad to hear that Miss L is better. Give my love to her and remember me to all acquaintances and friends and with love to sisters and brothers.

I remain,

Ever your affect son

J C Parkinson