Hobartown,
December 31st, 1872
My dear Mother,

I received your kind letters dated Oct. and also four newspapers, not forgetting the pictures of him of immortal memory with a "carte" of Mr Johnston for which I am much obliged and have forwarded the larger one to the Lodge which is to be framed. In return I have to inform you that Chris has presented me with another picture of myself on the 7th of this month and both are doing well thank God. We should be very thankful that although we do not have much of this world’s goods we have health and strength and are not troubled by sickness. We are not determined yet but most probably will call his name Samuel. Annie is growing very much and Willy promises to be a fine strong boy and will have a better head than his father. I think with you that we have quite enough of a family now. May we be enabled to bring them up in the right way. I intended to send you some curiosities by the "Ethel" but this addition has caused us to leave it to too late as she has sailed on Christmas Eve, but perhaps we shall soon have another opportunity. I hope that this summer I will be able to get something better as we are yet kept pretty close to the wind, and I think that things are being on the eve of being more prosperous here. I wish that I could hold out some inducement for poor Sam to come among us, but as yet I would not venture. There is one thing here to our advantage and that is the climate is more temperate than in the adjoining Colonies. Mr Upton is gradually sinking and is a great trial to Grandma as he requires so much attention. Luke has been here for some time and is now working with me and says that he received more kindness from you than any of his other connections. I have not said anything to him about his remissions, but I think he is at best very thoughtless. I am very sorry to hear that things are so dear but hope they may soon fall. We can get coal here from 18s to 23s prt T.and potatoes about 5/ per stone, bread 3½ 2lb. With love to all from Self and Chris and little ones. I remain yours JCP