Hobartown 
May 16th 1873
My dear Mother,

I have often intended to write you a long letter but generally leave it too late as I have done this. I am glad to hear by your last that you are all well and hope that you may long continue so. Chris desires me to thank you for the boots. They are rather small for our bosun, and I also reced a lock of your hair which I shall treasure … The railway is making a little stir and I hope that it may be the means of improving this place but the ‘Navvies’ complain that they were better off at home. Annie likes school pretty well and has taught Willy some of his letters, she keeps a school when she comes home. I see by the papers that it has been a terrible year for shipwrecks. The winter is coming in pretty severe here with wet, but is mild compared with yours. We are all pretty well except now and again the effects of the cold weather. I must promise to write a long letter next time as I have not time now but this will let you know how we are all and give my love to Sisters and Brothers and believe me ever you affect,

James C Parkinson.