Hobartown
Marine department
Oct. 7th 1873
My dear Mother,

As usual I received your welcome letter and newspapers safe to hand. I am glad to hear that the ever memorable 12th passed off so quietly and so well. It must have been a glorious time. I wish that some of the same spirit was abroad in this place, but I am afraid that it will take a good deal to stir up the so-called protestants in this place. You need not fear for worrying me in any details about home, or home surroundings. I am glad that Sam is thinking of something that will keep him near you. I am very well content about my new situation. It is first time that I have had sufficient to maintain as comfortably since I settled here and the duties are very light. Mr Babington is the Grandson of the Bishop of Derry at the time of the siege so you may guess that an Orange man as long as he conducts himself near the mark has a good chance of pleasing him. I am sorry that we have not been able to get George’s carte taken yet but I hope soon to be able. He is very strong and healthy and has got eight teeth already. The weather this winter has been very trying but now the spring has commenced we hope for fine weather. Poor Willy is rather delicate and has had the mumps and afterwards sore ears but is better now. I hope before long to be able to send you some curiosities as I will have time to look after them. I am glad to hear that all our old friends are well and was very much pleased with your Killough excursion party. I suppose that it is want of practice makes is such a labor for me to write a short epistle to you as I have no correspondence except to you. Excuse this and with love to all I remain,

yours affect

James C. Parkinson

PS Chris desires to be remembered to you all. Annie is well and growing a big girl and sends her love