Hobartown,
Marine Department
November 4th 1873
My dear Mother,

I received your usual monthly communication safe and three newspapers and was glad to hear that you are all well. We are getting used to our new quarters and mode of life. If I had not got this situation we should have been in a queer fix as things have been very dull of late, and hope that I am grateful to God for his mercy to us. This is the most backward part of the colonies yet the most favoured by nature. It has the finest harbour in the world, the Great Eastern could lay alongside our wharf, abundance of all kinds of minerals and the healthiest climate south of the Equator, and yet the monied men are afraid to lay out any capital to develop such resources. There has been some little beginning in the way of smelting work for iron and tin commenced lately and I hope they may prosper. Our winter is just ended last month and everything looks beautiful and flourishes now. I have no garden only some boxes in which I have geraniums, marigolds and pansies. I think they come to more perfection here as the weather is milder. Annie has had a mild attack of the scarlet fever but is nearly well again and Willy is getting stout. George has never had anything wrong with him yet and is very strong and healthy. The people from Melbourne are flocking here from their hot climate as this is the Madeira of the colonies. I see that Montgomery has got his deserts he must have been a great villain. Christina is pretty well and sends her love in which Annie and Willy and George join. Remember me to Miss L and Joe. With love to sisters and brothers,

I remain

Yours affect,

James C. Parkinson

PS Remember me to Aunt Ewart.