Hobartown,
Marine department
December 2nd 1873
My dear Mother,

I received your last letter and 8 newspapers safe enclosed from Frances. I was sorry to read of the death of Mr Hendersons son and the three others going to the regatta, but it is well that he has help from on high to enable him to bear up against the heavy trial. I am sorry that Bessy and Frank have been unwell but hope they may soon be well again. Kate will see some stir in Paris, but hope that she may be preserved from all dangers. I had a shipmate in the "Almora" to Melbourne last time from the neighbourhood of Belfast of the name of David Kyle. He was a long time on the diggings. I am beginning to get round a little as our income is now greater then our expenditure altho it will be some time before we will have our head above water after all the lost time I have had. We are all pretty well. Annie and Willy will be pretty sharp if they are spared but George, as far as I can judge, will be the flower of the flock. We hope to send you his "carte" next mail. Our summer is just commencing and the fruits of the earth promise to be very plenty. Please tell me if you got a picture paper some time back with views of Tasmania. I suppose that Mr Ewart was very old when he died and had every opportunity of preparation for better world. Aunt E will not have much to trouble her now. Give my love to Brothers and Sisters, Joe Miss Lascelles etc. Chris Annie and Willy send their love,

And believe me,

yours affectionately,

James C. Parkinson