Hobartown
Feb 23rd 1874
My dear Mother,

As usual your kind letter came safe to hand and three Newspapers, by a later date. I see the death of Mr and Mrs Atkinson, they were taken away at nearly the same time. I often see in the Belfast papers mention made of a gentleman named DeBatts, I think from Dublin. Can he be a relative of Dr DeBatts Grandma used to speak of in America. We are all pretty well at present. George can ask for his "titty" and speaks very plain. I have sent you several newspapers lately have you received them? There have been several accidents here lately. One in particular where a little steamer blew up and eight persons were no more seen and a baby was blown out of its mothers arms. We have had a great number of visitors from Victoria this summer. The hear has been very great this summer and we have had very little rain but thank God I am better situated this year than last and hope in some time to be "all square". There has been a good deal of illness this summer but we have escaped. I hope you all enjoy good health. Give my love to all, as I do not feel in the humour for writing, so you will excuse this and with love to all from Chris and youngsters,

I remain ever,

your affect son

James C. Parkinson.