Hobartown,
June 13th 1874
My dear Mother,

I was very sorry when I heard by your last letter that you had been ill and injured yourself but hope that you will soon completely recover and be long spared to us. You must take every care of yourself now as old age does not add to our strength. I hope that you will be spared to see us all out of our difficulties. Thank God I am better payed and have little to do which is new to me and we are slowly getting out of our little difficulties. I have given both Willy and Annie medicine for the "Worms" and she passed some and seems better. What ails Willy is a hard swelled stomach very often in the evening and very offensive breath but he seems better since he got the medicine, and hopes it will wear off as he is lively enough. There has not been anything wrong with George yet. We sent his carte last mail. There has been a great Temperance demonstration here on the Queen’s birthday. The G.T.s mustered very strong and 53 were made on the succeeding lodge night. I am sorry that our O.L. does not prosper here but we must hope for the best. I am glad to hear of the great conservative victory and hope that they may continue as they have begun.

There have been several shipwrecks here lately. One ship the ‘British Admiral" was totally wrecked on Kings Island in Bass Straits and only a few were saved. Christina sends her love and Annie and Willy. Remember me to all and believe me ever yours,

Affectionately,

James C. Parkinson