Hobartown,
Marine Department,
July 11th 1874
My dear Mother,

I received your always welcome letter and four newspapers safe, and am glad to learn that you are all pretty well and hope that you will soon recover from your recent illness. I gave both Willy and Annie some worm powders and they both passed some. Annie seems well, but Willy’s stomach often swells at night and he seems greatly troubled with wind. Otherwise he seems strong and lively. We all have our failings and I think Aunt E has hers in the shape of short memory, but perhaps she sees things differently from her point of view. You need not be uneasy about us now as we can manage to get what is necessary, and are slowly getting clear from the little debts which we are obliged to contract when I was out of employment. So do not distress yourself until you are able and altho a little at present would be acceptable. Yet if nothing happens untoward we hope to be out of danger in a short time. I am glad to hear that Kate is comfortable and so pleasantly situated. I observe the notice in the paper of malicious outrage on the drum of the LOL of Killough. I hope the scoundrels may be found out. We are to have our anniversary in the shape of a tea meeting. Several clergymen are to address the meeting. I have always attended the Primitive Methodist Chapel since I came here as there is "no nonsense" about it. The Church of England Bishop is a thorough Jesuit. And the worst of it is that the people here are too much content with the form and do not trouble to keep pure the Faith once delivered to the saints. May they be aroused before the torts of Popery clasp them. Our present minister in the chapel is the Rev T.E.O. Mell and is a very good and earnest preacher. Frances desires me to tell her when the Ethel sails. We expect her here in Nov but if you could get a London paper you would see all the shipping, and when loading for these, our ships coming here very often now. One loading in London now the Victoria Capt. Salier if a parcel was delivered to the mate on board he would bring it for me, care of "James Weir", Waterman Hobartown at no expense. I received the flowers safe and will have a rare box of shells to send you this time. Give my love to all and with love from all,

I remain ever your affect son,