Iron Pot Lighthouse,
March 17th 1875 
My dear Mother,

I received your always welcome letter with one from George and 5 newspapers. The books have not come to hand but I must make enquiries about them when I go up to town which will be in about a fortnight and Chris and children intend to get up for a few days. Mr Babington is an old man and married to his second wife who is a native of the Mauritius but his first was an Irishwoman and has a family by both. Two of the first wife’s daughters are married and one son. He has also a brother in Launceston who is very active among the Good Templars. Mr B is very much respected and I think he was the only one that ever took interest in your son in these countries. We all seem to thrive very well on our Island home especially Christina who says that she will write to you when she has some good news. Our summer has been very hot and there has been a great many destructive fires especially in the neighbourhood of where the Muntz’s were settled. This place is beginning to stir and I believe before many years will be very prosperous. I have had a good many expenses consequent to my removal here but should I be spared to complete the year shall begin to feel the benefit of the change.

I am glad to hear that you are so pleasantly situated with regards to religious services, and often I think of the old church and look out of the east window "when memory turns to bygone years". Oh well! I am better of than ever I expected to be, or deserved and God helping me I shall endeavour to do my duty in every respect. This is a fine place for fowl and we have19 already, and they lay through the winter. I suppose by this time that you know that Luke has got my situation. He has allowed his mother £1 per month and has taken to himself a wife so I hope that he will be comfortable. I see by the papers that the weather has been very severe at home. On the shipping there have been several heavy losses here lately, but hoping that you may not suffer this winter and with love from Chris and children and kind remembrances to all

I remain,

Ever yours affect,

James C. Parkinson

(Sketch of Iron Pot at end of this letter)