Iron Pot,
June 8th 1875
My dear Mother,

I received your welcome letter and also enclosure from Frank and was sorry that you did not receive a letter last mail as I could not get across to the mainland, so I write this in time to let you know we are all well. I also received 4 newspapers and Almanac and also the leaflets. I am not in a great humour for writing so you must be content with a little news this time. I am glad that Sam is better. I hope you have received the shells and the photographs which I sent two mails ago, and also I hope that you will enjoy the fine weather. This is our winter but there are some stocks in bloom on the rock so there must be a great difference between our winter and yours. Chris is going up to town next month DV as it is safer. The other day we observed the harbour boat coming down in tow of a steamer but they passed the rock and went outside to a vessel and took her in tow, so I launched the boat to have a look at Luke and we went close as they passed up and observed ladies and children and a gentleman on board, which we afterwards heard was the Governer’s lady from Western Australia, so we [were] the first to salute and welcome her ladyship to Tasmania. I should mention that we were all in the boat even to the dog, and he said bow wow when the Governor took his hat off to us. Remember me to all and believe me ever your affect son.

James C. Parkinson