Iron Pot
August 31st 1875
My dear Mother,

I received a letter from Bessie and a note from Frank, and am glad to hear that you are all well, and that George is quite recovered and hope that he will take care of himself in future. I have to tell you that you have another Granddaughter and Chris and baby were doing well when I heard last. This event took place on the 12th of August about 9 o’clock and she is a fine child just like her father. Chris proposes to call her Maria and what other name I do not know but I suppose that she would be affeared to start at the Eldest. You need not be afraid of us on this place, and as to getting provisions that could be down every week if we required and the heavens supply us with pure water as the houses are all spouted around and there are 4 iron tanks 400 gals each and any number of casks, and we get a bag or two of flour, a bag of sugar 6 or 8 lb of tea, 40 or 50 lb of corned beef, a bag of potatoes et cetera at a time besides butter and milk twice a week. Now, do you not think we are hard done by and a box or two of apples and plenty of onions and in the jam season take the boat and get raspberries and currants for the picking, not forgetting 3 or 4 eggs every day. Why we will be able should we remain here any time to save £50 per year and that is more than a good many could do in the old country that holds their head higher. So I do not think you may be uneasy about us starving. I am glad to hear by Bessie’s letter that poor Killough is looking up, and will continue to do so. The Belfast weekly news were very interesting this month. I am sorry that you did not get the shells. The next I shall send, perhaps, shall have better luck as I shall see after them my self. The Ethel has sailed for Hobartown before your last letter left. Did I tell you that Mr Babington first went to sea with old Capt. Cotter in the Elizabeth brig and Weir was also in her. I hope that all will be well with the Orange men this 12th. We are all asleep here and the papists have it their own way now that we have a popish Governor. I believe Chris intends writing to you so she can give you all the news. I intend D.V. to go up to town about this day month for a few days and bring them down on my return. I expect Mrs Upton will come for a time. Hoping that this will find you all well and with love to Brothers, Sisters, Miss L and Joe etc.

I remain ever,

your affect son,

J.C. Parkinson