Iron Pot,
South Arm
October 28th 1875
My dear Mother,

I am rather disappointed this mail at not receiving a letter from you although there were four newspapers came, but I suppose that it was too late posted. In my last I mentioned that we were all about to return from town. The children have had a rather severe cold but are better now. We send you a photograph of the Tasmanian brand of the parent stem and hope you will like it. Mr Babington has had a severe blow in the loss of his eldest son, lately married in Auckland New Zealand. I saw also the death of his aunt a Mrs Major announced in the Belfast weekly new about two months ago, through whose marrying a young man Mr Babington was deprived of a property at Rathmullen Co. Donegal of about £800 per year. I hope that you will all pass through the winter without harm. This is our spring and we have received our first instalment of gooseberries. Mrs Upton will probably pay a visit this summer which will be pleasant. I have got a net now and can get some splendid fish, and we also went in rather heavy for necessary articles of furniture etc. which we shall not require to do again. Baby gets on famously and has very large eyes and nose and appears very healthy. I have very little news to tell you this time. The Ethel has arrived out here last month but the Carpenter has left so I suppose we will here no more of the shells, but when I send anything again it shall be by the mail.

Please remember me to Joe and Miss L with love to sisters and brothers,

I remain,

ever your affect son,

James C. Parkinson

Love from all to all.