Iron Pot Lighthouse
South Arm
May 8th 1876
My dear Mother

I was indeed glad once again to see the familiar hand writing and am thankful that you are so far restored to health and hope that you will take every care of yourself. I received 4 newspapers, Sankeys hymns and card safely for which I am much obliged. I send a carte same. as yours for Aunt but had to get half a doz taken from the same negative as I could not go to town nor do I expect to be there for some months. You must also remember that we have to study inside more than outside clothing here, and for the few days in the twelve months which we may pass in town we have not time to get fashionable. But with Mr O’Flaherty I would hope that there is a good time coming. We are all well here at present and baby Maria has got two teeth without any illness as indeed the have all done and seems to promise to be as good tempered as her Aunt. There was a dinner given to a Doctor Porteous Weslyan minister on the 2d of this month to welcome him to this colony by the LOL. He is a PGM and I received an invitation but of course was unable to attend. I am sorry that you would be disappointed in not receiving a letter the mail before last but you may truely impute it as so many do their ailments to the weather as generally about the equinox we have a spell of rough sea. I am glad to hear that all old friends are well. I intend next time to send a carte for Uncle Edward which you can forward. If I am spared to go to town I will send you all something worth while. Tell Frances the book William III was very hard upon the Old Church and I think must have been written by one of the "Black Mouthed" as he does not favour us with his name. It is a pity Sam is not ready as a candidate for the vacancy. Doctors seem to thrive wonderfully in this part of the world but there is nothing like home if we can get on at all. I cannot tell whether the pills have done me any good but I hope that I may long enjoy as good health as I do at present thank God. Give my most affect love to sisters and brothers. Will "Will" and Annie never favour us with their ‘fiz’ and also remember me to Joe, Miss L etcetera etcetera and believe me ever your affect son

J C Parkinson

PS Chris and children send their love, also Chris is much obliged for the card.