Iron Pot 
June 8th 1876
My dear Mother

As I will not receive your letter this mail in time to answer it the steamer having broken down I will write this hasty letter to let you know that we are all pretty well at present but in a terrible muddle with the workman repairing the places but we hope to be more comfortable afterward. This has been a very dry season, we have had no rain to speak of for 6 months and have to boat our water from the main land but we hope soon to have rain. The Marine Board has sent me a beautiful new boat for my use, and Mr B says she is to be called the "Christina", and a great many other conveniences so that we will be alright by and by. I hope that you have escaped the severe weather that you have had and that you are all bravely. I have very little news to tell you except that this country is very prosperous at present, although so much despised and the workmen tell me that there is scarcely a good labourer to be got at present. The men that are here are very decent fellows and we knew them in town so that makes it pleasant, as I have contracted to board them. Chris’s sisters husband is assistant here which is pleasant for her. I think that I mentioned in my last that I rec’d an invitation to a dinner to the Revd D. Porteous formerly of Enniskillen but could not go. He is a great Orangeman and it wants a few here to stir up sleepy Tasmania. I hope that Sam is getting on well with his studies and that George is battling for the truth. Well you must excuse this hasty note perhaps I shall be more in the humour next time. Baby has got 6 teeth already and all the next are rosy. Give my most affect love to all in which Chris and youngsters join and believe me ever yours affect

J C Parkinson