Iron Pot Lighthouse,
July 2nd 1876
My dear Mother,

I was a little disappointed last mail at not receiving the usual letter from home although the newspapers came all correct. But this mail I received 2 dated April and May respectively. Also two photographs of George in Clerical Costume and I am some earnestly hope that he may be as good as he looks as am glad to hear that he is so pleasantly situated and getting on so well. I wrote to him some time ago to congratulate him on his Ordination and hope that he may constantly be enabled to know in view the design of his office, ever the salvation of souls. I am also very glad to hear that you are so much better and hope that the cold weather may not do you any harm. Annie makes a very good attempt at writing and I give them all three some lessons every day, except when I am engaged otherwise and cannot attend to them. At the present time there is not much opportunity as we have three men in the house who are engaged repairing the Lhouse and other buildings, but as soon as she is a little older, if I am not in town I shall send her to a good school and as long as God gives me the means they shall not want education. As far as I can judge they will have a fair show of intellect but I think George shall have a head like his uncle. Baby Maria, born 12th August, has got a mouthful of teeth with very little trouble and if spared we will get her photograph taken next time we go up. I also received the injection? all right but shall wait and let the Doctor manage it. I forgot to say that Grandma Upton is a knitter and if she had remained here I am sure that Annie would have soon acquired that useful accomplishment, but I know that when she left I had a wonderful number of serviceable socks. Would you be kind enough to ask Walter R. if he could find out the direction of Robert Cherry Sergeant formerly in 14th. I believe Armagh is his native place. He married a young woman from here and her relatives would wish to write to them, also if he would be kind enough to send the enclosed to Uncle E. with my love. I have had a pretty severe cold lately but am now nearly well. Chris and children are also pretty well and send their love to Grandma, Uncles and Aunts. I hope that all will go off quietly on the 12th. I think that the authorities acted in a very sensible manner over the Limerick riots. Let them fight it out amongst themselves. If that were always the case they would get scarce or like the Kilkenny cats nothing left but the buttons. You complain of the high wages of servant girls at home, but what would you think of £30 or £35 as the wages of good servants in poor Tasmania with every other Sunday out. Bad as this place is, I can hear and read that there are others a great deal worse, and it is gradually getting better. It was at its worse just before I got into the Marine Dept. and I had a hard battle for a livelihood before that, but thank God that is over. I hope never to return. Luke has met with an accident we heard last week but hope that it is not serious. Frances must take this as an answer to hers also, and hoping that you may continue to enjoy health and strength and every other blessing and with love to Sisters and Brothers, Joe, Miss L, Aunt E etc. I remain,

Ever your affect son

(letter is trimmed and signature is cut off)