Iron Pot L’house
Oct 23rd 1876
My dear Mother

I received your always welcome letter enclosed in one from Frank also 2 newspapers and acct. of the reopening of the old Church. You must have had a grand day and I should very much like to have had a look at you. I wrote by last mail form town as we were up for a few days but was glad to get back again as altho this place looks a rather queer berth yet we have very little to trouble us and since it has been repaired we are much more comfortable and have plenty of food and raiment and therefore should be content. I am glad that George is so successful as a preacher and hope that he may be made a useful instrument for the good of his fellow men. Some people wonder how I employ myself here but I find plenty to occupy myself with keeping everything in working order. I have a good many tools and am pretty handy and can make from a tub to a table. I have brought as much mental food with me as I can well consume in twelve months, besides a good many new schoolbooks for the children. Thank God they are all well as also Christina. We did not get them evaccinated as the doctor said the matter was dried off the Ivory points. I enclose baby Maria’s photo and hope you will like it. Frank gave me a long account of the disagreeable occurrence in Killough Church. I do not think that Mrs Corran showed much Christian spirit. Where is John now? We have got a few curiosities to send you, and as there is not enough for each you will just do as you think proper with what there is, and if I live another year I shall send more. I will inform you what ship they go by and where to expect them. I shall write to Aunt E next mail. Will you ask Walter if he got a photo for Uncle E from me. I am sorry to hear of the disturbance in Belfast but hope that it may go no further. The Catholicks here are going a head as we have a governor of their faith Mr Weild whose uncle was the founder of Stonyhurst College. I believe that his lady prays night and day and has turned the ballroom at Government house into an oratory. Our summer is just coming on and the fruit promises to be very plentiful. All here are well and send their love. Mrs Upton is with us at present. Give my love to sisters and brothers also Miss L, Joe etc and believe me ever your affect son

J C Parkinson