Iron Pot Lighthouse
July 3d 1877
My dear Mother

I received your always welcome letter and also 4 newspapers safely. I am glad to hear that you are recovered from your illness and hope that you will take care of yourself. This winter has been very severe here but we are all pretty well at present. I wrote to Aunt E last mail and sent her a list of the ages of our flock, and as I happened to be in writing humour I suppose she will have a laugh over it. I suppose that by next mail I shall hear that you have received the box and hope Sam will the like the Tasmanian pills. Mrs Upton has gone back to town. She stayed 6 weeks with us and Chris intends D. V. to go up about the middle of next month. I hope George will by this time be recovered from his cold. He must take care and not overtask himself. I will soon be three years on our island home and am I think more contented than ever and very comfortable. I forgot to say that I am much obliged for the little leaflet and card. You are happily placed with regard to the means of grace. As we are out of reach of sound the church going bells, but do not forget, I hope the author of our blessings and comforts. We have just rated a sewing machine which will be handy as there are considerably more garments worn now! Mr Babington is pretty well and always solicitors for our welfare. I see the Revd G Pie is getting to be a great "character". Well it is wonderful what springs from potatoes when assisted by Rome. I have very little more to say but that we are all pretty well considering. All the little ones send their love to Grandma aunts and uncles in which Chris joins. Give my love to all. Also remember me affectionately to Mrs E, Miss L, Joe, and Sophy.

And believe me

dear mother

ever your affect son

James C Parkinson