Iron Pot Lighthouse
31st July 1877
My dear Mother

I received yours dated May 27th by which date I knew that you could not have received the box as the "Lufia" only arrived about that time which is generally telegraphed here a few days after but am sure that you have had it long erethis. I am much obliged to Joe for his Pansy. I remember well he used to have a good stock in the Old Garden. I received the box of infection safely and also 4 newspapers. I can make out Dr Stephenson’s directions very well and am much obliged to him for the care and trouble he has taken, and hope that I may prove successful in the application.

I hope that you will have had a pleasant time with your visitors. You ought to have a pleasant summer after so severe a winter. With the exception of about a fortnight in last month our winter this year has been as mild as your summer. We have the telegrams from the seat of war also and get the newspapers from H’town once a week. I am afraid John Bull will have to roar before it is all over. Chris and the youngsters are going up to town this week as she expects the event about the 1st of Sept and I hope that God may grant her a safe delivery for her trouble. It will give Annie and Willy an opportunity of going to school. I think George will take after his uncle as he is fond of his book. I also received Maria’s carte which looks a great deal better than the others and more like her. The spire will be a great improvement to the old church, I remember going down to the church the morning after the storm and some one sroofing??? the fall about from the old spire. That is now "Long ago". What a rough way I have travelled since and what mercy that I have been spared to the present and placed in circumstances far above what I deserve. May God enable me for the remainder of my life to strive to do my duty. Mr Babington is well when I last heard from him. I expect to have a few days leave about the 1st Oct. I hear that there is a book to be printed called "All about Tasmania" which I will endeavour to send you. Well not having the knowledge to extract sermons? out of rock altho’ I can tell that those we inhabit are sedimentary. Nor would it interest you to be let into the routine of "Lighting up" or "Putting out" cleaning and polishing reflectors, and having therefore exhausted my stock of news I would ask you to remember me affectionately to Joe Miss L Aunt E and with love to sisters and brothers in which Chris and children join. I remain

dear mother

ever your affect son

James C Parkinson

PS Excuse this paper and I will endeavour to act up to the motto on the card last sent "Watch and pray"