"Iron Pot" Lighthouse
Sept 27th 1877
My dear Mother

I hope that long e’er this reaches you that you may be in the enjoyment of good health again, and that Sam may be successful in his treatment. I rec’d your, I was going to say, at least I received the usual letters and papers, not forgetting the "Coleraine" one, and hope that George may yet turn out a regular … infant. Chris and children are all in town. The event has not come off yet but hope soon to hear of it. I am glad to see by the papers that the "12th" has passed off quietly. I send two pansies for Joe, and am much obliged for the ones sent but I fancy they grew larger here than I have seen them at home, and shall try for a better specimen when I go to town. You may judge that this climate is pretty mild when there has been a plant of Mignonette in flower all winter outside the window. Our fine weather has commenced at last and I have been very busy lately painting and cleaning besides having to cook for myself. I wonder much that more people do not bake their own bread, I make my own yeast and I can tell you I would not give in to Barnard weighs in baking. Mr Babington is well when I last heard. I do not suppose I shall be going up before the beginning of Novr so the youngsters will have a spell at school altho’ I generally give them two hours each day. I hope in my next to be able to send you good news and also to receive the same. And as I am not much in the humour of writing you will have to excuse this short letter. Give my love to sisters and brothers, Joe, Miss L, and Sophy. Remember me too and believe me dear mother

Ever your affect son

James C Parkinson

PS As I send the letter up to Chris I was very near forgetting to thank Sam for his photo. A fine smart looking chap.