"Iron Pot" Lighthouse,
Oct 24th 1877
My dear Mother,

I received Maria’s letter and 4 newspapers safely and am grieved to hear that you are so weak, but hope that long before this reaches you will be in the enjoyment of your usual health. I have to inform you that I am sorry for Bessies sake that it is not a daughter this time but a fine boy just like his father. But should there be any further addition in the female line she shall be called Elisabeth. Baby was born on the 3rd of this month and is Chris says the finest child yet and healthy, and altho Chris complains of weakness I hope when she begins to go about she will feel better. I intend to go up at the beginning of next week and bring them all down, as I am tired of this Bachelor’s life altho I have plenty to do to occupy both body and mind. I have fenced in about half an acre of ground on the main land so I will be alright for a garden and sometime or other you can send me a packet of cabbage seed as there are no bees here to innoculate the flowers. I can preserve the seed. The wallflowers which you sent me are beautiful this year and I have a great deal of the Mignonette and also stocks. I received the leaves of Verbenum safely. I am on the lookout for the "Lufia" every hour as she is 85 days out. I will see if we can get anything more for Matthews to take home to you. The youngsters are all glad at the thoughts of coming home again. I have been pretty busy in their absence painting and making improvements. We have not tried the infection yet as Chris could not attend to them in town but will when they come back. Some good people have got up a "Lighthouse Mission" for the purpose of supplying the people at different stations with religious periodicals. I have received two packets of very nice books. There is a Dr Summerville holding revival meetings over in Melbourne and he has been the means of doing a great deal of good. There are about 90 lighthouses on the Australian and NZ coasts. Our summer is about commencing and I wish we had what rain you could spare as I have been 4 months here without any and generally a clear sky. It is a wonderful country. I sent some newspapers lately which I hope you will receive, and also a pictorial one to Joe, hoping that this may find you much better, and with love to sisters and brothers Aunt E. By the way did she not get a letter from me yet? I remain

dear mother

ever your affect son

James C Parkinson

PS Remember me to Miss L Joe and Sophy. Send your letters in a stronger envelope