Iron Pot Lighthouse
Novr 21st 1877
My dear Mother 

I sincerely hope that by the time this reaches you that you may be in the enjoyment of health and strength once more and it is almost unnecessary to tell you how grieved we all are at the unfavourable report of your health from Frances and Maria’s letter which we received as usual. Also 4 newspapers. The "Lufia" passed up on the 30th of last month and I went up on the following day and found Chris and children well and also the baby. The weather during my fortnight’s stay was very severe with wind and rain so that we were unable to go to church the first Sunday, but on the following baby received his name according to your wish "James Cumine" and I might mention that there is an old man in town who recollects him who I am called for. His name is Ferguson and was a soldier. The box was waiting for me alright and we were very much pleased with its contents. I gave Mr Babington 6 of the handkerchiefs and he desires me to express his thanks for your kindness. I saw Matthews who is returning in the "Lufia" and he said that he would write to you on his arrival and spoke very highly of you. The ship will arrive, barring accidents, about the same time as she did last.

I am sure that I have not something to send you with him, but it takes a good deal to keep a family in town for three months, but thank God that all is well. I had an offer from Admiral Bernard to take charge of an island and lighthouse about 150 miles from here. The salary is the same but the Superintendent has the privilege of sheep farming as there are 6 or 7 hundred acres of pasture on it, but I would be afraid to go so far away from medical aid with a young family, so I declined it with the advice of those who would wish me well, and perhaps something may turn up nearer town altho I believe I am as well satisfied as it is possible for human beings to be when I remember what I have come through. I have purchased shoe makers tools and intend trying my hand at cobbling which will be a saving. There have been a great many shipwrecks lately here, and among the number Capt Miles, who brought out the trunk has lost his vessel and all he possessed, but no lives. He had his wife and child with him when I was in town. HMS "Saphire" was exercising when a young midshipman fell from the main top and was killed. His name was Rivers. I am glad to hear that George has got such a good appointment and think he has acted wisely in accepting Lisburn and hope he may be very useful in his new sphere of labour. As you wished I send my Photo for Joe and wish it was better but I was in a hurry. We all got back safely on the 15th to our Island home and are just beginning to feel "at home" again. Mrs Upton is coming down in a few weeks to spend Christmas with us. There is a very good work going on in Melbourne at present and there are some good men coming over here shortly. Well dear mother I must stop. Earnestly trusting that God may spare you to us a little longer, and that in your next I may hear of an improvement in your health. I wish you had some of our fine climate and with love from Chris and children and many thanks for the nice presents. I remain dear mother ever your affect son

James C Parkinson

Love to sisters and brothers also Aunt E and remember me to Joe Sophy Miss Lascelles et cetera.