Iron Pot Lighthouse,
March 14th 1878
My dear Mother,

I was glad to see by your writing this time that you are getting over your late illness and hope that you may be spared to us for many years. We received also a letter from Bessie and newspapers, and I am glad to hear that we are not likely for the present to have a visit from the "Russians" as the late tidings were making people feeling rather uneasy here, and the different colonies were preparing to give them as warm a reception as possible. As Frank said in her letter it would be likely they would leave W.P.J. (or W.P.Y.). I directed my last letter to Killough but shall in future shall direct as here to fore. I am sure you all must have felt dull this Christmas but hope the loss of our dear Willy may make us all more in earnest to secure a happy meeting. This summer has been very hot and dry but we have the benefit of breezes and fresh pure air even if we are debarred from other things. There has been a very large fire in Hobartown on last Friday. The town is nearly 12 miles from us but we could see the reflection of the flames in the sky as it occurred at 10 o’clock at night. The buildings destroyed were a very extensive saw mill, a coal yard with many hundred tons of coal and a brick mill and there was a strong wind at the time. The sparks set fire to the sails of one of the vessels. The damage must have been over 7 or 8 thousand pounds besides throwing many out of employment. Our garden is beginning to be of advantage to us as we had some splendid turnips from it and I a have great many cabbage coming on. We can grow vegetables all the year round. I set some marrows and have spread over about 40 feet square and your flower seeds are coming up.

We thank you much for the cards and must try and send a newspaper this time. I am gathering a few things to send to you the next opportunity. Are fur jackets any way fashionable at home. There are very nice ones made here out of Possum skins. Baby is getting on very well. I wish very much that I had his photo to send you but perhaps may be able to get it before long. Annie up in town for a few days. We must go up in relays in future as it is rather expensive to go in large? bunch. Mr Matthews is now Chief Mate of the "Lufia" and will be home about same time as last year. He said that he would write to you on his arrival. We had a sad accident a short time since on the railway. There is a man in town of the name of Fawsett from Co. Fermanagh, an Orangeman, whom I have known a long time and who has been very kind to us in times past. Twelve months ago his wife who comes from the same place died and left him with 8 children and he is not very strong. His son was just getting to be useful to him being about 15 years of age. In coming on an open wagon he fell off and the wheel went over him. He died in a short time. Much sympathy was shown by the people and a subscription amounting to about £117 has been raised. Well I must conclude. Love from Chris and children and also as I am wanted "to hold the baby". Give my love to brothers and sisters, Joe, Sophy Miss L etc.

And believe me,

Dear Mother,

Ever your affect son

J.C. Parkinson