Iron Pot Lighthouse
August 26th 1878
My dear Mother 

I received your always welcome letter 4 newspapers card and flowers and am very sorry to hear of poor Miss L’s state. But hope that she may be enabled to gain a passport to that state where there will be no more suffering. Remember me to her if yet in the body. Chris has been to town to see her Uncle and Aunt after 25 years separation. She got my son’s carte taken so I send you one but it is not so well taken as Maria’s. We intend to send Annie to school. Mrs Babington is to take charge of her and she is to go to the same school as her children, so she will be well cared for and altho’ it will be a considerable expense yet we ought to be thankful to be able to send her and I believe she will learn pretty fast.

We have some pretty shells etc to send you this time. Chris says that she hopes the baby’s clothes you propose sending may not be required, as she is content and if there should be a further increase I will have to get the Marine Board to build me a larger house.

I am glad that you have such a comfortable house in Belfast and think with you that dear Willy’s telescopes are safer and better at home. This has been a very severe winter, cold and windy altho’ some of your wallflowers have been in bloom all the time. The weather has changed now so I will be able to get across to the garden to put in some seeds for succession. Our potatoes, beans and peas are up and I have planted 6 apple trees and a number of goosberry. I wish Sam would send me a good receipt for cement for china or earthenware as I cannot get any good here, and the plates etc sometimes come to grief. I have wondered if Lieutenant Bedford that used to be in the coastguard was any relation to an old clergyman that was here some years ago, and who has a son in the medical profession. If it would not be too much trouble find out what were his initials, as one of the assists here. Weir was under a Lieut B. and now dear mother I must bring this rambling epistle to a close. Hoping that it may find you all in the enjoyment of health and every other blessing. Hoping soon to hear that Sam has been successful and with love to sisters brothers Aunt E Joe et cetera. I remain dear mother ever your affect son

James C Parkinson

Love from all