Iron Pot,
South Arm,
May 5th 1879
My dear Mother,

I received your letter 4 newspapers and almanac and magazine safely, and am glad to hear that you have got so far safely through the severe winter. I had sent the almanac and magazine up to Mr B as he is so fond of anything from the old sod. I think I told you that he first went to sea with Capt. Cotter in the "Elizabeth" Bq. Annie at present is at home for a short time as Mr B will be moving shortly, but we intend sending her to board with Mrs Cunningham where she was at school. We will have to pay 10/- per week which includes everything except music and Mrs C is the best school in town and I think Annie will get on better. I am glad to hear that Frank and Kate have got something to employ them. I do not see that you should grieve at their going. Why they are almost within "cooey" of you! Out in these parts a journey of 700 or 1000 miles is thought nothing of. That reminds me that I should write to cousin James over in N.Z. and hear how he is getting on. Trade is rather dull here but there is no distress or destitution anything like what there is at home. Tell Sam that I was cured before his prescription arrived, so it must have been mighty strong. I do not know what it was that removed the pains, but I tried all the remedies within my reach so some of them must have had effect. Like the character in a book I read about the plague in London who use to take half a doz sorts of medicine to prevent him catching the infection. Baby James is not weaned yet! He leads his mamma to the chair to give him titty for shame. I hope that you will have received the box before this and have tasted the jam. Our garden has been a great help to us and there is surprising growth. There is very little use in setting out fresh plants for cabbages as the sprouts grow as large as the original two on the old stock. If I recollect right Joe never put much faith in Pilson - but I hope you will get over your trouble.

Thank God we are all well and baby James is very amusing. So with love from all

I remain Dear mother,

Ever your affect son.

James C. Parkinson

Love to Sisters and Brothers and a longer letter next time