Iron Pot Lighthouse,
South Arm,
June 5th 1879
My dear Mother, 

I was glad to see your handwriting again and to hear that you and all at home are well. We recd. 4 newspapers and enclosed work for which I am sure Chris will find a use. I think I forgot in my last to say that we recd the magazine and almanac which I sent up to Mr B as it would put him in mind of old times. I am sorry that I did not put the name of each on the back of the photos. The one in the light clothes is George. Mr B has read D… by Charlotte Elizabeth and if you recollect you sent me one.

I am glad to hear that Frank is so pleasantly situated and hope that she will continue to like her situation. We are all pretty well thank God at present. Annie is not yet gone back to school but we intend sending her soon. I am very busy at present fencing in more ground in our garden as the weather for the last few days has been very fine altho this is near our mid winter. We have a few potatoes in flower and some peas so you may imagine the difference in climate. Baby James is a very ….. little fellow and is full of tricks. I suppose you have got the two boxes as we heard the Lufia has arrived and hope you will like the Cape Gooseberry jam. I could send you some of the seeds as I do not remember seeing any at home but perhaps the climate would be too severe. They flower and bear fruit all the year round. The Duke of Connaught must have had a grand wedding if the Queens descendants go on multiplying as they have done and I should not wonder but they will have to find them employment in governing the dependencies of England. Would we not be fine with a Royal Governor? At any rate I hope the next they send will be a protestant as our present Governor Mr Weld and his lady are thorough Jesuits. His uncle founded or endowed Stonyhurst college.

Maria says your a good Grandma for sending out such nice things. James’ elastic? side boots are 4/6 here and Maria’s 6/6. James has a very large thick foot and promises to be a big fellow. I have shoemakers tools and shall have to do my own mending now as the man who used to do them has gone away so I shall be Jack of all trades and master of the Iron Pot.

I suppose by this time you will be able to see the sun as by all accounts he has been considerable obscured this last winter and ought to give you a pleasant summer and plentiful harvest. I hope George will take care of himself as over exertion is very bad and also that Sam will be able to cure himself. The pains still keep away from me. The only thing that troubles me is that on Sundays I suffer from indigestion altho I do not take as much food as other days. Well I must conclude with love from Chris and children to Grandma, Aunts and Uncles. Remember me to Joe and Sophy also Aunt E, sisters and brothers and believe me ever your affect son,

James C. Parkinson