Iron Pot
November 23rd 1879
My dear Mother

As the mail will soon be going out I take the opportunity of writing altho it is Sunday afternoon, but hope that I may never be guilty of worse than writing to my mother on Sunday. We received your letter etc. safely and was glad to hear that all were well at home. Chris, Maria and James have been up to town for a few days. There is no "Ulster" in this country like the one you sent. James marched along and stood with both hands in his pockets but would not keep quiet to get his photo taken. Mrs Babington was much pleased with the text book. You wrote her name on her birthday. Please let me know by return mail what Bessies name is besides Elizabeth for I think she has two, and if there is an increase of the other sex what name?. I think you will have time to let me know and do try and write plainly as I cannot make all your letter out. I hope that you will be preserved from the severity of the weather. There has been about 12 days of wet weather and more rain has fallen than I have seen since I have been here. We have secured about 3000 gallons of water so we are all right for the summer. Our potatoes are turning out well and nearly all that is planted. I am sorry to hear that the harvest has failed at home. I mean to send something to you by Matthews but you must not expend anything on us till better times. I am well supplied with hose now and Grandma Upton has got the socks to finish. I have got 2 frames for the ‘cats’ and I am sure that they will look very nice. Annie is getting on very well at school and will be home about the 18th of next month. I do not think that we could have found a better school for her and Mrs Cunningham takes a great interest in her. Mr Matthews is gone to New Zealand to see his sister but will be back shortly. We have all had the cold by reason of the damp weather but are convalescent. Dear Mother you tell me not to think too much of the things of this world. Well I try to do so but you must remember that it is very hard for one who has lost his first love to be able again to put his whole trust and confidence in his saviour as there is so much said against being restored?. But altho I have been such a sinner it seems wonderful to me that he has showered nothing but blessing on me and mine in return for all my ingratitude, and surely by extending these mercies and length of days and health it is to give me time and space for repentance. May He search and try me if there be any wicked way in me and lead me to Life everlasting. Give my most affect love to Sisters and Brothers, Aunt E and with love from Willy, George, Maria and James to Grandma,

I remain dear mother,

Ever you affect son,

James C. Parkinson

Chris is pretty well and desires to be remembered.