Iron Pot,
Feb. 12 1880.
My dear Mother,

I have been to town and seen Chris and children all settled, as comfortable as possible, and I earnestly hope that all will go well. The weather has been very sultry this long time. We had a shock of Earthquake on the 3rd of this month only those indoors felt it. Willy and George are all at day school and will learn something while they are in town. Annie is getting on pretty well and is very nicely situated and ought to be thankful for her privileges. We were up the day before our annual regatta which is the grand day of the year. We had the ‘Wolverine’ and ‘Emerald’ man of war and two colonial schooners belonging to the government. The weather was favourable and there were some thousands of people and all went off well. I went out and spent a day in the country with Mr Babington. It was very pleasant but tremendously hot. I am expecting the ‘Lufia’ to come in sight outward bound any moment and tell Matthews when he writes to you to say that he saw us all. The box has been on board this three weeks, there are no Curiosities this time but there is more jam and 6 skins which you will like, and if you have not got jam enough to go round to your friends I will double the quantity next time. I recd your short letter and 4 newspapers and am glad that you are all well and I suppose Joe is better as you do not say. Do you get any rent at all, things seem coming to a head. If it were possible the best thing for Ireland would be for all heretics to clear out and leave priests and people to themselves for 6 months the remnant would be very easily governed. I enclose a photo and hope that you will like this one. I fancy that it is like me. The previous photo of Annie and myself showed the head unnaturally large. The youngsters thank you for all the nice cards. They and Chris are all well when I heard yesterday, as is also Mrs Upton. Give my love to sisters and brothers Joe and Sophy and believe me dear mother,

Ever your affect son.

James C. Parkinson.

Saturday 14th 8 AM I have just been off to the ‘Lufia’ as she passed out. So I hope all will go well. Love to all. JCP