Iron Pot Lighthouse,
March 1st 1880
My dear Mother,

AS you have taken advantage of the fortnightly mail I suppose I must send you a line to acknowledge your two last letters, and also Marias and Franks to thank you all for your good wishes and pretty Christmas cards, although too late for my birthday, but as you say, better late than ever. I am sitting here pretty cosy all by myself except the cat and dog, parrot and canary would be called company, and "that is more than Robinson Crusoe had" as I had to return after having Chris and youngsters settled in town. I expected to here good news before this but will, I hope, shortly. I told you in my last that the "Lufia" had sailed and that Matthews had got a box for you which I hope you will receive in due time. He is married but his wife is in London with her own people. The mug for Annie arrived safely. The Birthday Book I like very much and the youngsters are all very fond of the scrap book, which must have taken some time and patience to arrange and I hope the little boots will come in. The sweet meats were all melted and we had a great drying match as the bundle was too large to keep in his cabin so the sweat of the hold made the things damp but there was not much damage done. You must not go to any expense this time as times are so hard and things are a good deal cheaper here. I have received 3 newspapers with your last letter and in one I see the loss of the ‘Martaban’ ship of Greenock during the last year. I would like to know where she was lost as that was the ship I was in last. The Capt. name was Hepburn. I do not think that I wished you all a happy new year, but if not I am sure, I wish earnestly that you may have one. I am glad that you spent your Christmas so pleasantly but I am sorry to hear that you are losing Walter. I think Aunt E will be sorry for leaving Fanny H but you know she was always queer. This has been a very hot summer ever since Xmas. On the 20th of Jan it was 138o in sun 95o in shade.

You wanted a little of that last summer but there has been a change this last few days and the weather is quite cool. I have not been able to do anything in the garden lately but I had a wonderful crop of potatoes. There are great complaints throughout the country about the grub in them. If rain comes I shall have a fine crop of marrows and pumpkins, French beans, S. runners, red cabbage also tomatoes. My strawberry bed will be in full bearing next year. I planted 6 Cape gooseberry plants and there is a gooseberry on one already. You should try them as I sent some in the box. I must send some more of the wattle seed. That Tay disaster much have been very distressing. We heard the bare facts by telegraph. I am no Engineer but I fancy there should have been lateral stays to it in the middle. I was sorry to hear of the death of "Ulster Scott" and I hope that the Orangemen will do their duty by their champion. I suppose you saw his acknowledgement by his Hobartown correspondent. I am glad to hear that J Surch is better, remember me to him, and I hope with you that we all shall endeavour to live more to purpose in the coming year. I think I will send you another photo of myself and you can give it to who you wish. So with love to brothers and sisters and hoping that I shall have good news to tell you next time. I remain, Dear mother,

Ever your affect son,

James C. Parkinson

George must learn the carrol?