Iron Pot,
May 22 1880
My dear Mother,

I write this not knowing whether I shall get an opportunity of sending it as the weather has been very unsettled, and there have been several wrecks along the coast lately, one with loss of life, but knowing that you will be disappointed at not receiving one I will have this ready.

I received your letter dated 24th March and am glad to hear that all are well. With regard to what you say about "my share" I am sure it would never my head to expect it. As I was more expensive to you than any of my brothers or sisters and the most that grieves me is that I did not take advantage of the opportunities of accumulating money when I had youth on my side, and I might have been able to assist my brothers and sisters. Now I am getting such a family around me that it takes all my income to keep things square, but thank God that I am as I am for I know that I deserve not the least of all his mercies. With regard to the management of the land what ever you think proper will please me as far as I am concerned. In fact it gives me a head ache when I attempt to read anything about the complicated way of holding land in Ireland, and the only thing I would say would be "give nothing to Rome". The sketch I sent you was taken from the Iron Pot Island and is of the mainland opposite. We have had a photograph of the place taken lately and a regular group in the foreground some of who you may recognise. I will send a copy as soon as possible.

I sent up your letter to Annie and I am sure that she will be pleased, but we have not had any news from her this some time on account of the weather. Chris says that she should have gladly called the Baby Bessie if it had been a girl, but as it is a boy she called it after her Grandfather and Brother.

I am afraid that I will be backward with our garden this season as we are getting our share of windy weather. I get all your letters safely. I sent Gum seed last mail. You ought to try some of the seed of Cape gooseberry which grows very fast but I am afraid the frost would kill them. I sent some in a tin box. You could dry the seeds and set some small plants, and there were fruit on them in 3 months. All here are well and send their love. We are busy finding out the advantages of the various articles sent in the bundle. I hear great praise of the little sponges. So with love to all and remembrances to Aunt E., J. S. and Sophy.

I remain, dear Mother, ever your affect son.

James C. Parkinson