Iron Pot
October 25th 1880
My dear Mother,

I received your kind letter, leaflets and 2 newspapers and was glad to hear that you were all well and enjoying yourselves and that there was such a good prospect for the harvest. This winter has been so uncertain that I have not had much opportunity for attending to the garden, no more than getting in potatoes and vegetables which promise well and our strawberries will bear well as this is the third year, but by your description the old house and garden must look well but I am afraid that I must be content to see it with the mind’s eye, what ever my children may do, but if we love God we ought to be content for He knows what is best for us.

And now Dear Mother I have very sorrowful news to tell you about poor Mr Matthews. He was bringing his wife out here on a visit and the youngest child, and about 4000 miles from here he fell overboard and was drowned, and I am sure if he had been a brother it could not have affected me more. It must have been particularly distressing happening as it did almost in her sight. She is very delicate and intendes to be home for Christmas as her parents are old and it was against their wish she came. I enclose the account of the accident. I have not got the box yet but expect it next Wednesday. I little thought when the ‘Lufia’ passed upon the 9th of the month what had happened. I hear there is a box on board for me, but I think you said there was a parcel as well. I will if spared to go to town and make fresh arrangements for sending parcels and let you know. Matthews had a narrow escape 5 years ago. He was in a small boat on a pleasure party and in returning the boat capsized and 6 out of 8 were drowned. So he is gone now. There is no use trying to grow the C. gooseberries in the open air as there are parts here where the frost lies that they will not grow in. I have just made some jam of the winter crop as they bear all the year round. We are all pretty well considering the changeable weather. I am sure George will enjoy his new home and Frank made an excellent house-keeper pro. tem. I hope you will receive baby Charley’s carte. He is the best tempered of the lot (considering he is the last) and has got a tooth. So hoping this will find you well and with love from Chris and children to all at home.

I remain Dear mother,

ever your affect son,

J. C. Parkinson.