Hobart
"Towers? done away with
March 14th  1881
My dear Mother,

I received yours dated January and was glad to hear that you were all well with the exception of colds which I am sure that you must expect from such severe weather. I am sorry to tell you that we had a sudden call to town on Monday last as Chris’s mother Mrs Upton took a fit in chapel on Sunday night and died shortly after. Although a hasty summons it was not unexpected as she has been ailing for a long time. The doctors said it was from the disease of the heart. She was about 60 years when she died. Chris feels it very much as she was much attached to her mother. Ever since I got my present situation I have allowed her a weekly sum and what I could afford besides as her other children were not much help to her but she is gone beyond the want of that now and affords another warning to be also "ready". I saw Mrs Burrows, Mr M’s mother today and she has promised to get Mrs Matthew’s direction for me and I will forward it next mail. I will get a bottle of Eucalyptol if I can forward it by the mail. I am very sorry to hear that George has a cold. You ought to try "Balsam of Aniseed".

We have had a very dry and windy summer but just as we got here it began to rain and early next morning it came down in torrents . The harvest has been very light this year because of the dry weather. I fancy Mrs Matthews was well looked after as the people of Tasmania are very ready to relieve anyone in distress, and Mrs M went home with a Lady to look after her children which will keep her from brooding over her own troubles.

We spent Saturday with Mr Babington. I cannot get him to come down but we are going to take one of his youngest sons down for a while. I have a small double iron bedstead which I put up in our best room where I have visitors. Annie’s getting on very well at school and can play several simple pieces from memory. All the children are healthy at present thank God but as we all feel poor Grandmas loss and she was very much respected by all who knew her. I enclose Mrs M direction. I am afraid as far as I can see there is not much likelihood of us seeing each other in the flesh but may the Almighty assist us to make sure of meeting in the happy Country. You must excuse this hastey note and bad pen. So with love to brothers and sisters.

I remain,

Dear mother

Ever your affect son

J.C. Parkinson

Thank Maria for the card.

(Mrs Matthews address in London is attached)