Iron Pot,
June 15th 1881
My dear Mother,

I cannot remember how long it is since I wrote to you so to prevent disappointment I thought it better to send you this and let you know that we are all "in the land of the living well and hearty" thank God. I was in a hurry the last time as we have to take advantage of the good weather to get our gardening done and I am more forward this season than any. This is near the middle of our winter and we have cauliflowers radishes turnips onions coming on and the potatoes planted and such a splendid clump of Mignonette which will tell you that our winter is very mild. I have taken in a good deal more ground and think there is not far short of an acre now. I believe this will be a fine country by and by as its mineral wealth has not yet been developed yet. I’ve had a visit from a Japanese Man of War last month. Annie and some of her school mates were taken on board to see the ship and were escorted back by some of the officers. She is a great favourite with her school fellows and is asked out into some of the most respectable society in town. There is a great drawback to her progress in being very nervous but perhaps she will grow out of it. I see by the papers that Gladstone’s policy is bearing its fruit. I hope that you may all be protected from the violence of evil men. I have just read a pamphlet which gives the most comprehensive views of the situation entitled "English institutions and the Irish Race" by A.M. Lapp (Tapp?). In which he shews that it is wrong to grant to the Celt the same liberty as the Englishman and does not forget to lay the blame of their backward state on the true cause. Popery.

I forgot to tell you that Charley is walking and that he is the flower of the flock. I wish very much that I was so situated that I could send the youngsters to school as they are getting great big fellows now, and I cannot attend to them as I would wish but I must only do my best. Annie is very proud of her letter from Aunt Frances and you need not send her back the card. I do not know whether I shall be able to send this or not as the weather is unsettled. So with Love from Chris and all the bairns to Grandma, Aunts and Uncles. I remain, Dear Mother, Ever your affect son.

James C. Parkinson.

How is Sam getting on. I hope he is strong again. Please tell Uncle E that I will answer his letter soon.