Iron Pot
August 13th 1881
My dear Mother

I received your last letter dated 15th June at the post office when I had gone to post a letter to you so I had not time to answer it then. I am glad to hear that you are all in good health and also that you received the last consignment of jam safe. I hope that Captain K has written to you but he is young and unmarried and the nephew of the late wife of the owner of the "Lufia" so we must make allowance. I am also glad to hear such favourable accounts of the harvest. I received also yesterday a letter from Uncle E saying that he had received the photo and wanting to know which of the company in front of the Lighthouse was your son, so I will inform him when I write that the distinguished individual is on the extreme left "looking toward the l’house" in his photo. If ever it be taken again while I am here the figures will be more in the foreground. I do not remember seeing the flower you mention but there are plenty of pinks in the country. I have a canary a fine fellow and also a parrot but they are plenty as sparrows in the Old Country. There are always ranges and cooking utensils at these establishments and I have a patent mangle which is a great saving of labour. Chris is going up to town this week "weather permitting" and will get Charlie’s photo taken although we sent one which must have gone astray. The weather has been very severe lately and we had a hard gale last Sunday but it has changed for the better and we will be able to resume gardening operations. The boat belonging to the station is not a good one so I have been granted another which is a fine safe boat 25 feet long and 5.3. beam. Willy has been spending a few days at the Pilot station with one of the pilots Capt Harrison so I went over for him on Saturday. It was about 4 ½ miles across the river and he seems all the better for his visit. I had a letter also from cousin James. The apple trees I sent him are doing well but he does not speak well of New Zealand and says times are very dull. I do not think there is a better country in the world than Tasmania at present especially if a person had a moderate capital and also a little sense with it. The climate is mild and healthy but yet all the Doctors seem to get on well. I have just heard that the "Lufia" has left on the 30th July and I hope she will have a good passage. All the children are well at present thank God and I send their love to Grandma. So with love to sisters and brothers and Aunt E, I remain dear mother ever your affect son

James C Parkinson

I can’t make out where Mr West lives! Remember me to Joe and Sophy. Rec’d 3 papers on Saturday.