Iron Pot
December 2nd 1881
My dear Mother 

I received your letter dated October 18th and we are all glad to hear that you and all the folks at home are well despite the Land Leaguers etc. We have also received the box and parcel and will find the contents very useful. Only some things were damaged by the marmalade fomenting and getting amongst the things. I recognise the dear old mug and will be careful of George’s book. The Serge is better than I have seen here and also the prints and the hats fit me and the tweed trousers fit Willy with shortening. The only drawback that I have through Capt Rogers remisness to pay freight and I presume other expenses which will spoil £2.0.0 but it cannot be helped now. I have to tell you that a vacancy has occurred at "Low head" lighthouse by the death of Superintendent and Mr B has advised me to apply for it as it is on the mainland on the North coast and within about 20 hours of Melbourne. A good climate and cultivated land and gardens attached to it and also much larger house. I have had a great wish this some time to go there as there is a school near and everything can be procured with little trouble. So if the Almighty disposer of things sees fit to influence those in power to give it to me I think I shall be as near to contentment as it is possible for us poor mortals to be. I know Kate had always a desire to emigrate and should I be successful there will be a home for her if she would like it and you would not feel the separation too much. I had a letter from M. B. today that it will not be settled for some time, but as soon as it is I shall let you know. I should like the change after 7 years on a lonely rock, although there are worse places. Should the change take place soon I am afraid I will not be able to send the jam. I must find some other way of sending and receiving parcels. I must not forget to thank you all for the many nice books. We have had a very severe storm and flood on the 16th of last month, and it has caused great destruction in Hobart and in some parts of the country, but no loss of life, and the only discomfort we suffered was hearing the spray against the windows. I have sometimes given the youngsters lime-water but it does not go down well without the milk. So I hope in the next to tell you that I shall have the felicity to be able to keep a cow and if not I must only say that "Thy will be done". I will send more gum and wattle seed. It must have been gum seed you mean, I know I sent you some in a letter. So with many thanks from Chris and children for the nice presents from Grandma and aunts and Uncle George and love to all I remain My dear Mother

your affect son

James C. Parkinson

PS I received a letter from Uncle E sometime ago but have not had time to answer it.