Iron Pot 
February 2nd 1882
My dear Mother 

50 years and about 20 since I saw you, a good wife and 6 strong healthy children and a salary that affords us the necessities of life. A great deal to be thankful for by one so undeserving. I received your 2 last letters and am glad to hear that all at home are so well notwithstanding the fearful weather and hope you may be preserved through it. We thank you also for the cards and Sam’s prescription which we will use as soon as possible. This season has been very windy unsettled and cold although in a less degree than your hemisphere. I mentioned some time back that I had applied for a vacancy at a more desirable situation but the son of the former Supt has been appointed. There are other vacancies to be filled up soon but I would not like to go where I would only have communication perhaps 3 times a year, although there is plenty of land and other conveniences. But I cannot see the advantage of taking a young family to these out of the way places. I will be pretty well content if the MB would build me another room and make things a little more comfortable. Mrs Cunningham will give up school next month so Annie will have to come home and badly wants me to buy her a Peanette. Has Aunt E no old ones knocking about? The box has been packed and is on board the "Lufia" which will sail next week. There are 4 pots Cape G. jam, 6 Grey-opossum skins, 5 muskrat do. which we trapped here. 2 Nautilus shells from New Caledonia, a necklace of shells for aunt Annie from Annie and some Gum and wattle seeds etc. We rec’d the box alright but do not send any jam or sweets again as unless packed in tins it is sure to ferment and run over the contents of the box as the two last did. The contents were very soon absorbed. I am very sorry to hear of the affliction to Fanny Hughes’ family. You need not to say do you remember? As the incidents of child and boyhood are as fresh in my memory as ever and if I could be transferred to the old home I would feel "after rubbing my eyes" like "Rip-Van Wincle" after his long sleep. You asked if Jim is like what I was. I think he is more solid and sensible, and Willy is very wiry although not so robust, and Annie will soon if spared be as tall as her mother but Charlie is the "Flower of the flock". Chris says that you must excuse her writing as she has not much time for it. As the place is so small we have no accommodation for help and so have to be our own "servints". So hoping that this may find you in the enjoyment of health and every other blessing. And with love for all I remain dear mother

your ever affect son

JC Parkinson