Iron Pot Lighthouse,
March 13 1882
My dear Mother,

I have to acknowledge 2 letters from you since I wrote and I sit down now to answer them hoping to get this away before the mail closes. I was thinking whether I told that I received Georges photo: which is a fine one. I remember the Rogans well. Will was in San Francisco when I was there but I did not see him. Please remember me to them when you write. I am sure that it gave me much pleasure to hear of Sam’s success and earnestly hope that some comfortable situation may be laid out from him. I think that I told you in my last that I did not get the situation by right of servitude I should, but kissing goes by favour. There are other vacancies at present and I suppose that I may have the offer of them but they are on Islands a long way from here, and some of them have communications only 3 times a year but there is land attached and I could keep sheep and cattle but there would not be much prospect for a family or I do not think Kate would like to go there. I have been talking to a clergyman named Shoebridge who is son-in-law to Mr Davenport who married us and he said that he would do all in his power for Kate, and from what people say I do not fear but she would soon get something to do in Tasmania for a while and if it did not suit as Mrs Cunningham recommended she could try Sydney. I should have encouraged her to come out before only I thought that you would feel the separation. Chris has been away for a week in the country with the younger children as I thought that the change would do her good. There was not much spoiled in the box only the hats and one or two other things. The jar was more than one half empty. Chris has just come back and all the youngsters are better of their weeks stay in the bush. Chris has been up to town and got the pills and I believe they will do her good as the 3 sent by letter seemed to. Chris was telling me Mrs C said that if Kate would take a situation in the country as governess for a time she would get £100 per year in Victoria. I know Mrs Babington had that before she was married. Anyway nothing can be done until she comes and if it should be to Melbourne I should give her Mrs C.’s directions there only she must bring a character with or as many as she can get. If it would not be too much trouble I would like the .......... I am only scribbling this hoping that you may not be disappointed but shall write more at ... next mail. All here are well thank God. I am going up to town soon and shall write there-from. So with love from all to all I remain,

Dear Mother,

ever your affect son

J.C. Parkinson.

Reoccupied