Iron Pot
April 7th 1882
My dear Mother,

I am glad to hear that you and all at home are well. I have been greatly exercised lately about going elsewhere. I did not get ‘Low Head’ but the Board want me to take charge of one of three ‘L’ houses at a distance from here and isolated. Only communication 3 times in the year so I did not like the idea and have had a hard battle to be allowed to remain, as although we have many disadvantages yet we are close to town and see plenty of company occasionally. I have been up in town and brought Annie home and also bought a peanette so we must try and jog? along as well as we can. We have the Master Warder of the Marine Board and 5 other gents stopping here for the Easter holiday so I have not much time to write but just to let you know that we are all well. I am glad to hear that you have had so mild a winter but I see there has been fearful loss of life on the ocean. There was a Belfast bq. here the name of the ‘Jane Bell’ Captain’s name Crosbie mates name Ferguson both of Bangor. They knew Dr Biney? and the Captain left his wife in Victoria at a place called Yackandende? and I told him that Dr Biney’s eldest son was at a station here. There are great improvements to be made here shortly. Do you think I acted wisely in not going to these out of the way places? There would not be any society and prospect for the youngsters so I thought it would be better to struggle on with our limited accommodation. You must excuse this as I have had not time to write as I would wish. Annie is getting on pretty well at her music and has done a very creditable chalk drawing. Annie intends writing so she will tell you all the news. I hope Sam will soon get into something. We read the ... work and notice of meeting? Our garden has not done much this time on account of the dry weather. Remember me to Aunt E and Joe and Sophy and hoping to be able to send you a long letter next time and with love to all.

I remain,

My dear Mother,

Your most affect son,

J.C. Parkinson