Iron Pot
May 28th 1882
My dear Mother 

As I will not receive your letter by incoming mail in time to answer it I take the opportunity of a quiet moment to have a talk to you. In the first place I am thankful to be able to tell you that we are all well with the exception of Chris who has been rather unwell lately but is getting all right again. We have had some very severe weather lately and a good deal of damage to shipping but all is changed now and we are having a spell of delightful weather and are busy when not otherwise engaged in our garden. I see by the papers that the "Lufia" arrived safe on the 9th and I hope that you have got the box safely. There is a regular trader from here to London called the "Windward" bq. Capt Durant which will arrive there about the end of June so if you wish to send anything out and Capt Rogers does not offer to do so, I am sure the other would as there is an acquaintance of ours, son of one of our Pilots, on board the Windward of the name of Harrison. I think it would cost too much to send the Harmonium and we are pretty well off with the Peanette. I am thinking of soon sending Willy to school as he is getting a great big fellow. I intend to ask Mr Babington to board him and he can go to school with his son, as there is a very good school close to where he lives. The Master is a countryman named Hughes and he would be more out of harms way in the country than in town. I am happy to say that Smallpox has been stamped out in the Colonies. Annie was the only one evaxinated and the bill for that simple operation was 7/-. What does Sam think of that. Do not be going to any expense buying books to send our as they are very cheap here and we are well supplied. The only things that are dear here are calicoes, holland serge and diaper and I am afraid that the sweat of the hold penetrates the rapper of the parcels you send as some of the articles especially the socks soon go into holes. All the cases of soft goods to the merchants comes out lined with zinc. Hoping this may find you all well and enjoying the fine weather and with love to sisters and brothers, Aunt Ewart, Joe and Sophy. From all on "the pot" I remain dear mother your affect son

James C Parkinson