Iron Pot
May 16th 1883
My dear Mother,

Again I have to write before I receive your letter by incoming mail as it will not come to hand until Saturday evening and this must be posted by Saturday morning. Chris had to Town to consult a doctor and has felt some relief when she was told that a letter addressed to you about 2 months ago was sent away with deficient postage, so you will have to pay although I sent sufficient to post it. All here are well except Chris. Maria has been over at the pilot station since Monday and I took Annie across today. The change is good for them. Willy and George are getting on very well at school on the Arm and it seems to agree very well with them. There has been an Exhibition in town which was very successful. Annie went up to see it and was greatly delighted. We have had one of Mr Babington’s daughters down here for a short time as I like to shew by any little attention that I do not forget his kindness. He has been able to write me a letter and says that his sight is improving. The weather has been pretty mild with us lately and we have been busy putting a new fence around the garden as the rabbits are very numerous and destructive. I see by the papers that you have had a very severe winter. I suppose before this you have got the jam as the Lufia has arrived. Yesterday a brig named the ‘Helen’ passed us for London, and I told Captain Crone to write to you and say that you saw me in good health as I went on board as she passed. I am afraid that I will not be able to send this as the weather has set in stormy and there is not much chance of getting it up. Hoping that you have got over the severe winter and that you are all in the enjoyment of health and every other blessing and with love from the ½ doz. and Chris to Grandma, Aunts and Uncles

Remain dear mother Ever your affect son

J.C. Parkinson.

(same letter)
May 26th (1883)
Dear Mother,

I was unable to get this sent up in time to post as the weather is getting unsettled and hope to get this away by next mail. Your letter dated March 22nd and also 2 newspapers came to hand and also the nice cards. I am afraid that you will not have enough jam for yourselves this time but if possible I will send some sooner as the C.G. have two crops of fruit in the year and are beginning to ripen now. Remember me to Mrs Ross we must have some photos taken soon as they are all grown greatly since those were taken. Annie and Maria are still at Pilot Station 4 miles across the river, but we can see them running about every day our atmosphere is so clear. Chris says that you can fill up the box with old sheets if you have room as Bessie stands a chance for a namesake. I received a letter from Uncle E also I have not heard from cousin James this long time Mr Babington is rather better .. (the rest is missing).