Iron Pot
August 23 1883
My dear Mother,

I received yours dated July 10th and am sorry to hear of you and Bessie being on the sick list, but hope you are both well before this. I am writing this but am not very sure that I shall be able to send it as the weather is now so unsettled, it has been the most severe winter we have had since I have been here. If I were so fortunate as a neighbour of ours who supply us with wood I would send for you all and then you could put a firestick to old Grangecam for really the tenants will never be satisfied until they have the land for nothing. Will this party or should I say family live across the river on Bruce Island. Their name is Dusse? And by last Wednesday’s paper I see they have come into possessions of £40,000 being next of kin to Sir Michael Clare Bart deceased . The suit has been a long time pending but has been decided at last. I am sorry to have to tell you that Chris is pretty nearly laid up. You are aware that under certain circumstances the veins of the leg swell. This has always been the case with her right leg but she fancies she got a knock some time back which caused it to be swollen and painful at this time and the doctor recommended leeches. She had some but the bites inflamed the leg is much discoloured all round and also I think Chris stood too much and too long on it and she can keep hardly anything on her stomach. If all goes well the event is not expected until Novr. She complains of a bitter taste. Well we will have to put our trust in God and do the best we can under the circumstances. I am sorry to hear the pots got broken. The case must have been greatly knocked about as the jars could not have moved. Well I am glad that I spoke to Capt. Crone Bq. "Helen" and sent the directions but I hope you will not distress yourself about sending much. I see by our papers (cable telegraph) that Co. Down has disgraced its loyal character by wounding two policemen but hope that it will not become like the South. James photo went in the last and I think you will like it. We have had very little opportunity for gardening lately but have managed to get our potatoes in. We are to have a line of steamers direct from London. That will do away with many of the sailing vessels. You may have the opportunity of letting Uncle E know that I will answer his last letter as soon as possible and he must excuse me as I have kept it unanswered a long time. I have not heard from cousin James since he left Tarangera?. Give my love to Kate when you write and also remember me to Aunt E, Joe and Sophy. So with love from All to Grandma, Aunts and Uncles. I remain,

My dear Mother

Ever your affect son

James C. Parkinson