Iron Pot,
September 6th 1883
My dear Mother, 

I was unable to get the letter in time up for the last mail so had to wait for the next and have just recd. 2 Belfast papers. I have the very sorrowful news to tell you of the death of my Old Friend Mr Babington. He had been ailing for some time but passed away unexpectedly on the morning of the 25th of last month. The Dr said of Brights disease of the kidneys. I need not tell you that we all felt very much grieved at his loss, as I may say that he was the only earthly friend I had south of the line. We have just received a letter from his daughter saying how deeply his sudden removal has affected them. I recd. the news by signal the morning of his death and we had the Ensign half mast for 3 days. If he had been a relative I could not have felt it more. Chris is still laid up with her leg but is rather better. The weather has been very unsettled lately and I see by the papers your coasts are suffering, what an awful destruction of lives. I enclose some shamrock grown in the veranda. Can Joe beat them. We have not been able to do much at the garden on account of the weather but it is looking well so far. So with love from all to Grandma, Aunts and Uncles,

I remain Dear Mother

Ever your affect son,

J.C. Parkinson