Derwent Lighthouse,
November 27th 1883
My dearest Mother,

It seems a long time since I received a letter from you but we have been in such a bustle lately that I cannot tell exactly as we flitted from our temporary qtrs into our new house on the 11th of this month. We only occupy 6 rooms at present but will furnish a spare bedroom by and by. I think the new house will be very comfortable and I will send you a photo as soon as one is taken. We are all at home again and in good health thank God. I have got a namesake in town. There was a vacancy at the Hospital and the successful candidate was "Dr C.J. Parkinson" " London degrees" Every one is asking me if he is a relative. The P & O mail has arrived but I will not get your letter until Saturday and I would not have time to answer it for a fortnight and therefore you might be uneasy. I may say that the only drawback to this place is the education of the children but the older ones have had a good opportunity lately and we must do the best one can. Willy will soon have to go to something and I am not affraid but with God’s help he will get on as he is very intelligent and quick at picking anything up in the mechanical line. In fact all the children are great adapt with the tools. Even Tas can drive nails sometimes when not required. I have had very little time to attending to gardening this season. The boys managed to get the crops in so we will be all right this season which will be a very plentiful one. I must try and send you a box of jam. The Salvation Army are doing a great amount of good among the poorer classes here at present. I am glad to see by the papers that Conservatism is looking up and that England is once more taking her right position among the powers. I hope to hear that you and all at home are well and give my Love to Brothers, Sisters and Sister in Law and kind remembrances to Joe and Sophy and believe me Dear Mother, Ever your affect son,

J.C. Parkinson.

I hope to be able to write a long letter next time. I forgot to send all the Loves from Chris and Children to Grandma.

Wishing you all a happy new year