Iron Pot
December 30th 1883
My dear Mother

I am sure that we are both very sorry to disappoint you but I suppose my letter has told you by this time that it is not a Bessie, so you must transfer your hopes to George as this is the last, and a boy and very like his father only I think he will be a great deal better looking as his nose is great deal more prominent than my bit of puty was at the age and his eyes are larger but the same formation of head. We should be very thankful that baby and mother are in the land of living as Chris had a hard time of it but thank God all is well. Chris had very comfortable quarters in town for 7 weeks and the two boys were with me. Annie had a piano and music lessons while there but we are all home again and all pretty well except Chris’ leg. It is not the veins alone she knocked her leg sometime back and a swelling still continues above the ankle when she stands much. We are to have 6 men down this week to put up new lantern. They will be here 6 weeks so we will have enough to do. We, that is an assistant and Willy and myself went to N.W. Bay last Friday in boat to brother-in-laws farm. Chris’ sister 9 miles by water and 4 ½ by land to an elevation 700 feet and had to pull there and back. No easy matter in a hot sun. Her husband has a farm or garden and generally gets £100 to £120 for raspberries alone. Our journey was very nice only for the pull. I received the card which I will forward to Mrs Babington. They are not well off which I think is her fault as she is no way thrifty and Mr B has been in Government employ for many years but he left domestic concerns too much to Mrs B. We are better off although I do not receive half what he did and under more expense. Our Australian fleet has arrived in harbour and I suppose we shall see some of our friends down soon from the HMS Nelson. So with love from all to all.

I remain dear mother,

Ever your affect son

J.C. Parkinson

It is very windy but shall get the wattle seed if possible. I forgot to say that babys name is Edward Tasman as it is the last. I thought we should not forget the country and Willy should have had the E.