Iron Pot,
February 10th 1884
My dear Mother,

I received your ever welcome letter Card and my dear Father’s photo which looks very well in our large album. We also received the parcel per "Gulf of Carpentaria" S.S. Chris saw sergeant Anderson but had not much opportunity of speaking to him. We have had some of the oatmeal cakes according to the recipe and like them very much. Maria thanks you very much for the album. I have made the Cape gooseberry jam but am afraid that I boiled it rather much but it will not run much if the jars break. It will go by the Bq "Windward" Capt. Durant who has kindly offered to take anything that I wish to send, and I think will be more punctual than Capt. Rodgers. He is to sail on the 10th of March. We are unsettled yet as the alterations are not complete and we have as yet 3 additional to provide for but we will look grand and more complete when all is finished. Chris is a good deal better but her leg still pains her and is inflamed when she has much standing as on washing day. The baby is a fine fellow and I think very much like his Grandfather and takes great notice already. I have not been able to get any wattle seed yet and was forgetting to thank George for the seeds which I hope to have time to attend to by and by. I am glad to hear that you are all so comfortable and contented in the old home and hope that you will escape the severe weather. We are just beginning to have something like summer weather but as yet it is unsettled. I suppose we will have a good many visitors when all is finished here and I am afraid our garden will give us some employment next year as we have not been able to attend to it this season. I hope next time to be in a better humour for writing next time as you may guess we are rather put about at present. So hoping this may find you all in good health and every other blessing and with love from Chris and children,

I remain Dear Mother,

Ever your affect son,

J.C. Parkinson

Kind remembrances to Aunt Ewart, Joe and Sophy