Iron Pot,
May 24th 1884,
My dear Mother,

I was glad to hear by your last letter that you had passsed thorough the winter safely and that you were all well. So George is on board of that ship at last where there are two mates and no captain. Well I am sure that I wish him happiness and prosperity and that he may regret the step as little as I do. I was just thinking that it was near time that he made a move in the direction of matrimony. I am also very glad to hear that Mr Carlisle did not forget Frank. Why, she will be able to pay us a visit soon. Forty days is not long for the voyage, it speaks well for Belfast shipbuilding. I do not know if I told you that we have had 3 or 4 of the family of a friend staying with us this last 3 months as they are getting their house built in town, and when it is finished Willy is to live with them and to go to school, as it is so hard to get suitable people to take charge of a child and I cannot afford to send him to a boarding school so I consider it an opening for him. Our winter has set in early and severe this time and a good deal of snow fell, but it does not remain long as I have geraniums in flower among the rocks in the middle of winter. By the way is there a Capt M. Cotter of the old stock at sea now? A steamer, "The Abington" arrived here a short time ago with a Capt. of that name. I sent up a letter to know if he came from our part but did not receive an answer. We have had a Mrs Dr Potts lecturing in Hobart lately and she recommended the same treatment for vari’ veins as Sam, with the addition of rubbing the leg upward with salt. Baby is a fine boy and has very large eyes and a fine forehead. We must send his photo soon. I do not think that I will have time to write to George this time but am very glad to hear of his advancement and hope that he will be the means of much good in his new field of labour. Annie is in town and intends to find out Lee who brought the parcel out. Charley has just been to kiss me before going to bed and says give my love to Grandma in which we all join. I remain dear mother, ever your affect son,

J.C. Parkinson

PS Be kind enough to post the enclosed to Uncle Edward. Kind remembrances to Aunt E, Joe and Sophy. Love to Sisters and Brothers.