Derwent Lighthouse, Iron Pot,
Sept 2nd 1884
Dear George,

Very glad to hear that you have at last "broken the ice" in the Old Country and earnestly hope that an open sea and favourable breeze may waft you and your partner over the ocean of life although I presume an occasional squall must be expected. We received photos some time back of yourself and intended and also by this mail cabinet of yourself and my sister in law and I am sure that if she is only half as good as she looks you will be a happy man. Chris says your cabinet looks odd, so when convenient do not forget to send one to match. I send you photos of my oldest and youngest sons. Willy is at school and getting on well. I think he is pretty sharp and is growing very fast and promises to be taller than his father. Tassie the youngest I think will be the last as he is so old fashioned. I many times think that I should like to have a look at the old places and familiar faces that are left, but I suppose that I should find myself somewhat in the predicament of that old gentleman who fell asleep on the mountain and did not awake, for I forget how long 14 or 20 years but I suppose it may not be and I might be in a worse place. I had a letter from Lee who brought out the parcel and he seems disappointed in the place. I think it is wrong for government to induce people to emigrate by putting in too much colour in the picture but for those who are disposed to work hard and cannot get on at home, this is a very good place and the finest climate in the world. I am going to subscribe for a new book "Through Tasmania" which gives a truthful description of our Island at present and will send it to you. Also most probably I will send a book entitled "For the term of his natural life" which gives a pretty correct idea of Tasmania when better known as Van Diemans Land. The incidents and some of the characters are familiar to me having heard them from those who suffered. And now I have to tell you that we are all in the enjoyment of health which is a great blessing although this the severest time of the year. So hoping that this finds you and your partner in the enjoyment of like great blessings and with love from Chris and Children to their new Aunt and kind remembrances to Mother, sisters and Sam, I remain your affect brother,

J.C. Parkinson.