Derwent Lighthouse,
26-10-84
My dear Mother,

Your letter the 19th of August came safely and we are all glad to hear that all at home are well, although the weather must have been very trying by all accounts given in the papers. Annie has been up in town and sends her photo so I think you must be content for some time as I do not expect to go up for some months yet and you will have received Willy’s and Baby’s before this. A fine strong baby can stand along side the couch and take a pull at the "titty" and not 12 months old yet. I am sorry that Captain Durant did not write to you, but if he goes home again I shall ask him to do so. We have steamers arriving here from London every month 3 of which were at Queen’s Island. The "Doric", "Coptic" and "Ionic" I see that there was a Belfast vessel the "Jenny B" at Launceston. Although so isolated we have the news of the world pretty well here in 2 or 3 days. All ships on berth arriving or departing and even the passenger list. I see that Mr F Darley and family are returning to Sydney. I subscribe to a daily paper which we get twice a week. A London paper we see the "Home News", "Belfast Weekly News" and sometimes friends send the Glasgow, Melbourne and Launceston papers so we are well in for news. The only thing that we are worst off for is the heavenly news and the only way we can do is to attend the reading of the word and prayer and God grant that we may all take a delight in that. Willy is getting on very well at school and I give the rest some lessons when I can. Perhaps the way may be opened for them also. I want you to see if there is an old book in existence yet. It was in the press in the schoolroom last "Voyages and travels around the world". It was the part when Capt. Cook visits Tasmania or VDL that I would like it for as there is very little information about the early history of this country known here, and if it is to the fore you might have an opportunity of sending it out. Does Sam know anything of the cause of the nearly constant ringing Chris has in her head? It is not as bad as it was but it is very disagreeable. It is something like the boiling of a kettle and it came on all at once. All the remedies and doctors have not done her any good. I send some seed of Mountain Berries. Sow in moist ground, they are very pretty. All the youngsters are well and send their love to Grandma and Aunts and Uncles. Chris desires to be remembered so with love to all and kind remembrances to Joe and Sophy,

I remain dear Mother,

Ever your affect son,

James C. Parkinson.