Derwent Lighthouse,
May 14th 1885
My dear Mother,

I received your letter and cards safe and also a few lines from Frank and I am glad to hear that all are well. This is to let you know that we are all in the land of the living although divided at present. Annie and Maria are in Hobart and Maria is going to school and Willy and George are on the Arm staying. The board allows me 35/- extra per week for their keep as the quarters here are partly taken up by with the workmen. The assists. Qtrs. will cost over £600 and will be completed in about a month. We, that is Chris and 3 children are to occupy one of them until our own is completed. Ours will cost the most of £1000 and will have 10 rooms so should any of my sisters or brothers take a notion of paying a visit we will be able to accommodate them, its nothing now. I had your letter in a little over 5 weeks, of course we have to suffer a good deal of inconvenience now but I hope we will get over it. I have not any C. Gooseberry seed now but will get some as soon as possible. Will you tell whose crest that is on the spoons you sent me? Will you ask Sam when he has the opportunity to ask the head keeper at St. Johns Pt Lighthouse about the routine under Trinity Board. How many keepers, how many watches, any other duties besides keeping watch and cleaning, or any other information about duties he can obtain, salaries etc. We have had as many as 13 workmen here at once besides our own so you may guess we are pretty lively. Willy and George are getting a rare chance at school now as there is a very good one now where they are. I am glad to hear that you have got over the winter so well and hope George will take care of himself. So hoping that you will excuse this short letter as I am not much in the humour of writing but just to let you know that we are all well and with love from all the bairns and Chris I remain dear Mother,

Ever your affect son,

J.C. Parkinson

Kind remembrances to Joe and Sophy etc.