Derwent Lighthouses,
July 8th 1885
My dear Mother,

I have not yet received your letter expected by this mail but may tomorrow as I expect Annie down and she will bring it if arrived in Hobart. So I want to have this ready for her to take back and post in Hobart as she is only coming for the day with a party of contractors who are to view the proposed site of my new quarters. It will be with me from "cottage to castle" as the plans show something grand. I am now writing from one of new assistant’s qtrs. They are very comfortable 3 rooms 11 feet ceilings and verandah and pantry and enclosed yard. We have cleared out of the old prison and it does look dismal with its 2 feet thick walls and low ceilings. We are all pretty well thank God. The weather has been very fine lately but cold. I hope you are all enjoying good health. Willy and George are over on the Arm and are likely to be for 4 months more. Annie and Maria in town so they are having a good time at school. Maria has got lumps on the back of her hands over the wrists. Doctor says they proceed from the joints to her fingers and to paint them with iodine. What says Dr Sam. A doctor won’t look at you here under 10/-. When Chris was in town the doctor wanted to cup her and said the singing in her head proceeded from having too much blood there but she was afraid to let him try.

I have not much news to tell you as we are kept pretty busy just now and I have 2 new assists. And they keep me looking after them until they are properly "broken in".

Chris sends her photos which I hope you will like. I must get a cabinet when I go up next.

So with love to all from Chris and children even to the new arrival. I remain

Dear Mother,

Ever your affect son,

James C. Parkinson.

Kind remembrances to Joe and Sophy

(same letter)
Park Street
Hobart
July 9th
My dear Grandma,

I was at home yesterday and Papa gave me this letter to post for you. Maria and I are still in "Hobart". Our house will we expect be commenced in about two weeks and will be finished about Christmas. George and Willie were home yesterday from S. Arm to see us. George has a bad cold.

I do hope you will like dear Mammas photo. It is such a splendid photo. Give my kindest love to all my Aunts and Uncles and accept lots dear Grandma from,

Your affect niece Annie

P.S. Please send my love to Uncle George and Aunt Kate and our dear little cousins. Papa would like to get a letter from Uncle George.