Derwent Lighthouse,
September 3rd 1885
My dear Mother,

We received yours of the 6th of July and am glad to hear that all at home are fairly well with the exception of Sam. I had violent pains in one hip for a long time after I came here by remaining in fresh water for too long. I tried soap liniment pain killer and best rum which I cannot tell cured me but I have no pain this long time but I presume one thing was in my favour, I perspire profusely. Charley is very well at present and has got rid of the foul breath. Tas beats all the youngsters for precocity?. He cannot see anything done without endeavouring to imitate it and looks a regular grandfather with spectacles on. Maria has just come down this morning from Hobart as she has not been well, but I presume a few days here will set her up. Some of poor old Scordons water would be very acceptable here now as we have to depend on rain and there has been very little lately. As you say I am indeed glad that Gladstone is out and hope that he will remain so as he has been playing a losing game. Our house is progressing but suppose it will be two months before it is fit to inhabit. There are on ground floor kitchen and dining room 14 x 14 feet, parlour and drawing room 14 x 12, large veranda with ironwork and coloured glass at sides and over front door small kitchen store room and office. 1 yard store room and wash house with copper. 4 bedrooms with dormer windows 2. 14 x 17 2. 14 x 12 ceilings 10 feet. So if we live and all goes well we may be more comfortable if it don’t smoke. I would very much like to have a photo of Joe Surch. Could you not persuade him? The Salvationists are, I believe, doing good here but we have the counter influence of freethought Lecturers both male and female, but the Old Book will stand it all. The Ethel has just arrived. Perhaps we will be able to send you some C.G. jam this year as your stock must be run out. I gave some of the sunflower seeds to a lady in town and the flowers were as large as a dinner plate. The boys do a little in the garden now and I have not much opportunity. I enclose some of Tassie’s hair so with love from all to Grandma, Aunts Uncles and hoping that this may find you all well and not forgetting George’s eldest.

I remain dear mother,

Ever your affect son,

J.C. Parkinson

I wish very much one of my sisters would drop Uncle E a line and tell him I will write soon.