Derwent Lighthouse,
June 11th 1886
My dear Mother,

Very glad to see your writing again and to hear that you are better. Do not trouble about me as I hope to be soon all right again and I ought to be very thankful I am as for by all accounts Ireland is in a queer state, but by telegrams I see that Gladstone has not carried his measure?. I ought to retire and accept the red stocking from ‘Papa’ for all he has done for his church. I have read Lord. R. Churchills speech and think that it could not be matched in fact all spoke to the point. I have received the papers I think up to April 3rd but none as yet on this or last mail. Do you receive them from me as I sometimes send one?

Willy is getting on very well and he is very steady and good. I am sorry to hear that the weather at home is so wet. We have had a great deal of moisture lately and cold weather and there have been a great many accidents to steamers lately. One the Ly -ee-Moon ran on the rocks at night under a light house on the coast of N.S. Wales, Green Cape and the greater number of passengers and crew were lost through keeping too close in. Tell Kate she can send me some seeds. I enclose some of the wattle seed the everlasting grows wild and is very large. I hope you will get the box all right. You ought to have it towards the end of next month. Talking of pruning of orchards of 10 or 20 acres are common here and the trees makes a great deal of shoots but do not seem to increase in stem as in the old country. Old trees are cut down here and a number of different grafts are inserted and I have seen two or three different kinds of fruit on one tree. Hoping this may find you and all at home in good health and with love from Chris and Children,

I remain, dear Mother, your affect. son.

J.C. Parkinson.

I recd the seeds in letter.