Derwent Lighthouse,
August 2nd 1887
My dear Aunt,

No doubt before this reaches you will have heard of our great loss. It was indeed a terrible shock to us all. Poor Mother is bearing it as well as she possible can. I was so glad that she was with our dear father to the last, poor dear old Grandma whatever will she think of it but dear Aunt I am almost sure our dear father is with Jesus he was so good and kind. Mother leaves for Hobart today and our furniture and the children. Willie and I go on Thursday next. We have not quite decided as yet what we intend to do but the only thing as yet we can see is to have a private "boarding house". Willie is to get a situation at a ‘Soap works" which has just opened in Hobart and George has a promise of getting in the ‘Post-Office". Father was making all enquiries for "Uncle Sam" but had not written to him before he took ill, but a great many of Gentlemen advised him (Father) to tell Uncle Sam that he ought to have been out here 12 months ago but there is still lots of work for Doctors. Oh how we would like to see some of our dear Fathers relations but we do hope to see some of them sometime dear Aunt there will ever be a welcome at our house for any of you.

Father made a will is 1880 and in doing so he made a mistake and instead of putting 1880 he put 1888 so there is a bother about it. We have not been able to receive the 10 pounds you sent. It is in the Bank but father did not sign the cheque before he died.

Now dear Aunt I must conclude with kindest love to dear Grandma, Aunts and Uncles in which Mother and all join,

I remain dear Aunt,

Ever your affectionate niece,

Annie Parkinson.

PS Will you please direct all letters to us for the "General Post Office Hobart" and do write as often as possible.