General Hospital, Hobart,
Jan 11th 1888
Dr S.S. Parkinson,
Sir,

In reply to a letter from Miss K. Parkinson asking for information about your brother J.C. Parkinson’s illness I will tell you what I know. I was returning from a trip to Port Arthur in a small steamer, when we were hailed by a small boat off the Derwent Lighthouse, which contained your brother and his wife. He was taken on board and I saw he was very ill - feverish and short painful cough - so I advised them to take him direct to the hospital when we reached Hobart - and this was done - When in bed I found he was suffering from acute pneumonia the whole of the right lung being dull with the usual signs. Everything was done to stimulate and support him but he sank rapidly and died the next morning July 13th. I believe he had been ill on the lighthouse for a week or more but had remained at his post - too long unfortunately.

Yours truly.

C.J. Parkinson