Henry Parkes

“ It is hard for me to think that I have seen my dear father and mother, in all probability, for the last time, but the thought is brightened by the humiliating recollection that I have been more a burden than a help to them, and the hope that if we never meet again in this world of change, we shall in a happier and changeless one. Give my best love to them, and tell my brothers to love them, and be more dutiful to them than I have been, and give my love to my sisters, Maria and Eliza. I wish you all a very happy Christmas, though I shall not be with you on that day. ”

“ I hope none of you are unhappy at the thought of my leaving you, or will think much about me when I am gone. However I may fare on the opposite side of the globe, I do not think it can much more darken my prospects of the future. ”

“ We should be happy to hear from James, and hope he had got into something likely to do him good. Clarinda wrote to her father this week, but did not enclose it in this parcel, as it seemed more desirable to save you trouble than him expense. We are both blessed with good health for this unhealthy place, except that Clarinda has an ugly cold, and I have been murdered with the toothache for two or three days; but neither of us is happy. I have nothing to do at present; hope I shall have after Christmas. ”