Henry Parkes

“ Australia has afforded me a better home than my motherland, and I will love her with a patriot's love. With regard to my own individual prospects I am full of hope. I have had my troubles, as the old ladies say. When you think of my landing on the soil of this country with a wife and child, the one only three days old and the other in the delicate state of health of a mother at that time, and with only a few pence and without a home, you will think I must have had some difficulties to contend with since my arrival in Australia. ”

“ I believe my circumstances will improve, and that speedily. I see my way now quite clearly which shall lead me to respectability if not competence. I will write again in about three months, and, though it is useless for me to write to you oftener, I should like to hear from you more frequently. ”