An emigrant's home letters/Letter Seven
LETTER SEVEN.
London,
January 28th, 1839.
My Dear Sister,
This letter, I hope, will find you all well at Birmingham. Clarinda and myself are neither one thing or another. I have at last obtained a situation in one of the oldest and largest turning manufactories in London. I have been there two weeks to-morrow. The work which I am upon is so heavy that it almost masters me—having to turn twine boxes (such as you see on tradesmen's counters), which take 2 cwt. of wood to one dozen. I think we are certain to leave the country in March, but shall know more about it next week. We shall have a hard struggle till then, but I hope we shall be able to get through it. I have been obliged to part with many of my tools since Xmas, to buy us bread, as we cannot live in London for less than 20s. per week, including rent; but I hope I shall be able to get as many in their place as will enable me to carry on the turning at Sydney. If you have the calico, please to send it for Clarinda to work upon, and let me hear from you as soon as you can, as we are very anxious to learn how my father and mother and all of you are. I am sorry I have no money to send for the shoes at present. Please to let Thomas take the small parcel to Mr. Knott's, Swan Hotel Yard—need not wait for answer. More in my next.
Yours affectionately,
H. PARKES.
Our love to all.