OLD FASHIONED CREOLE FILE GUMBO

One slice of ham, i pound shrimp, 2^ dozen oysters, l/2 can (small) tomatoes; i small onion; i pod garlic; i sprig parsley. Fry ham, onions and garlic together, add shrimp water after they have been scalded, also tomatoes ; let boil about YZ hour, then add oysters and liquor, let come to a boil, add tablespoon file and let boil but once ; take off the fire and serve with boiled rice. You can substitute spring chicken or poule d'eau instead of shrimp.