My Dear Mr. Baker

We are this evening agreeably surprised by the arrival of our young friend Mary Ann, to fulfil her promised visit, which we hope may be of some uninterrupted continuance, her coming does not appear to have had your concurrence, but we trust that as you have not required her assistance in Your [sic] own house her freedom to continue her visit whilst not required for your domestic comfort, will not be less agreable [sic] to either your self or us than her former stay was.¹

I write to night [sic] in order that your anxiety for her safety may be removed, and shall feel at all times glad to meet if practicable your wishes and the happiness and comfort of Mary Ann who has become to us as a part of our family

I remain My Dear Mr. Baker

yours faithfully

James Walker

¹ Mary Anne had left her brother's house "to escape from injust [sic], and uncalled for confinement" (W2868). She had become involved with Frederick F. Wilkes, the widower of her late sister Harriett, against her family's wishes and as a result her father refused to see her. For more details, see W2855.