My dear papa,

I received about three weeks ago, a letter from yourself, and yesterday one from John¹; in both which letters, many terms of a very uncalled for, and offensive kind, were used towards very kind and dear friends.

From the spirit of these letters, it is very evident, that if from any considerations, I declined to become Frederic's [sic] wife, a home in my own family, is quite out of the question.²

My dear pa; allow me to say, that in leaving my Brother's house, I was guided by my own voluntary wish. In so doing to escape from injust [sic], and uncalled for confinement was my sole object. In my stay with my dear, and faithful friends, (Mr. and Mrs. Walker) I have even received the kind sympathy of devoted friendship. Is not their house (next to your own) the one, which six months ago, you would have chosen as a home for me & surely in so short a time, they cannot have changed to such a degree, as to deserve all the abusive epithets, which they have received, and of all the unkind reflections, which have been so literally bestowed by my own family, those contained in John's letter of the 30^th inst. appear to be the most unworthy.

I shall not in future desire to receive letters from my friends, with the last two as specimens of their spirit; whilst I shall still ever bear towards those whose blood runs in my veins, a deep and anxious interest in my heart.

Believe me my dear pa, I deeply sympathise with you in your painful illness, and were it pract'able [practicable] would esteem it a duty and a privilege, to return to your house, to minister to your wants, and relieve your anxious mind, but with present feelings and under existing circumstances, it is impossible.

With sincere affection I remain,

My dear papa,

Yours etc.,

Mary Anne³

¹ Likely John Orange Baker, Mary Ann's older brother. It is likely that he is the brother whose house she left (par.3).

² Rev. Thomas Baker refused to see Mary Ann after she became involved with Frederick F. Wilkes, her late sister Harriett's widower. See W2855 for details and links.

³ Though her father and others spell her name Mary Ann without a final e, she signs herself Mary Anne. She was perhaps named after her grandmother Ann Montford.