Dear Sir,

I was surprised a day or two ago to hear indirectly that you deny the report which I have never before had the slightest reason to doubt, having heard again and again but the one statement of the case, and this from those who had the best opportunities of knowing, some of them reckoned among your intimate friends and who still believe it;--viz. That you refused to go and see your daughter when she sought your forgiveness on her dying bed.¹ If I have been thus led into error, I should like to be informed of it, that I may make such reparation as duty required for having been one of many to repeat it.

On the same authority I have also said that when a majority of the Brantford church once wished to hold a meeting, they found the door locked against them, either by yourself or with your concurrence. If one report be incorrect the other may also be; though I have hitherto never doubted their truth, believing as others do that you thought that you were doing your duty in both cases.

I am, Rev. Sir

Yours sincerely

E. Barker [Enoch]

¹ The daughter is Mary Anne Baker who married her late sister's widower, Frederick F. Wilkes, against her father's will, see W2855. For further correspondence between Rev. Baker and Rev. Barker, See W2791, W2975, W2982, W2986.