Rev. E. Barker,
Rev. Sir:

In reply to yours of yesterday, permit me to say that it is evidently an attempt to change the [grain?] of controversy, and thereby lead away parties from considering certain allegations made against you by Mr. Smith, Mr.V. & Mrs. Kirke, and Mr. Budge.¹

When you shall have satisfactorily answered those charges, I may be prepared to attend to any questions that can be with propriety referred to me.

I am, Rev. Sir,

Yours will all due respect,

Thomas Baker

¹ Apparently, these "allegations" were in part related to Rev. Baker's refusal to see his daughter Mary Anne as she was dying (W2855). See W2971, W2975, W2984, W2986, and W2894 for further correspondence between Rev. Baker and Rev. Barker.