Rev. Thos. Baker,

My Dear Grandpa,

I have just received yours of the 12^th inst. And was gratified to find that you had not spoken more severely to me, when you were under such impressions. I forgot to tell you yesterday that before leaving Mrs. Baker's,¹ I talked to her about my indebtedness carefully and distinctly stated that though I had no money till I could get employment yet I would get her any thing [sic] in the way of groceries that she might require, if she would rather that, than wait till I had cash and told her that I would endeavour to get them at the very lowest price, and if they should still be dearer than she usually paid I would loose [sic] the difference.

I have not yet been able to learn how long Minnie was home but Alice brings distinctly to my mind that she was there one week at Mrs. B. particular request to keep house while she went to London, and another, to keep clean house and other things after the fire, Hattie being away. And Mrs. B. expressed to me her indignation that Minnie should never stay home and help her but always helping Aunt Jane, and further stated that Alice persuaded her to do so, to be disagreable[.]

I feel that both Mrs. B. and my poor Father did much to make it appear that I was an enemy to the family rather than a brother and I think it only just that I should be permitted to defend myself, I do not in the least blame poor Father, he felt that I was able to take care of myself, and knowing that he had been a poor husband he wanted to make it as good for his wife as he could.

My letter from you has the appearance of having been opened, I do not say it has, but it has the appearance, it is torn and soiled about the sealing.²

If you should wish to write to me please address Falkland P.O. I am writing in an uncomfortable place and position so please excuse.

With kindest love I remain

Your affect. Grandson

John P. Baker

¹ He is refering to his stepmother, Mrs. James Alfred Baker (Maria Mudge). Her father-in-law, Rev. Thomas Baker, was providing financial support for her as she was still raising several of the seven stepchildren she "inherited" after the death of her husband, James Alfred Baker. However, in 1878, her eldest stepchild, John P. Baker, reported to Rev. Baker that Maria was keeping gentlemen callers for undue lengths of time and, as a result, the Reverend removed the children from Maria's care. See W3155.

² This is likely a refrence to the letter that Mrs. Maria (Mudge) Baker mentions in her letter to Rev. Baker that Alice had delivered to John P. Baker: "Alice took his letter to him" (W3146, par. 5).