Mr. John Puckridge,¹

Dear Sir,²

Having been informed that you are willing to receive your deceased sister's children,³ William and Maude, under your paternal roof, it is necessary that we come to an understanding with respect to the amount of remuneration you should receive. Minnie having resided with you and for her services received her board with a moderate amount of wages; and as she has gone or is going to her cousin, Mrs. Tuck, I think Maude now in her 18^th year and having had sufficient schooling could, with advantage to both parties, take her place on the same terms. This agreed to, an arrangement is necessary for the boarding and clothing of William. You know what is costs to clothe a son of his size, this added to a moderate charge for board will be the amount you may expect from me, if I approve of it.

Please give the above the your kindest consideration and at your earliest convenience inform me of the result.

I am dear Sir,

Yours respectfully,

Thomas Baker

¹ John Puckridge is the brother of James Alfred Baker's first wife, Charlotte, who was the mother of the 7 children who were orphaned when their mother died (likely after 1864) and their father died in 1876. The children were then left with James Alfred's second wife, Maria (Mudge) Baker who became their step-mother. Rev. Baker, their grandfather, took charge of placing them in suitable quarters for their care and education after learning of rumours that Maria had been keeping gentlemen callers for undue lengths of time (W3155, W3156).

² This letter is a draft.

³ John Puckridge is the maternal uncle of Rev. Thomas Baker's grandchildren.