Mr. John Puckridge¹

Dear Sir,²

Permit me to acknowledge that my reply to yours of the 13 inst. was given without due consideration of the whole of its contents. I could hardly devote attention beyond Minnie and John's child. This was a mistake. Your mother's wish that Maude should live with Mrs. Puckridge's should have been principally regarded as meeting the desire of Mrs. [Fussell?] and probably ultimately benefitting Maude. I would therefore ask your kind permission [to] commence negotiations [now?] with you for entrusting the children William and Maude to the care of their maternal aunt and uncle.

With respect to remuneration you state in your former letter that for the period of two or three years at least $100.00 should be an estimate of the amt. for care and general necessities of the case, "either of Willie alone or in conjunction with Maude." If you deem $100.00 per annum sufficient for the two children for care and general necessities, I think the charge very moderate and should be happy to pay it quarterly in advance.

With very kindly regards to you & Mrs. Puckridge's family, Minnie and little Alfred, I remain, Dear Sir, yours respectfully,

Thomas Baker

¹ See W3196, dated May 13, 1878 from John Puckridge.

² This letter is a draft copy, and difficult to read.