My Dear Grandpa,

I received with much joy your kind presents and I like the book very much. I am sorry I omitted so long to thank you for it as well as the money. I am going to school very so regularly it is a mile and a quarter from home. Both Lottie and I are quite well we trust that you are in the enjoyment of health and my Grandma much better. I have some half dogs, nice game fowls of my own. I lent my money Alice she is to give me interest. I bought Lottie an album costing one dollar.

There is considerable sickness in our neighborhood, within one week there has been no less than five deaths. My uncle has himself acknowledged your letter to him. This my dear Grandpa is all I will write at present as cups and saucers rattleing [sic] as breakfast is being prepared, so I conclude with our united kindest love to all I remain your affectionate Grandson,

William Baker

¹ William was born in 1864 so is 16 at the time of this letter. He is the youngest of 7 children; parents James Alfred Baker(Rev. Thomas Baker's son), and his wife Charlotte Puckeridge. for more about this large family, see W2960, W3328, W5406.

² See W3375 for William's Brother, John Puckeridge's, attached letter about legal matters.