My dear Father

I was much grieved to hear from a Hamilton paper I received a few days ago that Mrs. Baker was dead. While we can but morn the loss we have sustained we must also remember that for some time past her life was to her barely endurable and her death only a questen of a few days more or less. I hope the anxiety and trouble you have endured for the past few years has not unfavorably affected your health, and that you may be spared many years yet.

Secured a long letter from Isaac some time ago, so long that I was most afraid to undertake to write to him, lest my invention and inkhorn both became dry before I am done and finish one half as long as his. With time I will soon trouble him with a reply.

My health is very good. Julia also enjoys herself as much as one can in a new Country like this, and [buisness??] in my line is [looking/booking??] a [purvey??] day so that altogether I am beginning to think I did not do quite so foolish a thing as some thought I did when I moved from civilization to this place. We have not yet railroad connection with the Northern Pacific Railroad but hope to have by june next year, when one can start from Seattle and go through to Hamilton by rail without break or interruption.

The Marquis of Lorne and Princess Louise are at Victoria. It was my intention to go and see them, but [man??] only [proposes??]. Buisness complications arose, which [renounced??] me. There is a report that they will return by way of Portland Oregon! If they do I shall pay my respects to them either here or at [Victoria??].

I received the Globe regularly but it has sadly deteriorated since George Brown's death, false since the Canada [news??] which interests me if it does not contain too much [instruction??]. I have for many years liked the American reprint of the London Lancet. Enquire for me and inform me what is the price of the English Edition in Connection with the Canadian Lancet, and Bill won't you, the amount before the Commencement of another year's subscription.

With love to Mary, Isaac and the little ones together with best wishes for yourself. I remain my dear Father Very Sincerely

Your Affectionate Son John Baker