My dear Father,

Received your last some days ago. Was pleased to hear that you were all well, and sorry to find that business was as depressed in Canada, as here with us, I am doing enough, but weights are less than half what they were 2 years ago. There are slight indications of improvement at present time, but at Victoria they are hinting about some oppression treatment they are or are about to suffer from the Dominion Government talk of Recession, and any thing you please, another Rebellion &c &c. The average British Columbian talks as if he thought the whole British Empire would go to everlasting smash only for them. I am pleased at the way the [intruders??] behaved in the North West, the papers here were making hurry over their supposed depart, only the day before we received the news of the welfare of the Rebellion, with the Capture of Riel, and as no man who deserves hanging, gets his desert nowadays, I suppose Reil may get off with a moderate reprimand and a reasonable pension, with proper compensation for loss of time.

With regards to the Russians, I have made up my mind there must be a war in the near future, and I cannot get an Atlas in the United States, nor at Victoria. Will you be kind enough to get me an Atlas of Ancient and Modern Geography, one that is good, send it to me by Express with the Bill, and I will send you the money at once. No Yankie Atlas contains maps of any country outside of the United States, except of the most meagre character, or I would not have troubled you. Give my love to Miss King and tell her I have this day mailed her a small Album of views of Seattle, and would send her a stamp for return postage, if I had a Dominion stamp. Julia is well and desires to be kindly remembered to all hands, we both enjoy the best possible health. The last letter of yours did not tell me anything about Alfred's¹ Children, so I suppose they have ceased to worry you in a measure.

Give my kindest regards to all from whom I received any attention while in Canada and believe me very truly,

Your Affectionate Son, John Baker

¹ This is Rev. Thomas Baker's deceased son, James Alfred Baker, who left his 7 children orphaned. To Read more abou this family, see W2953, W4141, W2960, W3328, W5406.