Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 23.djvu/172

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an opinion or make an order in the case, but said that at some future day, not to exceed five weeks, he would make an order in the case, which the parties agreed to abide. And deponent further says that said order has never been made and that the said Nelson has refused to make the same. Deponent has been informed and verrily believes that said Nelson sent word to deponents attorney that he would make no order in the case, but would turn it over to his successor to do. Deponent further says that neither him nor his wife, the mother of said children, are allowed to visit them or hold any intercourse whatever with said children, and that although residing within five miles of said Ford, the mother of said children has not exchanged a word with, nor even seen them for the last two years. Deponent further says that he has been informed and verrily believes, that said Ford ill treats Deponent's children, that he does not furnish them with sufficient meat, drink or apparel and that Deponent is fearful that unless said children are placed in a situation that they may be provided for by their parents, that the treatment that they nov T receive will materially injure their health, and eventually cause their death, or be the cause of their enduring great suffering. And Deponent further says that he has eo d reasons for believing that it is the intention of said For;! to leave this Territory, that it is his intention to run said children out of the Territory and sell them into perpetual slavery, and Deponent verrily. believes that the further detention of said children by said Ford will pi;t in i ly their life, liberty and happiness. De ponent therefore asks that his said children be put in the charge of the sheriff of Polk county, or of some other proper person, untill judgment be given on the Writ. Further deponent sayeth not.

his

Robin X Holmes mark

Subscribed and sworn to before me this 9 day of June 1853

J. E. LYLE, Cl