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 on was

made, and what if anything, was said concerning each.

Jos. C. WILSON for Counsel for Pltff.

Answer to Cr. Int. second.

Do not recollect any one of the children being named, nor do I recollect distinctly any word or words spoken; further than that the conversation between the parties left the impression on my mind that the children were to remain with Ford.

JOSEPH LANE

Sworn and subscribed before me this fifth day of July A. D. 1853

LEONARD WILLIAMS, Justice of the Peace

[ENDORSED]

Robin Holmes vs Nath. Ford. Interrogatory. Filed this 13 July 1853

J. E. LYLE, Clerk.

Robin Holmes ) In the matter of a writ of Habeas vs. ) Corpus. District Court of the

Nathaniel Ford ) County of Polk at Chambers.

Robin Holmes the petitioner in this case respectfully shows and states to the Court the following answer to said Respondents return to said writ of Habeas Corpus, to wit: That sometime in the year 1841, said petitioner and his wife Polly were the slaves of Major Whitmore a Paymaster as petitioner was informed, in the United States Army in Howard County, Missouri, and had been the slaves of said Whitmore for the space of twelve years, next proceeding said last mentioned date. That sometime in the year 1841, said petitioner and his wife Polly were taken on a writ of execution by said Respondent who was then Sheriff of said Howard County, and sold at public vender by said Respondent, to satisfy certain debts of said Whitmores. That said petitioner and his wife Polly were bid off and purchased at said sale by a merchant, then resident of said Howard County, whose name is not now remembered by your petitioner. That the next morning after said sale, Respondent sent your petitioner to the house of said purchaser to procure a