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the minor had been raised tenderly in the name of his former mistress who was willing to enter into bond to continue each treatment and to provide for and educate the child. On the contrary the provision that the mother could supply, if any, only a doubtful and uncertain support; that she had some vicious habits in which she had attempted even to instruct her child &c. Here was a printed case, directly under the Statute and while my natural inclination was to give the child to the mother, I could not hesitate in regard to what its interest most imperatively demanded. I have bound out as apprentices a good many orphans and minors already, always upon the application of competent parties and upon the terms above stated, and am satisfied that much suffering has been prevented by it in this County. But there is still likely to be much. Not unfrequently the mother abandons, [[crossed out]]the[[/crossed out]] her offspring. Then there are several cases of insanity pervading whole families; of age and decrepitude which must as surely entail suffering unless provided for, as that they do exist. Will you be good enough to inform me if any provision or what is likely to be made for cases of this kind?