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18 same state as when I last reported upon it. I have reason to believe that the marriage relation is being better and better appreciated, though there is deplorable looseness in this respect. The clergymen's sense of duty and nuptial fees seem to have energized this class into lending all their influence to the proper consummation of this relation; and in the churches it is formally ratified. The state law about desertion seems to be deficient. Mr. Donovan, Commonwealth's Atty. for county of Matthews, makes the following statement upon a letter written by Mr. Williams Agent for said County. to Justice Lane "inviting the Judge's attention to the case of Mary Eliza Gordon who complained that her husband Chas Gordon had deserted her leaving her with the care of two helpless children" viz (Extract) "Desertion by the husband of his wife does not constitute an offense punishable by the laws of Va. The legislature of Va at the session of 1855=6 passed a vagrant law which might have afforded relief in this case but its execution was forbidden by a military order."
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Reopened for Editing 2023-10-07 18:16:45