FL10409927

1867

August 30th
Friday
A Policeman called by order of the
The Magistrate at central court, to ask if we
would take Mary Ann O. Brian back. I said no.
her father incisted [insisted] upon taking her out against
the girls wish, and was very insulting to me, because
I tried to advise him to let her stay with us.
He, (the Policeman) said he was walking along, dressed in
plain clothes, last night, when he heard the most
awful language ^[sup]"made his flesh creep"[end sup] and turning round he saw
M. A. O. B and a little girl, who he found on enquiries
was only 13 1/2 years old. he took them both and
locked them up for the night thinking they
could both be sent to Newcastle, but M Ann is
3 months past the age, but he hoped to get the
little girl in. he pleaded so hard for M. A that I
said if he got a written apology and a promise fm [from]
her father that he would let her remain unmolested
for 12 months, I would take her. In about an
hour he returned accompanied with her and her
Mother, Mrs. J. Thompson was here at the time and
advised taking her in untill [until]teusday [tuesday], when the
Sub Com't could decide.

Saturday 31st
We had to employ those who
had neither sewing nor scrub'g to do,
in gardening. I am sorry that Kate Richard
was so employed, for she did more harm
than good - her case is far from being a
hopfull [hopeful] one. & when I showed her the damage
she had done, said "I can plant em again."