| Joseph Lee Smith, East Florida's First Superior Court Judge by Gil Wilson |
| Joseph Lee Smith, Eastern District Superior Court Judge, 1822-1832
East Florida’s first superior court judge, Early Life Joseph Lee Smith, was the son of Elnathan and Chloe Lee Smith. Elnathan was a veteran of the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. Born May 28, 1779, at New Britain, Connecticut Joseph graduated with honors from Yale University and studied law under Tapping Reeve at the prestigious Litchfield Law Academy. He joined the Connecticut bar in 1804 and, thereafter, practiced law at Hartford until 1812. On August 25, 1806 he married Frances “Fanny” Marion Kirby (born April 6, 1785, died August 3, 1875) daughter of Ephriam and Ruth Marvin Kirby, eventually parented four children. Ephriam Kirby Smith was born in June 17, 1807. Frances Marvin Smith was born in Litchfield, Connecticut on 12 October 1809. To Rev. Jacob Van Fleck From E. Kirby Litchfield 30th Sept. 1803 Mrs. Kirby will pardon this claim to her attention when she recollects its importance to the writing of that it would be improper for him any longer to leave unexplained the motives for his attentions to her daughter. It is not I believe unknowns to Mrs. Kirby, that I have informed Frances, I love her. Of that my happiness depends on her approbations of that of her family—She has been so condescending as to inform me that hers depends on her parents, of to refer me to them. The amiable dispositions, the goodness of heart of the excellence of understandings which Frances possess make me esteem her more than any young lady with whom I have ever been acquainted – a union with her would make me happy beyond expression---Mrs. Kirby will then be sensible how much I am interested in her determination. If she should approve my affection for her daughter and consent to our union I would surely not be ungrateful but would ever dream to prove myself deserving this blessing by an unremitted exertions for her happiness Mrs. Kirby will permit me to wait on her ? morning. I hear from her a decision in ? every sentiment of my heart is interested. I am yours with respect. Joseph L Smith He also wrote a similar letter to her father. Reply from Father Mobile on Tombigbie River Fort Stoddert April 10th 1804 Dear Sir After a journey of four months, in which time I travelled (pursuing the meanders of the rivers) over a tract of about twenty nine hundred miles, I reached this insulated place. Letters from the eastern States have been three months on this passage. Yours of the 12th of January has lately come to hand. The same subject had been mentioned to me in a letter from Mrs. Kirby, which overtook me on my way hither. And which I answered from New Orleans some time in January. That letter went under cover to the Secretary of State and having official protection I presume must have been safely received long before this time. I do not hesitate to say with that frankness which the interesting nature of the subject demands, that if all the consequences of this new and important relation have been duly considered, if the ardor of youthful passion has not been mistaken for the suggestions of cool and deliberate reason, and if the humor and disposition of the parties have that correspondence which is essential to the felicity of a married life, the proposed alliance meets my entire approbation. The feeling and handsome manner in which you have communicated yourself to me affords satisfactory evidence of the sensibilities of your heart as well as of the correctness of your mind. That all the happiness which your imagination has formed, may be realized, and attend you and your chosen companion through a long life is the ardent prayer of Your obedt servt EphmKirby To Joseph L Smith, Esq. Father of Francis Kirby Ephriam Kirby the father of Francis was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. He was born Feb 23, 1757 in Woodbury, Conn. And was the son of Abraham and Eunice Starkweather Kirby. His family moved to Linchfield Conn in 1763. He took part in the battle of Bunker Hill as a private and ended as a Lieutenant. He served in 19 battles and skirmishes and received 13 wounds. In a battle with the British Cavalry he was taken by surprise and everyone was killed except Col Kirby and a man by the name of Lewis who were left for dead on the field of battle. Col. Kirby was cut by the British saber from his head to his feet. He was also at the Battle of Brandywine and while swimming across the river upon his horse he received three balls in his cartridge box. The last expedition in which he was engaged was an attempt to take by storm Fort Oswego in December 1783. He was a student at Yale and later entered the instruction of Reynold Marvin in Litchfield and was admitted to the bar. He published the first volume of law reports in America. He organized the first temperance society ever formed in America. He served in the Connecticut Legislature. He was named by President Thomas Jefferson as the Supervisor of the Internal Revenue and Direct Tax for Connecticut. In 1803 he was made a Land Commissioner in the Mississippi territory. He was a member of the Rhode Island Society of the Cincinnati with his certificate signed by George Washington dated July 4, 1786. On April 6, 1804 he was appointed by Thomas Jefferson as an additional judge for the Mississippi Territory (Alabama). He died at Fort Stoddert on Oct 20, 1804. His grave was marked Ephraim Kirby, died Oct 4th, 1804. Her mother, Ruth, had her own role to play in the American Revolution. When the leaden statue of George III on Bowling Green New York was torn down by the Sons of Liberty on July 10, 1776 on the arrival of the news of the Declaration of Independence the fragments were sent to Litchfield where it was converted into bullets. It was said that he made 17,592 bullets out of the 37,775 made. Family of Francis Kirby She had a sister Harriet Kirby who died as a child. 2. Reynold Marvin Kirby was a Major in the U.S.A. and served in the war of 1812 and the Seminole war. Three of his four sons: Reynold Marvin, Edmund and Joseph Lee served in the Confederate army. 3. Edmund Kirby was a Colonel in the U.S.A. and served in the war with Mexico. His son Edmund was a union officer who died in the battle of Chancellorsville. 4. Ephraim Kirby died young. 5. Harriet Kirby who married Francis Smith Belton of Baltimore. He served in the War of 1812, Florida and the Mexican War. His son Francis Smith Belton was a Colonel in the Confederate army. 5. Helen Kirby married Benjamin A. Putnam of St. Augustine Florida. Their daughter Kate married two of the sons of John C. Calhoun. 6. Catherine Kirby married Dr. Joseph Pynchon Russell. Their son Edmund Kirby served in the union. Francis’s father had high expectations of her education: Kirby Smith Papers University of North Carolina, Collection 404, Box 1, Folder 2 Bethlehem January 23rd 1797 Dear Sir: My daughter Fanny which I now commit to your charge is twelve years old the 6th of April next She possesses a common degree of intelligence for a child of her age. Some ? has been taken to ? her with the first rudiments of literature. I wish her to be made perfect in reading, writing, English grammar, common arithmetic, geography, history and elegant composition. I much desire that she should be well instructed in vocal and instrumental music. Drawing and fine needle-work ought to employ some attention there however are secondary objects to those first mentioned. The habits of industry, economy and neatness feeling are acquired of course in your school and I presume the government of the patrons are not neglected. The passions of my child are finely strung, tempered with much warmth and exquisitely alive to feeling. In skillful hands she may be easily managed, but it requires address and knowledge of human nature to regulate her disposition without injuring it. I remark this that you may apprise the governess of your school of the tender care which ought to be taken in this particular. As it is essential to the well being of every person in life that they be early taught the use and value of property, and not suffered to without any habits of confession, I shall leave no monies at the disposition of my child, but submit all her wants of that kind to your direction, fully persuaded that she will be indulged in no unnecessary expense. …… To Rev. Jacob Van Fleck From E. Kirby Linchfield Festival In 1807 at the renounced Litchfield Festival, Jeffersonian Republican Smith condemned federal politicians who had imprisoned editor Selleck Osborn on libel charges. Smith’s reward was swift in coming. The Federalists soon had him arrested. The charge accused him of uttering “false, malicious, scandalous, and defamatory words.” In the national election of 1804, Connecticut was one of the two States which cast their electoral votes against Jefferson, and the President's followers in the State felt that active measures must be taken to bring this commonwealth into the Democratic-Republican column. A young editor, named Selleck Osborn, was induced to set up a Democratic newspaper establishment to combat the Federalist propaganda of the Monitor. The Witness, printed stories and innuendoes about a number of Federalists. Osborn was attacked physically and, later, was brought before the local court on a rather flimsy charge of libeling another Litchfield worthy, Squire Julius Deming. The Justice and jury were all Federalists, and although Osborn was ably defended by young Joseph Smith, it was without success. He was sent to jail. The Democrats immediately seized upon Osborn's incarceration as a party issue. The young editor was held up as a political martyr, and the story of his tribulations was broadcast in the newspapers as far south as Charleston. A committee, of which Smith was a leading member visited him in his cell. A Democratic meeting was held in Linchfield. Shortly afterwards Smith was arraigned before the Superior Court for certain words and sentiments said to have been uttered by him in his address at the meeting. These "false, malicious, scandalous and defamatory words," to use the legal verbiage of the formal information, consisted of an attack on the courts of the State, presided over by Federalist judges. Smith was fined two hundred and fifty dollars, with costs of one hundred and twenty-three dollars added. The clerk adds to the record this significant sentence: "The delinquent was delivered to the custody of the Sheriff of the County." Three hundred and seventy-three dollars was a large sum in those days, particularly for a struggling young attorney and, if not paid, Smith had the chance of joining his client Osborn in jail. Smith tried in vain to regain his practice. Unfortunately, he found the feeling engendered by the political controversy too great to combat. War of 1812 and Army Career Smith’s legal career was interrupted by the War of 1812. He was appointed a major of the Twenty-fifth US Infantry regiment, he proved a natural leader and accomplished officer. One acquaintance described him at the time as “six feet in height, strong & well proportioned, and his natural bearing prepossessing and commanding,” as well as “the best and finest looking man in the army.” On one occasion he narrowly escaped death when fever struck his men. On another, at Stoney Creek, New York, on June 6, 1813, he maneuvered to save his troops from a surprise British night attack. Afterward, he led the men in withstanding three charges at close ranks. Noted one observer, “No troops, however well-disciplined, could long stand before such a shower as was poured upon them by the gallant 25th.” He was promoted lieutenant-colonel and brevetted colonel, United States army, for that action, and became colonel of the 3d United States infantry in 1818. Afterward he remained in the service until the army reductions of 1821, when he retired as a colonel. In this second career, as in his first, he earned friendships and enmities. Jacob Brown, the army’s commanding general , later recommended his subordinate for a Florida judgeship and for territorial governor. On the other hand, William Pope Duval, who bested Smith in the contest for the gubernatorial appointment, labeled his rival as “a man dismissed with disgrace from our army, as to vile to hold any command.” Litchfield Female Academy Francis had enrolled the two older children in Litchfield Female Academy. Here Frances, Ephriam, her brother, and about sixty other boys and girls—including Harriet Beecher Stowe and Frances’s aunts, Helen, Catherine, and Harriet Kirby—received a remarkably good education. The curriculum included “Morse’s Geography, Webster’s Elements English Grammar, Miss Pierce’s History, Arithmetic through Interest, Blair’s Lectures (on Rhetoric and Belles Lettres), Modern Europe, Ramsey’s American Revolution, Natural Philosophy, Chemistry, Paley’s Moral Philosophy, Hedge’s Logic, and Addison on Taste.” Appointment as First Territorial Judge of Florida In 1822 he secured a four-year appointment on April 30 as “Judge in and over that part of Territory of Florida known as East Florida. (He would also be reappointed by John Quincy Adams.) Shortly after his arrival he was stricken by yellow fever or, as it was known, “yellow jack.” He survived but in a weakened condition. Smith once remarked to a friend that, if he had possessed an independent fortune, he would have never have resided in Florida for one season. His description of St. Augustine including Mardi Gras You will find society in Augustine more extensive than in Litchfield—but ? of means transitory and collected from all parts of the world…. UNC at Chapel Hill Folder 3 St. Augustine 25 Feb 1823 Letter to Francis from Joseph We have a Catholic Church but el padre is lately off with a cancer on his tongue—but the corps do ?? with soon furnish another incumbent – a ? Episcopal clergyman is resident here and service regularly each Sunday performed in the Council House. The Reverend is about to leave us, but we shall not long remain destitute. For the last two months there have been a procession of masquerading of the most grotesque and ludicrous character. And through Carnival which has just terminated it was jubilation mummery and masking a grand extent partially in character and out of character visiting every hour playing off this ?/? and striking of a dance to the music that accompanied there’s at pleasure. It is now lend which continues alas for the finy tribe for 40 days and dancing and jubilee are forbidden at the extension of these 40 days a new festival commences in honor of I know not what Saint, but everything is in name of some Saint or other and then dancing “poesy dancing” begins, a King and Queen are created a ball is opened and the Queen exhibits a big bunch of flowers, which is the course of the evening is presented to ? ? male favorite who is there upon entitled to select his queen for the next evening and the affair goes in rotation of Kings Queens balls for ??? The Daughter Francis Makes St. Augustine Friends St. Augustine was Frances’s hometown during her years of adolescence and young womanhood. Her best friends in Florida were Sophia Gibbs, whose father was clerk of the court, and Anna McNeill, Sophia’s first cousin from New York. (Anna would eventually become Whistler’s mother of the painting.) Sophia Gibbs had as her second husband General Duncan Clinch, the Indian fighter, who was much older. Coe Case Levoritte Coe reported on August 12, 1824 “my misfortune on Saturday last to have my person unwarrantably attacked, and unmercifully beaten by his Honor, Judge, Joseph L. Smith. According to Coe, he had be present while Smith was playing billiards. Suddenly the judge “took a large Stick that was near and beat me.” The victim recalled a Smith boast that “he is above the Law or at least that it cannot reach him.” When District Attorney Edgar Macon investigated the fight with Coe, Smith reportedly retaliated. Seemingly bad blood already existed between Macon and Smith because the judge had not recommended the prosecutor for his position. Smith, Coe insisted, now threatened Macon with “imprisonment for suffering witnesses to be sworn to give evidence to the Grand Jury..” St. Augustine lawyer John Rodman, a friend of Smith’s complained against Macon for contempt of the judge. Smith submitted to himself a personal affidavit in support of the complaint, had Macon brought before him, convicted the prosecutor of contempt, and ordered his dismissal from the bar. The judge also appointed a new district attorney. Judge Smith’s personal feelings towards me preclude me from anything like a fair and impartial hearing.” (To Henry Clay, Secretary of State) Judge Gibson’s Curious Case A case of an unlawful detainer having been brought for trial in the month of December last, by the corporation of the city of St. Augustine, before a court of justices, formed by Mr. Gould and Mr. Gibson, the latter, (E P. Gibson), demanded of the United States' marshal for that district, (Waters Smith), the use of tbe public building belonging to the United States in St Augustine, called the government house, in which to hold a court for the trial of this case. A large room in the building was immediately opened by the marshal, which was considered every way convenient for the justices court. Justice Gibson, however, refusing to occupy this room, demanded of the marshal, through the medium of the sheriff, the use of another room in which the superior court was accustomed to hold its sittings. To this demand the marshal declined giving his consent, and withheld the key of the room. Justice Gibson then ordered the sheriff to make forcible entry; but on his refusing to obey, the justice himself took a pick-axe, broke open the door of the room, took immediate possession, and constituted his court for the trial of the above case. At this time the marshal entered the room, protested against the occupation, and ordered the justice and all other persons to leave that apartment. Justice Gibson, instead of obeying, committed the marshal to the county jail for twenty four hours, for contempt of his court. The marshal immediately petitioned for a writ of habeas corpus, and had, in consequence, his case brought for trial before the lion, Joseph L. Smith, judge of The superior court for east Florida; who on a full advantages to our western friends located near it, can consideration of the matter, decided that the marshall had acted in conformity with his official duty, and, therefore, directed that be should be set at liberty from the custody of the sheriff attending on the justices' court. It further appears, that, subsequent to this decision, the grand jury of St. Jobn’s county, for the January term, among their presentments, included that of the above justice Gibson, tor breaking open the door of the court house, and also for abusive language to Mr. Smith, the marshal of the district, while in custody of the sheriff under a warrant commitment from the said Gibson. Birth of Edmund Kirby Smith On May 16, 1824 Edmund Kirby Smith was born in St. Augustine. District Attorney Thomas Douglas (later Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice) Douglas believed Smith to be a “gigantic man, both mentally and physically (who was qualified to fill) any, even the most exalted station in the government,” yet he could condemn the same man for his “unbounded prejudices and ungovernable passions and dissolute habits.” As Douglas explained of the judge, “He was intemperate in his habits and of the most uncontrollable temper.” Douglas’s relationship with Smith illustrates the ambivalent character of his intercourse with many of his legal community peers. As mentioned, Smith mentored Douglas, but the district attorney regarded the judge contemptuously for his drinking and other “dissolute” habits. Still, as a friend, Douglas could advocate to President Andrew Jackson Smith’s reappointment as judge, knowing that Jackson possessed personal and political hostility to Smith. At the expense of such a friendship, however, once Douglas grasped what appeared to him a question of morality, he could not relinquish it. An example arose out of the dismissal of District Attorney Macon. With partisan considerations playing a role, Douglas, as well as future congressional delegate Charles Downing, investigated the reasons for Macon’s departure from office. An irritated Smith had related records removed from the court clerk’s office. Then delegate Joseph M. White took State Department copies under similar circumstances. Because of the situation and in spite of the older man’s kindnesses, as Douglas later wrote, he developed “an opinion unfavorable to Judge Smith.” No Reappointment by Jackson He was finally not reappointed by Andrew Jackson in 1832. 3 years later he declared: “I have been denounced, for making a decision in favor of the speculators, and the pride and vanity of government officers, favorites and protégés of Andrew Jackson. His unstable often volcanic temperament alienated potential supporters. Allegations of abuse of judicial power, drunkenness, and profanity dogged him. Public Dinner to Judge Smith At a respectable meeting of the citizens of St. Augustine held on Monday the 24gh May 1832 – Elias B. Gould Esq. Was called to the chair, and B. A. Putnam Esq. Appointed Secretary. The chairman briefly explained the object of the meeting, whereupon the following resolutions were offered, and unanimous resolutions were offered, and unanimously accede to. Resolved, That as a tribute of respect to the Hon. Joseph L. Smith, on his retiring from the office which he has discharged, with such undeviating rectitude and distinguished ability, and also as a mark of our esteem fro his provate character, that the citizens generally be invited to participate with this meeting in giving a public dinner to Judge Smith at such time as may best suit his convenience. Resolved, That Messrs. Drysdale, Simmons and Cleland be appointed as the Committee of Arrangements. St. Augustine, 29th May 1832 To Messrs, John Drysdale, Wm. H. Simmons, and John C. Cleland. Gentlemen, Your letter of yesterday inviting me in behalf of a number of our fellow-citizens, to a dinner to be given at Mr. Loring’s at 3 o’clock on Thursday next, is received. The invitation which you as their Committee have so politely communicated, is accepted with a deep and grateful sense of the kindness with which, on this peculiar occasion, they have expressed towards me, their respect and regard. With great respect, Your friend and ob’d sv’t Joseph L Smith His speech I rise on this occasion with feelings alive to the support and kindness you have so liberally extended to me—the hand of oppression has been raised over me –and you my friends, in unison with our fellow citizens of East Florida generally have interposed a shield, which at least has deprived the blow of all its designed bitterness. ….In the blow aimed at me, a great and hitherto sacred principle has been violated—the independence and integrity of the judiciary, have been attacked, and the rights of the people of this territory, treated with scorn!......For more than ten years, I have discharged among you, the honorable office of Judge of this District. You all know, that the duties of the station have been multiplied and arduous==that in exercising this trust, the patience, the industry, and the discriminating powers of your Judge, have been placed in constant acquisition. In a new Territory—new altogether, in relation to the United States—to her laws, usages, customs and political institution—where the population, collected, I may say from almost every clime and country was nearly as diversified in character as extended ….. Judge Smith Mayor of St. Augustine In 1832 Judge Smith became the Mayor of St. Augustine. This was at the end of the period of the first attempt to create a public school system for St. Augustine. The movement failed because citizens simply refused to pay the school tax. In 1833 he successfully ran for a seat on the legislative council. Death of Daughter Josephine December 1835 Josephine Smith died of tuberculosis. Thereafter, her parents make little effort to hide the unhappiness of their marriage. Her mother spent more and more time in the North, leaving Frances to run the family’s home in St. Augustine and care for twelve-year-old Edmund. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Folder 3 December 25, 1835 To Francis Kirby Smith From E Kirby Smith I fear that you have found a great change at home! And I can readily conceive your feelings on seeing my dear sister’s seat vacant at the family table, and on beholding her piano silent never again to thrill beneath her touch, never again to accompany her voice. Alas! These are melancholy reflections and I ought not to excite them in your mind but when thinking of home they irresistibly with many somber thoughts rise before me and it is with difficulty that I suppress their expression in addressing you. …… (Cook) writes that Father is at the heads of a volunteer regiment of old men ready to repel an Indian invasion. I have laughed at the idea of the Savages attacking St. A. this however has induced me to believe that there is some real danger it cannot I think be very serious, or I should have heard more …. Early in 1836, the thread of Indian war brought Maj. Reynold M. Kirby, Frances’s uncle and the acting commander of the 1st Artillery, to St. Augustine. Of the four Smith children only Frances and Edmund remained in St. Augustine. Ephraim Kirby Smith graduated from West Point in 1826 and was stationed in the north and Josephine had died in 1835. 1837 Lucien Webster was the commanding officer of Fort Marion. Dec 21, 1837 Frances married to Lucien Webster in Joseph Lee Smith’s home by the rector of Trinity Episcopal Church, the Rev. R. A. Henderson E Kirby Smith At School St. Augustine 27 Oct 1839 Your letter of the 10 or 16th instant for I cannot by the figures determine which date you intended came to hand by the last mail. It was a relief to hear from you, because since your letter from Norfolk not a word had given me to know that you had reached Alexandria, or what had become of you. My anxiety was great, and added to the sickness which was for months afflicted and confined me most of the time to my room. I beg you not again to neglect punctuality in writing (I have heretofore said to you) at least every two weeks. To lessen the numerous burden of the talk I will now ask for a letter every fourth Sunday. Your careful and regular compliance with this rule will show will prove that you have some resolution method and that you intend to do well. Remember my Son, my health much more than yours gives me to believe that I have no long time in advance to remain with you nature will compel me to leave you to your own care and with but little of the good, of this world for your support To your own exertions to your own industry and to the ever rise of your own mental and bodily powers I shall be obliged to trust you and your trust to them for your prosperity in life. You may confide in them, and look for respect ability and competency in your future career if you will now in youth be regular methodical studious and punctual God grant that you may exert yourself as you have ability and I shall leave you on the happy course that you will be worthy and prosperous in your life and a support and ? to your mother and your other relatives that will remain after me. Resolve and let your actions accord therewith to be upright and virtuous in all your actions, and with exertion and industry on your part all this I can hope from you may accomplish…….. Joseph L. Smith To E. Kirby Smith Folder #6 No Hope for Judgeship The election of William Henry Harrison ended the 12 year reign of Andrew Jackson and Martin Van Buren. Unfortunately Harrison lasted 1 month. Vice-President Tyler on becoming President discarded the Whig agenda and was booted out of the Whig party ---much to the great disappointment of the Whigs. St. Augustine E Florida 30th June 1841 …… Mary in her letter, condoles with me on account of the death of Harrison and especially fears that from Tyler I can obtain no office. My health would not now permit the thought of taking office if offered to me but hereafter if that should be restored I doubt not from my Whigments that at least, all would be given to me, that I should ask for. Joseph L Smith Separation from Francis Folder 10 UNC Chapel Hill E Kirby Smith Collection Governors Island Sept 10, 1844 …………I have felt two indignant at the steps taken to annoy and distress your mother to make her wretched and unhappy—Ed—he is your father still I cannot but speak plainly it is ? to your mother that you should know, how he is endeavoring to injure her now she is away from him---his conduct is shameful beyond anything the steps he has taken to turn her friends from her are the very ones to bind them more closely to her. She is worthy of being loved cherished while he by the life he leads and his outrageous ungovernable temper has lot the respect of every one---you have yourself you as your were witnessed his outbreaks of temper and when your poor mother has been the sufferer for a day for weeks---her friends will not allow her to be subjected to it any longer and her home must for the future be with them or her children---let me beg of you dear Edmund for her sake for your own sake cling to her cherish her you are her youngest and loved one--- unto her frequently affectionate and comforting letters that she can feel that there is one of her children that will be to her as a childe should be to so elevated a mother—no good ever follows a child that will desert the mother that bore them in her old age---but I hope it is not necessary to say more. Aunt Lydia (to Edmund) Folder 12 UNC Chapel Hill E Kirby Smith Collection Mexico 1846 Corpus Christe Texas March 6, 1846 My dear mother, you do not know how anxiously I have wished how fervently prayed that those I love best on this earth- my own dear Parents might once again in all honor and amity, be united under the same roof- How delightful would it be, could we be with you both at St. Augustine, even for a few days- But the gap which separates us widens daily, - even now are on the eve of a march to the Mexican frontier; and three weeks will see our tents glistening along the banks of the Rio Grand…… Death of Smith He died at home on May 22, 1846 apparently while formulating plans to return to the North to live with relatives. |