rigid and hard to endure, it was at least a success; and if he needed all his money to carry out his plans, I am satisfied that he thus used it. The bitter experience of the past cannot come again. My babes lived through all, and I am more than satisfied. I am grateful, and all is well.
The absurd statement of the Eugene Journal, that I had indignantly returned money that Mr. M. sent me, is incorrect; and its informers are as economical of truth as they are of affection for their own flesh and blood. It would be a sad time to show indignation toward a father when his babes were suffering for the necessaries of life. Joaquin Miller does not claim that he has ever sent a dollar to his children, or provided anything for them in any way from the time of his leaving Oregon until about two months ago, when he sent me twenty-five dollars. He has since sent fifty dollars to Mrs. B. Cooke, for my little girl, and twenty-five to my mother who has the care of my younger children. He will doubtless make explanations, which will be satisfactory to those interested, when he returns. It is true that I had a home with my widowed mother, but the place was dreary and secluded, and there was not a church or a school-house within fifty miles of my mother's home. So I did not deem it a proper place to educate my children, and I came away, bringing them with me, which was contrary to the decree of the Court which gave them to my mother. As I brought them away he was released by law for caring for them, and I have no reason to complain, nor can anyone have, justly. Two hundred dollars a year alimony was allowed, but as it was not secured, you will readily see that Mr. M. was entirely released from any obligations.
The marital relations between Mr. Miller and myself are dissolved, but that does not prevent our holding our precious babes in mutual love and protection ; and, although there are many false sentiments in society in regard to these things, I beg the privilege of exercising my own judgment in regard to my duty towards the father of my children, and my children.
