New-York tribune., 1883-12-21
MRS. DE MELps SUIT FOR SEPARATION.


TROUBLE WITH A MoTHER-IN-LAw-THE WIFE'S
LETTER TO HER HUSBAND.
The interest in the divorce proceedings of
Mrs Florence De Nell for separation from her husband
Henry A. DE Me the ground OF cruel treatment has
been steadily increasing Every foot of standing in
the Special of the Supreme Court taken yeste
day by spectators who followed the with close atten
ton. Mrs. De Nell called TO the stand at IL q.
She testified as follOws
Ny husband undertook the education OF our He
An his income came from his mother. The boy
sionslly disobedient, but never seriously So He
Mr. De Nell dependent upon hs mother who allowed
him 5000 or 81 600 year When he went to Africa,
Melrs reproofs quietly when she found fault Mr. Dc
@1f brutal IN his Of me a $50 $50 and
1881. He once told servant that he would KICK nm
under the table, and when demonstrated, Mr. DE Nell
replied THAT is the way would like to treat you"
Mrs De Nell was asked repeat the occurrences
which raised her suspicious that Mr. De Nell
ding to send her TO asylum. She did so and added:
On the evening Of the mysterious interview between
called and on going away she Kissed my little boy and
me" This aud circumstances induced me to fear
my husband In going left letter giving my husband
the reasons for my going.
The letter was here offered in evidence by Mr.. Nc
Cure II was dated Wednesday October 12. 1881, and
was addressed to "Henry" and signed Flossie' Mrs.
DE Nell wrote:
"I have warned you that II things did not
been the bitter in our lives. Had been rich, as
often told you your mother her %oad @ neyeT G have dared 70
have tax u not because were dependent her for
every penny but because she was your mOtheri
She poisoned your mind against me by telling you tales
of my neglecting my children, nv house during ab
ment All this aud more have stood for my chldrens
sake, though there hours when thought could
indeed bear II no longer In such an hour wrote TO my
brothers, telling them was simply miserable You know
the rest. Never before, though, had she dared 10
throw her money In my face a she did that Last Saturday
had she dared TO tell that the clothes had
the bread ate, paid for out of her pocket
] chose no longer TO bend my head In meek
nay hens Words sse ss declared me eraay u
too proud woman, even in my poverty. 20 let
you were In such hurry 10 give right against me-bave
the chance OF repeating such an insult Therefore, 90;
You nv ali nv everything my beloved children asked
you before 10 let me have at least Minnie, TO keep
TO freeze the very heart within me, when think
Of the empty, miserable future without them; But
gone through Therefore make no attempt 70
recall me, for win be useless The step was too bitter
ever to be repeated-I shall 20 directly to Paris and
near my aunt until my plans further settled. re-
eeyed aetter rom home yesterday which enables me 70
leave at once and when In Paris shall write 70 my
brother for the rest Of the money. l know not what
dong well, and shall very likely do 80 ! beg you
VIII keep the whole thing quiet as you can and II ANY
that have gone Paris my aunt for an indefinite time
Ny darlngs viii soon forget me, and as for yourself
You have told me often enough that you have ceased
care straw whether went stayed aud that il my no
tlOns Win regard 10 your mother did change had
better 60 Ihave taken the invitation and have gone
forever for would take another rt of any Kind
from one who has 80 grossly nsuited and wronged me
than would fly. e ~
Therefore, II is Whatever steps you take with
regard 10 separation from me win you let me know
pOso restane Paris Also things taken scarcely
anything but my small stock Of jewelry with me- and viii
therefore need my large trunk as Won can
send II have l1packed nothing Or my own 20 that
you VIII have but little trouble have taken this
step without consulting a lawyer, I told van
would and he says have perfect right TO do as Ike
provided ask nothng more from you. which certainly
never will do. Give what belongs that ia All
the diamond ring will find In The box In my toilet
table My little darling some day wear IT, NAV n
bring her more happiness than IL did her mother
Deg that you Will suggest 10 your mother that before
sne spreads any reports Of my being crazy that she
VIII remember that such things reflect own Grand
enlldrenl Let the children be more with Mary dr DE
eiPs aster They both live here and think she Is fond
ef them. Fog yourself you will more able 10 control
everything IN ypar way and will no doubt be Glad 10
oi the troublesome wife whose every opinion was