Ed. Northwest: I desire, by your permission, to say a few words with reference to the following, published in the Northwest under date of Jan. 18th, 1894:

Ed. NORTHWEST: Sir, I would like to reply to the article in your paper about the death of Peter Witham, who died in the Napoleon jail last Friday at 11 o'clock a.m. He was forcibly taken from his wife and daughter on the Friday previous to his death by the sheriff under orders of Dr. T. M. Gehrett. He was taken from his sick bed and taken to Hoigate by train and then across the country in a buggy, and his family were not informed of his condition after he was taken away, so that his wife nor children could be with him at his last moments. Yours, L, E. S."

To those who are acquainted with the circumstances in the above cited case, it perhaps seems a waste of time to pay any attention to this silly babler who signs "L. E.S." But, inasmuch that all the readers of the NORTHWEsT are not, I will explain. Peter Witham had been demented for some time previous to his being taken to Napoleon by the sheriff. It is only a few months since he attempted to kill his wife with a butcher knife and if her testimony is to be believed, sbe was in constant fear and danger of being injured, if not killed. That this man was insane and wholly irresponible I have no doubt. The nature and cause of which I shall not stop to discuss here. This man in question with his wife and a son about twenty-six years of age were objects of charity. This support came through a son, C. S. Witham, and remained with him until he was taken to Napoleon by the sheriff. The son's wife being in poor health at this time was in constant fear of being injured by the old gentleman. She alleges that soon after his coming to their house, he attempted to strike her with an iron stove poker. C. S. Witham knowing his father to be irresponsible for any of his acts, and under the circumstances could not give him proper care and attention, and so notwithstandiog the fact it was explained to him and the family that from the very nature of his father's condition he could not live many months at most, he determined to take advantage of the law which provides for the care of such cases. This he had a moral and legal right to do. After a mutual understanding and consent of the family, John Jamison the father-in-law of C. S. Witham, made the necessary affidavit to bring the case before the probate court. This affidavit was executed before J. M. Patterson a justice of the peace, who forwarded same to the probate judge. A warrant was issued by the court and placed in the hands of the sheriff to arrest this man and bring him into court on the charge of insanity. This warrant was duly executed by the sheriff, and Peter Witham was brought into court, duly examined, adjudged to be insane and ordered to be taken to the asylum at Toledo.

On account of his age and incurable condition, he was refused admission and returned to Napoleon where he died as stated. Thus it is how this man happened to be in the Napoleon jail when he died.

I dont see why any one should be reproached in this matter. I believe what was done for this unfortunate man was done in good faith and thought to be the best for him and all concerned.

Why this erudite(?) correspondent should represent to the public that a great injustice has been done this family and that I am responsible for the same, I am unable to understand. L. E. S. was certainly in gross ignorance of the facts in this matter or willfully and maliciously prevaricated.

Yours truly,
Dr. T. M. Gehrett
Deshler, O., January 22, 1894