| Description | Opinion on the custody of Christopher and Ann Yates, the illegitimate twin children of Martha Yates aged 7 years on 15 January 1818. They were born in the township of Little Smeaton and live with their mother in the township of Northallerton. Their father is Daniel Paul of Yarm surgeon, who paid towards their maintenance until 30 January 1818, when he asked for custody of the children, as he could get them kept more cheaply, and would probably put them in the workhouse at Yarm. The children look clean and healthy and are being well taken care of by their mother, although they are small for their age. Mr Paul is married with no family of his own, but he does not propose to take the children into his own family. The writer ["W.D."] does not give his approval to the children being given up to Mr Paul |