I am aware of that, thanks, H.B.  The question was could the circuit court or any other court of general jurisdiction declare that from then forward till reconciliation or final divorce there would exist a relationship of a couple as "divorce a mensa et thoro". I was in error, and the correct answer to that question is that the best sources seem to reveal that the Colonial VA courts had no such jurisdiction. Thanks for the comments. Paul  
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: H. B. Gill 
  To: Paul Drake ; [log in to unmask] 
  Sent: Wednesday, August 10, 2005 6:21 PM
  Subject: Re: Fw: divorce in antebellum America


  For what it's worth, Virginia county courts could grant a separate 
  maintenance for a spouse but could not dissolve a marriage.
  HBG

  At 03:51 PM 8/10/2005 -0500, Paul Drake wrote:
  >I know that definition well. I believe I have found the answer, and as I 
  >stated, I was in error; I sure thought the court had authority to 
  >establish a mensa et thoro.  Thanks anyhow. Paul
  >


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