Breaking Chains: Slavery on Trial in the Oregon Territory tells the story of slaves brought to Oregon from Missouri in the late 1800's. It is told against the background of the national controversy over slavery that led to Civil Way in 1861. Relying on court testimony, Nokes' book includes a rare account of the relationship between a slave and his master from the slave's point of view. He recounts the 15-month court battle in which former slaves Robin and Polly Holmes sought to free their three children held by Missouri emigrant Nathaniel Ford.