DAWSON, Deputy and Vice-Consul to Charles R. Lowell, February 17, 1882

Mr. Dawson to Mr. Lowell.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your dispatch dated February 14.

I proceeded this morning by car to Carrigtwohill, which is distant from here about six miles, and called on the head constable at the police station. He said that it would be contrary to rules to give me any information as to the cause of Michael Hart’s arrest, and advised me to see the sub-inspector of police at Middleton, four miles beyond Carrigtwohill. I then drove to Middleton and had an interview with Mr. Creagh, sub-inspector of the district. I told him my object in calling was to get some information about Michael Hart, who was arrested by him at Ballintubber, near Carrigtwohill; that Hart had applied to me for advice and protection, and in consequence I wished to know the cause of his arrest. Mr. Creagh said it was not his duty to give any information on such a subject. I replied that I did not want or expect him to put me in possession of any facts that would be improper or injudicious to give, but it was my duty when a citizen of the United States applies for advice or protection to inquire fully into the circumstances. I then mentioned that I had already advised Mr. Hart to give an undertaking to conduct himself in conformity with the laws if released. I asked Mr. Creagh if Hart had taken a prominent part at land-league meetings, or if he had been inciting people not to pay rents. I also mentioned that I had received from Mr. Hart a copy of the warrant under which he was arrested, also his certificate of citizenship, and had sent both to you, and that it was your desire to be made aware, as far as possible, of the actual causes which led to Hart’s arrest.

He then told me that Hart had been the cause of much trouble in the neighborhood of Ballintubber by inciting people to withhold rents, and that he seemed to be under the impression, because of his being an American citizen, that he might advise and incite his neighbors to disobey the laws of this country. He further said that Hart would not have been arrested unless sufficient proof had been given that he was guilty of the charges specified in the warrant.

I then asked if he thought the authorities would grant Hart’s release provided he would give the undertaking which I have previously mentioned. He replied that the district is now quiet and the farmers are paying their rents, and he fears that Hart’s return may again cause trouble, but if he would give a proper undertaking for his good conduct, or return to the United States, that the police authorities would not put any impediment in the way of his release.

Mr. Creagh considers Hart to be a worthless, troublesome, and dangerous person. He is also of opinion that Hart has been concerned in other matters of perhaps even a more serious nature than that for which he is now imprisoned.

I called upon the parish priest of Carrigtwohill, but he was unable to give me any further information.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,