Edwards Pierrepont to The Right Honorable the Earl of Derby, August 23, 1876

Mr. Pierrepont to Lord Derby.

My Lord: I have the honor to call your lordship’s attention to a joint resolution of the Congress of the United States approved July 7, 1876, of which I inclose a copy.

As the facts have been represented to me, one Edward O’M. Condon, a citizen of the United States, was charged with complicity in an attack made upon the police at Manchester, in September, 1867, in an attempt to rescue certain Fenian prisoners. He was tried with several others, and, under the name of “Shore,” convicted of murder and sentenced to be executed. Through the interposition of Mr. Adams, at that time minister of the United States, his sentence was commuted to imprisonment for life, and he is still in prison. Although request for further clemency was made of the British authorities more than four years since, without securing a favorable response, the President, nevertheless, under the circumstances, and considering the length of the imprisonment that Condon has already endured, deems it his duty to ask the attention of Her Majesty’s government again to the case.

It is stated that Condon rendered efficient service to the Army of the United States during the late war; that he resided in the city of Cincinnati; that while there he was not connected with any Fenian association; and that he visited Europe solely to recover property bequeathed to his father. If he was led astray after he arrived in England, it is urged that his long imprisonment for nearly nine years may sufficiently atone for his alleged crime.

Either from a belief in his innocence or from sympathy arising from other causes, his case has excited great interest in the United States and given rise to frequent representations to the Government and requests for its aid to obtain his release. During the session of Congress which has just adjourned, the subject has been brought to the attention of the Government through many channels, by reason of which the joint resolution of which a copy is inclosed has been passed.

I am directed by the Secretary of State to invite your lordship’s attention to this resolution, and to say that the President indulges the hope that Her Majesty’s government may find it consistent to take such steps as will accomplish the purpose of the resolution and allow the prisoner to be released.

I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, my lord, your most obedient, humble servant,