F. T. Frelinghuysen to Hons. John A. Logan , George E. Adams , R. W. Dunham , John F. Finerty , George R. Davis , Chicago, Ill, October 12, 1883

Mr. Frelinghuysen to Messrs. Logan and others.

Gentlemen: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 7th instant, inclosing one addressed to you by several gentlemen of Chicago, constituents of yours, in the interest of Patrick O’Donnell, who is about to be tried in London for the alleged murder of James Carey.

I perceive no objection to giving Messrs. Hynes and O’Brien a letter to Mr. Lowell, the minister of this Government in London, requesting him, on being satisfied that O’Donnell is an American citizen, to do what he properly may in securing such courtesies for these gentlemen as are allowable in connection with the proceedings against him. It is proper to say, however, that I understand from information, unofficially received, that the rule in capital cases in England is to hear only two counsel for the defense, and it is also well known that in that country, as in this, the executive authorities exercise no authority or power whatever in regard to such trial and procedure, and that the whole matter, there as here, rests in the discretion of the court.

It is also understood that in addition to the Hon. A. M. Sullivan, M. P., who has been retained for O’Donnell, two distinguished members of the New York bar, General Pryor and ex-Judge Fullerton, are to take part in the defense.

I inclose, herewith, a letter to Mr. Lowell, to be handed to that minister by Messrs. Hynes and O’Brien.

I have, &c.,