Gallagher, M to Charles R. Lowell, April 6, 1883

Thomas Gallagher to Mr. Lowell.

Sir: As an American citizen, traveling on legitimate business, peaceably, molesting no person and breaking no law, I ask your aid in my present difficulty.

I arrived in London on the 28tn of March, 1883, and since my arrival I can explain to any unprejudiced mind. But to my great surprise yesterday I was arrested, and charged with having in my possession explosives, which charge I can prove to be false. I have been locked in a dark, unhealthy cell, measuring about 10 feet long by 4 wide. That is all the room I have for walking. This is certainly sickening, considering the amount of vermin there is to be seen at night. I shall be very glad to have an interview from you or your representative.

My citizen papers are in my valise at the hotel, unless the authorities have taken them away. I could not even get a pen and ink to write this communication to you.

I am, &c.,