Granville to James Russell Lowell, August 5, 1882

Lord Granville to Mr. Lowell.

Sir: In the letter which I had the honor to address to you on the 8th ultimo, relative to the case of six American citizens who have been detained in prison under the protection of person and property (Ireland) act, 1881, it was stated that as Messrs. O’Mahoney, McSweeney, Slattery, and Gannon had not accepted the terms on which their discharge had been offered to them, they were still detained in custody; and that Messrs. McInerny and Brophy had been released.

I now beg leave to acquaint you that I am informed that on the 14th ultimo his exeellency the viceroy of Ireland caused it to be intimated to the three first named of these prisoners that he was still willing to allow them to be released on the terms of their leaving the country, but that they have refused to accept this offer, and his excellency cannot consistently with his duty allow them to be at large in Ireland in present state of the country.

Upon a full consideration of the case of John Gannon, his excellency has ordered his unconditional release.

With regard to William Brophy, who, as was stated in my letter of the 8th of July, had consented to go to America, and at one time was making arrangements for his departure, I am informed that he has not taken any further steps in that direction. For the particulars of the grounds stated in the warrant for this man’s arrest, I beg leave to refer you to No. 204 in the list laid before Parliament, of which a copy accompanied my letter of the 8th ultimo. You will observe that he is there declared to be reasonably suspected of being guilty as principal of the crime of murder.

I have, &c.,