Hoppin to A. F. Liddell, September 7, 1878

Mr. Hoppin to Mr. Liddell.

Dear Sir: The only one of the two convicts for whose pardon we have been instructed to apply is Condon.

Mr. Welsh, on the 28th of August, before he left town for the Continent, had an interview with Condon, under the permission from your office, and told him if it should be necessary he would see that he was provided with proper clothing and a passage to America. He had no instructions from Washington to do this, but acted entirely from his own humane impulses.

I have to-day received a note from Mr. Oliver, honorary secretary of the “Political Prisoners Visiting Committee,” who requests Mr. Welsh to use his influence to obtain the privilege for the physician of the committee to visit the prisoners before their release or embarkation. I shall send this note to the foreign office for Her Majesty’s Government to take such action upon it as they may think proper.

Mr. Oliver states that this committee receives and “provides all necessary” for political prisoners on their release, by which I understand that they furnish the proper outfit.

I do not know whether this would be consistent with the arrangements of the government in the present case.

I can only say that it is Mr. Welsh’s desire that all proper provision should be made for the health and comfort of Condon and his safe passage to America, and if this be not secured from other sources, that he will advance the proper funds for the purpose.

I am, my dear sir, truly yours,