James Russell Lowell to Frederick T. Frelinghuysen, August 8, 1882

No. 132. Mr. Lowell to Mr. Frelinghuysen.

Sir: Referring to my dispatch No. 402, of the 19th of July last, I have the honor to forward herewith the copy of a letter which I received to-day from Lord Granville, by which it appears that the lord lieutenant of Ireland, on the 14th of July, caused it to be intimated to Messrs. O’Mahoney, McSweeney, and Slattery that he was still willing to allow them to be released on the terms of their leaving the country, but they have all refused to accept this offer, and his excellency could not consistently with his duty allow them to be at large in Ireland, in the present state of the country.

Lord Granville further states that an unconditional release had been granted to John Gannon, and that William Brophy, who had consented to go to America, and at one time was making arrangements for his departure, had not taken any further steps in that direction. The reason he would give for this is probably the want of means as stated in my dispatch of the 19th July.

Lord Granville calls my attention to the cause of Brophy’s imprisonment, that he is declared to be reasonably suspected of being guilty, as principal, of the crime of murder.

I have the honor, &c.,