Charles R. Lowell to Consul-General Merritt, February 3, 1882

Mr. Lowell to Consul-General Merritt.

Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 1st of February instant, covering two communications from B. H. Barrows, esq., the United States consul at Dublin, addressed to me, and also a letter to yourself from G. B. Dawson, esq., the vice-consul at Queenstown, the letter in relation to the case of Michael Hart, who is imprisoned in Clonmel jail under a warrant which accompanied Mr. Dawson’s letter.

I herewith inclose my reply to Mr. Barrows’s letters, with the request that you will be kind enough to transmit it to that gentleman.

In regard to Mr. Hart’s case neither he nor the vice-consul asks for any intervention by me on his behalf. They address you in order that the fact of Mr. Hart’s being an American under arrest in Ireland may be communicated to the Government of the United States. In case I shall be directed to send a list of such persons I shall not fail to include Mr. Hart’s name.

I consider the advice given to him by Mr. Dawson most just and proper.

I herewith return Mr. Dawson’s letter with the warrant for Hart’s arrest.

I am, sir, &c.,