Selected Letters in the National Archives of Ireland, Outrage Papers, Roscommon, 1849, documenting the Manhunt for Major Denis Mahon’s alleged assassin, Andrew Connor.
National Archives, Outrage Papers, Roscommon, 1849.
John Kearney to lord lieutenant from Montreal July 18, 1849
Sir, This is to inform you that about 14 days after my arrival in Canada I fell in with Andrew Connor in Montreal he has a house taken here and appears to be settled he is spending a great deal of money he is a low sized stout man...
I now request an order from you as soon as possible to let me know how to act I have spent a great deal of money in looking after him and keeping him in view – I was speaking to Mr Flynn about it and he told me that if you send an order he would have him arrested instantly
he gave himself out as a soldier who had service 12 or 13 years in the army deserted but I am quite sure of who he is
National Archives, Outrage Papers, Roscommon, 1849.
John Kearney to lord lieutenant from Montreal July 18, 1849
He is busy living in Burlington and hear
better than two years –
I have refused the offer of 11 dollars
... for the purpose of looking
after him and that I hope you will not
see me at a loss
I remain your humble
servant John Kearney
P.S. Please send your order to
Chief of Police
Mr Flynn, with all speed
as I do not know how long
this man will remain hear.
I attend the police station every
day myself and will continue
to do so till your order comes
National Archives, Outrage Papers, Roscommon, 1849
Letter to Government House, Montreal from Dublin Castle 18 August 1849
Government House
Montreal 18 Aug 1849
Sir,
I am commanded by the Governor General to acquaint you with the result of the enquiries which have been made for the discovery of one Andrew Connor described in your communication of the 29th March last, as charged with being implicated in the conspiracy to murder Major Denis Mahon who was assassinated in the County of Roscommon in the month of October 1847, and to state that the delay which has taken place in communicating this information to you has arisen in consequence of the orders at first issued by the Governor General having,
J. Redington Esq
Dublin Castle
National Archives, Outrage Papers, Roscommon, 1849. Letter to Government House, Montreal from Dublin Castle 18 August 1849, page2
it appears miscarried.
I have now the honour to enclose a copy of a letter from the Deputy Sheriff of the Niagara District stating that Connor is supposed to be in the neighbourhood of New York, but that he is expected to return to Port Robinson.
I have the honour to be
Sir,
Your most obedient humble servant
National Archives, Outrage Papers, Roscommon, 1849
Copy of Letter from Sheriff’s Office, Niagara, 13 Aug 1849
Copy
Sheriff’s Office
Niagara 13 Aug 1849
In the absence of the Sheriff I beg leave to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 29th ... and to inform you that it is the only communication we have received upon the subject. Immediately on receipt we took the necessary steps to procure information without appearing particular in our inquiries, the result you will be better able to see by the enclosed letter of the superintendant of Police, who resides at Port Robinson.
By a conversation with him, he expressed no doubt of his coming back again soon. If he does come, are we to arrest him.
Signed. L.W. Mercer. Deputy Sheriff
National Archives, Outrage Papers, Roscommon, 1849
Letter from Edward Wheeler, Supt of Police, Welland Canal, Aug 10, 1849
Port Robinson
10 Aug 1849
My dear sir
Andrew Connor a labourer at this place, answering the name and description handed me by Copeland a few days ago, left Port Robinson about six weeks since this happened he is now somewhere in the neighbourhood of New York.
His two brothers Martin & John Connor still reside at Port Robinson.
I shall keep a sharp look out, in case of his return, and let you hear instantly if I should get any information that will lead to his apprehension – I wish I had known it six weeks earlier.
I am
Edward Wheeler
Supt of Police
Welland Canal