3-070-769 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

At the Galway Assizes: Baron Dowse reading threatening letter, 1881. 'It was my peculiar privilege to visit Galway during the Assizes...No sooner had Baron Dowse entered the bench than in an off-hand querulous manner he announced that he had, before the business of the Court would be proceeded with, to draw to the jury's attention "a matter of some public importance." He then produced a letter, and, stating that he had received it that morning, and that, "as the time for delicacy had passed in such matters, lie would read it in its entirety." He then, in a sharp, clipped north of Ireland dialect, proceeded to read aloud the foul language of a monstrous threat against his life, "even in the very Court." He then handed the document to County Inspector Cullen, and told the Court to proceed with its business. This is a story now old through newspaper reports, but may give interest to sketches made at the moment. Then the jury was sworn, and distinguished counsellors, all with a plentiful supply of Irish brogue and manner, commenced their pleadings and their invective'. From "Illustrated London News", 1881.