Daniel Cotter

343

Maureen Withey on 2nd July 2025

Assize Intelligence. Daniel Cotter was next placed at the bar, charged with sending threatening letters to several persons, he being at the time imprisoned in the gaol, where he had been sent for two months by Messrs. Philips and Drought. J.P.'s, for breaking the windows of Wicklow church during the time of divine service on a Sunday evening. Mr. Croker, sub-inspector of police, was the first witness examined. He detailed several outrages of an incendiary character,  which had recently taken place in his district, in order to show that crime of this description was becoming more prevalent than heretofore throughout the county. John Redmond, who had been confined with the prisoner in the gaol, proved to his handing him the letters, previous to his (Redmond’s) being liberated, which he promised to have forwarded Dublin, and put in the Post-office. Charles Doyle examined—Was proceeding to Dublin when he met the last witness, who asked him to put the letters, which he handed him, in the first penny-post ho should meet, which he did. Bryan Reilly, a letter-carrier in Wicklow, swore to the delivery of the letter addressed to Martin Irvine, and Irvine deposed to the receipt of said letter. Mr. Philips also proved the receipt of the letter addressed to him. The handwriting was  contrasted with that which the prisoner had been seen to execute in the gaol during his confinement, to which, as sworn the  schoolmaster, it bore a strong resemblance. The letters were then put forward in evidence, and are as follow—we give verbatim : Copy of a letter addressed to Captain Croker Sir— Seeing the description and crime in the Hue-and- Cry, of a man named Daniel Cotter, which we evidently know to innocent of the crime, we forewarn you  to withdraw and have nothing to do with said Cotter ; or if you will have any thing to with him, you will sorely suffer, as indeed, Philips, Drought, of all your police will not save you from our hands, as it appears you are very much inclined  to lay hands upon strangers. Therefore, beware to have nothing to do to the said Cotter, or if you Tipps will visit you, and, indeed, tip you sorely for interfering with Cotter, it appears he is a man of no credit ... your part of the country; but you will find in short that he has both, and friends also which will endeavour to seek  and get satisfaction for his indifferent treatment in Wicklow. We, his friends, do mean to visit you, and, indeed, sorely to lay our hands to your body in spite of all the magistrates and police in Wicklow. Croker, take notice that all the ...  Cry, and his crime also which are confident and sure he never was guilty of. therefore we will under the necessity of visiting both you and your residences, will call upon the Tips to assist us to burn your houses, and indeed we will pull down your churches also if you do not get ... and freely rid of Daniel Cotter, or, perhaps, we will do worse if not abided by this letter before the 12th July. To Mr. Phillips, J.P., and Mr. Drought, J.P.   Copy letter dated ..., threatening going to Wicklow lately I got information respecting the crime alleged to the man called Dl. Cotter for breaking the church windows in said Wicklow. Now , Mr. it appears to us, from your false swearing, that the said Dl. Cotter is falsely and maliciously imprisoned. Now, take it for soon as Dl. Colter out of gaol that we are preparing, and do send you this letter for a notice to prepare and leave town  before the liberation of Dl. Cotter, we will have no delay for managing you only until he be able to identify you to us. Beware further, that your friends, these Tailors, magistrates, or county Wicklow, will not protect you from our hands, indeed we mean to have satisfaction out of your bones and leave you disabled, if you don’t abide by this  notice, and leave this town for fear of …. us to the action,—for revenue will have out of you, or ... liable place worship. N.H.-You may as you please but if you don’t  be said this notice, you will, indeed, mark the consequence if you in the town of Wicklow ; or any place we can find you will certainly  leave the marks of our hands you, Martin. The Chief Justice charged the Jury, explaining the nature of the laws relating to whiteboy or incendiarism, who without leaving the box found the prisoner guilty, and he was sentenced to transported for seven years. Statesman and Dublin Christian Record. 12 July 1842.

343

Maureen Withey on 2nd July 2025

Navarino Indent: https://libraries.tas.gov.au/Digital/CON14-1-16/CON14-1-16P189 and https://libraries.tas.gov.au/Digital/CON14-1-16/CON14-1-16P190 Daniel Cotter. Tried at Wicklow, 7 July 1842, 7 years. 5 ft 7 ¼. Age 28, Catholic, can read and write. Single. Offence, Sending threatening letters - to the Magistrates. Imprisoned 2 mos for breaking windows. Surgeon’s report, Lame, uses a crutch. Schoolmaster on Board, recommended. F Labourer & Clerk. Native place, Co Cork. Remarks: F, Richard. M, Margaret. B, Thos, Jas, Jno,? Richard., Edward. 1 S, Margaret.