I had at Lifford the honour of receiving your letter relative to the case of Barnaby Fitzpatrick.
Upon a reference to me, by his Grace the Lord-Lieutenant, I had, before my leaving Dublin, delivered my opinion that the ends of justice and mercy would be reconciled by extending a pardon to this convict, on the terms of transportation.
As I apprehend it to be usual, when Government calls for the opinion of a judge, to abide by his recommendation, perhaps some hopes may be founded on the usage in this respect. But whatever hopes you, madam, may indulge, I must strongly dissuade you from encouraging the unfortunate man in whose fate you take an interest, from entertaining any; both because the prerogative of mercy is not in my hands, and that from the Government (whose wisdom and clemency are to decide upon this case,) I have not been favoured with any communication of their intentions; and, consequently, am ignorant whether they mean to neglect or attend to my recommendation. I have further to apprize you, that the day after tomorrow is appointed for the execution.
