No. 145.
Mr. Hoffman to Mr. Fish.
London, June 17, 1876. (Received Jane 29.)
Sir: On the 15th instant I had the honor to telegraph you that Winslow had been discharged.
My information was derived from Mr. Dearborn, the detective-officer, who was present at chambers. I have received no official information as yet upon the subject.
The case was heard before Judge Mellor. Application for the discharge was made by Mr. Clarke, the author of the well-known work on extradition. In reply the attorney-general produced a letter from the home office to the effect that negotiations were still pending, and they would be pleased to have another remand. This application the attorney-general supported very lukewarmly. Mr. Clarke stated in reply that his client had already been remanded four or five times, and insisted upon a discharge. The judge granted it. I am indebted to Mr. Dearborn for these particulars. No one is allowed to be present on these applications in chambers except the parties immediately concerned, and it was with some difficulty that Mr. Dearborn obtained admission. None of the other reporters or detectives was admitted. Winslow is still in London, and, so far as I am aware, has no intention of leaving it.
As regards Brent, his application for discharge was made to Mr. Justice Lindley. That officer was unwilling to hear it, and it was accordingly postponed until the 15th instant, the day to which Winslow was remanded, to be then heard by the court sitting in banco. On the [Page 253] 15th a full court could not be had, and the case was adjourned to Monday, the 19th instant.
I have endeavored to keep you promptly informed of these movements by telegraph, and shall continue to do so.
With my No. 111 I send copies of telegrams sent and received.
I have, &c.,