Charles Hutchinson Letter Book, 1880-81
p. 380

Oct 25 1880

The Hon. O. Mowatt
Attorney General, Toronto

Sir,

re Donnelly murders

I think it proper to let you know how things stand in connection with the O'Connors. [...] After the trial Mr. & Mrs. O'Connor refused to allow the constable to remain in charge of Johnny any longer [...]. The O'Connors now have the boy in their hands; & in my opinion, I regret to say they have but little thought except as to the amount of money they can make out of the situation. [...] I have little doubt that efforts will be made on behalf of the prisoners to get the boy out of the way before the next trial, & that it will be in question, which the O'Connors will not be above considering, whether it will pay best to be true to the Crown, or to fall in with the views of the other side.

Your obedt servant,
Chas Hutchinson, County Atty