Queen vs. Thomas Donnelly et. al., Arson, Patrick Flanagan's Stables, 1876

The examination of James Churchell taken on oath this 11th day of March in the year of our Lord 1876 at London, in the city aforesaid; before the undersigned, Im one of Her Majesty's Justice of the Peace for the said City County of Middlesex in the presence and hearing of Thomas Donnelly, James Donnelly & John Donnelly; who are charged this day before me for that they the said parties with others at the Village of Lucan in the County of Middlesex on the 4th day of October 1875 did feloniously set fire to and burn the stable of Patrick Flanagan [...].

Rhody Kennedy — sworn-
I was in Biddulph. I [illegible] James Donnelly Thomas Donnelly & John Donnelly the prisoners and all the Donnellys, I recollect having a Conversation with Thomas Donnelly about the burning of this stable after the fire took place. I met the Prisoner James Donnelly in the street in Lucan on the night of the [illegible] fight after the fight. He wanted to know of how if I wont do one thing for him I asked him what it was. He said he wanted him to burn out Patrick Flanagans Stage Stable in Lucan. I said I wanted not do it. Then he put his hand in his pocket and pulled out a five dollar Bill and offered me the five dollars to go to the stable. I told him I would not. [illegible] did the like & wont do it. [...] About three days after the fire I had a conversation with Prisoner Thomas Donnelly. He said there was a big excitement the night of the fire in Lucan. I said I suppose there was. Then he told me that the night of the [2 words illegible] he went to do that but got caught at it. I asked who caught him. He said a [illegible] farmer that lived in Lucan. He said "if he ever sqeals on him. He take his life" [...].

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