Sir, - Your publication (August 12th) of the letter sent by Roger Casement to the Longfordman, Jack Kelly, who had bravely intervened on his behalf in April 1916 against the rigors of law and order at Limerick Junction, has a sequel.
I enclose (released by the Public Records Office) what could well be the last words written by the Irish patriot from the condemned cell on August 2nd, 1916, wherein Casement, rich in chivalry and courtesy (if not worldly goods) bequeathed his few personal belongings to his close friends.
On the eve of his execution, he embellished his gracious gifts thus: "For the rest - my goodwill to all men; to those who have taken my life, equally to those who have tried to save it - all are my brethren now."
One wonders why this testament was deemed to be a "public record" in the first place, especially since a Black Diary was to hand pre-Limerick Junction. On reflection, however, one can imagine, in the time-honoured tradition of dark hieroglyphics on white paper (but not couched in Norman-French) the authorities' express command, as they climbed the golden stair to democratic destiny, and due process:
"Top Secret. This particular item to be withheld from public view on the ground of incompatibility." - Yours, etc.,
Eoin O Maille, Fitzwilliam Place, Dublin 2.