1 Maryville Tullow, Co. Carlow 18th May 1916 The Under Secretary Dublin Castle Sir, I have just
heard that my son Cornelius F McLoughlin, who is
aged 18 years and 10 months, has been arrested in
connection with this Sinn Fein insurrection, at the
residence of his aunt (Miss Minnie Heffernan) at
Glenmore, Waterford where he resided for the past
five months, and has been deported to some part
of England. If this boy has by overt act or
otherwise done anything to merit punishment I
trust the authorities will deal with him in a
firm manner. I spent a considerable sum of money
in the bringing up and education of this boy, up to
the summer examinations of last year, where he com-
pleted his Intermediate course. As he was young, able,
active, clever and physically fit, and in my opinion
eminently suitable for His Majesty's forces, I did my
utmost during the autumn of last year to induce him
to join the O.T.C or other branch of the regular forces
but failed. As he had no taste for soldiering and as 2 he expressed a wish to go seek his fortune in
America and join friends who are out there,
and so I had no employment for him here. I con-
sented to his wish. It was just then that the
stampede of young men took place which caused
the Government to prevent the departure of passengers
unless provided with passports. He filed papers with
the view of getting one, and as he saw there were some
obstacles put in the way, he allowed the matter drop
and changed his mind. As he was not willing to join
the army or go to America and so I had no business
for him, he went to his aunt's at Glenmore. While
under my charge he never mixed with any evil
companions, what evil company he met with since
he left me I do not know. How or when he became
connected with this Sein Finn business, if he has been
so connected, I have no knowledge. I need hardly say
I have no sympathy for him in his present miserable
predicament, and that is my reason for saying that
I trust he may be fittingly punished if there is any
evidence of guilt brought home to him, as I do
not believe in making heroes of young fellows
by arrest and discharge without adequate punish-
ment, which would be a lessen to them in the future. As I look upon this attempted insurrection as the
greatest curse that could befall this unhappy land 3 when everyone should be united in the
midst of this awful war to combat and
beat the enemy. I am compelled by a strong
sense of duty to write this letter. I am a
ex Sargeant of the R.I.C. and had the honour
of serving my King and Country for 30 years. This is confidential and the contents are
not to be shown or made known to the boy
as it might cause him to have an ill feeling
against me afterward. I am, Sir,
Your Obedient Servant,
J McLoughlin