Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1853-11-09
PARTICULARS OF MITCHEL'S ESCAPE.

we are Indebted TO gentleman resident IN
this city for the following extract from private
letter received per steamer Atlantic, containing
additional and Interesting particulars concern
ing the escape of John Mitchell. The author of
the letter is one whose acknowledged interest
in all that appertains to the well being of Ire
lands eXiles, entities any information from him
on that subject to entire confidence He says ::
Ere this you have doubtless received intelli-
gence of the escape of John Mitchell, and of the
rumor of the escape of John Martin. The for
mer know to be a fact, and sincerely hope that
the latter may prove verify. The escape of the
whole soued, patriotic sons of Ireland, whose
devotion to her dearer interests caused their i'm
notation upon the altar of English tyranny
would gladden. the hearts of thousands of the lib
erty-loving on your side of the Atlantic Ocean.
OF the manner of his escape, have received the
following reliable account. Nearly all the ex-
lies have when they desired, obtained what are
called 4" tickets of leave," which gave them liber-
ty within certain prescribed limits. John Mitchell
had one of these; but not satisfied with the lib
erty it vouchsafed TO him, he concluded to return
it, and take out one ofa somewhat different char
acter, namely, u ticket of leave" for America
His friends having made the necessary prelimin-
airy arrangements, he proceeded to the police Of
flee Of the district where he resided, and with
his usual polteness handed to the magistrate
letter containing q resignation of his ticket Of
leave"
The Magistrate, rs was his duty Immediately
opened it and with "spectacles on nose," COM
menced devourng its important contents. AS
our friend John had had the advantage of a pri-
or reading, he did not care to listen to recital,
and consequently he left the august presence of
his Honor, and in a moment was on the back of
a trusty steed which two of his (and our) friends
had saddled and waiting for him near by. The
three, each well mounted, rode with becoming
haste to the sea coast, where boat awaited them
and the noble Mitchell was soon pacing the deck
of vessel, at the masthead of which haunted
the stars and stripes. That flag has foated over
many true man, but never over one truer to
the cause of liberty throughout the world, and
TO every ennobling sentiment and feeling, than
John Mitchell.
The vessel immediately y put 10 sea- and is now
on her way TO the harbor Of New York. May
kindly winds speed her onward to safe arrival,
and may the flag she bears never need the pro.
lection it has offered to him. But if it should,
let Young Ireland" in America, remember
what it has done for them. | learn that you
have numerous military organizations and am
proud Of your endeavors TO show those among
whom you have taken up your abode, your de-
sire to make yourselves useful, should your as
sistance ever be required in their defence. Tell
the Americans, for me, that the standard they en-
trust to regiment of Young Irelanders will ev-
er be bravely defended, for know that the heart
gives forth with bounding beat the blood that
nourishes the arm that sustains it.
But am wandering from my story | am
assured that John Martin accompanied him.
hope he did. My information on this point is
not, however, from the most reliable source
consequently cannot speak with certainty.
| have, however, the pleasure Of informing
you that Mrs. Mitchell and her six children have
sailed from Hobart Town, and are now on their
way to join him in New York. You will doubt
less have the pleasure of seeing them all a short
time after the receipt of this. When you do see
them, kiss the children and give John and his
wife hearty shake of your hand in my name.
O'Brien and Dougherty are all of that noble band
of exiled patriots who remain at the penal colo
ny. That they too, may soon escape is the ear
nest wish OF Yours, &C., McC.