The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1921-08-30
IRISH STOWAWAY
FOUND ON NESCO
Secreted Himself on Vessel at Glasgow
and Was Not Discovered Until
Ship of Greenland.

Barnard O'Connell, the stowaway who
came to the United States on the steam-
er Nesco, which arrived in this port yes
terday morning. and who is now in the
county jail awaiting disposition by Wash
ington officials, told a Journal reporter
last night a story which emphasizes the
seriousness Of the unemployment situa-
ton confronting the world today
In response to a question. O'Connell said
he had been unable to obtain work in
ireland. his native country and had gone
to Scotland in the hope of securing work
there; he was six months out OF work
in Scotland, and decided to come to the
United States; he boarded the Nesco at
Glasgow on Saturday. August 9Th, ar
rlving in Charleston. S. c.. five days ago,
according to his story. The Nesco stopped
two days in Charleston for repairs, pro-
ceeding on to Pensacola after the re-
pairs had been made.
O'Connell is a well-knit. level-eyed
young fellow. "a years of ago and admits
he is an Irishman-"but / am not affiI-
lated with any political party, Sim Fem,
or other" said the young man. land my
only reason for leaving Ireland was to
search for work. left my home in Vir-
ginia. County Cavan, Ireland. three years
ago. going to Glasgow, where 1 was en-
pIoyed part Of the time in ship building
plants, and at other times in general labor
pursuits; I have been unable to secure
work in the last six months, owing to
closing down of industry, and came to
the States to obtain work.
He has a brother and four uncles in
the United States, Thomas O'Connell. a
member Of the New York police depart
ment. brother and the four uncles, are
residents of New Haven. Conn. His
mother is alive in Ireland. he says. his
father having been dead for a number
of years. He also has two brothers in
Ireland.
Asked to tell of the trip from Scotland
to this part, he said in part:
I'VE left Glasgow early in the morning.
making good time and enjoying good
weather; l do not remember the date on
which / was discovered, but / was told
that the ship was off Greenland when
had been hailed before the ships mas
ter. 1 worked with the crew after being
pulled from my place of hiding on board.
1.-THE crew treated me fine. and so did
the officers; the fare was very good. and
plentiful. With the exception of a few
unpleasantries, / enjoyed the trip very
much and your American sailors are
princely fellows. l hope to be allowed
to remain in this country, as there is no
Work for mo BACK in the old country. /
have been advised by Americans in Eu-
rope that could very easily obtain nat
uralization papers in this country and
that would be allowed to enter the army
or navy. have been out of work so
long that any kind of work would be
gladly accepted"
O'Connell said he was placed in irons
at Z o'clock yesterday morning just be-
fore arriving in this port. and that he
was not released until taken into custody
by Deputy United States Marshal Nc
MILAN about 1880 yesterday afternoon.
O'Connell carries the following self-ex-
pianatory letter:
"Can1busling, Scotland May S, 1921.
ITO All Concerned, Greeting:
For the past ten years I have known
Bernard O'Connell, and it gives me pleas
ure to be able to say that have always
found him Industrious, honest and
sober young man. can also state that
he Is a member OF no labour union. I
have no doubt but he will give entire
satisfaction in whatever work he may
be engaged.
(signed REV. E A. MGENNIss, c. c."
25-5-21.