Several obscure reports were current yesterday, that a person had
made an offer to Government to assassinate Mr. O'Connell. Govern- ment obtained a warrant for apprehension of this person, at Bow Street, on Wednesday ; he was arrested at Gloucester on Thursday ; and yesterday he was examined at the Home Office before Mr. Hall, the Magistrate ; Sir James Graham and Mr. Manners Sutton being present. On Monday, Sir James Graham received at his private residence in Hill Street, Berkeley Square, a letter bearing the Gloucester Post-office stamp, dated "Gloucester, 5th June," and signed "Samuel Mayer." The letter was couched in very rambling language, relating chiefly to Irish politics ; and it contained the followingsentence—" I will undertake, as I may be advised, to run the risk of my life against O'Connell's." Mr. Mayer explained, that he wrote the letter on Saturday evening, after dinner, under the influence of wine and of a conversation with some friends on Irish politics. He bad no intention of sending the let- ter ; but he put it into his pocket, in which happened to be a letter to his mother ; and by mistake he next day posted the wrong letter. On discovering his blunder, he intended to write an explanatory letter ; but his friends advised him not, as Sir James Graham would obviously regard the letter as a mere effusion under the excitement of wine. He expressed his extreme regret at his folly, and produced testimonials of excellent character from the High Sheriff of Gloucester, and other very respectable persons. After a few remarks from Mr. Hall, the prisoner was ordered to enter into his own recognizances in the sum of 2001., and find two sureties in 100( each, for his appearance at theJuly Sessions of the Central Criminal Court, to answer any indictment which might be preferred against him. Two gentlemen who accom- panied him from Glouc.ster immediately entered into the required sureties, and he was forthwith released.
Mr. Mayer is of gentlemanly appearance, and about thirty-five years of age. Some years back he resigned practice as a solicitor, to take a situation in the Customhouse at Gloucester. He is a married man, with a family, and is said to be much respected.
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