till there at
Christmas.

Exhausted with the labour of looking in at all the principal London
Theatres,

I have the honour to remain, my dear _Mr. Punch_,

ONE WHO HAS GONE TO PIECES.

* * * * *

A BARR DRINK.

Hooray for the _Thistle!_ Scotch yacht without peer;
May she win in her race with the smart _Volunteer_.
_Punch_ hopes, Captain BARR, that no "slip" may turn up
'Twixt your lip and the yearned-for American Cup.
On both sides the Border we wish you success,
And we trust of the race you'll not make a BARR mess.
Your health in a cocktail, although you're afar,
And we can't call you--yet--an American BARR!

* * * * *

Illustration: INDEPENDENCE.

"I'M AFRAID YOU'VE FALLEN DOWN AND HURT YOURSELF, MY LITTLE MAN!"

"WELL, AND IF I 'AVE, IT AIN'T NONE O' YOUR BUSINESS!"

* * * * *

A REGULAR CELL.

SIR,--I am writing in the name of all the righteously indignant sons of
Erin, to protest against the base shameless and infamous treatment
accorded to that glorious champion and apostle of National freedom, the
hero, WILLIAM O'BRIEN, by the despicable set of traitors, who, under
cover of the title of "Her Majesty's Government," are trampling, at
Westminster, the liberties of my beloved country in the mud and
preparing to fling her sons by thousands into the depths of the foul and
filthy dungeons already marked out for their reception. It is reported
that this, the first victim of their malignant spleen and hatred, is to
be subjected to the gross indignity of receiving the ordinary treatment
of a common criminal, and be subjected to the usual regulations of gaol
discipline. Now, Sir, in the name of all that is enlightened and
progressive, I ask, if, at the close of the nineteenth century, such
outrage is to be committed? Surely in answer to my appeal the generous
people of England will rise in their might and with one voice compel the
myrmidons appointed to carry out the malignant and iniquitous behests of
the Castle to provide the noble spirit that they had intended to torture
with chains and darkness with a comfortable and roomy four-post
bedstead, cheerful apartments, a champagne dinner with not less than
seven courses, daily carriage exercise, the use of a piano and
billiard-table if required, and an introduction to the best society of
the neighbourhood, including the Bishop, the Mayor and