Stolen at Six, He Waited Seventeen Years to Ask a Policeman for His Mother's Address

Edward Byrnes, who was stolen from his home in Brooklyn, N. Y., seventeen years ago, when only 5 years old, has at last been found in this city, and is probably by this time on the way East to join his father.

On October 7, 1890, a young man who gave his name as Thomas Allen was admitted to Providence hospital, suffering from typhoid fever. He had but little money, and when, after a lingering illness, he recovered in February, 1891, he was employed by the Sisters on trial as a steward. Being a good steward he was retained permanently. He was a man who kept his own counsel and never talked of his past history or his private affairs. He never received any letters at the hospital, always going to the postoffice for his mail and never allowing any other person to receive it for him.

On July 29 he got one of the Sisters to address a letter for him to Inspector Thomas Byrnes of the New York police department, but still maintained his accustomed reserve as to its purport. Last Sunday he left the hospital, saying he was going away, but not mentioning his destination. He has since been drinking a good deal, though he still preserved his quiet, taciturn demeanor. He called at the hospital on Thursday and repeated the statement that he was going away. He has not since been seen, and it is supposed that he has carried out his intention to leave the city.

The New York papers of last Friday week contain the explanation of Allen's departure. The Times publishes the following letter as having been received by Inspector Byrnes, which is doubtless the one the Sister addressed for him, and which reveals that his name is really Edward Byrnes:

"Seattle, Wash., July 29.

"Inspector Thomas Byrnes—Dear Sir: You will favor one who has not seen his mother or father for a long time by forwarding their address if you can. Sir, if you can do this for me you will make my life a happy one. If not, I don't know what I will do, for I have not a word from father or mother for years. I am working for the Sisters of Charity for the last two years. I have got two sisters and one brother, and if you know how happy I would be if I could write to them, but I cannot, for I do not know their address. Sir, if you will write and let me know if you can do this for me you will make me the happiest man in this world. Sir, I will close this letter and wait in hope for a reply, hoping you will write soon and let me know. I am yours respectfully,

"EDWARD BYRNES.

"P. S.—My father's address was Dean street, Brooklyn, N. Y., but that is of no use, as I can get to it. EDWARD BYRNES."

This letter was sent to the Brooklyn police, who on August 25 found the father in the person of old Daniel Byrnes, still living at his old home, 764½ Dean street. He was overcome at hearing from his long-lost son, and at once telegraphed to him asking him to come, or at least write, saying where he could be found. A telegram from him was received late that evening saying that he would go East as soon as possible.

The old man said that one afternoon in April, 1875, his little 6-year-old boy was playing on the street, when two well-dressed men asked him to take a walk with them. He went with them and had never since been heard of until that day. No motive for the abduction was discovered, for the boy had no money and no relatives desired his custody. The father sent his picture to almost every police department in the country and spent every penny he had in prosecuting the search, but no trace of him was ever found.