Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward.
Sir: In my conference with Lord Clarendon, already alluded to in preceding despatches, I brought to his notice the substance of the representations made [Page 125] your despatches Nos. 1747 and 1751, in regard to the discrimination made in Ireland in the treatment of native and naturalized citizens of the United States, and your desire that some policy might be more clearly defined.
I added that I was not quite sure whether the distinction made in the first instance as to the right of access of the consul to the respective persons had been kept up. I had accidentally omitted to inquire of Mr. West as to that point, so that I was not in a position to affirm that it had. But supposing it to be so, I trusted that it would not be adhered to.
His lordship said that he had at once written to the authorities in Ireland to remove all unnecessary distinctions, and he presumed that they had done so. They, of course, could not concede the point of allegiance; but he thought the arrangement that had been made between us had removed all necessity of collision on that point. For the rest he thought they were desirous to get rid of all the men who had been imprisoned just as fast as was possible, consistent with their own safety.
I said that I was glad to learn the release of several persons about whom I had received instructions to make representations. There were only two cases on which a refusal had been given, and in those two the reason assigned was such as I, in the face of our experience in the late war, could not object to. Without claiming anything, I, however, recapitulated the facts attending the situation of Colonel Burke and his wife on such a manner that he took a note of at, with a view to see what could be done for him.
He said that he had read the correspondence of the consuls at Queenstown and Dublin, and expressed much satisfaction with the prudent and careful manner in which they had conducted it.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.