Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams.
Sir: You will not unreasonably look to me for some account of the trouble which have arisen on the Canadian border.
On Thursday, the 30th, considerable numbers of the so-called Fenians appeared at Buffalo. Rumor at the same time announced that others of the same class were proceeding towards Pottsdam, in New York, and towards St. Albans in Vermont, with the supposed determination to pass through those points to Canada. On the night of the 30th a body estimated to be from 1,000 to 1,501 strong made their way in small commercial craft across the Black Rock ferry at Fort Erie.
By some conjuncture of circumstances there was no armed vessel at Buffal except the steamer Michigan, the revenue cutters being at the time on a distal cruise. The fort at Buffalo was garrisoned by only one company.
In the night of the 31st, a provincial force, consisting of artillery and infantry represented to be 800, passed by railroad to meet the invaders. We have conflicting reports of a contest near Fort Erie, but the way of the battle is in dispute and, perhaps, the whole transaction is an exaggeration. What I can state will more certainty is, what this government has directed to be done in the matter For several days past, as information was obtained of the movement of arm they have been seized, a considerable number at Buffalo and Pottsdam, more at See Albans, and a small number, with a large mass of prepared ammunition, at Need York. The revenue cutters have been called down from the lake. The garn [Page 127] sons at the several points indicated, and also at Rouse’s Point, have been increased. Major General Barry has taken command on the frontier under Major General Meade, who has also proceeded to the border. The prosecuting officers are vigilant, and we hope to be able to suppress further proceedings in violation of neutrality.
Later we hear that the Irishmen who crossed at Fort Erie retreated yesterday, and that, in attempting to cross the Niagara, at Black Rock, they were intercepted and captured (to the number of about 700) by the United States steamer Michigan. They are how held in custody by the United States civil authorities at Black Rock.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.