Mr. Seward to Mr.
Adams.
No. 1809.]
Department of State, Washington, July 23, 1866.
Sir: I enclose herewith a copy of a
communication of the 3d instant from John O’Connell, in regard to his
brother Thomas, who, it appears, was arrested in Ireland by the British
authorities on suspicion of being interested in the Fenian movement, and
is now detained in Mount Joy prison, at Dublin. I will thank you to
bring the statement of Mr. John O’Connell to the attention of the
British government, with a view to the release of his brother, if upon
investigation it shall be found that he is innocent of the charges
preferred against him.
I am, sir, your obedient servant
Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.
Mr. O’Connell to Mr. Seward.
Louisville, Kentucky,
July 3, 1866.
Sir: My father emigrated from Ireland to
Kentucky in 1848, with seven children; one of them, Thomas
O’Connell, was in that year seven years old. Within six years after the date aforesaid my father was
naturalized according to the laws of the United States. My brother
Thomas, in August, 1865, went to Ireland to see his friends and for
the benefit of his health, he having been an invalid for three years
previous. His visit to Ireland had no connection with the Fenians,
and he never belonged to or had any connection with such an
organization, or any other, with purposes hostile to the government
of Great Britian; yet on the 22d day of February, 1866, he was
arrested on suspicion, and is now confined in Mount Joy prison,
Dublin, charged with being a Fenian. He is innocent, and is a
citizen of the United States, He has demanded a trial, and has
offered bad for his appearance to answer any charge, but both have
been refused.
Convinced that a great and benevolent government will, not allow one
of her citizens to be oppressed without cause, I respectfully ask
that you take steps to cause the release of my brother.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Hon. WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary of
State.
P. S.—I reside in Louisville, and am well known to General
Rosseau, now a member of Congress from this district.
JOHN O’CONNELL.
