Sir F. Bruce to Mr. Seward
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt this morning of your note of yesterday’s date, covering resolutions which have been passed by the legislature of the State of Vermont, and the common council of the city of Chicago, on behalf of Robert B Lynch, John McMahon, and others, convicted of treason against the government of Great Britain in Canada.
In compliance with your request I have forwarded the documents to his excellency the governor general of Canada, and copies of the same to her Majesty’s government.
I may state, however, that in accordance with a recommendation to that effect from her Majesty’s authorities in Canada, instructions have been given by the home government not to carry out the capital sentences passed on the convicts Lynch and McMahon; and from my knowledge of the sentiments of the governor general of Canada, I entertain no doubt that the other prisoners against whom sentence of death has been recorded will enjoy the benefit of a similar recommendation, and that her Majesty’s government, in revising their sentences, will be actuated by a like spirit of clemency.
I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.