Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward.
Sir: I have to acknowledge the reception of despatches from the department, numbered from 1740 to 1744, inclusive, with the exception of 1743.
In regard to the case of Colonel Burke, referred to in your No. 1740, I have caused application to be renewed in his favor at Dublin, which will, I trust, be attended with some success, provided that he be not too deeply implicated in [Page 119] the Fenian conspiracy. The implied promise of the government has been faithfully carried out thus far, so that persons in whose behalf representations have been made are continually in process of liberation, on the condition of their departure from the kingdom. In one ease only has there been any positive objection, and in that the reason assigned is the possession of clear evidence of inculpation. I have little doubt of the anxious desire of the ministry to be relieved as rapidly as possible of the burden imposed upon them by the suspension of the habeas corpus act. The matter came up the other day in the House I of Commons, on an inquiry made by one of the Irish members, and the secretary for Ireland, in reply, held forth reasons, for presuming that the anomalous state of things now existing would be terminated as soon as possible with a proper regard to the peace of the community.
Meanwhile, there are several persons among the imprisoned who appear still to cherish the hope of producing a collision between the two governments on their account. Hence they signify their determination beforehand to refuse every proposal that may be made to liberate them conditionally. Thus far, however, I perceive that the cases are confined to such as have not really had the offer made to them. I am not aware of a single instance of actual detention on this account, unless it be one in which the party concerned proved to have no means to pay his passage to America.
It is proper for me to say a word in commendation of the manner in which Mr. West, the vice-consul at Dublin, has conducted his communications with the government, and the respective parties interested during this difficult period. For many reasons I have preferred acting through his agency, whenever possible, rather than multiplying my formal communications with the foreign office here. Thus far this course of proceeding has been attended with the best results. But it is no more than due to Mr. West to say that much has been owing to the prudence with which he has carried out the suggestions which I have given to him from time to time. Copies of his correspondence have been regularly furnished to me, as I doubt not they are also supplied to the department.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington D. C.