Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward.
Sir: There has been this week another and a more general attempt at insurrection in Ireland, without, however, being thus far attended with better success. The government seems this time to have been sufficiently apprised of it to make the necessary preparations for defence; but the effect on the body of the property-holders, especially in the country, has been to inspire greater alarm than ever, and to a corresponding extent to paralyze the ordinary movements of industry and trade. It is impossible to disguise the fact that the disaffection which prompts these outbreaks is very general among the poorer clashes of the population, at least in the south, the centre, and the west of the island.
The newspapers contain frequent allusions to persons found among the insurgents, alleged to be Americans or American-Irish; but as yet Mr. West has not reported to me more than four or five cases of arrest in which his interposition has been solicited. Of course, whenever such persons are taken with arms in their hands, there is nothing to be urged in their behalf as matter of right. On the other hand, when there is reason to believe that innocent persons have been confounded with the guilty, I have directed Mr. West to continue his services in their behalf.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.