Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams
Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch of the 4th instant, No. 1379, in which you inform me that the legal advisers of John McCafferty, not satisfied with the commutation of the death sentence pronounced upon him in Ireland, are desirous of prosecuting an appeal from the decision of the court, with a view to the liberation of the prisoner, and that you decline to assume any responsibility for expenses incurred thereby until you shall have received instructions from this department.
In reply, you are requested to cause the appeal to be taken. You will draw upon Messrs. Baring Brothers & Company for the necessary funds to pay the expenses consequent thereupon.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c. &c., &c.