Mr. Thornton to Mr. Seward
Sir: I have been instructed by Lord Stanley to lay before you that information has been received by her Majesty’s government of an intended Fenian raid on Canada, in the course of next spring, in which General O’Neil is represented as likely to play a prominent part.
The information that I have myself received of late, whether correct or not, is to the same effect, and that some action on the part of the Fenians in that sense may be expected at any moment.
If, however, there be any truth in such statements, of which you are doubtless better able to judge than myself, I am desired by Lord Stanley to invite the attention of the United States government to the subject, and to say that her Majesty’s government will not allow themselves to doubt of their willingness to defeat by every legal means in their power any attempt to organize in the United States, and to carry into execution, any hostile enterprise against her Majesty’s dominions in North America.
I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.