Mr. Seward to Mr. Thornton
Sir: I beg leave to hand you an original letter which was addressed to the President of the United States, by Maria Anna Lynch and Louisa Burke, sisters of Robert B. Lynch, who was convicted of complicity in the Fenian aggression of 1866, and sentenced to a long imprisonment, in Canada.
I have nothing to add on the present occasion to the opinion heretofore expressed by this government, that the conviction of Mr. Lynch was based on insufficient evidence, and that his pardon would have a beneficial influence.
Perhaps you will think it convenient and proper to transmit the letter of the unfortunate man’s sisters to the governor general of Canada.
I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your obedient servant,
Edward Thornton, Esq., &c., &c., &c.