Mr. Moran to Mr.
Seward
No. 43.]
Legation of the United States,
London,
June 5, 1868.
Sir: On the 3d instant I received a note from
Colonel John Warren, now under sentence of penal servitude, dated at
Millbank prison on the 22d of May, a copy of which I have the honor to
inclose, together with a copy of my reply. While acknowledging his note,
I thought I could not well let his reflections on Mr. Adams pass
unnoticed, and I trust my remarks on that part of his letter will not be
considered uncalled for. I have no information as to the intentions of
her Majesty’s government towards this prisoner, but am led to think that
there is a disinclination to grant him a discharge just now.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.
[N. B.—The convict’s writing to be confined to the ruled lines of
these two pages. In writing to the convict direct to No. 4107. John
(R. C.—5) Warren.]
Mr. Warren to Mr. Moran
Sir: With the privilege of writing this
letter I was informed that Mr. Adams had at last performed his hegira and departed this city. It is to be
hoped that a new era will date therefrom, and that the inertia of his successor will not deceive the
authorities at this side as to the long-recognized rights of the
American citizen—native and adopted. It was a great mistake for one
party to imagine that Mr. Adams’s opinions were the opinions of the
American government and people; and for Mr. A. to imagine that he
was the United States government and people on horseback, reference
to which is made by the undersigned with the best possible
intention. To all whom it may concern:
In Mr. Adams’s letter to me of the 11th March, he stated that “if any
further intelligence be received prior to the date of his departure,
he would let me know of it.” I have concluded, (assuming he meant
what he wrote,) in consequence of not hearing from him, nothing has
transpired to affect my case; but I know it unavoidably must be
done, and I therefore wish to instruct you finally as to my
position, concluding that if action has not been (partly or wholly)
taken by this time, it soon win. I respectfully request of you, if
the question of my discharge be submitted to your office, to first
apprise me of its nature, if any stipulations are required before
making any final arrangements, as I know you will admit I am an
interested party. As a transported convict here, I hear nothing of
what is transpiring outside. The rules of the prison are fully
applied to me. The officers can’t help it. The thrice-convicted
robber is as good a man as I am here. My health does not trouble me
yet very much, but I may thank an active, hardy life for that. Not
out of 5,000 hardy men could you get six men who can stand kicking,
cuffing, starving, hanging, or shooting any better than Warren can.
My patience is large, so you see I am a good subject for the two
doctors. If, on receipt of this, you expect Mr. A.’s successor
immediately, you might defer writing; but if not, I hope you will
write on receipt. Also should the question of the principle involved
in my case be taken up in the right style by my government, I ask of
you to make application to see me, to inquire as to my
treatment.
[Page 310]
In conclusion, let me impress upon you that by the time you receive
this I shall be 12 months in prison, on an indictment found on the
evidence of Corydon for my actions in the United States of
America.
I have the honor, &c.,
Benjamin Moran, Esq. Acting U. S. Minister, London,
Mr. Moran to Mr. Warren
Legation of the United
States, London,
June 4, 1868.
Sir: Your letter of the 22d of May,
addressed to me, did not come to hand until yesterday morning. In
reply to your references to Mr. Adams’s note to you of the 11th of
March, I can only state that no information whatever bearing upon
any proceedings in your case, has reached this legation from the
government since that communication was transmitted to you. Had
there been any, he would not have been unmindful of his word, but
would have endeavored to let you know. And I may here be permitted
to observe that it is due from me to Mr. Adams to express my sorrow
that your letter is blemished with the reflections it contains upon
him, and I venture to trust that in your calmer moments you will see
this matter in the same light. I can readily understand your
anxiety, but you will allow me to say that you fall into an error
when you permit yourself to suppose that you have cause of complaint
for neglect against either him or the government of your
country.
As yet I have not been informed who Mr. Adams’s successor will be.
But I may say in connection with your request touching any terms of
discharge that may be offered in your case, that the responsibility
of accepting or rejecting them must rest entirely with you. I can
assure you, in conclusion, that I shall be very glad to communicate
to you promptly any intelligence I may be favored with for you from
the government.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Mr. John Warren, No. 4107 (R. C.—5.)
Milbank Prison.
