Office of the Historian

Mr. Cushing, Attorney-General, to Mr. Hallet, United States Attorney, Boston, and Mr. Jewett, United States Attorney, southern Ohio.

Attorneys-General’s Office,
December 8, 1855

[499] *Sir: I am directed by the President to call your attention to combinations, alleged to exist in your district, for the purpose of military invasion of Ireland.

While it is difficult to believe that such intention is entertained by any persons in the United States, or, if entertained, that it will reach the stage of an overt, illegal act, nevertheless it seems proper that the [Page 627] subject should have your consideration. The President is, of course, solicitous that no violation of law shall go unrebuked, and especially none which touches our foreign relations, and thus affects the honor and the peace of the whole country. He therefore particularly desires you not to fail to institute criminal proceedings against any persons who shall be found engaged in illegal acts of the character above referred to, or otherwise contrary to our relations of amity with Great Britain.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully,

C. CUSHING.

To B. F. Hallett, Esq.,
United States Attorney, Boston, and

Hugh Q. Jewett, Esq.,
United States Attorney, southern Ohio.