Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward
Sir: In connection with your despatch, No. 2031, of the 6th instant, relative to the case of Owen Dwyer, and his arrest in this country, on a charge of complicity with the Fenian movement in Ireland, I beg to call your attention to the fact which appears in the last of the accompanying papers, that Mr. Dwyer is not yet a citizen of the United States, having declared himself an alien at the time of declaring his intention to become such before the court at Memphis, on the 12th day of February last past. Hence, you will at once perceive that it could scarcely have been in my power to make any requisition on this government for his release.
Very fortunately, the case seems to have been already disposed of by Mr. West, who, so long ago as the 3d of July, bad made an application on behalf of Mr. Dwyer, which is believed to have effected his release. Although no report of the fact has yet been officially made to me by him, it appears to be certain that he called at the legation in person some time in the latter days of the last month.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.