Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward
Sir: I have to acknowledge the reception of despatches from the department numbered 2032, 2033, and 2034, as likewise of a telegram by the cable, directing me to urge the release of Colonels Nagle and Warren, being on the same subject with that of No. 2032.
This matter had been already entered upon by Mr. West, so far as Colonel Nagle is concerned, in a note addressed to the authorities in Ireland on the 27th ultimo. The reason why Colonel Warren was not included by him appears to have been his own inability to establish the fact of his citizenship. How material this fact is to the strength of any representation that can be made on my part must be obvious to you at a glance. Yet I cannot but observe, in many of [Page 129] the papers which are sent out to me as coming from the friends of the parties, a great looseness of statement, which tends to weaken my confidence in proceeding upon them as a basis. For instance, Colonel Warren is referred to in the letter of Colonel Liebenau, annexed to your despatch No. 2032, as being a native of Boston, whilst in his own memorial to the Irish authorities he expressly states that he is a native of Ireland, although he affirms that he is naturalized. But even on this point he has thus far failed to produce any satisfactory evidence.
To the application made by Mr. West in behalf of Nagle, a reply was received by him from the authorities dated the 10th of August, to the effect that—
Finding that he came to this country as one of the leaders of an expedition, the object of which was to bring in arms and otherwise forward the treasonable designs of the Fenian conspiracy, his excellency cannot, consistently with his duty, order the prisoners discharge at present.
I very much regret to be obliged to call your attention to the fact that, by an article printed in a New York newspaper, a copy of which I transmit, it would appear that the friends of these parties in America fully confirm the allegation made by Sir Thomas Larcom.
Notwithstanding these obstacles, I have directed Mr. West to renew his representations in behalf of Colonel Nagle, and to make one in behalf of Colonel Warren, mainly on the ground of their services in the war and their allegation that they have committed no overt act of hostility within her Majesty’s jurisdiction. This is probably technically true; hence it may justify an application at least for a trial, which I shall endeavor to renew directly to the government here, if a refusal should be given to Mr. West at Dublin.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.