Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams
Sir: We have hoped that the condition of society in Ireland would be such, before this time, as to satisfy her Majesty’s government that it might safely rescind the suspension of the habeas corpus, which is attended by so many cases of irritation and annoyance. There is one peculiar hardship which seems to require attention, if the practice of arbitrary arrests in that country is to be continued. The authorities in Ireland, properly enough, deny to the United States consul the right of intervention in cases of arrest, except where the person arrested is a native or naturalized citizen of this country. At the same time it is understood that there is no law or regulation in force in Ireland which requires the exhibition of passports by foreigners visiting that country. It has happened several times that American citizens, travelling without passports, have been arrested in Ireland and denied the good offices of the United States consul until they could procure evidences of citizenship to be sent from the United States.
Our own experience taught us, during the war, that in whatever case the habeas corpus was suspended, prudence, in regard to foreign relations, required us, at the same time to give notice that passports would be expected from foreigners coming within the region where the writ was suspended.
Will you have the goodness to mention this subject to Lord Stanley?
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.