Mr. Adams to Lord Stanley
My Lord: It is reported to me by the consul of the United States at Dublin, that he finds in the case of Colonel William J. Nagle, a native American citizen, now confined in prison in Kilmainham jail, on suspicion of complicity with hostile designs against her Majesty’s government, that there is reasonable cause of complaint on the score of the severity of his treatment. He is kept in close confinement in a narrow cell for 22 hours out of the 24, bound to preserve strict silence all the time. The effect of this course has been already materially to depress him in spirits and in health.
It is alleged, in justification of this course, that it is in conformity with the system of rules established in that prison for all persons there confined, to which I would beg permission to observe that surely there should be some distinction preserved between persons confined on suspicion, without any offence proved against them in due course of law, and those who are subjected to a penalty for their offence after their guilt has been fully established.
I have received from my government very strong instructions to do all in my power in behalf of Colonel Nagle, on account of the services rendered by him and several brothers during the late difficulties in America, as well as of his character as a citizen. I cannot but permit myself to hope that he may at least have an opportunity early afforded him of being put on his trial for any offence he may have committed. At the same time, I have thus far forborne to press the case on your lordship’s attention, in the hope that the representations already made, and still pending at Dublin, may yet meet with favorable notice. Meanwhile, however, I would pray your lordship’s aid to procure some alleviation of the alleged harshness of his treatment.
I pray your lordship, &c., &c.,
Right Hon. Lord Stanley, &c., &c., &c.