Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward
Sir: I have to acknowledge the reception of despatches from the department, numbered 2087, 2088, and 2089. Likewise a telegram by the cable, of the 20th instant, desiring me to intercede with the government in behalf of Shore alias Condon, and Gould alias O’Brien, condemned to death at Manchester.
On the morning of the 20th instant, and before receiving the message, I had, after a careful examination of the testimony given at the trial, as well as of a summary made of it by Shore himself, and sent to me through Mr. Lord, the consul at Manchester, decided to make a representation to Lord Stanley in his behalf. A copy of my letter is herewith transmitted. Last evening I received a note acknowledging, in the usual form, the reception of mine, and its reference to the home secretary. At the same time I received a private note from his lordship to inform me that a reprieve of Shore had already been determined upon, a fact which I find authoritatively announced in the London Times of this morning.
The question remains whether it is expedient to interpose in the same manner in behalf of Gould. On the most careful reflection which I can give the matter, I have come to the painful conclusion that such a step would be likely to do more harm than good. The ministry here are involved in grave difficilities, mainly by reason of the intemperate manner in which the relief of the three remaining prisoners has been demanded in popular meetings, and the demonstrations that have been attempted in order to overawe their decision. There can be little reasonable doubt of the guilt of the prisoners, and of the general feeling of panic their act has spread in every direction over the country, which calls for severe punishment to deter from repetition of it. Under these circumstances, a further effort at interposition on my part would lay them under [Page 178] the necessity of giving a refusal, or else of appearing to give way to an extraneous influence, of which already a great deal of jealousy has been manifested, especially in the late cases in Ireland. It is difficult for people to manage their own cause more unfortunately than the prisoners in that country have lately done. They have gloried so loudly in their desire to enlist the United States in their cause, so far as to bring on a rupture between the countries, that it makes it more and more difficult for the government to avoid the appearance of fear in making any concessions whatever.
If, in coming to this conclusion, I have been in error, I can only regret it is the offspring of a sincere but mistaken conviction.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.