Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward
Sir: In consequence of representations made to me by Mr. West, the consul at Dublin, to the effect that the authorities there had expressed a willingness to liberate several of the prisoners, citizens of the United States, held there subject to trial, provided they would quit the country, and that for want of means to pay their passage to the United States they were unable to comply with the terms, and hence must continue in confinement, I ventured upon addressing to you a telegram, on the 6th instant, desiring to know whether the government would assume the charge of sending them home. The same day I received a reply desiring me to report the amount of the probable cost of the undertaking. On the 7th I replied, setting the limit at £60. To this an answer came in a few hours directing me to assume the expense. I have therefore written to Mr. West, at Dublin, instructing him to take the necessary measures to attain the object.
I trust, therefore, that in a few days more I may be able to have the satisfaction to report to you that the prisons of Ireland are cleared of all citizens of the United States remaining under confinement without trial.
I have ventured to renew my application to Lord Stanley in behalf of John McClure, who was last year tried, who pleaded guilty, and was condemned to death. His punishment was, however, commuted to imprisonment for life. There were many circumstances in the young man’s case that seem to me to entitle him to particular consideration. I am in hopes that the one year’s penalty he has already endured will be regarded as sufficient to atone for any offense he may have committed, and that he will be relieved before I take my own departure.
[Page 188]The trial of Captain Burke, which has been expected to take place in this city before now, must soon come on. I shall endeavor to forward to you a report of the proceedings as soon as it appears.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.