Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams
Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch of the 21st of September, No. 1455, together with its accompaniments, being the Times and Star newspapers of the 20th ultimo.
I observe, with regret, though not altogether with surprise, that recent disturbances in Manchester are supposed to have created new obstacles to the liberation of the United States citizens who are held under arbitrary arrest in Ireland. It will be very much to be regretted if these new embarrassments shall be such as to induce her Majesty’s government to lend color to the complaint which has been made against them, that they propose to hold indefinitely in custody, without trial or process, citizens of the United States, who have neither committed nor attempted to commit any offence in Ireland, and who are only alleged to have exercised a freedom of speech in the United States which is tolerated by our laws.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Charles Francis Adams, &c., &c., &c.