Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Second Session of the Fortieth Congress

Mr. West to Mr. Rogers.

United States Consulate, Dublin, February 22, 1867.

Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 19th instant, informing me that you were arrested under the “habeas corpus suspension act,” and that you are a native-born citizen of the United States.

I regret to say that I would not be justified in taking any measure for your release on the grounds of your citizenship without having evidence thereof in my possession; so that, in order to avail yourself of my services, it will be necessary that you obtain legal proofs of your birth in the United States.

In writing this, I of course assume that you have been in no way implicated in the Fenian movement.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM B. WEST, United States Consul.

Mr. John H. Rogers, Mountjoy Prison.