Ancona to William H. Seward, July 20, 1866

Mr. Ancona to Mr. Seward.

Sir: I beg to enclose herewith letter of Lieutenant Michael Hasson, late of the 128th Pennsylvania volunteers, of 19th instant, relative to his brother, Patrick Hasson, an American citizen, and resident of my district, who was arrested by the British government on or about the 18th day of February last, in Belfast, Ireland, and it is believed is still held a prisoner in close confinement there, upon the suspicion of being a Fenian.

Nothing is known by any of his friends of his having been engaged in any unlawful enterprise or purpose to violate the laws in any respect. It is asserted that there is no evidence whatever tending to implicate him with any of the Fenian movements, either in Ireland or elsewhere. Patrick Hasson served in the army of the United States as stated, for nine years, including the whole period of the late war. His name does not appear among those reported in your letter of the 21st instant, copy of which is enclosed.

Will you have the goodness to inform me whether any information of this man’s arrest or release has since been received? and if not, that the friendly offices of this government may be exercised in behalf of his early discharge from imprisonment.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, yours,