Charles Francis Adams to Right Honorable Earl Russell, October 31, 1864

Mr. Adams to Earl Russell

My Lord: I have the honor to represent to you that, from information of an authentic character received by my government, no doubt is entertained that the colonial authorities of Newfoundland have been heretofore in the practice of commuting sentences passed upon criminals by the courts of that island on the condition that they leave it for other parts. And further, that in cases where such convicts select the United States as their destination, passages thither are granted to them by the government.

It appears that the immediate instance of this kind which attracted the notice of my government was that of three persons, named Daniel Hurley, Bryan Sheey and James Nowlan. Application having been made to the colonial authorities through her Majesty’s minister at Washington for some explanations in regard to this case, the essential fact as above stated turned out to be conceded as true.

Under these circumstances, whilst cheerfully recording a belief, founded on the information thus Supplied, that the proceedings have taken place through inadvertence, rather than ill intention, on the part of the colonial authorities, I am directed to express to your lordship a hope that her Majesty’s government will be pleased to caution them against the continuance of any such practice hereafter.

I pray your lordship to accept, &c., &c.