FREDERICK SMYTH, Governor of New Hampshire to William H. Seward, March 20, 1866

Governor Smyth to Mr. Seward.

Dear Sir: I am informed that Captain Cornelius Healy, a citizen of this State, and an officer of its militia, is now incarcerated in Ireland, by order of the British government, upon the suspicion of being engaged in the Fenian movement.

Captain Healy served for three years in our war against the rebellion as captain in the eighth regiment New Hampshire volunteers, and won the reputation of a brave and faithful officer.

On returning from the war, broken in health and still suffering from a disease contracted in the service, he was advised by his physician to take a sea voyage to Ireland, in the hope that it would favorably influence the disease under which he was suffering, and acting upon the suggestion, he started for that country a few months since, and, as I understand, was seized and imprisoned soon after his arrival.

It is quite impossible for Captain Healy, in his present condition, to endure even a brief period of imprisonment without the most imminent danger of serious and even fatal consequences, and I feel it my duty to urge upon you the utmost importance of immediate steps being taken by our government, through the proper officials, to bring this matter to the notice of the British authorities with a view to his early discharge and liberation.

Trusting that the subject will receive your immediate attention and appropriate action, I have the honor to be your obedient servant,