Groesbeck to William H. Seward, March 14, 1866

Mr. Groesbeck to Mr. Seward.

Dear Sir: The brother of the bearer, James Smith, who was a second lieutenant in the third artillery, United States army, has been arrested in Ireland on suspicion of being connected with the Fenian movement, and is yet in prison.

The bearer, Bartholomew Smith, is anxious to procure the relase of his brother, believing that he was improperly arrested, and that he can make it so appear without doubt. The writ of habeas corpus having been suspended in Ireland, and the prisoner being for that reason in danger of a long confinement, the bearer feels that he should do something at once, and I take the liberty of soliciting for him any assistance which the State Department may properly afford.

I have known Mr. B. Smith a long time and favorably, and I commend his application to your attention.

Very respectfully,