James Diamond to President Johnson. Please write immediately. Direct for James Diamond, (prisoner,) care of the American, June 23, 1866

Mr. Diamond to President Johnson

Sir: On the morning of the 2d instant I went over from Buffalo to the Canadian side, hearing of the great excitement being there. There were a great many went over to see what was going on. When we were returning we would not be allowed by a Canadian guard. I went to the United States consul at Fort Erie, and got a pass from him to cross, but when I presented it to the corporal of the guard, he took it and went to a higher officer, and I did not see it from that forth. They arrested me afterwards as prisoner, (in the name of the Queen,) searched me thoroughly, but found nothing on me but four likenesses of young men and young women and a ten-dollar bill, United States money, all of which they kept. They told me they arrested me on suspicion of being a Fenian. All I could say would not avail. They sent me to this place, and here I am since, without any trial, and do not know when we will have any. My mother and one brother and three sisters are still in Nashville, Tennessee; the eldest of them is only a little over ten years old. I am a moulder by trade, and I used to send them all I could spare. I served in your own old regiment, the tenth Tennessee, for three years and one month; Captain Joyce was my captain, company B; Colonel Gilliam our colonel, and when I was discharged by an honorable discharge, Colonel Scully was our colonel. I afterwards got my citizenship papers.

Hoping to your honor that you will do something for me to get me out of this place, I remain your humble servant,