John O’connell to William H. Seward, July 3, 1866

Mr. O’Connell to Mr. Seward.

Sir: My father emigrated from Ireland to Kentucky in 1848, with seven children; one of them, Thomas O’Connell, was in that year seven years old. Within six years after the date aforesaid my father was naturalized according to the laws of the United States. My brother Thomas, in August, 1865, went to Ireland to see his friends and for the benefit of his health, he having been an invalid for three years previous. His visit to Ireland had no connection with the Fenians, and he never belonged to or had any connection with such an organization, or any other, with purposes hostile to the government of Great Britian; yet on the 22d day of February, 1866, he was arrested on suspicion, and is now confined in Mount Joy prison, Dublin, charged with being a Fenian. He is innocent, and is a citizen of the United States, He has demanded a trial, and has offered bad for his appearance to answer any charge, but both have been refused.

Convinced that a great and benevolent government will, not allow one of her citizens to be oppressed without cause, I respectfully ask that you take steps to cause the release of my brother.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,