Now a prisoner in Fort Warren, a British subject to Richard Lyons, 1st Viscount Lyons, September 30, 1863

Patrick Hamilton to Lord Lyons.

My Lord: I have taken this opportunity of writing you these few lines, to state my case to you. I shipped in Havana to go to Matamoras, and the fourth day the vessel was captured, and I was sent to New York, and then to Fort Warren, where I have been a prisoner four months without any trial, and I do not know what it is for. I have nothing to do with this war since it began. I have written to the consul in Boston, and had no answer from him. I am a British subject, and, most kind, thank you to see after my case. I am a stranger here, and do not know anybody to write to do anything for me, for I should like to get out to go home. I was born in Belfast, Ireland, and I am a seaman. The captain of the vessel was let go in New York, and wrote all the crew was let go; I was on board the boat I should like to have advice to know what I am here for. Please to answer. I was a seaman on the boat.

I am, &c.,