THURSTON, United States Consul to William H. Seward, July 20, 1866

Mr. Thurston to Mr. Seward

Sir: I have the honor to transmit the enclosed letter from D. C. Wiley, from Lansing, Michigan, who has been employed by the friends of John Sheridan, now in prison here, on a charge of being a Fenian, as his attorney.

I beg to say that it seems a great injustice to these parties claiming to be American citizens, and against whom no proof that they are or ever were Fenians exists, that they should be so long confined in prison without trial, or that they are not discharged on the evidence submitted to the government of Canada of their innocence. It is reported that the government intend to send the prisoners before a military tribunal. * * * *

I am, with respect, your obedient servant,