William H. Seward to Benjamin Moran, July 16, 1868

Mr. Seward to Mr. Moran

Sir: I inclose a certificate of the naturalization, and of the honorable discharge from the United States army, of Lieutenant Colonel William G. Halpin, and two affidavits contradicting testimony supposed by the deponents (it is believed erroneously) to have been given on Colonel Halpin’s trial, of his personal participation in an attack by so-called Fenians upon the barracks at Stepaside, near Dublin. You will avail yourself of these documents whenever you have an opportunity of using your good offices with her Majesty’s government for the release of Colonel Halpin or the mitigation of the sentence he is now suffering.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,