William H. Seward to Charles Francis Adams, March 23, 1866

Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams.

Sir: Your despatch of the 8th of March, No. 1165, has been received. In that paper you give me an account of a preliminary conversation with Lord Clarendon upon the proceedings in regard to naturalized citizens of the United States, arrested and held in duress in Ireland. All that you have said and done in that respect is approved.

In a despatch, No. 1717, which will go out simultaneously with this acknowledgment, you have the well-considered views of this government upon that interesting subject. That despatch was prepared before your communication was received.

I have nothing now to add to it except to say, for your own information, or for such use as you may think proper, that in my judgment the question of a possible disturbance of the peace of Great Britain or her provinces has as yet taken no serious aspect. It may acquire some, and even great, importance from an error which shall be committed now in regard to what in itself is merely an exciting incident.

Lord Clarendon having opened to you the subject of the Fenian proceedings in this country, you are now put at liberty to make known to him what has heretofore been written to you from this department on the same subject under reservations of confidence.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,