William H. Seward to Sir Frederick W. A. Bruce, August 9, 1866

Mr. Seward to Sir F. Bruce

Sir: I have the honor to enclose for your information a letter of the 21st ultimo, and its accompaniments, in regard to the case of John McMahon, a Catholic priest, who, it appears, was arrested in Canada by her Majesty’s authorities during the late Fenian invasion of that province, and is now detained in prison in Toronto on suspicion of complicity with the movement. It is stated in the papers which accompany this communication that McMahon is a naturalized citizen of the United States, and that he is not a member of the Fenian association. Under these circumstances, I desire to avail myself of your good offices to bring the matter to the attention of the government of Canada.

I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your obedient servant,

[Untitled]

State of Indiana, County of Randolph:

We, the undersingned, have been acquainted with the above-name Jhon McMahon for some years part; we have known him intimately, living in the same part of the city a portion of the time, and being intimate with him all the time; we were intimate with him until he left here in May last, and we never have heard him say anything on politics, and we feel satisfied that no one else ever has. He is an American citizen, and has been for more than twenty years, having declared his intention in court, New York city, about the year A. D. 1841. We have heard the letter herewith attached, written by him from Toronto, the 21^st July, A. D. 1866, and are satisfied on the truth of it. He told us before he left Winchester that he was going to see his sister-in-law, and we knew about his brother departing this life; and the facts set forth in that letter by him we feel assured are true. We never have heard him speak favorable of the Fenians. This July 28, 1866.

PATRICK McLANE. [seal.]

DENNIS LENNON. [seal.]

JOHN LACY. [seal.]

EDWARD LENNON. [seal.]