New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1867-10-22
AMERICAN PRISONERS IN IRELAND
LETTER FROM col. NAGLE.

MoUNTJoY PRISON. DUBLIN. Sept 80 1857.
DEAR FATHER: Your letter of the eth of
August was received the 9th inst. and would have
answered It before now, but have been awaiting
swer from Minister Adams with reference TO his appca
ton for my release received the accompanying letter
from him. from which it appears he has not yet received
reply to his very proper and just request but that
the acts OF party to unknown. in Manchester
has probably delayed my release As understand the
matter Mr.. Adams received instructions from my Gov
TO demand my liberty that good and sufficient
cause should he shown for my imprisonment and the
wrong and injury have suffered at the hands OF the
British Government The question plain and distinct
one, requiring extraordinary effort OF diplomacy to
answer, and in justice should not he unnecessarily de-
layed The liberty OF American citizens has been taken
from Them all their rights Violated subjected to the
humiliation hardship and suffering of the severest prison
discipline: torn from friends home and country health
impaired family injured And we ask for what No
We naturally turn to the representatives OF
Government TO protect and aid and at the end OF
four months, after the action OF the authorities at
Washington. the United states Minister at London
meekly informs me that he has procured for me the
gracious privilege OF mounoy where II Is to be hoped
my health may he relieved from the utter ruin which
threatened IT, under the confinement and severe rules OF
Kmanham. Should not be thankful for the privilege
of feasting hills although surrounded
by prison walls and admire the mercy and kindness OF
this government Again am Informed that my release
in Manchester which has excited the public
in accordance with Instructions from the United States
Government. asked for my liberty and the authorities
here have not degned as yet to answer ~ Most patient
which moves smoothly Gu; let Brother Jona-
than remember he subject. and lumbly await
the pleasure Of this gracious British Government few
months, or less in their prisoneels Is OF no in-
pOtance TO these citizens OF the great Republic and late
defenders of her life against the assault OF foes within
and treacherous friends without In comparison to the
social and pleasing relations existing between our repre-
sonatves at the Court and Castle, which should not be
disturbed.
have not desired Mr. Adams nor Mr. West TO petition
for my liberty scorn 20 receive favor what de-
mand as right Aside from the individual physical.
and moral injury done me. there is another great ques
ton involved before which all personal matters sink into
inslgnincance The reputation and character OF my
its honor among the nations of the earth by defend
ing the liberties OF her citizens abroad Or are they to
be subject to the oppression and caprice OF every Govern
ment In Europe IN which they may chance TO roam de
priyed OF all that man holds dear IN me- ana no redress
ingy.
the further action OF my Government IL cannot I've pos
sble that the authorities NJ Washington will allow this
cold and spritless action OF MI Adams. any more Than
pass unnotced Mt Seward has always maintained with
dignity aud spirit the nvioabity of the rights Of Amer
leans abroad and the sacred duty Of the Government to
protect them and feel sure that able statesmen Will not
be found negligent in case 80 papaby clear and just as
this.
MY health has poor for the last month, but
the change here will benefit me. have more out door
exercise better air and better threatment every way
Colonel Warren and myself brought here the sd
OF your neglect TO answer his letters win say
about money matters. but does appear 10 me very
strange that relief has not been sent from
source told you write TO Mr.. Mauen about the posi-
ton ! was In. for believe he had the power and will
to help II am 10 he held until the meeting OF Con
grcss there will he PLAIN course Of action 10 follow and
Will forward you the necessary papers. In the mean
time you should send the petition 10 The country for SIG
natures and have u ready TO accompany my papers at
the assembling OF Congress
My love TO mother. Emily. and ALL A friend from Dub
lin will call To see you.
Your afectiOnate son. WILLIAM j. NAGLE.
MINISTER ADAMs'S REPLY.
LEGATION rIIE UNITED STATES,
LONDON, 23d September, 1867. )
SIR in hopes before this time, that the orders for
your transfer 10 another place where tho privileges are
greater than at kmanham. will have reached The au-
thores This be relief Ia your health, trust
been endcavorng 10 do my best In your behalf,
10 secure you trial II not absolute release. doubt
not IL conld accomplished before this but FOR
the revival OF the excitement produced IN the
public mind by the late event nj Manchester.
very much regret the suffering 10 which you are sub
iecte6 and shall continue 10 do all in my power for your
relief have the honor 70 be- Sir your Obedent servant
CHARLES FRANCIS ADAMS,
Col WilliamJ. Maggie Kmanham Gaol, Dublin.