the colonel was arrested and thrown into prison, on suspicion of being concerned with the Fenian movement. You will be pleased to invite the attention of the British government to this representation of the case, and should it be found to be correct, it is not doubted that his release will be promptly granted. In any event you will exercise such unofficial good offices in favor of Colonel Burke as may in your judgment be warranted by the merits of the case. SIR: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch of the 7th instant, No. 1178, upon the subject of the action of the Queen with reference to the liberality extended by Mr. Peabody to the poor of London. I think that the munificent proceedings of Mr. Peabody will illustrate an honorable fact in the history of the American people, namely, that they are able to rise above unjust and injurious jealousies of the British nation. I am, sir, your obedient servant, WILLIAM H. SEWARD. CHARLES FRANCIS ADAMS, Esq., &c., &c., &c., London, No. 1743.] Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Washington, April 23, 1866. SIR: At the instance of the government of Great Britain, Mr. Ellis, her Majesty's chargé d'affaires at Paris, in a note of December 19th, to Mr. Bigelow, states that her Majesty's board of treasury will be prepared to receive the first instalment, amounting to five hundred thousand dollars, of the Simonoseki indemnity which has been paid by the Japanese government, and to hold it in deposit, subject to future arrangements as to its distribution, and that the board further propose that the money should be at once paid into the commissariat chest at Yokohama, in which case an equivalent amount in sterling will be available in England, distributed among the powers, and that he has been instructed to propose to Mr. Bigelow that the money should be remitted to Europe in the manner suggested by the board of treasury. At the instance of the French government, Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys states, in a verbal note to Mr. Bigelow, that with reference to the Simonoseki affair, it is stated in a telegraphic despatch, dated Shanghai, December 8, from Sir Henry Park, that the Mikado had approved the treaties, and modification of the tariffs had been obtained; the opening of the port of Hiogo was again guaranteed, and the indemnity was to be punctually paid. With reference to a division of the indemnity, a proposition of the Emperor's government was withdrawn, it appearing that the British cabinet was more in favor of an equal division of the whole of the indemnity among the four powers. The government of the Emperor makes no difficulty in adopting this plan, and is ready, should this system of division be adopted also by the government of the United States, to apply it to the five hundred thousand dollars already paid in by the Japanese government, as the first instalment of their indemnity. On the 12th of February last Mr. Bigelow was informed by this department that the proposal was concurred in by the Executive, subject to the constitutional approval of the Senate of the United States, and at the same time he was instructed to regard that proposal as definitively accepted by this government. At the instance of the British government, Lord Cowley, on the 13th ultimo, informed Mr. Bigelow that the second instalment should be remitted to Europe, in conformity with the arrangement suggested in the letter which Mr. Ellis addressed to Mr. Bigelow on the 19th of December last in regard to the first pay ment. The treaty having never been ratified, you are instructed to inform Earl Russell of your authority to receive the share of the instalments already paid, which is due to this government, and upon its receipt by you, will place the amount with the Messrs. Baring Brothers & Company, at London, to the credit of the Secretary of State. I am, sir, your obedient servant, CHARLES FRANCIS ADAMS, Esq., &c., &c., &c. WILLIAM H. SEWARD. No. 1746.] Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Washington, April 25, 1866. SIR: The almost total cessation of the African slave trade, since the promulgation of the treaty between the United States and Great Britain, of the 7th of April, 1862, inspires a hope that perhaps the mere existence of that instrument may be enough to deter those wrongdoers who had previously engaged in that trade from undertaking new enterprises. Subjects of Spain or Portugal, tempted by the gains which resulted from furnishing native Africans to the planters of Cuba or Porto Rico, were almost the only parties implicated in the traffic. And as the authorities of those islands seem of late to have been honest in their endeavors to comply with the treaty stipulations of Great Britain with Spain, by which it was agreed to put an end to it, it appears to be now worthy of consideration by this government, and that of her Britannic Majesty, whether they may not prudently and in good faith adopt measures for lessening the expense consequent upon keeping the large naval force on the coast of Africa and the West Indies, whose business it is to suppress the traffic. Mr. G. V. Fox, the Assistant Secretary of the Navy, is about to visit England, and as he is familiar with the whole subject, it is suggested that you present him to Lord Clarendon, in order that there may be an informal conference in regard to it. I remain, sir, your obedient servant, CHARLES FRANCIS ADAMS, Esq., &c., &c., &c. WILLIAM H. SEWARD. Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, No. 1747.] Washington, April 28, 1866. SIR: I enclose, herewith, a communication of the 21st instant from Mr. Joshua T. Owen, of Philadelphia, in regard to the alleged improper detention at Dublin of Michael Kirwan, late colonel in the United States army, by the British government. I will thank you to bring the case to the attention of the Earl of Clarendon, and request that the matter may be investigated, with a view either to the release of Mr. Kirwan or an explanation of the determination which may be considered sufficient to prolong his imprisonment. I have been hoping for an answer to my claim upon the subject of naturalized Irishmen. The subject is of great importance, and the delay of adjustment is regarded with a sense of concern. I am, sir, your obedient servant, CHARLES FRANCIS ADAMS, Esq., fr., &c., &c. WILLIAM H. SEWARD. Mr. Owen to Mr. Seward. PHILADELPHIA, April 21, 1866. SIR: I have the honor to submit to you the enclosed papers and statement of the grievances of Colonel Michael Kirwan, late of our army, and to ask for your interposition in his behalf with as much expedition as you may judge the circumstances of the case demand at your hands. Statement. Colonel Kirwan served with distinction in the cavalry, having entered the service originally as a private in the twenty-fourth regiment Pennsylvania volunteers, which I commanded. In January last, after having been honorably discharged from the service of the United States, he concluded to visit Ireland, his native country, hoping thereby to recuperate his health, which had been much impaired by his arduous duties in the field. Shortly after his arrival there he was arrested by the British government and thrown into prison, where he has remained ever since. He knows not with what crime he is charged, and although he has formally applied for the interference of the American consul, he has thus far failed to obtain his release, the authorities claiming that he is a British subject. The assumption that he is a subject of Great Britain is based upon the fact that he was born in Ireland. But you will see by reference to the document herewith enclosed that his father, John Kirwan, was admitted to become a citizen of the United States on the 29th day of October, A. D. 1856, while his son, Colonel Michael Kirwan, was under age, (he being but twenty-nine years old at the present time,) who, by the law of the land, became a citizen of the same upon attaining his majority. The government of the United States is, therefore, committed to his protection as such, and in honor bound to claim his release unless he has forfeited its protection by the commission of some crime. He emphatically denies that he has committed any act justifying his arrest; and, moreover, denies that any papers or anything was found upon his person or in his possession tending to implicate him in any revolutionary movement; but that, on the contrary, he was observing the laws of the land, and abstaining from all connection with suspicious persons. He prays, therefore, that you will cause a demand to be made upon the government of Great Britain for his release from prison; and that you will also demand satisfaction for this great outrage upon a citizen and faithful servant of the republic. I am, with great respect, your obedient servant, JOSHUA T. OWEN, Attorney at Law, No. 522 Walnut street, Counsel for Complainant. Hon. WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary of State. Muster-in roll of Michael Kirwan, colonel of the thirteenth regiment, brigade, of Pennsylvania cavalry volunteers, commanded by Major Michael Kirwan, called into the service of the United States by the President from the 15th day of July, 1864, (date of this muster,) for the term of three years, unless sooner discharged. Name, Michael Kirwan; rank, colonel; age, 28. Joined for duty and enrolled: when, July 15, 1864; where, Light-house Point, Virginia; by whom enrolled, Captain C. Treichel: period, three years. Remarks.-Promoted from major to colonel thirteenth Pennsylvania cavalry, vice Colonel S. H. Gallagher, discharged October 7, 1863. This muster to date July 15, 1864. STATION, LIGHT-HOUSE POINT, July 20, 1864. I certify on honor that I have carefully examined the officer whose name is borne on this roll, and have accepted him into the service of the United States for the term of three years, unless sooner discharged, from the 15th day of July, 1864. CHARLES TREICHEL, Captain and A. C. of M., Mustering Officer. PHILADELPHIA, April 14, 1866. I herewith certify that Michael Kirwan, late colonel thirteenth regiment Pennsylvania cavalry, was, on his leaving the service, in a delicate state of health from malarial and other influences, and that, in my opinion, it was judicious for him to visit Ireland for the sake of his health. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: GEORGE B. SUMMIS, M. D., Be it remembered, that, at the district court for the city and county of Philadelphia, held at Philadelphia, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in the United States of America, on the 29th day of October, in the year of our Lord 1856, John Kirwan, a native of Ireland, exhibited a petition praying to be admitted to become a citizen of the United States, and it appearing to the said court that he had declared on oath before the clerk of the court quarter sessions, on the 28th day of October, A. D. 1854, that it was bona fide his intention to become a citizen of the United States, to renounce forever all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty whatsoever, and particularly to the Queen of Great Britain and Ireland, of whom he was at that time a subject; and the said John Kirwan having on his solemn oath declared and made proof, &c., &c., that he had resided one year and upwards within the State of Pennsylvania, and within the United States of America upwards of five years, immediately preceding his application, &c., &c., and having declared on his solemn oath that he would support the Constitution of the United States, and that he did absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to every foreign prince, &c., &c., and having in all respects complied with the laws in regard to naturalizaton, thereupon the court admitted the said John Kirwan to become a citizen of the United States, &c., &c. In witness whereof, I have hereunto affixed the seal of the said court, at Phila[L.S.] delphia, this 29th day of October, 1856, and of the sovereignty and independence of the United States of America the eighty-first. JOHN FLETCHER, Prothonotary. PHILADELPHIA, 20th Ward, October 8, 1861. Received of Michael Kirwan twenty-five cents for personal tax and city taxes for the year 1861. AQUILA HAINES, Alderman. PHILADELPHIA, 20th Ward, May 4, 1858. Received of Michael Kirwan twenty-five cents for personal city taxes for the year 1858. AQUILA HAINES. We, the assessors of 20th ward, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, do hereby certify that Michael Kirwan, a colonel in company 13th regiment Pennsylvania cavalry, has been daly assessed in said ward, and charged with ten cents county tax, in pursuance of the act of assembly entitled "An act to regulate elections by soldiers in actual military service," approved August 25, 1864. Witness our hands this 30th day of September, A. D. 1864. E. HERITAGE, Assessors. Received, October 8, A. D. 1864, of Michael Kirwan, twenty-five cents in full of the county tax assessed and charged against him under the act of assembly above mentioned. AQUILA HAINES, Alderman. Muster-out roll of Michael Kirwan, major of the 13th regiment of Pennsylvania cavalry volunteers, commanded by Major Michael Kirwan, called into the service of the United Sates by the President, at Baltimore, Maryland, the place of general rendezvous, on the day of July, 1862, to serve for the term of three years from the date of enrolment, unless sooner discharged, from the 29th day of February, 1865, (when last paid,) to the 14th day of July, 1864, when discharged. Name, Michael Kirwan; rank, major; age, twenty-eight. Joined for service, and enrolled at general rendezvous: when, April 16, 1862; where, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; by whom, Lieutenant Pierce; period, three years. Mustered into service: when, October 22, 1862; where, Baltimore, Maryland; by whom Colonel Beals. Last paid by Paymaster Major Clarke; to what time, February 29, 1864. Remarks.-Promoted from major to colonel, 13th Pennsylvania cavalry, vice Colonel S. H. Gallagher; discharged October 7, 1863. This muster to date July 14, 1864. STATION, LIGHT-HOUSE POINT, VIRGINIA, July 20, 1864. I certify on honor that I have at Light-house Point, Virginia, on this 20th day of July, 1864, carefully examined this roll, and, as far as practicable, caused the allowances, stoppages, and remarks to be justly and properly stated, and mustered the officer for discharge, and he is hereby honorably discharged from the service of the United States, to accept promotion. CHARLES TREICHEL, Captain and A. C. of M., Mustering Officer. [L. S.] PENNSYLVANIA, ss: IN THE NAME AND BY THE AUTHORITY OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, ANDREW G. CURTIN, GOVERNOR OF THE SAID COMMONWEALTH, To all to whom these presents shall come, sends greeting: Know ye that Michael Kirwan, of the county of Philadelphia, having been duly appointed by me, the said Andrew G. Curtin, colonel of the 13th regiment cavalry, Pennsylvania volunteers, mustered into the service of the United States, for the defence of the general government, I do commission him to rank as such, from the 7th day of October, A. D. 1863. He is, therefore, carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of colonel, by doing and performing all manner of things thereunto belonging. This commission to continue in force until the same shall be lawfully determined or annulled. Given under my hand and the greal seal of the State, at Harrisburg, this 14th day of July, in the year of our Lord 1864, and of the Commonwealth the 89th. By the governor: ELI SLIFER, Secretary of the Commonwealth. Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward. No. 1189.] : LEGATION OF THE UNITED STATES, SIR The great debate on the ministerial measure for extending the franchise came to a close in the Commons at 4 o'clock this morning, with a division on the motion of Lord Grosvenor, which in a very full house gave a majority of only five to the government. A report of the remainder of the debate, in the London Times, will be transmitted to you herewith. Under such circumstances, it is scarcely possible that the ministry can hope to carry the measure through its further stages. The impression is that it may persevere until some unfavorable amendment shall so fix the position of the dissenting members of their own party as no longer to permit of a doubt in regard to it. The only question, then, will be, whether Lord Russell will resign, or recommend a dissolution of the Parliament. The probabilities are that he will prefer the former course, as the most effective in the end, whilst it will throw the responsibility of the latter upon any combination that may succeed him; for, whatever may be the weakness of the present ministry, it is plain that it has succeeded in embodying the great majority of the liberal party in its ranks, whilst the deserters must in the end take their position with its opponents. It is true that hopes are entertained by the latter of organizing a new combination, under the lead of Lord Clarendon or some other liberal of conservative tendencies, and embracing the greater part of the foliowers of Lord Derby, rep |