Speeches From The Dock-C1870

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Britain's Great Commoner and

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1
PART I.
SPEECHES FROM THE DOCK ,

OR
PROTESTS OF IRISH PATRIOTISM .
Speeches Delivered after Conviction ,

BY
THEOBALD WOLFE TONE TERENCE BELLEW M'MANUS

WILLIAM ORR JOHN MITCHEL
THE BROTHERS SHEARES THOMAS C. LUBY
ROBERT EMMET JOHN O'LEARY
JOHN MARTIN (1848
) CHARLES J. KICKHAM
WILLIAM SMITH O'BRIEN COLONEL THOMAS F. BURKE
THOMAS FRANCIS MEAGHER CAPTAIN MACKAY
" Freedom'sbattle, once began , .

Bequeath'dfrom bleeding sire to 80D,
Though baffledoft, is ever won, "
DUBLIN :
T. D. SULLIVAN , ABBEY - STREET .
Г
TABLE OF CONTENTS .
PART I.
Ву Page
B.
. S.S. S.S. S. S.S. S. .s S S.S, S. S. S. S.S.
Introductory D.
7
TheobaldWolfe Tone ... T. D. 14
William Orr D. B. 29
33
D.B.
Henry andJohn Sheares D.
RobertEmmet T. 40
ThomasRussell D. B. 56
John Mitchel... T. D. 74
i
John Martin D. B. 96
...
L.
B. B.
W.S. O'Brien 110
Meagber D. B. 137
T.
F.
Kevin Izod O'Doherty D. 148

TerenceBellew M'Manus D. B. 153
te
ThomasClarke Luby T. D. 157
John O'Leary T. D. 173
O'Donovan(Rossa) T. D. 175
J.
BrianDillon John Lynch and others 178

T.
D.
,
Charles Kickham T. D. 187

J.
ThomasF. Burke D. B. S. S. S. s 193

John M'Afferty T. D. 205
EdwardDuffy Meany, and John T. D. ... 208
J.
S.
Ulure
M
,
EdwardKelly and Captain Mackey T. D. ... 222

progpog
PART II
.
...
B.
S.
S.
The Dock and the Scaffold A. M. and D.

5
of
The Cruise the Jackmell Colonel Warren

) ,
(
S.
Augustine Costello GeneralW. Halpin ... T. D. ... 65

E.
,
Bright
PART III
.
The Wearing
or
the Prosecuted
of
the Green
;
S.
FuneralProcession A. M.
8
PIC
3--25-28
1473
.183
895 685101
032101
SPEECHES FROM THE DOCK .
INTRODUCTORY .
To the lovers of Ireland — to those who sympathize with
her sufferings and resent her wrongs , there can be few
things more interesting than the history of the struggles
which sprang from devotion to her cause , and were con
to the
her patriots
of
secrated by blood The efforts
of
.
the Irish race burst the fetters that foreign force and
on
native dissensions imposed them and elevate their
,
country from bondage and degradation place amongst
to
a
no
fill
free nations page the world's history which

in
,
a
of
lover freedom can read without emotion and which
a in ,
must excite wonder admiration and regret the mind
,
every man with whom patriotism not reproach

of
is
,
by
and who can sympathize with cause ennobled fide
a
by
lityand sacrifice and sanctified the blood and tears

,
of nation How hands vile could conquer hearts

so
a
is .
“
the question which our National Poet sup

so
brave
, ”
he
poses the stranger on

of
arise the mind looks

of in
to
as
,
in
the spectacle Ireland her decay but another ques

;
of
tion will suggest itself those who study the history
a to
as
our country how feeling deeply rooted the

so
is
it
,
:
independence the Irish people

of
of
in
love the hearts

is
-an aspiration warmly and widely entertained

so
so
much persistency
to
which has been clung with

so
which has survived through centuries

of
persecu
, for
tion which generations have arisen and fought

of ,
,
-
and bled and dashed themselves against the power

England with
, of
that
as
the
as
succession unbroken
a
waves upon our shores universally loved

so
so
cause
--
so a
by
deeply reverenced and unflinchingly supported

,
a
8 SPEECHES FROM THE DOCK .
brave and intrepid race , should never have attained the

blessing of success . A more signal instance than that
which Ireland can supply of the baflling of a nation's
hope , the prolonged frustration of a people's will , is not
on record ; and few even of those who most condemn
the errors and weakness by which Irishmen themselves
have retarded the national object , will hesitate to say
that they have given to mankind the noblest proof they
possess of the vitality of the principles of freedom , and
the indestructibility of national sentiment .
It is for us , however , Irish of the Irish , that the history
for
of the struggle Ireland's rights possesses most attrac

tions We live amidst the scenes where the battles
.
against the stranger were fought and where the men

,
who waged them lived and died The bones of the
.
of
patriots who laboured for Ireland and those who died
,
for
we
us
her repose the graveyards around
in
and
;
,
us
of
have still amongst the inheritors their blood their
,
name and their spirit us
to
free
It
was make
to
-
,
render independent and prosperous the nation which to

we
belong that the pike was lifted and the green flag
was this object on which
in
of
raised and furtherance

ofit
;
the hearts Irishmen are still set that the men whose
on ,
names shine through the pages which the story

of
Ireland's struggles for national existence written

is
suffered and died To follow out that mournful but

.
not however the object aimed

in
at
absorbing story
is
,
,
the following pages The history

no
longer
of
Ireland
is
.
sealed volume to
the people more than one author
;
a
has told truthfully and well and the list books de

of
it it it
every day receiving valuable accessions

to
voted
is
Nor has even been attempted this little work

its in
,
,
to
ofon
though trenching more closely subject trace

,
the career and sketch the lives the men who fill the
Ireland's political mar
of
foremost places the ranks

in
tyrs the subjoined pages little more will

In
, be
found
.
correct report the addresses delivered under

of
than
a
certain peculiar circumstances by the group

of
Irishmen
,
single pub
on
whose names are given the titlepage

A
.
lic
utterance from the lips these gentlemen

of
of
each
is
SPEECHES FROM THE DOCK . 9
the
we
all
be
that have printed though would easy
to
it
attained
by
supplement them nearly every case writings and
in
than that
ce
nation's speeches owning similar authorship equally eloquent
,
a
a
not
will and equally patriotic But the speeches given here are
is
,
.
condemn associated with facts which give them peculiar value and
t
significance and were spoken under circumstances which
,
themselves
lend tothem solemn interest and impressiveness which
to
say
a
cate
They reach us- -these
be
could not otherwise obtained
proof they
.
dock speeches which nobility purpose and chival
of
in
,
and
,
edom
rous spirit like voices from the tomb like
is
expressed
,
-
of
of
history messages from beyond the grave brimful lessons
he
,
can
Ost attrac
dignity and patriotism We see the men who spoke
.
them standing before the representatives
of
battles the govern
e
ment whose oppression had driven them
to
revolt when
,
the men
trying them for
" a of
the solemn farce crime which pos

of
a
the
es
terity will account virtue had terminated and when the
,
who died
guilty had gladdened the hearts
of
their
of
verdict
we
"
and accusers The circumstances under which they spoke

.
od their
,
might well cause falter They were about

to
bold man
a
.
to
free
all
parting for ever from

-
to
that makes life dear man
;
which
n o
of
and for some them the sentence which was
to
cut
,
een flag short the thread their existence consign them

of
to
to
,
a
which bloody and ignominious death leave their bodies mu
to
,
whose from which the rights

of
tilated corpses Christian burial

,
of
story
a be
assign them the

ofto
to
were withheld which was

—
ritten
,
dog and follow them with persecuting

to
death
,
ul but --was about fall from

to
hand into the valley

of
death-
at in the lips the judges whom they addressed Against
of
longer others fate less repulsive perhaps the feelings

to
,
of
a
author humanity but certainly not more merciful and hardly

de
,
,
painful and appalling be decreed

to
less was about

,
s
<
sions Recent revelations have thrown some light

on
the hor
, .
by
vork rors endured the Irish political prisoners who languish

trace within the prison pens of England but
far
needs more
it
;
the than stray letter half stifled cry from the dungeon
,
a
mar enable the public

to
depths realize the misery the

to
,
,
und and the degradation attached the con

to
wretchedness
,
der dition which England reduces her political convicts

to
.
of
nen associate with the vilest

to
Condemned the scoundrels

ub
by
bred the immorality and godlessness England

of
is
10 SPEECHES FROM THIE DOCK .
exposed , without possibility of redress , to the persecu

tions of brutal , coarse -minded men , accustomed to deal
and unreclaimable -
only with ruffians than whom beasts are less ferocious
restricted to a course of discipline
which blasts the vigour of the body , and under whose
influence reason herself totters upon her throne - the
Irish rebel against whom the doom of penal servitude
has been pronounced is condemned to the most hideous
and agonizing punishments to which men of their class
could be exposed . It was with such terrors staring them
in the face that the men whose words are recorded in
this little work delivered their speeches from the dock .
It is surely something for us, their countrymen , to boast
of, that neither in their bearing nor in their words was
there manifested the slightest trace of weakness , the
faintest exhibition of any feeling which could show that
their hearts were accessible to the terror which their
situation was so well calculated to inspire . No cheek
grew pale , no eyes lost their light - their tones were un
broken , and their manner undaunted as ever , as these
men uttered the words we purpose recording . Their
language tells of minds which persecution could not sub
due, and for which death itself possessed no sting ; and
the manner in which it was expressed showed that , in
their case , elevation of sentiment was allied with un
conquerable firmness and resolution . Never were lessons
so noble more boldly preached . It is in courts of justice ,
all
after declares great English authority that the lessons

a
,
morality are best taught Ireland the truthful

of
and
in
,
But
of
not from
it
established
is
ness the assertion

is
the jury box that the words have fallen

or
the bench
-
morality and justice has been vin

of
which the cause

in
dicated venality passion and prejudice have but too

;
,
of
often swayed the decisions both and

to
the dock
is
it
;
we
we
must turn when seek for honour integrity and

,
,
patriotism
.
unflinchingly
to
We owe
in
so
the men who suffered

of it
pre
so
us
the cause our country and who have left

,
the speeches
in
cious heritage which they hurled

in
a
a
their oppressors that their names should

at
last defiance
,
SPEECHES FROM THE DOCK 11
not be forgotten , or the recollection of their acts suffered

to grow cold . The noblest incentive to patriotism , as it
is the highest reward which this world can offer those
who dare and suffer for fatherland , is the gratitude, the
sympathy , and the applause of the people for whom they
laboured . We owe it to the brave men whose patriotism
is attested in the addresses comprised in this volume,
that the memory of their noble deeds shall not pass
away , and that their names shall remain enshrined in
the hearts of their countrymen . They failed , it is true ,
to accomplish what they attempted , and the battle to
which they devoted themselves has yet to be won ; but
we know that they , at least , did their part courageously
and well ; and , looking back now upon the stormy
scenes of their labours , and contrasting the effects of
their sacrifices with the cost at which they were made ,
the people of Ireland are still prepared to accept the
maxim that
“ ' Tis better to have fought and lost ,

Than never to have fought at all. "
While such men can be found to suffer as they have

suffered for Ireland , the ultimate triumph of her aspira
tions cannot be doubted , nor can the national faith
be despaired of while it has martyrs so
numerous
and so heroic . It is by example that the great les
sons of patriotism can best be conveyed ; and if the
national spirit burn brightly to - day in Ireland - if the
spirit of her children be still defiant and unsubdued
if, at home and in the
far
of
West the hearts the Irish

,
people still throb with the emotions that prompted

-
Emmet and Wolfe Tone their eyes are still hot

to
if
see
the independence their country their arms still ready
of
strike and their spirit ready sacrifice for the accom

to
to
,
we
plishment that object owe the result largely

to
of
the men whose names are inscribed this little work

in
and whose memory perpetuate

to
intended
is
it
We have commenced our series with the speech

no of
Theobald Wolfe Tone and our record stretches

,
of
further back than the memorable insurrection 1798

.
12 SPEECHES FROM THE DOCK
If our object were to group together the Irishmen who

are known to have struggled for the independence of
their country , and who suffered for their attachment to
her cause , we might go much farther back into history ,
and indefinitely increase the bulk of this publication .
We fix the insurrection of '98 as the limit of our collec
for
tion , chiefly because it was at that time trials high
Ireland assumed the precise meaning and sig
in
treason
nificance which they now possess and there
is
conse
,
in
quently the speeches which follow such unity
of
a
,
,
purpose and sentiment renders them especially suit

as
for
presentation single volume Only seventy

in
able
a
.
years have elapsed since Wolfe Tone spoke the ques
to
on
tion why sentence should not pronounced him be
only two thirds century since Emmet vindicated the
of
a
-
his country from the Green street dock and

of
cause
,
-
of
already what host imitators and disciples have they

is a
country Europe there

in
had There not not
is
,
a
a
!
the world can produce such another col

in
nationality
,
as
that which we day lay before the people

a to
to of
lection
-
Ireland We live under government which claims

, .
just liberal and constitutional

no
yet against
be
other
,
of
government
in
Christendom have the same number

of
protests been made within the same space time Not

.
Poland not Hungary not Venetia can point

of an
to
such
,
political martyrs
of
unbroken succession The pages

.
history contain nothing compare with the little volume

to
day place the hands of our countrymen

in
we
to
and
-
;
we
no
of
know more powerful and eloquent condemna

of
on
tion the system which Ireland governed than

all is
that contained the simple fact that those speeches

in
all
were spoken all those trials carried out those sen

,
tences decreed within the lifetime single generation

of
,
so .
of
think subduing people who make

to
It
idle
is
many sacrifices and who are undaunted still vain

is
it
,
crushing spirit which survives

of
think
to
so
much
a
gib
persecution The executioner and the gaoler the

,
.
bet the block and the dungeon have done their work
,
the crusade against Irish Nationality

in
and we know
of ,
day The words the last poli

to
what the result

is
-
.
tical convict whose name appears in these pages are as

uncompromising and as bold as those of the first of his
predecessors ; and , studying the spirit which they have
exhibited , and marking the effect of their conduct on the
bulk of their countrymen , it is impossible to avoid the
conclusion , that so much persistent resolution and hero
ism must one day eventuate in success , and that Ireland ,
the country for which so many brave men have suffered
with such unfaltering courage, is not destined to disprove
the rule that
• Freedom's battle once begun ,

Bequeath'd from bleeding sire to son
oft
Though baffled ever won

is
,
.”
THEOBALD WOLFE TONE .
No name is more intimately associated with the national

movement of 1798 than that of Theobald Wolfe Tone .
its
its
He was main pring leading spirit Many men
.
-s
as
he
connected with possessed did brilliant talents
it
,
,
,
intense de
an
unfailing courage and determination and
,
his genius raised
of
votion
to
the cause but the order

;
all
him above them and marked him out from the first
,
the patriot party He was one

of
the head and front

of as
of.
the original founders the Society United Irish
in of
In
men which was formed the year 1791.
in
Belfast
,
its
carly days this society was simply
of
sort reform
a
for
association legal and constitutional body having
a
,
,
byits
chief object the removal the frightful oppressions

of
of
which the Catholic people Ireland were tortured

in
and disgraced but the troubled and portentous con

;
of
dition home and foreign politics the society could not

,
long retain this character The futility
re
seeking
of
a
.
by
of
dress the national grievances parliamentary means

to
was becoming apparent every understanding The

.
system outrage and injustice towards the Catholics

of
unabating its severity continued exasperate the

of to
in
all
humane feelings
to
actual sufferers and offend men

at
and enlightened principles and the same time the

,
;
the American War Independence

of
of
electric influence
and the French Revolution was operating powerfully
in
every heart evoking there the aspiration for Irish free

,
dom and inspiring

its
belief possible attainment

in
a
,
.
In
such exciting circumstances the society

of
the midst
its
on
In
original basis
to
could not continue stand the

.
year 1794 after debate among the members followed

,
a
,
by
, of
the withdrawal timid among

or
the more moderate

its
them from ranks assumed the form and cha

it
secret revolutionary organization

of
racter and Tone

a
Thomas Addis Emmet Samuel Neilson Thomas Russell

,
,
,
James Napper Tandy with number other patriotic

of
, ,
a
in
gentlemen Dublin and other parts

of
Belfast the
,
3
d.
1:
1
1
IT
P.
19
e .
5
le
S
e
e
7
Je
THEOBALD WOLFE TONE .
d
law
From a Portrait bg his Daughter -in - Mrs. Sampson Tone

,
.
e C -1
country , soon found themselves in the full swing of an
for
insurrectionary movement , plotting and planning the
complete overthrow British power
of
Ireland
in
Thence
.
rapidly
on
forward for some time the organization went
,
of
extending through the province Ulster
in
the first
,
instance and subsequently over most
of
the midland and
,
southern counties
.
of the early part
in
of
Such was the state affairs when
,
an
1794 emissary from the French government arrived

,
Ireland what extent the Irish pecple

in
to
to
ascertain
,
were likely operate with France war against

co
to
in
a
-
England This individual was the Rev. William Jackson
,
.
an
Irish Protestant clergyman who had for some years

,
and had become thoroughly

in
been resident France

,
imbued with Democratic and Republican principles
of of .
he
Unfortunately was not one the most prudent

of
,
to
envoys He revealed his mission an acquaintance

an .
his English attorney named Cockayne who repaid

,
to ,
,
by
bis confidence betraying his secrets the govern as

ment Cockayne was immediately employed spy a
.
he
upon Jackson's further proceedings which capacity
in
,
accompanied his unsuspecting victim Ireland and

to
acquired cognizance his negociations

, of
of
most On the
on.
April
of
28th 1794 Jackson was arrested charge

a
,
high treason He was brought speedy trial was

to
of
,
.
on
to on
found guilty but was not sentenced for the day

,
,
which the law's award was

to
have been announced

he
contrived before entering the court

to
him swallow
,
he ,
,
poison from the effects expired

of
of
which
byto in
dose
,
a
the dock Tone with whom Jackson was known

,
.
in
have been confidential communication was placed

,
very critical position owing however

in
those events
,
,
a
some influence which had been made with the govern

to
he
. on
was permitted exile himself

to
to
ment his behalf

,
he
no
America As had entered into engagement with

of
he
the government regarding his future line conduct

,
made his expatriation the means forwarding

he of
. in
the
,
most effective manner the designs He

of at
had heart
,
on
left Dublin for Philadelphia the 20th May 1795

,
his first acts after arriving was present

of
One
to
to
the
,
,
B
0
French Minister there resident a memorial on the state

of Ireland . During the remaining months of the year
old
friends came pouring
on
de
in
letters from his him
,
scribing the brightening
at
prospects
of
the cause home
,
to
and urging him proceed the French capital and im
to
press upon the Directory the policy
re at
despatching
of
expedition the Irish
of
an
to
once ensure the success
volutionary movement
.
Tone was not the man disregard such representa
to
tions
of
He had
at
the time fair prospect securing
a
, in a
.
comfortable independence America but with the full
,
, his
heroic wife who had accompanied him

of
concurrence
he
across the Atlantic sacrificed those chances and resumed

the perilous duties Irish patriot
of
of
an
On the 1st
.
January 1796 try what
a he
left New York for Paris
of to
,
as ,
'
he for
do
he
could diplomatist the cause Ireland
.
his
Arrived the French capital business com
at
had
,
the Directory through the medium
of
an
to
municated
by
Irish gentleman named Madgett and also memorial
,
,
20,000
of
representing always that the landing
of
force
for a
Ireland with supply the peasantry

of of
men
in
arms
,
, . ,
a
would ensure the separation Ireland from England

he
Not satisfied with the slow progress was thus achieving

February direct
he
on
of
went the 24th the Luxem

to
an
burg Palace and sought and obtained interview with

,
the War Minister the celebrated Carnot the organizer

,
"
victory
of
The Minister received him well listened

,
.”
attentively his statements discussed his project with

to
and appeared much impressed with the prospects

it
him
,
on
presented The result was that the 16th December

of
.
the same year splendid expedition sailed from Brest

in
a
,
of
for Ireland the line

It
of
consisted seventeen sail

,
.
thirteen frigates and fifteen transports with some smaller

,
large supply
on
craft and had board 15,000 troops with

a
,
arms for the Irish patriots Tone himself who had

of
,
.
received the rank Adjutant General the French

in
of
-
on
Had this force

of
service was board one the vessels

,
.
on
hardly
of
been disembarked the shores Ireland

it
is
,
possible doubt that the separation this country from

of
to
England would have been effected But the expedition

.
was unfortunate from the outset . It was scattered on

the voyage during a gale of wind , and the Admiral's
vessel, with Hoche , the Commander , on board , was
separated from the others . A portion of the expedition
entered the magnificent Bay of Bantry and waited there
several days in expectation of being rejoined by the vessel
containing the Admiral and Commander ; but they waited
in vain . Tone vehemently urged that a landing should
be effected with the forces then at hand — some 6,500
men — but the officers procrastinated , tiine was lost , the
wind which had been blowing from the east (that is out
the harbour ) rose to a perfect hurricane , and on the 27th
and 28th of the month the vessels cut their cables and
made the best of their way for France .
This was a terrible blow to the hopes of the Irish
organizer . Rage and sadness filled his heart by turns as
his
the fierce storm blew the bay and across

of
vessel out
the land which he had left under such favour
to
the sea
he
able auspices But yet did not resign himself despair to

.
.
As
the patient spider renews her web again and again

after did this indefatigable
so
has been torn asunder

it
patriot set work repair the misfortune that had

to
to
up
build another project

to
of
occurred and assistance

,
for his unfortunate country His perseverance was not

.
unproductive The Batavian Dutch Republic

or
of
results
,
.
up
then alliance with France took the project that

in
Bantry July
In
the Bay the month

in
of
of
had failed
,
.
, an
1797 they had assembled the Texel expedition for

in
,
as
Ireland nearly not quite

of
the invasion formidable

if
,
,
in
men and ships

in
that which had left Brest the

as
he on
previous year Tone was board the flag ship even

,
.
on
more joyous and hopeful than had been the preceding

by
occasion But again some extraordinary fatality

as
an if
of ,
,
.
the weather interposed the realization

to
obstacle
the design The vessels were ready for sea the troops
.
of
were on board nothing was wanted but slant wind

a
,
But for five weeks

to
it
enable the fleet get out

to
blow steadily The

in
to
continued the adverse direction

.
of
of
supplies ran low the patience the officers and the

,
;
dis
the
government became exhausted troops were

—
,
20 SPEECIIES FROM THIE DOCK ,
embarked and the project abandoned ! The second failure

in a matter of such weight and importance was a heavy
blow to the heart of the brave Tone. Flaborate and
costly efforts like those which had ended so poorly , he
felt could not often be repeated ; the drift of the war was
for
cutting out other work
of
the fleets and armies France
and her allies and the unwelcome conviction began
to
,
settle darkly
he
of on
his mind that never again would see
hope for dear Ireland that which had
as
such vision
a
. on
shone before him those two occasions and vanished
,
in
doubt and gloom

no
Yet there was need despair to

Assurances reached
.
Tone every day that the defeat and humiliation
of
England was settled resolve the French Government
of
a
,
one which they would never abandon And for time
a
.
everything seemed favour the notion that direct stroke
to
a
In
England was intended the latter part
of
of at
the heart
.
1797 the Directory ordered the formation
of
The
“
Army England which was given
of
to
of
the command
",
General Buonaparte Tone's heart again beat high with

.
for
hope now matters looked more promising than ever

,
.
of
He was with some
in
constant communication the

the expedition
of
of
in
chief officers and the month

,
he
December had several interviews with Buonaparte

could hardly consider of
he
himself which however

a
,
May 1798 General

of
satisfactory nature On the 20th

,
,
.
on
Toulon and
at
Buonaparte embarked board the fleet

for
off
not for Ireland England but Egypt

or
sailed
--
On the Irish leaders home these repeated disappoint

at
ments fell with terrible effect The condition of the

.
country was daily growing more critical The govern

, .
ment now thoroughly roused and alarmed and persuaded

,
that the time for vigorous measures had arrived was

“
,
”
all
grappling with the conspiracy Still those

in
directions
.
they could have got the people

to
men would possess

if
,
their souls patience and wait for aid from abroad before
in
for
unfurling the banner they were

of
insurrection
;
constant their belief that without the presence

in
of
a
on
disciplined army Irish soil consolidate their strength

to
and direct revolutionary the Irish people

of
effort
it
å
,
SPEECHES FROM THE DUCK . 21
could end only in disaster . But the government had
for
set
an
reasons of their own wishing Irish rebellion
to
this time and they took measures
at
to
afoot precipitate
,
the rising the delegates the house
of
of at
of
The arrest
.
Oliver Bond Dublin and the capture

in Lord Edward
,
Fitzgerald contributed this end but these things the
to
no
country might have peacably endured more dreadful
if
trial had been put upon What could not
be
endured
it
.
of
was the system riot and outrage and murder
to
,
,
which the unfortunate peasantry were then given over
.
its
its
Words fail cruelty and
to
describe
It
horrors was
.
too much for human nature bear On the 23rd May
to
of
for ,
.
three days after Buonaparte had sailed from Toulon
Alexandria the Irish insurrection broke out The news
,
.
of
the occurrence created the most intense excitement

in
among the Irish refugees then Paris
to
Tone rushed
.
and fro the Directory and the generals pleading for

to
to
,
the despatch his struggling country
of
to
some assistance
men . Various plans were suggested and taken into con
sideration but while time was being wasted this way
in
,
,
of
the military forces the British Government were

rapidly suppressing the insurrection the unarmed and
of
In
of
undisciplined Irish peasantry this condition affairs

.
gallant but rash and indiscreet French officer General

,
a
would commit the Directory

he
Humbert resolved that

,
by
starting once with small force for the

at
to
action
a
,
August calling
of
coast Ireland Towards the middle

of
,
.
together the merchants and magistrates he

of
Rochelle
,
"
all
money and
of
, to
forced them advance small sum

a
military requisition
he
on
that wanted and embarking

;
on
board few frigates and transports with 1,000 men

of ,
a
1,000 spare muskets 1,000 guineas and few pieces

,
,
artillery compelled the captains

he
set sail for the

to
,
perhaps recorded
in
most desperate attempt which

is
,
,
history Three Irishmen were on board the fleet Mat

-
."
thew Tone Teeling

to
brother Theobald Bartholomew

,
,
,
in
the French service who was

an
and Sullivan officer

,
enthusiastically the Irish cause

to
devoted and had

,
his patriotic countrymen France

in
to
rendered much aid

.
Humbert landed Killala routed with his little handful

at
,
22 SPEECHES L'ROM THE DOCK ,
of men a large force of the royal troops , and held his

ground until General Lake , with 20,000 men marched
against him . After a resistance sufficient to maintain
the honour of the French arms , Humbert's little force
surrendered as prisoners of war . The Irish who had
his
joined mercy
no
standard were shown The peasantry
.
, Of
were cruelly butchered those who had accompanied
.
him from France Sullivan who was able to pass
as
,
a
Frenchman escaped Teeling and Matthew Tone were
;
,
to
brought The
in
irons Dublin tried and executed
.
Humbert's expedition and the temporary success
of
news
that had attended created much excitement France
in
it
,
up
the Directory attempt something for

to
and stirred
Ireland more worthy the fame and power
of
of
the French
keeping with their repeated promises
in
nation and more

,
the Irish movement But their fleet

of
to
the leaders
.
the time greatly reduced and their resources
in at
was
,
disorganization They mustered for

of
were state
a
the line and eight small

of
the expedition only one sail

by
frigates commanded Commodore Bompart conveying

,
,
5,000 men under the leadership General Hardy On
of
board the Admiral's vessel which was named the Hoche

.
,
,
was the heroic Theobald Wolfe Tone He knew this
.
all
no
expedition had along

he
of
chance success but had

,
declared that the government sent only corporal's

if
,
a
“
go
his duty The

he
guard felt along with them

of to
on it
,
.”
vessels sailed the 20th September 1798 was not

,
it
;
till the 11th October that they arrived off Lough Swilly
an
simultaneously with English squadron that had been

on
the look out for them The English ships were

.
about equal
in
larger
of
the French but were

to
number
a
,
class and carried much heavier armament The French

a
,
his smaller craft

of
Admiral directed some

of to
endeavour
by
their light draught

of
water and
heto
escape means
,
to
of
to
counselled Tone transfer himself that one them

which had the best chance The French
of
getting away
.
men he observed would made prisoners

be
war but
if of
,
,
,
he
for the Irish rebel worse fate was reserved should

a
fall into the hand

of
his enemies But this suggestion

to
.
be
Shall
to
the noble hearted Tone declined accede

it
“
-
.
said , ” he replied , “ that I

fled while the · French were
fighting the battles of my country .” In a little time the
Hoche was surrounded by four sail of the line and one
frigate , who poured their shot into her upon all sides.
During six hours she maintained the unequal combat ,
fighting “ till her masts and rigging were cut away , her
scuppers flowed with blood , her wounded filled the cock
pit, her shattered ribs yawned at each new stroke , and
let in five feet of water in the hold , her rudder was
off
on
carried and she floated dismantled wreck the
a
,
her sails and cordage hung shreds nor could
in
water
;
,
she reply with single gun from her dismounted batteries
a
the
During the
to
the unabating cannonade enemy of of
.”
action Tone commanded one the batteries and fought
with the utmost desperation was courting death he
as
in if
,
."
But often has happened similiar cases death
as
,
a ,
he
. to
seemed shun him and was reserved for more

,
tragic fate
The French officers who survived the action and had
,
prisonerswere some days subsewar
of
been made
,
quently invited
of
breakfast with the Earl Cavan
in to
,
,
who commanded the district which they had been

in
up
that time had escaped recog

to
landed Tone who

,
,
.
.
nition was one the party and sat undistinguished
of
,
,
fel
among them until Sir George Hill who had been

a
,
,
low
Trinity College entered the room

in
of
student his
,
-
by
. in
and accosted him his name This was done not

,
.
advertently betraying him

of
but with the intention

,
In
party military
he
of
of
in
moment was the hands

a
in
and police who were waiting for him the next

in
an fet
put him
in
Seeing that they were about

to
room
.
complained indignantly
he
the offering
of
such
of
ters
,
insult the uniform which he wore and the rank that

to
—
he
Brigade which
offde
the French army

of
Chef
in
bore
-
.
his
He cast regimentals protesting that they should

,
be
offering his limbs

to
not the
so
sullied and then

,
,
em
irons exclaimed— For the cause which have

I
,
feel prouder were

to
.” if
braced wear these chains than

,
I
I
,
England He
of
decorated with the Star and Garter

off
and though the ordinary tri

to
was hurried Dublin

,
bunals were sitting at the time , and the military tribu

nals could have no claim on him , as he had never
belonged to the English army , he was put on his trial
before a court -martial. This was absolutely an illegal
proceeding , but his enemies were impatient for his blood ,
and would not brook the chances and the delays of the
ordinary procedure of law . On the 10th of November ,
1798 , his trial , if such it might be called , took place in
one of the Dublin barracks . He appeared before the
Court “ dressed , " says the Dublin Magazine for November ,
1798 , “ in the French uniform : a large cocked hat , with
broad gold lace and the tri- coloured cockade ; a blue
uniform coat , with gold - embroidered collar and two
large gold cpaulets ; blue pantaloons, with gold -laced
garters at the knees ; and short boots , bound at the tops
with gold lace.” In his bearing there was no trace of
excitement . “ The firmness and cool serenity of his
whole deportment , " writes his son , "gave to the awe
struck assembly the measure of his soul " The proceed
,
ings of the Court are detailed in the following report ,
which we copy from the “ Life of Tone ,” by his son ,
published at Washington , U.S. , in 1826 :
The members of the Court having been sworn , the Judge Advo .
cate called on the prisoner to plead guilty or not guilty to the
charge of having acted traitorously and hostilely against the King .
Tone replied
66
:
I mean not to give the court any useless trouble , and wish to
I
all
spare them the idle task of examining witnesses . admit the

facts alleged and only request leave
an
to
read address which

,
I
for
have prepared this occasion

.”
Colonel DALY— must warn the prisoner that acknowledge

in
he “
,
I
of Is his
ing those facts

' he
,
prejudice has acted

to
admits that
,
traitorously against his Majesty such his intention

?
.
its '
TONE— Stripping this charge the technicality terms

of
it
“
,
by
means presume the word traitorously that have been found

,
,
I
,
the King
in
arms against the soldiers my native country

in
of
I
.
admit this accusation its most extended sense and request again
in
of ,
explain
to
to
the court the reasons and motives my conduct

.
The court then observed they would hear his address provided
,
he
kept himself within the bounds

of
moderation
.
Tone rose and began these words— Mr President and

in
,
to .
Gentlemen
of
the Court Martial mean not give you the

I
,
-
bringing judicial proof

of
trouble convict me legally

to
of
having
acted in hostility to the government of his Britannic Majesty in

Ireland . I admit the fact . From my earliest youth
garded the connection between Great Britain and Ireland as the
have re I
curse of the Irish nation , and felt convinced that , whilst it lasted ,
this country could never be free nor happy . My mind has been
confirmed in this opinion by the experience of every succeeding
year , and the conclusions which I have drawn from every fact
be
fore my eyes. In consequence , I was determined to employ
all
the
powers which my individual efforts could move separate
to
in
order
,
the two countries That Ireland was not able throw
of
to it to
herself
.
off the yoke knew I therefore sought for aid wherever
to
was
;
,
InI
in be
found honourable poverty rejected offers which man

.
a
I
,
my circumstances might
be
considered highly advantageous
,
I
.
remained faithful
to
what thought the cause my country and
of
I
,
sought ally an
in
the French Republic
of
to
rescue three millions
my countrymen from
The President here interrupted the prisoner observing that this
,
language was neither relevant the charge nör such
as
to
ought
to
,
be
public court
in
delivered
a
Member said
A
seemed calculated only to

it
inflame the minds

of
certain description people the United Irishmen

of
many
of
a
),
(
be
whom might present and that the court could not suffer
it
,
.
The JUDGE ADVOCATE said— Mr. Tone meant this paper
If
to
“
be
laid before his Excellency way

a
of
in
extenuation must have it

,
quite contrary effect the foregoing part was suffered remain to

in upif
,
be ."
by
on
The President wound calling the prisoner

to
hesitate
fore proceeding further the same strain
.
TONE then continued— nothing what re

in
believe there
is
“
I
say which can give any offence

to
mains for me ex
to
mean
;
I
press my feelings and gratitude towards the Catholic body

in
whose
,
cause was engaged

.”
I
PRESIDENT— That seems nothing to say

to
have the charge

to
"
against you which you are only speak you have anything
to
to
If
,
.
to
the court will hear

of
or
offer charge
in
defence extenuation the

,
you but they beg you will confine yourself that subject
to
,
.”
TONE_ shall then confine myself

to
some points relative

to
,
,
“
I
my connection with the French army

, no
party
in
to
Attached the
.
French Republic without interest without money without

in
of ,
-
trigue the openness and integrity my views raised me high

to
a
-
in
and confidential rank its armies obtained the confidence

of
I
.
the Executive Directory the approbation my generals and will

of
,
I
to
a of
venture add the esteem and affection my brave comrades

,
When review these circumstances feel secret and internal

I
I
,
no
or no
consolation which reverse the power

of
in
fortune sentence
, ,
this court inflict can deprive me

of
to
I of
any degree
in
weaken
,
Under the flag originally engaged with

of
the French Republic

a
save and liberate my own country

to
view For that purpose

.
have encountered the chances amongst strangers for that

of
war
;
as
purpose repeatedly braved the terrors the ocean covered

of
,
I
it I
be
with the triumphant fleets

to
knew that power which

of
it
,
all
was my glory and my duty to oppose . have sacrificed my
life have courted poverty have left
in
views beloved wife
a
I
I
;
unprotected and children whom adored fatherless After such
a
in ,
.
sacrifice cause which have always considered conscien
,
, -
no
is
as
tiously considered justice and freedom
of
the cause
it
gr
this day
at my life But
to
of
effort add the sacrifice
,
I
.
hear said that this unfortunate country has been prey all
to
of it
, a
be
sorts horrors sincerely lament beg however may
by it
it
,
I I
I
.
.
remembered that have been absent four years from Ireland To
.
be
me these sufferings can never attributed designed fair and
I
.
open war procure the separation the two countries For open
of
to
.
was prepared but instead that system private assas
of
of
war
a
I
sination has taken place repeat whilst deplore that
is
it
I
I
,
it,
.
not chargeable on me Atrocities seem's have been committed

it
,
,
do.
on
both sides not less deplore them detest them from

I
I
.
.
my heart and those who know my character and sentiments
to
;
of
may safely appeal for the truth this assertion with them
I
;
I
, no
In
need justification case like this success everything
is
a
.
.
the eyes of
the vulgar fixes
its
Washington
in
Success merits
,
.
succeeded and Kosciusko failed After combat nobly sustained
,
a
.
combat which would have excited the respect and sympathy
of
a
a
my fate has been prisoner
to
generous enemy the
to
become
,
a
-
eternal disgrace those who gave the orders was brought here
of
I
.
for
irons like
I in
of
felon mention this for the sake others me

;
a
, ,
.
to
of
am indifferent am aware the fate which awaits me

it
I
.
and scorn equally the tone complaint and that supplication

of
of
.
As
the connection between this country and Great Britain re

to
I
,
me
all
peat that has been imputed words writings and

to
it
,
,
(
), -
actions here deliberately avow have spoken and acted with

I
am.
I
on
reflection and principle and ready meet the consequences

I amto
,
.
for
be
prepared Its
of
it
Whatever the sentence the court

,
I
members will surely discharge duty

to
their shall take care not

-
be
in
wanting mine
."
he
The court having asked make any further obser

to
wished
if
vation
,
one single
to
TONE said—
, to
wish offer few words relative

a
“
I
In
point the mode punishment France our emigrees who stand

of
.
-
nearly which now stand before you are

in
in
the same situation

,
I
to
condemned be shot ask that the court shall adjudge me the

I
.
by
let
be
platoon grenadiers
of
death soldier and me shot

of
a
a
,
I .
request this indulgence rather in the uniform

of
consideration
I
de
Brigade the French army

in
—
of
wear the uniform Chef than

a
-
from any personal regard

In
myself evince my claim

to
to
order
.
beg that the court may take the trouble peruse

to
to
this favour
,
I
my commission and letters the French army

of
will
in
service
It
as.
appear from these papers that have not received them mask
a
I
an
cover me but that have been long and bona fide

in
to
officer
I
,
the French service

."
JUDGE ADVOCATE— You must feel that the papers you allude
“
as
will serve undeniable proof against you

to
.”
TONE_ " Oh , I
know they will . I
have already admitted the
facts , and I now admit the papers as full proof of conviction .”
[The papers were then examined ; they consisted of a brevet of
Chef de Brigade from the Directory , signed by the Minister of
War, of a letter of service granting to him the rank of Adjutant
General , and of a passport .]
General LOFTUS— “ In22 these papers you are designated as serving
in the army of England .”
I
TONE_ " did serve in that army , when it was commanded by
Buonaparte , by Dessaix , and by Kilmaine , who is , as am , an I
Irishman ; but I have also served elsewhere . "
The Court requested if he had anything further to observe .
him
He said that nothing more occurred to except that the
,
sooner his Excellency's approbation the sentence was obtained
of
the better
.
This Tone's speech reported the public prints

as
in
is
that time but the recently published Correspon

at
"
-
of
Lord Cornwallis Lord Lieutenant
in
dence those
”
days supplies portion

of
the address which was never

—
before published the Court having forbade the reading

,
the trial
at
The passage contains

of of
noble outburst
it
a
.
a of
gratitude towards the Catholics Ireland Tone .

himself every reader aware was Protestant and
as
is
,
,
,
no
its
there can have been reason for suppression except

still more en
to
the consideration that was calculated

it
dear the prisoner his countrymen We

to
of
the hearts
.
now reprint and thus place for the first time before
it
it
,
the people for whom was written

it
people Ireland by raising three

of in
to
have laboured create

a
“
I
millions my countrymen the rank

to
of
citizens have laboured

I
.
by
spirit
of
religious persecution uniting

to
abolish the infernal

,
the Catholics and Dissenters To the former owe more than ever
I
.
be
so
as
repaid
to
can The services was fortunate render them

I
.
they rewarded munificently but they did more when the public
-- ;
my youth
of
cry was raised against me when the friends swarmed

off and left me alone the Catholics did not desert me they had
;
-
rigid principle
to
, to
of
the virtue even sacrifice their own interests

to a
honour they refused though strongly urged disgrace man

;
a
,
who whatever his conduct towards the government might have

,
been had faithfully and conscientiously discharged his duty

,
my own case
so
doing though
in
towards them and was

of in
it
;
,
an
will say they showed public virtue which know

of
instance
I
I
not whether there exists another example

.”
28 SPEECHES ROM THE DOCK .
The sad sequel of those proceedings is soon told . The

request of the prisoner to receive a military execution
was refused by the Viceroy , Lord Cornwallis , and Tone
was sentenced to die “ the death of a traitor ” within
forty - eight hours from the time of his conviction . But
-
he - influenced , it must be confessed , by a totally mis
taken feeling of pride , and yielding to a weakness which
every Christian heart should be able to conquer resolved
that, rather than allow his enemies to have the satisfac
tion of dangling his body from a gibbet , he would be
come his own executioner . On the night of the 11th of
November he contrived , while lying unobserved in his
his
cell , to open a vein in neck with penknife No
on
intelligence this fact had reached the public when
of of
,
the morning the 12th the intrepid and eloquent advo
,
cate John Philpot Curran made the Court
in
motion
,
a
,
for
King's Bench with
to
of
of
writ Habeas Corpus

a
,
draw the prisoner from the custody the military
of
him
the charge the civil of

to
authorities and transfer

,
power The motion was granted immediately Mr. ,

.
Curran pleading that delay were made the prisoner

if
,
might
be
the Court could

of
executed before the order

be
presented messenger was once despatched from

at
A
.
the court the barrack with the writ He returned

to
to
.
say that the officers charge the prisoner would

of
in
obey only their military superiors The Chief Justice

.
issued his commands peremptorily Mr Sheriff

,
“
-
:
take the body Tone into custody take the Provost

of
--
-
Marshal and Major Sandys into custody

,
and show the

of
the Court General Craig The Sheriff sped

to
order
.”
away and soon returned with the news that Tone had
,
on
wounded himself the previous evening and could not

,
be removed The Chief Justice then ordered rule

a
.
For the space

of
suspending the execution seven days

.
afterwards did the unfortunate gentleman endure the

agonies approaching death
of
on
of
the 19th November

,
;
expired No more touching reference

he
1798 his last

to
,
given than the following pathetic and

be
moments could
by
noble words traced filial hand and published

in
the
,
a
memoir from which we have already quoted

:
his
“ Stretched on bloody pallet dungeon the first
in
,
a
of
apostle Irish union and most illustrious martyr
of
Irish independence counted each lingering hour during
the last seven days and nights his slow and silent
of
Far from
all to
agony No one was allowed approach him
.
.
hishe
his adored family and from those friends whom
,
dearly the only forms which flitted before
so
loved
,
the grim jailor and
his
eyes were those of rough atten
on
dants the only sounds which fell his dying ear the
--
heavy tread of
the sentry He retained however the
,
,
.
his
his soul and the possession
of
a , to
of
calmness faculties
the last And the consciousness dying for his country
of
.
justice and liberty illumined like

in
of
and the cause
,
up
his
bright halo his later moments and kept fortitude
to the end There no situation under which those
is
.
feelings will not support the soul patriot

, of
a
."
on
Tone was born Stafford street Dublin the 20th
in
,
-
on of
June 1764. His father was coachmaker who carried

a
,
his
thriving business grandfather was comfortable a

;
a
farmer who held land near Naas county Kildare
In
.
,
February 1781 Tone entered Trinity College Dublin

,
,
;
,
his
January 1787
he
law student
in
as
entered name
a
,
of ,
on the books the Middle Temple London

in
and
,
His mortal remains re

to
1789 he was called the bar

.
pose Bodenstown churchyard county Kildare whither

in
parties patriotic young men from the metropolis and

of
the surrounding districts often proceed lay green

to
His spirit lives and will live for

on
wreath his grave

,
of .
in
ever the hearts his countrymen

,
WILLIAM ORR
.
TWELVE months before Wolfe Tone expired his prison

in
his
his
of
of
cell one the bravest associates paid with life

,
the penalty
of
Irish inde
to
In of
his attachment the cause

pendence the subject this sketch the United
of
,
.
Irishmen found their first martyr and time has left

no
;
English rule than

on
of
darker blot the administration

the execution of the high - spirited Irishman whose body

swung from the gallows of Carrickfergus on the 14th of
October , 1797 .
William Orr was the son of a farmer and bleach - green
proprietor, of Ferranshane , in the county of Antrim .
The family were in comfortable circumstances , and young
Orr received a good education , which he afterwards turned
to account in the service of his country . We know little
up
him
we
his
growing
on
of early history but
to
find
,
,
of
an
of
manhood active member the society United
,
his
Irishmen and remarkable for his popularity amongst
,
countrymen His appearance not less than

in
the north
,
.
his
principles and declarations capti
to
was calculated
,
six.
he
he
vate the peasantry amongst whom lived stood
;
,
perfect model
in
of
feet two inches height was sym
a
of
metry strength and gracefulness and the expression
, ,
,
his countenance was open frank and manly He was

,
, a .
—
always neatly and respectably dressed prominent
he
his attire being green necktie which
in
feature
a
in
wore even his last confinement

by .
of
One the first blows aimed the government against

of
Par
of
the United Irishmen was the passing the Act
George III
36
liament which constituted the adminis

),
(
.
of
tration their oath capital felony This piece

of
in a
legislation repugnant
a of
itself the dictates

to
reason
,
as
and justice was intended no idle threat victim

,
;
its
was looked for provisions and William

to
suffer under
,
Orr the champion

of
the northern Presbyterian patriots

,
was doomed
to
serve the emergency

.
He was arraigned tried and convicted Carrickfergus

at
,
,
on
charge having administered the United Irishman's

of
a
soldier named Wheatly

to
oath The whole history

of
a
the operations
of
the British law courts Ireland con

in
tains nothing more infamous than the record

of
that
trial We now know
to as
of
matter fact that the man

a
,
,
.
who tendered the oath Wheatly was William M'Keever

,
well known member

of
the society who subsequently

a
,
-
te
made hia escare America But this was not case

a
,.
,
as
sometimes happens
of
such circumstantial evidence

pointing wrong conclusion The only
to
evidence
a
.
against Orr was the unsupported testimony of the soldier

Wheatly ; and after hearing Curran's defence of the
his
prisoner there could be no possible doubt of inno
But Orr was
—
cence . doomed man the government
a
had decreed his death before hand this case
in
and
as
;
,
every other the bloodthirsty agents
of
the crown did
in
not look vain for Irishmen operate with them

in
in
to
co
-
their infamy
.
At six o'clock the evening the jury retired

. in
con
to
sider their verdict The scene that followed the jury
in
of
of
its
in
room described the sworn affidavits

is
some
by
participators The jury were supplied with supper
.
liberal supply intoxicating
of
the crown officials
;
a
being included
in
beverages wines brandy the
&
In ,
,
c .,
,
their sober state several the jury
of
refreshments
.
,
of
men amongst them Alexander Thompson Cushen
-
of
, to
to
dall the foreman had refused agree verdict
,
a
-
guilty was otherwise however when the decanters

It
,
.
had been emptied and when threats

of
violence were
,
the bewildering effects

of
to
added the potations which in

by
they indulged Thompson was threatened his more

.
unscrupulous companions with being wrecked beaten

,
,
and not left with sixpence the world and similar

in
,
“
"
means were used against the few who refused with kim
At
of
return verdict guilty the morning the

in
to
six
a a
,
by .
jury not this time was sober returned

of
man whom
,
,
pri
into court with verdict guilty recommending the

of
a
,
at
the strongest manner

in
soner the same time mercy

to
to .
Next day Orr was placed

at
the bar and sentenced

,
by
Lord Yelverton
at
death who recorded the

is
it
,
A,
by of
conclusion his address burst into tears motion

.
judgment chiefly
on
of
in
was made Curran arrest

,
the grounds the jury but the

of
of
the drunkenness
judges refused entertain the objection The following
to
.
by
the speech delivered William Orr after the verdict

of is
the jury had been announced

:
My friends and fellow countrymen the thirty first year

of
In
“
my life die upon the gallows and this

to
have been sentenced

,
I
pursrance
in
of
of
sentence has been verdict twelve men who

a
,
32 SPEECHES FROM THE DOCK
far
should have been indifferently and impartially chosen. How
so
they have been that country from which they have
to
leave
I
,
and how far they have discharged their
to
been chosen determine
;
pro
to
duty They have
in
to
leave their God and themselves
,
,
.
I
an
as
nouncing their verdict thought proper
to
recommend me
,
object humane mercy pray In they have
of
to
return God
if
,
I
,
.
have mercy upon them The judge who condemned me
to
erred
,
.
uttering my sentence But whether he
in
humanely shed tears
.
highly commending the wretched informer who
so
did wisely
in
,
swore away my life his own cool reflection solemnly
to
leave
,
, ,
allI
assuring him and the world with my dying breath that that
,
informer was foresworn
.
The law under which suffer surely severe one may the
is
“
a
ofit I
-
justified
be
makers and promoters the integrity their
in
of
of
motives and the purity their own lives By that law am
I
,
!
stamped felon but my heart disdains the imputation
a
66
.
My comfortable lot and industrious course life best refute
of
to ,
•
,
an
for
the charge being plunder

- of
adventurer but have loved
if
;
my country have felt the injuries
its
have known wrongs

to
to
—
all
persecuted
of
have united with them and

to
the Catholics and

,
in
other religious persuasions the most orderly and least sanguinary
am
be
procuring redress
—
of
means those felonies felon but

if
a
,
,
I
for
not otherwise Had my counsel whose honorable exertions
I
(
) .
for
high
in
am indebted prevailed have me tried

to
their motions
treason rather than under the insurrection law should have been
,
,
I
full defence and my actions have been better vindi

to
entitled
a
to
cated but that was refused and must now submit what has
I
To , ;
,
Home
passed
the generous protection my country
of
leave beloved
a
I
to
wife who has been constant and true me and whose grief for my
,
fate has already nearly occasioned her death have five living
I
.
children who have been my delight May they love their country
,
.
as
it
66have done and die for needful

if
,
I
Lastly false and ungenerous publication having appeared

, in
a
,
to on
newspaper stating certain alleged confessions guilt my part

of
,
a
at
and thus striking my reputation which dearer me than

is
,
of
life take this solemn method contradicting the calumny

I
I
.
.
by
was applied the high sheriff and the Rev. William Bristow
to
,
-
,
; to
sovereign make guilt who used en

of
of
Belfast confession
a
,
that effect this peremptorily refused thought

If
to
treaties
I
I
.
on
myself guilty would freely confess but the contrary

,
,
it,
,
I
glory my innocence
in
.
all , all
trust that my virtuous countrymen will bear me their

in
“
I
as
kind remembrance and continue true and faithful

to
each other
my heart
of
With this last wish

to
of
have been them

I
for
nothing doubting which suffer

of
that cause
of
the success
,
I
for
as
and hoping God's merciful forgiveness my

meof
such offences
die
frail nature may have any time betrayed peace

at
into
in
–I
all
and charity with mankind

”
.
Hardly had sentence of death been passed on William

Orr , when compunction seemed to seize on those who
had aided in securing that result. The witness Wheatly ,
who subsequently became insane , and is believed to have
died by his own hand , made an affidavit before a magis
trate acknowledging that he had sworn falsely against
Orr . Two of the jury made depositions setting forth
that they had been induced to join in the verdict or
guilty while under the influence of drink ; two others
swore that they had been terrified into the same course
by threats of violence .
These depositions were laid before the viceroy , but
Lord Camden , the then Lord Lieutenant, was deaf to
all
appeals Well might Orr exclaim within his dungeon
.
that the government had laid down system having
a
“
its
for object murder and devastation The prey was

”
all.
on
justice
in
of
the toils appeals
of
the hunters whom
. ,
and humanity were wasted

Orr was hung
of
the town Carrick
in
as
we have said
,
,
on
related that
of
fergus
It
the 14th October 1797.

is
,
'
the inhabitants
of
to
the town express their sympathy

,
by
with the patriot about being murdered

to
law and
,
mark their abhorrence

of
of
the conduct the government

masse on the day
towards him quitted the town of
en
,
his execution
.
His fate excited the deepest indignation throughout

by
on
in
of
the country was commented words fire

it
;
the national writers

of
the period and through many

an
,
after year the watchword and rallying cry the United

of
Irishmen was
REMEMBER ORR
"
.
HENRY AND JOHN SHEARES

.
AMONG the many distinguished Irishmen who acted pro

the stormy events
in
byof
minent parts 1798 and whose

,
us
to
names come down hallowed the sufferings and

sacrifices inseparable those dark days from the lot
in
of
C
an Irish patriot , there are few whose fate excited more

sympathy , more loved in life, more honored in death
than the brothers John and Henry Sheares . Even in
the days of Emmet and Wolfe Tone , of Russell and
Fitzgerald , when men of education , talent , and social
standing were not few in the national ranks , the Sheare.ses
were hailed as valuable accessions to the cause , and were
recognised by the United Irishmen as heaven -destined
for
leaders the people touching story the history
It
is
a
,
.
their patriotic exertions their betrayal trial and
of
,
,
by
studying such scenes
in
execution but our
;
is
it
to
history that Irishmen can learn estimate the sacrifices
for
which were made bygone days Ireland and attach
in
,
proper value the memory of the patriots who made
to
a
them
.
of
Henry and John Sheares were sons John Sheares
,
a
the Irish Parliament for the
in
in
banker Cork who sat

,
Clonakilty
to
borough The father appears
of
have been
.
kindly disposed liberal minded man and numerous

of ,
,
a
stories are told his unostentatious charity and bene

Henry the elder
. in
in of
volence the two sons was born

,
,
.
1753 and was educated Trinity College Dublin

,
,
he
After leaving college purchased commission the

in
a
51st Regiment military officer

to of
of
foot but the duties

,
a
his
temperament and disposition and

ill
were suited
,
the young soldier resigned his commission pursue

to
n
of
the more congenial occupation law student He was

.
the bar his brother John his junior

in
to
called 1790
;
by three years who had adopted the same profession

,
,
law two years pre

of
the rank
at
obtained barrister
-
-
viously The brothers differed from each other widely

.
Henry was gentle

in
character and disposition

in
man
.
his
ners modest and unassuming but firmly atached

to
,
,
principles and unswerving his fidelity the cause

in
to
he
,
which adopted John was bold impetuous and ener

, ,
,
;
getic ready plan and

. of
to
dare fertile
to
resources
,
,
of
quick To John
of
resolve and prompt execution

,
for
the elder brother looked guidance and example and

,
by
his gentle nature was ever ruled the more fiery and
his
impulsive spirit younger brother

of
On the death
.
of the father Henry Sheares came in for property to the

value of £ 1,200 per annum , which his rather improvident
habits soon diminished by one -half. Both brothers ,
however , obtained large practice at their profession , and
continued in affluent circumstances up to the day of their
arrest .
In 1792 the two brothers visited Paris , and this ex
cursion seems to haveformed the turning point of their
lives and fortunes . The French Revolution was in full
swing, and in the society of Roland , Brissot , and other
Republican leaders , the young Irishmen imbibed the love
of freedom , and impatience of tyranny and oppression ,
which they clung to so faithfully, and which distinguished
them so remarkably during the remainder of their lives .
On returning to Ireland in January , 1793 , the brothers
joined the ranks of the United Irishmen . John at once
became a prominent member of the society, and his
signature appears to several of the spirited and eloquent
addresses by which the Dublin branch sought from time
to time to arouse the ardour and stimulate the exertions
of their compatriots . The society of United Irishmen
looked for nothing more at this period than a thorough
measure of parliamentary reform , household suffrage
being the leading feature in their programme ; but when
the tyranny of the government drove the leaguers into
more violent and dangerous courses , when republican
government and separation from England were inscribed
on the banners of the society instead of electoral reform ,
and when the selfish and the wavering had shrunk aside,
the Sheareses still remained true to the United Irishmen ,
and seemed to grow more zealous and energetic in the
cause of their country according as the mists of perplexity
and danger gathered around it .
To follow out the history of the Sheareses connection
with the United Irishmen would be foreign to our inten
tion and to the scope this work . The limits of our
space oblige us to pass over the ground at a rapid pace ,
and we shall dismiss the period of the Sheareses ' lives
comprised in the years between 1793 and 1798 , by say .
ing that during that period , while practising their pro
all
fession with success , they devoted themselves with
of
of
their nature
to
the earnestness the furtherance the
In
objects
of
the United Irishmen March 1798 the
,
.
its of
affairs the organization became critical
of the arrest
;
the Directory
at
Oliver Bond's deprived the party
of
best and most trusted leaders besides placing
in
the
,
of
the government information relative
of
hands mass
a
to
the plans and resources the conspirators
of
To fill
.
the gap thus caused John Sheares was soon appointed
,
a
the Directory and
he
threw himself into the
of
member
,
his
of
work with all the ardour and energy nature The
.
of
fortunes the society had assumed desperate phase
a
when John Sheares became ruling spirit Tone wasits
.
England Russell Emmet
in
in
France O'Connor was
,
,
,
and Fitzgerald were prison But Sheares was not
in
.
all
his efforts towards bringing

he
disheartened directed
;
about the insurrection for which his countrymen had
so
long been preparing and the 23rd May 1798 was
of
,
,
,
by
on
fixed him for the outbreak He was after visiting

.
Wexford and Kildare and making arrangements

in
those
,
counties for the rising and was on the verge starting

of of
,
for
on
Cork similar mission when the hand treachery

,
a
cut short his career and the gates Kilmainham prison

of
,
pened
to
receive him
.
all
Amongst the human monsters who filled the ranks

the government informers that dark and troubled
in
of
of
period not one appears merit deeper measure

to
a
,
infamy than Captain Warnesford Armstrong the en

,
of
trapper and betrayer the Sheareses Having obtained

.
to
he
an
introduction John represented himself

as
,
zealous and hard working member the organization

of
-
and soon wormed himself completely into the confidence

of
his victims He paid daily visits

of
to
the house the

.
Baggot street chatted with their families

in
Sheareses
,
,
-
Henry Sheares upon his

of
and fondled the children

his
on
knee We have own testimony that each inter

it
.
he
view with the men whose confidence was sharing was

by
go
visit We need not through

to
followed the Castle

a
the sickening details this vile story treachery and

of of
of
fraud On the 21st May the Sheareses were arrested

.
and lodged in prison , and on the 12th of the following

month Armstrong appeared against them in the witness
box . The trial was continued through the night — Toler ,
of infamous memory , who had been created Attorney
General expressly for the occasion , refusing Curran's
request for an adjournment ; and it was eight o'clock in
the morning of the 13th when the jury , who had been
but seventeen minutes absent , returned into court with a
verdict of guilty against both prisoners .
After a few hours ' adjournment the court re -assembled
to pass sentence . It was then that John Sheares , speak
ing in a firm tone, addressed the court as follows :
“ My Lords — I wish to offer a few words before sentence is pro
nounced , because there is a weight pressing on my heart much
greater than that of the sentence which is to come from the
court . There has been , my lords , a weight pressing on my mind
from the first moment I heard the indictment read upon which I
was tried ; but that weight has been more peculiarly pressing upon
my heart when I
found the accusation in the indictment enforced
and supported upon the trial . That weight would be left insup
portable if it were not
for
this opportunity discharging
I
of
it
;
be
shall feel insupportable since my country has

to
it
of
verdict
a
Do
not think my lords

a as
stamped that evidence well founded

,
,
.
declaration against the verdict

to
of
that am about make the

I
jury the persons concerned with the trial am only about

to or
;
I
your recollection part the charge which my soul

at
of
call
a
no
opportunity renouncing
it
shudders and had before your

of
if
I
,
no
be
to
lordships and this auditory courage would sufficient support

,
me The accusation speak linger here yet

of
which while
I
,
a
.
holding people Ireland

to
of
its of
minute that out the direction

no is
a
,
for
give quarter the troops fighting My lords

to
to
defence
,
!
say
be
let me any acquaintances

in
thus that there this crowded

if
,
court do not say my intimate friends but acquaintances who

—
,
I
-
not know what

be
do
say truth shall reputed the wretch

is
I
,
I
which am not say any acquaintance mine can believe that

no of
if
I
;
I
giving
of
could utter quarter yielding

I
recommendation
to
a
a
no foe
and unoffending
a to
is
not the death which am about suffer

it
I
,
be
punishment could adequate

anto
that deserve such crime

--
I
My lords can not only acquit my soul

of
such intention but

,
I
,
of
the presence that God before whom must shortly

in
declare
I
no
appear that the favourite doctrine my heart was that human

of
,
,
being should suffer death but when absolute necessity required

it
.
My lords feel making this declaration which

in
consolation
,
,
a
I
nothing else could afford me because

is
not only justification

it
a
,
myself but where sealing my life with that breath which

of
am
,
I
cannot be suspected of falsehood , what I

say may make some im .
pression upon the minds of men not holding the same doctrine . I
declare to God I
know of no crime but assassination which can
eclipse or equal that of which I am accused. discern no shade of I
foe
guilt between that and taking away the life of a by putting
doa
,
he
to
bayonet his heart when yielding and surrendering
is
.
I
my country
do
request the bench request
to
of
believe that me
-
I
am
to
believe that me of sure God will think that
of
me Now
--
,
I
.
my lords have no favour ask of the court my country has
to
;
,
I
decided am guilty and the law says shall suffer sees that
it
I
,
I
I
-
am ready But my lords request
to
, to
a of
suffer have favour
a
,
I
.
the court that does not relate myself My lords
to
have
I
brother whom have even loved dearer than myself but not
it
is
,
I
to
from any affection for him alone that am induced make the
I
request He would hope prepared
to
man and therefore die
is
a
do
,
I
.
he
do
as
he stood though
-
—
if
not stand unconnected but

I
;
I
In
stands more dearly connected short my lords spare your
to
,
in son ,
.
do
feelings and my own not pray that that should not die
I
, ,
I
,
I
a to all
but that the husband the father the comprised
in
one
,
person holding these relations dearer life him than any other
-
do
pray pardon for that
as is
man know for such man not
a
,
in I
the power the court but pray respite for such time
of
not
a
,
I
its
humanity and discretion shall think proper You

, in
the court
.
have heard my lords that his private affairs require arrangement
,
.
myself your lordships with the knowledge
is
to
When address
I
it
,
all
you will have our aged mother being gone

of
Two
of
the sons .
perished King one very recently
, in
of
have the service the
I
-
only request that disposing me with what swiftness either the .

of
respite may my
be
or
public mind justice requires given

to
a
,
all
hother that the family may acqaire strength

to
bear That
, it
,
.
all
to
my last breath and shall

it
wish shall remember

is
I
;
I
all
up
us
my prayers for you that Being who has endued

to
offer
all
with the sensibility That have nothing

to
feel ask
is
I
.
say
to
more
.”
was four o'clock p.m. when the judge proceeded

to
It
pass sentence and the following morning was appointed

,
At mid day
to on
for the double execution Saturday

,
-
.
July 14th the hapless men were removed the room

,
adjoining the place execution where they exchanged

of
last embrace They were then pinioned the black

a
by
.
caps put over their brows and holding each other the
,
on
hand they tottered out the platform The elder

,
brother was somewhat moved by the terrors

of
his situa
tion but the younger bore his fate with unflinching firm
,
ness They were launched together into eternity the

—
.
same moment saw them dangling lifeless corpses before

the prison walls . They had lived in affectionate unity ,
inspired by the same motives, labouring for the same
tie
cause, and death did not dissolve the They died
“
.
hand like true brothers
in
hand
”
.
When the hangman's hideous office was completed the
,
bodies were taken down and the executioner in accord
,
of
ance with the barbarous custom the time proceeded
,
to
It
sever the heads from the bodies said however
is
,
.
Henry Sheares was that horrible
on
the body
of
that only
act performed While the arrangements for the execu
.
tion were Barrington had been

progress Sir Jonah
in
on
making intercession with Lord Clare their behalf and
,
beseeching respite His lordship declared that
at
least
a
John Sheares could not
be
of
the life spared but said
,
that Henry might possibly have something say which
to
would induce the government
to
commute his sentence
;
he
an
furnished Sir Jonah with order delay the exe to

cution one hour and told him communicate with
to
,
Henry Sheares
on
the subject hastened writes

I
",
.
Sir Jonah Newgate and arrived the very moment

at
to
,
,
“
up
that the executioner was holding my ald

of
the head
college friend and saying
n
of
Here the head traitor

is
,
'",
a
“
by
this order having been issued the gove

of
The fact
ment may have far interrupted the bloody work
on
so
,
the younger Sheares

of
the scaffold
to
as
save the remains

the patriots were in
of
from mutilation The bodies

.
the night
on
of
St.
in
terred the execution the vaults

of
Michan's church where enclosed

in
oaken coffins marked

,
,
in
the usual manner with the names and ages the

of
deceased they still repose Many pious visit has since

,
a
.
been paid those dim chambers_many

to
heart filled
,
a
with love and pity has throbbed above those coffin lids—
,
many tear has dropped upon them But not

it
is
of a
a
.
by
feeling grief alone that inspired the memory

of
is
those martyrs hope courage constancy are

to
freedom
,
;
, ,
,
by
the lessons taught their lives and the patriotic spirit

that ruled their career still awake and active
in
is
Ireland
.
ROBERT EMMET .
all
Irish history there
no
IN name which touches the
is
Irish heart like that
of
Robert Emmet We read
in
,
.
men who laid down their lives
of
that eventful record
,
or of
of
for Ireland amid the roar and crash battle others
,
by
of
who perished the headsman's axe the halter the
for
in
hangman others whose eyes were closed
of
ever
,
the gloom English dungeons and many whose

of
of
of ,
hearts broke amid the sorrows involuntary exile
to of
;
of
men too who the great warfare mind rendered
in
,
,
less memorable and glorious

no
the Irish cause services
.
They are neither forgotten nor unhonoured The warrior
.
of
Hugh O'Neill
to
is
figure familiar vision Irishmen

a
;
the foreign battle field with that
on
Sarsfield expiring -
on
infinitely pathetic and noble utterance
his
lips
Would that this were for Ireland cherished re -is
a
“
patriotic spirit dwells

of
membrance and that last cry

,
för ever about our hearts Grattan battling against

;
a
to
corrupt and venal faction first win and then
to
defend
,
the independence his country astonishing friends and

of
,
on the
by
foes alike dazzling splendour

of
his eloquence
;
and O'Connell the hill sides pleading for the restora

-
Ireland's rights and rousing his countrymen

of
tion
to
,
struggle for them are pictures which we are proud

of
,
memories that will live song and story while the Irish
in
distinct existence But

in
in
race has the world the

a
.
of of
character Robert Emmet there was such rare com

a
bination admirable qualities and his history there

in
of ,
so
many
of
are the elements romance that the man

,
as
stands before our mental vision peculiarly noble and

a
loveable being with claims upon our sympathies that are

,
absolutely without parallel He had youth talent

,
a
,
of .
social position fair share fortune and bright pros

,
a
he ,
on
pects for the future his side when

in
embarked the
cause that had but recently been sunk
of
in
service
a
defeat and ruin Courage genius enthusiasm were his

, ,
,
.
high hopes and strong affections

all
based upon and

ROBERT EMMET .
sweetened by a nature utterly free from guile . He was

an orator and a poet ; in the one art he had already
achieved distinction , in the other he was certain to take
a high place , if he should make that an object of his
ambition . He was a true patriot, true soldier , and true
lover . If
the story of his political life is full of melan
choly interest , and calculated to awaken profound emo
tions of reverence for his memory , the story of his affec
tions is not less touching. Truly, “ there's not a line
all
but hath been wept upon . So it is , that of the heroic
men who risked and lost everything for Ireland none
is
so ,
frequently remembered none tenderly
as so
thought
of of
is
,
Robert Emmet Poetry has cast halo light upon
a
.
the youthful martyr and some

of
toof
the name the
sweetest strains of Irish music are consecrated his ,
memory
of
on
Robert Emmet was born the 4th March 1778
.
well
of
He was the third son Doctor Robert Emmet
,
a
known and highly respectable physician Dublin of
.
Thomas Addis Emmet already mentioned these pages
in
,
,
of
the associate Tone the Sheareses and other members

,
,
an
the United Irish organization was

of
of
elder brother
,
by
Robert and his senior some sixteen years Just

,
about the period when the United Irishmen were form

ing themselves into secret revolutionary society young
,
to a
Trinity
his
in
Emmet was sent receive education

College the lad's political opinions
of
There the bent

.
he
was soon detected but among his fellow students

;
found many and amongst them older heads than his

,
own who not only shared his views but went beyond
,
,
in
of
them the direction liberal and democratic principles

.
In
the Historical Society composed

of
of
the alumni the

-
at
on
college and whose books this time were many

,
names that subsequently became famous those kindred

--
of
spirits made for themselves many opportunities giving

expression their sentiments and showing that their
in to
for
hearts beat unison with the great movement human

To
freedom which was then agitating the world their

.
debates Emmet brought the aid fine intellect and

of
a
a
fluent utterance , and he soon became the orator of the

patriot party .
So great was the effect created by his fervid eloquence
and his admirable reasoning , that the heads of the college
thought it prudent on several occasions to send one of
the ablest of their body to take part in the proceedings ,
and assist in refuting the argumentation of the " young
Jacobin .” And to such extremities did matters proceed
at last that Emmet , with several of his political friends,
was expelled the college, others less obnoxious to the
authorities were subjected to a severe reprimand , and
the society , thus terrorised and weakened , soon ceased to
exist . Our national poet , Thomas Moore , the fellow
student and intimate friend of young Emmet , witnessed
niany of those displays of his abilities , and in his “ Life
and Death of Lord Edward Fitzgerald ," speaks of him in
terms of the highest admiration . “ Were ,” he says, I
all
“ to number the men among have ever known who

I
me
to
appeared the greatest degree pure

to
combine
in
moral worth with intellectual power

I
should among
,
,
the few place Robert Emmet He
of
the highest
,
“
"
.
was writes the same authority wholly free from the

,
“
”,
ho
of
follies and frailties youth though how capable

-
was the most devoted passion events afterwards

of
Of
says
he
proved his oratory have heard little

,
,
“
.”
since that appeared to me

of
loftier what far

or
is
a
a
more rare quality Irish eloquence purer character

in
.”
this greatly gifted youth

he
And the appearance

in of
thus
,
describes Simple all his habits and with repose

,
a
“
:
look and manner indicating but little movement

of
within was only when the spring was touched that

it
,
set his feelings and through them his intellect

in
motion
,
ordinary men
he
all rose above the level No

of
that
at
.
be
to
two individuals indeed could much more unlike

each other than was the same youth himself before
to
rising
to
speak and after the brow that had appeared

;
inanimate and almost drooping once elevating itself

at
,
all
power and the whole counte

of
the consciousness
to
nance and figure the speaker assuming change

of
as
of
one suddenly inspired

”
.
The expulsion of Emmet from the college occurred in

the month of February , 1798. On the 12th of the fol
lowing month his brother , Thomas Addis Emmet, was
arrested . The manner in which this noble -hearted
gentleman took the oath of the United Irish Society , in
the year of 1795 , is so remarkable that we cannot omit
mention of it here . His services as a lawyer having been
engaged in the defence of some persons who stood charged
with having sworn in members to the United Irish
for
the
organization - crime which William Orr was sub
he
sequently tried and executed
of
the course
in
the
,
-
up
proceedings took the oath and read with remark
it
,
able deliberation and solemnity Then taking into his
,
.
for
to on
hand the prayer book that lay the table the swear
ing witnesses and looking
of
the bench and around

,
he
the court said aloud

,
My Lords Here the presence this legal court

of
in
,
“
,
-
this crowded auditory the presence the Being that of

in
-
sees and witnesses and directs this judicial tribunal

,
-
here my lords myself the presence
of
God declare
in
,
,
,
I,
take this oath ,

I
of .'
The terms this time were fact per

at
the oath
in
,
,
fectly constitutional having reference simply attain

to
,
due representation par

of
of
the Irish nation

in
ment
a
society declared
of
liament still the oath was that

a to
a
,
-
of
the
illegal and
be
administration had been made

it
,
capital offence
of
The boldness
in
the advocate thus

.
to
to
administering open court appeared

in
himself
it
paralyse the minds the judges They took no notice

of
.
of
the act and what was even more remarkable the

,
,
prisoners who were convicted received lenient sen

a
,
tence
.
of
But return Robert Emmet

to
to
the events 1798

,
-
on
be
might powerful effect

supposed the feel
as
had
a
,
he
ings the enthusiastic young patriot and

to in of of
was not
,
active participation with the leaders

of
free the move

object of suspi
an
of
ment Dublin He was course

,
,
.
cion the government and appears marvellous that

it
,
they did not immediately take him into their safe keep
ing under the provisions the Habeas Corpus Suspension
of
Act . Ere long, however , he found that prudence would
his
his
or
counsel concealment disappearance from the
for
his
he
country and took departure the Continent
; ,
he , the Irish refugees
of
where met with whole host
by
1802 was joined
of
in
and his brother and others the
,
,
political prisoners who had been released from the con

distinct agreement
of
finement which violation
in
to
— a
between them and the government they had been sub
jected Fort George Their sufferings had
in
in
Scotland
,
.
not broken their spirit There was hope still they
,
.
thought for Ireland great opportunities were about
to
;
,
dawn upon that often defeated but still unconquerable

,
nation and they applied themselves pre
of
the task
to
,
paring the Irish people

to
take advantage
of
them
.
At home the condition
as
of
to
affairs was not such
discourage them The people had not lost heart the
;
.
fighting spirit was still rife amongst them The rebellion

.
had been trampled out but had been sustained mainly
it
,
by
county or two and show that

be to
had served
it
to à
a
general uprising the people would

of
sufficient
sweep every vestige British power from the land
of
.
Then they had
in
their favour the exasperation against

by
the government which was caused that most infamous

But they
inof
the passage Union

of
transaction the Act

,
found their chief encouragement

of
the imminence
another war between France and England Once more
.
the United Irishmen put themselves into communication

re
with Buonaparte then First Consul and again they

,
ceived flattering promises

of
assistance Robert Emmet

.
an
obtained interview with that great man and learned

on ,
from him that was his settled purpose the breaking

it
to
hostilities which could not long

of
be
out deferred
,
,
England Full high hopes Emmet

of
effect an invasion
of
,
.
he
Dublin was now

in
to
as
returned October 1802 and

;
,
in
he
of
very heart movement for another insurrection

a
,
to
took every precaution avoid discovery He passed

.
as
under feigned names and moved about little

as
,
possible He gathered together the remnants

of of
the
.
United Irish organization and with some money his

,
by
own added considerable sums supplied him

to
to
a
,
Mr. Long , a ‫ןב‬ merchant , residing at No. 4 Crow - street ,

and other sympathisers , he commenced the collection of
an armament and military stores for his followers . In
the month of May, 1803 , the expected war between
France and England broke out . This event of course
his
raised still higher hopes and gave great stimulus
to
,
a
he
his exertions To and fro went from one
to
another
.
he
the depots which
of
had established for the manufac

ture and storage various parts the city
, of
of
in
arms
,
cheering directing and assisting his men their work
at
,
.
Pikes were got ready by
the thousand and ingeniously
,
be
stowed away until they should wanted rockets hand
,
;
pre
grenades and other deadly missiles were carefully
,
pared but an accidental explosion which occurred
of in on
;
,
July
of
of
the 16th
in
one these manufactories situate

,
to
Patrick street was very near leading the discovery
,
-
of
tire business and had the effect precipitating
,
at
the outbreak The government this time had un

.
on
doubtedly got
of
the seent the movement and the
,
no
bringing
be
in
to
leaders considered that time was lost

up
Emmet now took his abode
of in
to
matters crisis
a
the Marshalsea lane depot snatching his few hours

,
by
-
all
on
sleep mattress surrounded the implements

a
“
he ,
his
of
death final arrangement

of
There made
a
.”
his subordi
forto
plans and communicated his instructions

, ,
nates fixing the 23rd July the rising

as
of
the date
.
The history that unfortunate attempt need not here

of
be
Suffice say that the arrangements mis

to
written
it
.
nearly every particular The men the num

in
carried
in
.
bers calculated upon did not assemble

at
the appointed
the appointed places and the whole force that
in
or
time
,
on
Thomas street for the attack

in
turned out the Castle

-
did not number hundred insurgents They were joined

a
.
by
riotous and noisy rabble and their unfortunate

a
had pre
his
as
leader soon perceived that following was

,
viously been said the king's troops

to
formidable every
of
,
“
They had not proceeded

on
one but the enemy

far
".”
;
their way when carriage which were Lord Kilwarden

in
,
,
ofa
Chief Justice the King's Bench his daughter and his

,
nephew the Rev. Mr. Wolfe drove into the street The
,
,
.
vehicle was stopped , and the Chief Justice was imme

diately piked by a man in the crowd whose son he had
some time previously condemned to execution . The
clergyman also was pulled out of the carriage and put to
death . To the lady no violence was offered , and Emmet
himself , who had heard of the deplorable tragedy , rush
ing from the head of his party, bore her in his arms to
an adjoining house . No attack on the Castle took place ;
the insurgent party scattered and melted away even
before the appearance of military on the scene , and in
little more than an hour from the time of his setting out
on his desperate enterprise , Robert Emmet was a defeated
and ruined man , a fugitive , with the whole host of
British spies and bloodhounds employed to hunt him to
the death .
Yet he might have foiled them and got clear out of
in his
all
he
personal safety was
on
the country if earth
cared for But
of
that noble heart his there was one

.
passion Ireland and not un

of
existent with his love

of co
,
-
worthy the companionship which forbade his imme

,
all
diate flight With that intensity

of
affection which of
.
so he
so
so
as
nature pure and ardent his was capable

,
a
him
being every way worthy lady

of
loved
in
a
a
-
fair
gentle and good and that even less poetic

to
,
to a
,
imagination than his own she might seem fitting

be
a
,
in his
by
personification beloved Erin and her he was

of
loved and trusted return Who that has not

is
it
.
heard her name —who has not mourned over the story
! ?
of In
of
Sarah Curran the ruin that had fallen on the

hopes and fortunes the patriot chief the happiness
of
,
this amiable lady was involved He would not leave

.
no
though
an
without interview with her thousand

a
!
-
be
of reto
deaths should the penalty The delay was fatal

.
For more than

he
of
his chances escape month

a
.
by
mained concealment protected the fidelity

in
to
whom belonged the humbler walks

of
friends many
,
particular the heroic Anne

of
life and one

in
of
whom
,
Devlin from whom neither proffered bribes por cruel

,
byof
his
tortures could extort single hint place

to
as
a
be
grateful
in
abode should ever held remembrance

—
Irishmen . At length on the 25th of August,
ofthe
ill
fated
-
young gentleman was arrested Mrs.
in
the house
a
at
of
Palmer Harold's cross On the 19th September
.
was put
his
on
he
trial the court house Green street
in
, ,
-
-
on
of no
charged with high treason He entered defence
.
few
beyond making the course the pro
in
remarks
a
ceedings with view the moral and political justifica
to
a
The jury without leaving their
of
tion his conduct
,
.
guilty against him after which
of
box returned verdict
,
a
;
,
having been asked due form why sentence
of
in death
him
be
he
should not pronounced upon delivered this
,
memorable speech every line
of
which known and
is
,
of
to
dear the hearts the Irish race
:
My LORDS say why sentence
—
am asked what have
to
of
“
I
I
law
be
on
to
death should not pronounced me according have
I
,
.
nothing say that can alter your predetermination
to
nor that
it
,
I to
will become me say with any view the mitigation
of
to
that
,
.by
sentence which you are pronounce and But
to
must abide
,
I
say which interests me more than life and which you
to
have that ,
destroy say why my reputation
to
have laboured
to
have much
I
.
be
rescued from the load false accusation and calumny

do of
should
which has been cast upon not imagine that seated where
it
,
I
so .
to
I as
you are your mind can be free from prejudice receive the
,
no
impression from what am going have hopes
to
least utter
I
of .
in
that can anchor my character the breast court constituted

a
I
only wish and that

as
and trammelled this the utmost that

is
is
I
,
.
float down your

to
expect that your lordships may suffer

it
I
by
prejudice until
of
memories untainted the foul breath finds

it
,
by
it
some more hospitable harbour from the storms

to
shelter
which Was only suffer death after being
to
buffetted
it
is
,
I
.
by
adjudged guilty your tribunal silence and

in
should bow
I;
meet the fate that awaits me without murmur but the sentence
a
the law which delivers my body the executioner will through

of
itsto
to ,
the ministry consign

of
the law labour own vindication

in
,
,
for
my character guilt somewhere

be
obloquy
to
there must
,
in of ;
or
the catastrophe time

in
in
whether the sentence the court

,
,
my situation has not only

to
must determine man encounter

A
.
of
power over minds which

of
the difficulties fortune and the force

,
subjugated
of
has corrupted established

or
but the difficulties

it
prejudice The man dies but his memory lives That mine may
,
.
not perish that may live the respect my countrymen

of
in
it
,
I,
seize upon this opportunity vindicate myself from some the

of
to
When my spirit shall

be
to
charges alleged against me wafted

of a
.
more friendly port when my shade shall have joined the bands
—
on
those martyred heroes who have shed their blood the scaffold
D
and in the field in the defence of their country and of virtue , this is
my hope — I wish that my memory and name may animate those
who survive me , while I look down with complacency on the de ..
its
struction of that perfidions government which upholds domina
by
which displays
its
tion blasphemy the Most High power
—
of
as
the forest which sets man upon
—
, of
over man over the beasts
,
of
his brother and lifts his hand the name God against the
or in
,
,
little more little
is or
of
throat his fellow who believes doubts
a
—
less than the government standard government which steeled
a
by
barbarity the orphans and the tears the widows
of
it to
of
the cries
,
has made
.'
Here Lord Norbury interrupted Mr. Emmet saying— that
did ,
"
[
he
.” as
the mean and wicked enthusiasts who felt were not equal
,
the accomplishment their wild designs
of
to
by
of
appeal the immaculate God- swear the Throne
to
“
I
I
by
must shortly appear—
of
Heaven before which the blood the
,
my
murdered patriots who have gone before me that
—
conduct has
all
been through this peril and through all my purposes governed

,
,
,
only by the conviction which
no
by
have uttered and other view ,
I
my country from the superin

of
the emancipation
of
than that
long and too patiently
so
human oppression under which she has
as
confidently hope that wild and chimerical
,
travailed and
it
;
still union and strength Ireland

in
to
may appear there accom
of is
,
Of
plish this noblest enterprises this speak with confidence
,
I
.
intimate knowledge and with the consolation that appertains
to
of
A for
that confidence Think not my lords say this the petty
,
a ,
I
.
gratification giving you transitory uneasiness man who

of
.
his
will not hazard his character

lie
never yet raised

to
voice assert
,
a
on
by
so
with posterity asserting falsehood subject important

, ,
a
an
his country and on

to
occasion like this Yes my lords man

,
a
,
.
to
who does not wish have his epitaph written until his country
in preis
in
liberated will not leave weapon the power envy

, or
of
,
a
,
impeach the probity which

he
preserve even
to
to
tence means
the grave which tyranny consigns him
I heto
”
,
Here was again interrupted by the court

]
« [
Again say that what have spoken was not intended for
I
,
your lordship whose situation commisserate rather than envy

,
my expressions were for my countrymen

If
true Irish
is
there
a
.
man present let my last words cheer him his

of
the hour
in
,
affliction
to he "
.
Lord Norbury said

he
Here was again interrupted did not

.
[
sit there hear treason

.]
be
have always understood the duty judge when

to
of
it
to . a
“
law
I
prisoner has been convicted pronounce the sentence the

of
to
,
have also understood that judges sometimes think their duty

; it
I
to
hear with patience and speak with humanity

to
exhort the
,
to
victim offer with tender benignity their opinions

of
the laws and

,
,
by,
he
of to he
which the crime which

in
of
of
the motives was actuated

That judge has thought
so
was adjudged guilty his duty

it
; a
no .
have done have doubt but where the boasted freedom

is
,
I
your institutions —where is the vaunted impartiality , clemency , and

mildness of your courts of justice if an unfortunate prisoner , whom
your policy , and not justice , is about to deliver into the hands of
the executioner , is not suffered to explain his motives sincerely and
truly, and to vindicate the principles by which he was actuated ?
My lords , it may be a part of the system of angry justice to bow a
man's mind by humiliation to the purposed ignominy of the
scaffold ; but worse to me than the purposed shame, or the scaffold's
,
terrors would be the shame of such foul and unfounded imputations
judge ;
also .
I
as have been laid against me in this court . You , my lord , are a
am the supposed culprit . I
am a man ; you are a man
By a revolution of power we might change places , though we
never could change characters . If I stand at the bar of this court ,
and dare not vindicate my character , what a farce is your justice !
If I stand at this bar and dare not vindicate my character , how
dare you calumniate it . Does the sentence of death , which your
unhallowed policy inflicts on my body , condemn my tongue to
silence and my reputation to reproach ? Your executioner may
abridge the period of my existence ; but while I exist I shall not
forbear to vindicate my character and motives from your aspersions ;
and , as a man , to whom fame is dearer than life , I will make the
last use of that life in doing justice to that reputation which is to
live after me , and which is the only legacy I can leave to those I
for
honor and love , and

of at to
As
whom am proud perish men my
I
,
.
on
lords we must appear the great day one commion tribunal
, a ;
it ,
.and will then remain for the Searcher all hearts show to
collective universe who was engaged
in
the most virtuous actions

,
by
my country's oppressor
or
swayed the purest motives
or
listen to the sentence

.
he
was interrupted and told of

to
Here
,
[
the law
].
My lords will
be
dying man denied the legal privilege

of
a
,
'
an
exculpating himself the eyes the community from unde

in
of
by
served reproach thrown upon him during his trial charging

,
for ,
him with ambition and attempting cast away paltry con

to
,
a
his
sideration the liberties country Why did your lordships

of
?
, of Or
insult me why insult justice demanding

in
of
rather me
,
?
why sentence
be
death should not pronounced against me

?
, theI
know my lords that form prescribes that you should ask

,
question The form also presents the right answering

of
This
, .
.
be
doubt may
of no
so
dispensed with and might the whole ceremony

,
the trial since sentence was already pronounced

at
the Castle
,
before the jury were empanelled Your lordships are but the
on.
priests
of
the oracle and insist the forms

of
the whole
,
"
.
Here Mr. Emmet paused and the court desired him proceed
to
,
[
]
.
an
am charged with being emissary An emissary

of
France
"
I
.
for
alleged that
of
and sell
; It
to
France what end wished

is
?
I
!
for
the independence my country Was this

of
and what end

?
no by
object my
of
the ambition And this the mode which

is
; a
?
am
justice reconciles contradiction emissary

of
tribunal No
;
?
my
of
my place among
to
and ambition was hold the deliverers

a
52 SPEECHES FROM THE DOCK ,
country , not in power nor in profit , but in the glory of the achieve
for
ment . Sell my country's independence to France ! and what
?
Oh
Was change No but for my ambition my
of
masters
it
,
a
.
country was personal ambition that could influence me Had
it
?
,
my actions could
by
been the soul my education and
of
not
it
,
I
by
my family have placed
of
fortune the rank and consideration
,
,
myself amongst the proudest your oppressor My Country was
of
.
To
my Idol sacrificed every selfish every endearing senti

it it
,
I
.
up
ment and for now offer myself God No my lords
O
,
;
;
,
I
!
I
an
on
as
acted Irishman determined delivering my country from

,
of
the yoke foreign and unrelenting tyranny and the more
,
of a
.
joint partner and
its
galling yoke domestic faction which
is
a
an
perpetrator patricide froni the ignominy existing with
in
the
,
It
splendour and conscious depravity
of
exterior was the wish

a
.
my
to
my heart country from this doubly

of
extricate rivetted
despotism place her independence beyond the reach
to
wished
-I
on
to
any power that proud
to
inof
earth wished exalt her station

I
.
the world Connection with France was indeed intended but

,
,
.
as
, to as
only require Were
or
far mutual interest would sanction
.
the French assume any authority inconsistent with the purest
signal for their destruction
be
independence would We sought

it
.
aid
as
their and we sought we had assurance we should obtain

—
it
to
in
as
peace Were the French

or in
auxiliaries war and allies

it
,
-
of by
as
the people
. of
come invaders enemies uninvited the wishes
,
,
should oppose them my strength Yes my
to
the utmost
I
countrymen should advise you meet them upon the beach !

to
,
I
with sword
in
in
one hand and torch the other would meet

a
a
I
.
them with all the destructive fury would animate my

of
war
I
.
countrymen their boats before they had con

in
to
immolate them
,
my country they succeeded landing

of
in
If
taminated the soil

,
.
retire before superior discipline would dispute

to
and forced
if
,
I
every inch ground burn every blade grass and the last
of
of
,
,
liberty should
be
my grave What could not

of
entrenchment
I
.
should fall iny

do
as
myself last charge

,
to
should leave
if
I
a
; ,
I
countrymen accomplish should feel conscious that

to
because
I
life any more than death unprofitable when foreign nation

is
,
, as a
,
an
holls my country subjection But was not enemy that

in
it
.
to
of
the succours France were land looked indeed for the

I
,
.
— to
prove
to
to
of
assistance France but wished France and the

I
;
in
be
that they were

to
world that Irishmen deserved assisted

dignant slavery and ready assert the independence and liberty
at
to
,
for
by of
their country procure my country the guarantee

to
wished
;
I
for
Washington
an
which procured procure

to
America aid which

as --
, ,
its
be
its valour disciplined

as
example would important

,
of ;
gallant pregnant with science and experience that people who

,
would perceive the good and polish the rough points our charac
us of
,
ter
They would come

to
us
as
as
strangers and leave friends

,
,
.
after sharing our perils and elevating our destiny

in
These were
to
.
my objects receive new taskmasters but expel old

to
not
It ;
tyrants was for these ends sought aid from France because
I
;
.
France , even as an enemy, could not be more implacable than the

enemy already in the bosom of my country .
[Here he was interrupted by the court . ]
* I have been charged with that importance in the emancipation
of my country , as to be consided the key - stone of the combination
of Irishmen ; or, as your lordship expressed it , “ the life and blood
of the conspiracy . " You do mehonour over much ; you have given
to the subaltern all the credit of a superior . There are men en
gaged in this conspiracy who are not only superior to me , but even
to your own conceptions of yourself , my lord —men before the
splendour of whose genius and virtues should bow with respectfulI
deference , and who would think themselves disgraced by shaking
your blood -stained hand . ”
[ Here he was interrupted .]
What , my lord , shall you tell me , on the passage to the scaffold ,
which that tyranny ( of which you are only the intermediary exe
for
for
all
cutioner ) has erected my murder that am accountable
,
I
be
the blood that has and will shed this struggle the oppressed
in
of
be
shall you tell me this and must
so
against the oppressor
I
-
to
do
as
very not repel not fear approach the
to
slave
it
a
?
I
Omnipotent Judge answer for the conduct my whole life and

to
of
;
by
Bybe
appalled and falsified mortality

to
of
am mere remnant
a
I
you too although were possible collect all the

to
here
if
it
,
,
?
innocent blood that you have shed your ministry

in
in
unhallowed
one great reservoir your lordship might swim
in
it
"
.
Here the judge interfered

I .]
“ (
no
Let man dare when am dead to charge me with dis

,
of , ,
by
man attaint my memory

no
honor let believing that could

I
;
have engaged any cause but that my country's liberty and

in
could have become the pliant minion

of
independence
or
that
I
;
power the oppression and misery my country The procla

of
in
,
or no
the Provisional Government speaks for our views

of
mation
;
be
countenance barbarity
it
to
inference can tortured from

subjection humiliation treachery from
or
or
at
debasement home
,
,
,
abroad would not have submitted foreign oppressor for the

to
I
,
.
same reason that would resist the foreign and domestic oppressor
I
the dignity
In
would have fought upon the threshold

of
freedom
,
I, I
by
my country and
its
enemy should enter only passing over my

of
for
lifeless corpse And am who lived but my country and who

,
.
subjected myself dangers the jealous

to
of
have the and watchful

oppressor and the bondage the grave only give my country
to
of
,
rights my
be
country her independence am

to
I
men their and

it ,
,
loaded with calumny and not suffered No God

to
resent
,
;
?
forbid
!"
Here Lord Norbury told Mr. Emmet that his sentiments and
his
language disgraced family and his education but more particu

if ,
larly his father Dr. Emmet who was man alive that would
,
a
,
,
To
not countenance such opinions which Mr. Emmet replied

.
the spirits the illustrious dead participate

in
If
of
the concerns
“
of
this transitory life

in
to
and cares those who were dear them

,
oh ! ever dear and venerated shade of my departed father , look
see if I
down with scrutiny upon the conduct of your suffering son , and
have , even for a moment , deviated from those principles of
morality and patriotism which it was your care to instil into my
am
for
offer up my life
to
youthful mind , and which now about
.
My lords you are impatient for the sacrifice The blood which
,
.
by
you seek not congealed the artificial terrors which surround
is
it
your victim circulates warmly and unruffled through the
-
for
channels which God created noble purposes but which you are
,
to ! for
so
destroy purposes grievous that they cry
to
now bent
,
to Be
yet patient say

I
is to
heaven have but few more words
--
a
I
.
am
life
going my cold and silent grave my lamp nearly
of
extinguished my race run--the grave opens
to
is
receive me and
,
its -
sink into bosom have but one request my de
to
at
ask
I
I
Let
OF
parture from this world THE CHARITY ITS SILENCE
is
; it
let --
,
.
no
no
man write my epitaph for
as
man who knows my motives

dare now vindicate them not prejudice ignorance asperse
or
,
them Let them and me rest obscurity

in
and peace and my

.
;
tomb remain uninscribed and my memory oblivion until other in
,
,
do
justice my character When my

to
times and other men can
.
country takes her place among the nations
of
the earth then and
,
not till then let my epitaph
be
written have done

I
.”
,
of we
This affecting address was spoken

as
learn from
-
the painstaking and generous biographer the United
; be
Irishmen Dr Madden- voice
to
so
as
in
loud
,
of a
,
distinctly heard
at
the outer doors the court house

-
and yet though spoke

he
in
loud tone there was

,
nothing boisterous his manner

and his accents
in
;
on
of
cadence voice the contrary were exquisitely

mo
,
,
His action was very remarkable

its
dulated
as ofor
greater
,
.
lesser vehemence corresponded with the rise and fall

his voice He moving about the dock
as
described
is
,
.
he
in
warmed his address with rapid but not ungraceful

,
,
motions now front of

the railing before the bench
—
in
,
his
his
then retiring body well

if
as
mind were
of as
as
,
,
,
swelling beyond the measure

its
chains His action

.
was not confined

no in ac
to
he to
his hands he seemed have

;
quired swaying motion the body when spoke

of
a
public which was peculiar

to
him but there was

,
,
in
affectation
it
"
.
At
ten o'clock p.m. on the day

of
his trial the bar

,
,
of
barous sentence the law the same that we have

so
-
on
recently heard passed prisoners standing

in
that same
SPEECHES FROM THE DOCK , 55
dock , accused of the same offence against the rulers of

this country - was passed on Robert Emmet Only a .
few hours were given him in which to withdraw his
on
fix
thoughts from the things of this world and them the
next He was hurried away midnight from Newgate
at
,
.
,
jail passing through Thomas street the
to
Kilmainham
,
-
,
his attempted insurrection Hardly had the
of
scene
.
prison van driven through when workmen arrived and
,
the gibbet from which his
of
commenced the erection
be
of
body was
a on
suspended About the hour
of to
noon
,
he.
the 20th September mounted the scaffold with
,
firm and composed demeanour two‘more
or
minute
a
;
and the lifeless remains the most gifted
of
of
of
one
God's creatures hung from the cro beams strangled
-
.
by
off
his country
of
the bloom
in
of
the enemies cut
-
youth the prime his physical and intellectual

of
in
,
he
powers because had loved his own land hated her
,
,
give freedom his people

to
oppressors and striven
to
,
.
But not yet was English vengeance satisfied While the .
body was yet warm was cut down from the gibbet
a it
,
the neck placed across block on the scaffold and the
,
head severed from the body Then the executioner held

.
up
before the horrified and sorrowing crowd that

it
stood outside the lines

of
soldiery proclaiming
It to
them
,
This traitor
is
the head
of
traitor
A
was
a
“
a
!"
false proclamation No
he
traitor was but true and

a
,
.
noble gentleman No traitor but most faithful heart

a
,
.
of
a all
that was worthy

to
love and honour No traitor

.
but martyr for Ireland The people who stood agonized

.
before his scaffold tears streaming from their eyes and

,
their hearts bursting with suppressed emotion knew

,
he
that for them and for Ireland had offered up his

young life And when the deed was finished and the
,
.
mutilated body had been taken away and the armed

,
guards had marched from the fatal spot old people and
,
dip their handkerchiefs in the

up
to
young moved
to
it
up
the martyr that they might then treasure the

of
blood
,
relics for ever Well has his memory been cherished

in
.
to
the Irish heart from that day the present time Six
.
of
years ago procession Irishmen fifteen thousand

,
a
strong , bearing another rebel to his grave , passed by the

scene of that execution , every man of whom reverently
uncovered his head as he reached the hallowed spot . A
few months ago , a banner borne in another Irish insur
rection displayed the inscription
REMEMBER EMMET.”
Far away the Atlantic foam ," and “ by the

“ beyond
long'wash of Australasian seas ," societies are in existence
to
their object
for
bearing his name , and having cherish
principles And wherever
his
his memory and perpetuate
.
of
on
the habitable globe few members the scattered

a
be
found there are hearts that are

to
Irish race are ,

by
to
thrilled even the faintest allusion the uninscribed
grave stone and the unwritten epitaph
.
-
THOMAS RUSSELL
.
he
WHEN Emmet was dead and the plan which de
to
,
his talents and his life had sunk
in
voted his fortune
,
,
,
Irish independence appeared finally

of
failure the cause

,
lost and the cry more than once repeated

in
after times
,
,
,
of
that now indeed the last bolt Irish disaffection has

,
,
“
an
be
been sped and that there would never again Irish

,
byof
rebellion rung loudly from the exulting enemies

"
,
the people seemed broken

of
Ireland The hearts

.
the weight the misfortunes and calamities that over

of
whelmed them The hopes which had brightened their

.
stormy path and enabled thein endure the oppression

to
,
glori
by
which they were subjected expectations

of
to
ous change flickered no longer amidst the darkness

.
,
of
The efforts the insurgents were everywhere drowned

up
in
blood the hideous memories '98 were brought

of
;
of
anew full bitter thoughts exasperated humiliated

,
,
;
and despondent the people brooded over their wretched

,
fate and sullenly submitted

to
the reign
of
terror which
,
was inaugurated amongst them Little had the Irish

.
·
patriots look forward that dark hour suffering

in
to
of
to
and disappointment . A nightmare of blood and violence

weighed down the spirits of
the people ; a stupor ap
peared to have fallen on the nation ; and though time
might be trusted to arouse them from the trance , they
had suffered another loss , not so easily repaired , in the
death and dispersion of their leaders . Where now
should they find the Moses to lead them from the land
cf captivity ? Tone , Fitzgerald , Emmet , Bond , M'Cracken ,
the
in all
Sheareses — were dead M‘Nevin Neilson and
,
.
,
O'Connor were exile Heavily and relentlessly the
.
by
arm of vengeance had fallen
on
them one one but
;
the list was not even then completed There was yet
of .
another victim fall before the altar liberty and the
to
,
sacrifice which commenced with Orr did not conclude
until Thomas Russell had perished
on
the gallows
of
Downpatrick
.
The importance the part which Thomas Russell fills

of
the history
in
of
in , of
the United Irishmen the worth his
,
character the purity and nobility

of
his sentiments and

,
the spirit uncompromising patriotism displayed his

of
last address would render unpardonable the omission
of
,
bis name from such work

to
as
this mean make

a
“
.
my trial said Russell my life

of
if
and the last
it
is
,
,
,
“
”
to close now liberty

of
to
as
as
serviceable the cause

I
,
To
kept his word day we try

to he
can and some

in
,
”,
-
.
slight way requite that fidelity which endured unto

death by rescuing Thomas Russell's name from oblivion
,
and recalling his services and virtues

to
the recollection
of
his countrymen
.
He was Betsborough Dunnahane the parish

in
at
born
,
county Cork on the 21st November 1767

of
Kilshanick
,
,
in ,
.
an
His father was officer the British army who had

,
fought against the Irish Brigade

a in
the memorable battle

Fontenoy and who died high situation
of
in
in
the
,
Royal Hospital Thomas the youngest

at
Kilmainham
,
.
his three sons was educated for the Protestant Church

of
;
,
his inclinations sought different field

a of
but action and

,
a
left for India

at
the age
of
he
as
fifteen volunteer
,
he
where served with his brother Ambrose whose

,
gallantry battle called down commendation from the

in
English king . Thomas Russell quitted India after five
his
years ' service , and the disgust
is
to
return ascribed
and indignation which filled him witnessing the ex
on
tortions the cruelties the usurpations and brutalities
,
,
,
,
by
which were carried out and sanctioned the govern
he
ment under which served He left Ireland burdened
.
with few fixed political principles and little knowledge
the world he returned full grown man imbued
of
,
with the opinions which he never afterwards abandoned
.
we
He was then are told manly beauty one
of
model
a
,
,
we
of
those favoured individuals whom cannot pass
in
the street without being guilty staring
of
to of
the rudeness
the face while passing and turning round look
in
at
,
six
the receding figure Though more than feet high
,
.
his majestic stature was scarcely observed owing
to
the
,
his
his gait
in
of
exquisite symmetry form Martial

.
and demeanour his appearance was not altogether that

,
,lip
of
soldier His dark and steady eye compressed

a
,
.
and somewhat haughty bearing were occasionally strongly

in ,
the camp but general the classic contour

of
indicative
;
,
his finely formed head the expression

of
of
sweetness
that characterised his smile and the benevolence that
,
mark him out

in
to
beamed his fine countenance seemed

,
the ornament grace and

be
one that was destined

as
to
of ,
!
blessing private life His manners were those the
of
finished gentleman combined with that native grace

,
which nothing but superiority intellect can give

of
he
;
was naturally reserved and retiring disposition and

in
,
by
his private life was distinguished eminent purity and

an
to
the precepts
of
unostentatious devotion religion

.
he
Such was Thomas Russell when made the acquaint

of
Theobald Wolfe Tone Dublin There no

in
ance
is
.
of
doubt that the views and opinions Tone made pro

a
found impression young Russell equally certain

on
it
so to is
,
;
on
the other hand that Tone learned love and esteem

,
his new friend whose sentiments were accord

in
much
,
his
ance with own Throughout Tone's journal we find

.
to of he
constant references always

to
Thomas Russell whom

,
places with Thomas Addis Emmet his list

at
the head
Early
of
1791 Russell proceeded Belfast

in
friends
.
to join the 64th Regiment, in

which he had obtained a
commission ; before leaving Dublin he appears to have
become a member of the Society of United Irishmen ,
and in Belfast he soon won the friendship and shared
the councils of the patriotic men who were labouring for
Ireland in that city .
While in Belfast, Russell fell into pecuniary embar
rassments . His generous and confiding nature induced
him to go bail for a false friend , and he found himself
one morning obliged to meet a claim for £ 200 , which he
of
discharging except by the sale of
his
had no means
commission Russell sold out and retired Dungannon
to
,
.
of
where he lived for some time on the residue the
he
money thus obtained and during this period was
,
of
for
appointed the county
of
Justice the Peace
a
Tyrone After short experience Justices justice

of
.
”
'
in
he
the North retired from the bench through motives

,
alike creditable
to
his head and heart cannot
to re
“
.
I
my conscience exclaimed one day
he
to
concile
it
”,
,
“
on
sit bench where the practice exists inquiring

of
a
what religion person before investigating the charge

is
a
him
against Russell returned after taking this step

,
.”
in
he
to
Belfast where was appointed

to
situation the
,
he a
public library regu

of
the town and where became

,
lar contributor the organ

of
the Ulster patriots the

to
Northern Star
he .
by
In
was appointed the United Irishmen

his a to
1796
the supreme military command the county Down
in
,
his
post for which military experience not less than

his
personal influence fitted him but political career was

.
,
by
to on
soon afterwards interrupted

of
his arrest the 26th

September 1796. Russell was removed Dublin and
;
lodged Newgate Prison his arrest filled the great

in
Tone who was then toiling for his country

, of
heart
", in
,
France with sorrow and dismay impossible

It
is
“
.
his journal
he
says conceive the effect this mis

in
to
,
“
fortune'has on my mind we are not Ireland

in
in
If
he .
time extricate him

to
lost for the government will

is
ensure his condemnation

to
move heaven and earth

.
he
Good God adds Russell and Neilson fall where

if
,
”
,
“
!
shall I find two others to replace them ?" . During the

eventful months that intervened between the date of his
arrest and the 19th of March , 1799 , poor Russell re
mained chafing his imprisoned soul, filled with patriotic
passion and emotion , in his prison cell in Kilmainham .
On the latter date , when the majority of his associates
were dead , and their followers scattered and disheartened ,
he was transferred to Fort George in Scotland , where he
spent three years more in captivity . The government
had no specific charge against him , but they feared his
influence and distrusted his intentions , and they deter
mined to keep him a prisoner while a chance remained
of his exerting his power against them . No better illus
tration of Russell's character and principles could be
afforded than that supplied in the following extract from
his
cne of the letters written by him during incarcera
To
he
tion Fort George the people Ireland
, in
of
,
an :
-
"
"
writes addressing Irish friend and sympathiser
,
“
I
for
am responsible my actions amidst the uncertainties

;
life this may my valedictory letter what has

be
of
;
to
speculate
of
occasioned the failure the cause useless

is
all
things for the best

on
Providence orders I am
am.
-
the
sure people will never abandon the cause equally

I
, ;
he
men will see

sure will succeed trust adds
; re
it
,
.
ferring the infidel views then unhappily prevalent

to
that the only true basis liberty morality and the

of
is
,
“
only stable basis morality religion

of
is
."
failing
In
1802 the government establish any dis

to
,
liberty and
he
tinct charge against Russell set him

at
,
,
he
at
once repaired Paris where met Robert Emmet

to
who was then preparing Fitzgerald

of
to
renew the effort

and Wolfe Tone Time had not changed nor suffering
,
.
he
dampel the patriotic impulses Thomas Russell

of
;
,
entered heartily into the plans young Emmet and

in of
,
,
to
when the latter left for Ireland November 1802

,
prosecute his hazardous enterprise was with the

it
,
or by
full understanding that Russell would stand his side

the post danger and with him perish
In in
of
succeed
,
accordance with this arrangement Russell followed

,
Robert Emmet Dublin where skilfully

to
he
so
arrived
,
disguised that even his own family failed to recognise

him . Emmet's plans for the outbreak in Dublin were
matured when Russell , with a trusty companion , was
despatched northwards to summon the Ulster men to
action . Buoyant in spirit , and filled with high expecta
tion , he entered on his mission , but he returned to
Dublin a week later prostrate in spirit and with a broken
his
arriving
on
heart . One of first acts Belfast was
in
in
proclamation General Chief
as
issue which
in
of to
,
a
-
he
summoned the people
of
the Northern District
",
Ulster
to
action
.
act
old
to
The North however refused
It
was the
,
,
,
.
on
old story Belfast resolved waiting
to
see what the
"
.
do
South would and the South waited for Belfast

, ”
.
Disgusted and disappointed Russell quitted the Northern
,
; he
capital and proceeded where
at
least
to
Antrim
,
he
thought might expect

co
find cordial operation
to
-
but fresh disappointments awaited him and with load
a
,
he
as
misery
of
his heart such had never felt before

at
,
he
Russell returned lived

in
to
Dublin where seclusion

,
,
until arrested by Major Sirr and his myrmidons
on
the
September 1803.
of
of
9th
A
reward 1,500 had been

,
£
for
his
on
offered apprehension We learn good autho

.
byon
that the ruffianly town major arresting him seized

, ,
,
-
the unfortunate patriot rudely the neck cloth where

-
upon Russell far more powerful man than his assailant

I ,
,
a
,
flung him aside and drawing pistol exclaimed—

,
a
,
“
be
will not treated with indignity Sirr parleyed for

a
.”
of
while
to
file soldiers was meanwhile summoned his

a
;
off
prisoner
in
a to
aid and Russell was borne irons the

a
,
Castle While undergoing this second captivity bold

.
by
attempt was made his friends effect his liberation

to
by
bribing one the gaolers the plot however broke

of
,
air
down and Russell never breathed the

of
freedom
,
he
again While awaiting his trial that trial which

—
.
knew could have but one termination the death

of
a
,
of
to
felon Russell addressed letter one his friends

a
-
the
which the following noble passage

to in
outside fittest
,
,
his
be
he on
epitaph engraved tombstone occurs

,
“
of -
:
make my trial
to
mean writes and the last my

,
,
”
“
life, if it is to close now , as serviceable to the cause of

liberty as I
can
trust my countrymen will ever adhere
to is to
I
.
know will soon prosper When the country
it
it
I
:
.
he
be
he
free adds that would free never learned
it
”,
doubt— beg they may lay my remains with my father

I
“
private manner and pay the few debts owe

in
I
of ,
I
a
.
have only beg my countrymen remember that
of to
to
liberty
of
the cause the cause virtue which trust
is
I
,
they will never abandon May God bless and prosper
.
them and when power comes into their hands entreat
I
,
May God and the

to
use with moderation

it
them
.
Saviour bless them all
to .”
by
Russell was taken Downpatrick escorted strong
a
,
he
, of
cavalry where
in in
force was lodged the governor's
,
by
rooms preparatory being tried that town
in
to
a
Special Commission While prison Downpatrick
in
.
he
of of
Miss
to
addressed letter Cracken sister

M
,
a
a
-
Henry Joy M'Cracken the insurgent leaders

of
one
,
Humanly speak
he
speaks follows
as
1798 which
in
,
"
:
be
ing
to
expeet found guilty and immediately exe

I
,
my last letter shall only say

be
As this may
,
I
for
that did my best for my country and mankind

I
I
.
no
its
wish die but far from regretting

to
have loss
in
,
such cause had thousand lives would willingly

I
or a
a
,
I
Be
in
risk assured liberty will

in
lose them the

.it
, ,
be
of
midst those storms established and God will wipe

the tears from all eyes
.”
by
sad
The anticipations expressed Russell were but

too fully borne out There was short shrift
in
those
.
days for Irishmen accused

of
of
treason and the verdict

,
he
guilty which with much resig

to
so
looked forward
, ,
was delivered before the last rays

of
nation the sun

It on
the morning
of
which rose the trial had faded

in
the
he
gloaming was sworn that had attended treason

.
he
able meetings and distributed green uniforms that

;
they did not desire

,
asked those who attended them

if
“
that he spoke
to
get rid the Sassanaghs 30,000

of
of
;
"
if
, of
stands arms from France but said France should

,
fail them forks spades shovels and pickaxes would

,
,
“
”
to
serve that purpose struggle against

It
was useless
.
such testimony , palpably false and distorted as it was in

some parts , and Russell decided on cutting short the
proceedings . " I shall not trouble my lawyers ,” he said ,
as to make any statement in my case . There are but
three possible modes of defence - firstly , by calling wit
nesses to prove the innocence of my conduct ; secondly ,
by calling them to impeach the credit of opposite wit
nesses , or by proving an alibi . As can resort to none I
of those modes of defence without involving others , I
consider myself precluded from any .” Previous to the
Judge's charge, the prisoner asked— “ If it was not per
mitted to persons in his situation to say a few words , as
he wished to give his valedictory advice to his country
men in as concise a manner as possible , being well con
vinced how speedy the transition was from that vestibule
of the grave to the scaffold .” He was told in reply ,
him
“ that he would have an opportunity of expressing
self and when the time did come Russell advanced
of to
,
in ,
”
the front
of
the dock and spoke clear firm tone

,
,
as
voice follows
,
address myself return my sincere

to
Before this audience

,
“
I
for
my learned counsel
in
thanks the exertions they have made
to
,
so
which they displayed return my thanks

to
much talent the

I
, .
I on
gentlemen the part the crown for the accommodation and

of
indulgence have received during my confinement return my

I
.
thanks the gentlemen the jury for the patient investigation

to
of
they have afforded my case and return my thanks the court

to
;
,
I
for the attention and politeness they have shown me during my

my
of as
trial As political sentiments

in
. ( to
shall brief manner

a
I,
,
.
as
do
possible for engross the time say

to
not wish the court

, ),
II
the last thirteen years my life the

to
few words look back

of
a
period with which have interfered with the transactions

I of
Ireland
I
with entire satisfaction though for my share them am now

in
;
the
die
by
about gentlemen jury having their verdict

to
of
the
,
at ,
-
put the seal of Whether

on
truth the evidence against me

,
.
this time and the country being situated

be
as
inflict
is
to
safe
it
it
,
,
for
death upon me
of
the punishment the offence am charged

I
gentlemen who conduct the prosecution My

, to
with leave the

,
I
death perhaps may deterring others from following

be
it onin
useful
,
to
may serve
as
my example the other hand memorial

It
,
a
,
.
trying occasions may inspire them with courage

on
others and
,
.
for
the
as
my judgment enabled me
as
can now say far acted

I
,
I
for
be
good my country and may presumptuous

of
It
of
the world
.
me to deliver my opinions here as a statesman , but as the govern

ment have singled me out as a leader, and given me the appellation
of “ General , ” I am in some degree entitled to do so. To me it is
change when all shall
all
plain that things are verging towards
,
wea
be
one opinion great empires

of
of
In
ancient times read
,
.
do
having their rise and their fall and yet the old governments pro
. ,
, as
ceed all were immutable From the time could observe and
if
I
perceived that there were two kinds
of
of
reflect laws the laws
–
I
the State and the laws frequently clashing with each
, of
God
-
by
the latter kind have always endeavoured regulate
in to
other
;
I
but that lays
do
my conduct the former kind Ireland
of
exist
;
no
believe one who hears me can deny That such laws have
I
.
in
existed former times many and various examples clearly evince
by
.
the world suffered by the Roman laws
—
The Saviour
of
the same
I of
laws His Apostles were put the torture and deprived their
to
,
His cause By my conduct
do
in
lives not consider that have
I
.
guilt
no
incurred any moral have committed moral evil do
I
I
.
.
not want the many and bright examples those gone before me
of
e
;
þut did want this encouragement the recent example youthful
of
,
a
I
martyr liberty who has just died for his

in
I of
hero the cause

--
--
, a
country would inspire me have descended into the vale
of of
.
estimate the reality and delusions

to
manhood have learned

I
.
of by
he
this world was surrounded everything which could endear

all to ;
this world him the bloom youth with fond attachments

in
,
-
to ,
and with the fascinating charms health and innocence
of
;
his death
in
look back even this moment with rapture have

I
I
.
travelled much and seen various parts think
onof
the world and

,
,
the Irish are the most virtuous nation the earth I

of
the face
they are good and brave people and had thousand lives
I
a
I
,
If
, be
in
would yield them the will

of
their service God that

it
I
.
for
suffer that with which stand charged am perfectly resigned

I
I
do
His holy will and dispensation trespass much

to
not wish
.
to
I
on
do
an
so
more the time

of
those that hear me and did indis

,
I
on
position which has seized me since came into court would

I
of for
prevent my purpose depart from this better world

a
Before
I
.
address myself
to
wish the landed aristocracy

to
this country
I
.
do
aristocracy
an
The word insulting

as
to
not mean use

“
I
"
epithet but the expression

of
in
66 the common sense

,
.
be
, as
Perhaps my voice may now

as
considered voice crying

,
a
'
from the grave what now say may have some weight see
I
I
around me many who during the last years

dis
my life have
of
,
am
seminated principles for which die Those gentle

to
now
I
of .
men who have all the wealth and the power the country
in
,
their hands strongly advise and earnestly exhort pay atten

to
,
I
,
,
the
by
the poor
-
the poor labouring class

to
of
tion mean the

I
community their tenantry and dependents advise them for

,
I
to .
their good look into their grievances

to
sympathize
in
their
,
spread comfort and happiness around their dwell

to
distress and
It ,
they
be
ings might that may not hold their power long but
at
,
.
all events
to
to
of
attend the wants and distresses the poor their

is
1
truest interest . If
they hold their power, they will thus have
friends around them ; if they lose it , their fall will be gentle , and I
am suire unless they act thus they can never be happy . I shall
now appeal to the right honourable gentleman in whose hands the
lives of the other prisoners are , and entreat that he will rest satisfied
for
with my death , and let that atone those errors into which may
I
have been supposed trust the gentleman
to
have deluded others
I
.
he
do
so
will restore them
to
their families and friends shall
If
I
,
.
can assure him that the breeze which conveys him the prayers
to
and blessings their wives and children will be more grateful than
of
putrid corpses
be
or
that which may tainted with the stench
of
,
carrying with the cries the widow and the orphan
of Standing
it
.
do
, of of
let
in
as
the presence my
to
of
God and man entreat him
,
I
I
life atone for the faults and that my blood alone may flow
I all,
.
to
am then have therefore two requests
to
die make
“
If
I
its .
of
as
in
The first that have been engaged work possibly some
is
a
; to ,
for
be
advantage the world may indulged with three days

,
I
as
completion secondly that there are those ties which even death
,
as
cannot sever and there are those who may have some regard for
,
, me
request that my remains

of
what will remain after death
to of ,
,
I
be
be
may
as
disfigured they will delivered after the execution

to
be
the sentence those dear friends that they may conveyed
,
the ground where my parents are laid and where those faithful few
,
be
may have consecrated spot over which they may permitted
to
a
pass into the pre

to
grieve
, to
have now declare when about

,
.
I
Almighty God that any

no
enmity my mind
in
, to
of
sence feel
I
being none those who have borne testimony against me and

to
,
none the jury who have pronounced the verdict my death

to
of
.”
he
The last request

of
Russell was refused and was

,
of
executed twelve hours after the conclusion the trial

.
At
of
he
on
noon the 21st October 1803 was borne

,
,
,
pinioned the place Eleven regiments

of
of
execution
to
the town
in
to
soldiers were concentrated overawe the

people and defeat any attempt rescue yet even with
at
this force their back the authorities were far from

at
feeling secure The interval between the trial and exe

so .
cution was short that no preparation could be made

for the erection except the placing
of
of
,
scaffold some
a
barrels under the gateway the main entrance

of
to
the
byas
prison with planks placed upon them platform

,
,
a
up
and others sloping from the ground which was

a it
,
,by
ascended On the ground hard were placed sack

.
an
After ascend
of
sawdust axe block and knife

a
a
,
,
.
,
ing the scaffold Russell gazed forward through the

,
E.
archway - towards the people , whose white faces could

be seen glistening outside , and again expressed
his
for
we
his
giveness persecutors
of
His manner are told
,
.
he
was perfectly calm and died without struggle
, a
,
.
purer soul more blameless spirit than Thomas
A
a
,
on
he of
Russell never sunk the battle field freedom Fixed
,
.
-
in
principles and resolute danger
in
was nevertheless
,
all
gentle courteous unobstrusive and humane with
,
;
,
,
he
the modesty and unaffectedness
of
childhood united
,
of
martyr and the courage To the
of
the zeal hero

hisa
.
all
in in all
he he
of
cause country devoted his energies and

his will and when failed prosperous
to
render
it
;
by
he
life illumined his devotion and steadfastness

it
,
death The noble speech given above and the passages

.
,
from his letters which we have quoted are sufficient
in
,
show how chivalrous was the spirit how
to
themselves
,
of
noble the motives Thomas Russell The predictions

.
which he uttered with much confidence have not

so
he
indeed been fulfilled and the success which looked
,
hopefully has never been won But his

to
so
forward .
often repeated still adhered
in
so
advice his letters

is
,
,
to
his countrymen have not yet learned

to
abandon the
;
he
which suffered and they still cherish the

in
cause
,
touchingly expressed- that

he
conviction
so
which
“
liberty will
be
these storms
in
of
the midst established

,
,
off
and that God will yet wipe

of
the tears the Irish

nation
."
the churchyard
of
the Protestant church

in
Russell rests
he
Downpatrick plain slab marks the spot where

is of
A
.
this single line

on
laid and there

is
it
,
THE GRAVE OF RUSSELL

"
"
.
We the portion
of
to
have now closed our reference Irish

history comprised within the years 1798 and 1803 and
,
in
far concerns the men who suffered for Ireland

as
es
those disastrous days our Speeches from the Dock are

“
”
weus
We leave behind the struggle

of
concluded 1798
.
and the men who organized turn from the records

it
;
period reeking with the gore

of
of
Ireland's truest sons

a
,
and echoing with the cries and curses of the innocent

and oppressed ; we pass without notice the butcheries
and outrages that filled the land , while our countrymen
were being sabred into submission ; and we leave behind
us , too , the short - lived insurrection of 1803 , and the
chivalrous young patriot who perished with it . We
turn to more recent events , less appalling in their general
aspect , but not less important in their consequences , or
less interesting to the present generation , and take up
the next link in the unbroken chain of protests against
British rule in Ireland with the lives and the fortunes of
the patriots of 1848. How faithfully the principles of
freedom have been handed down - how nobly the men
of our own times have imitated the patriots of the past ,
how thoroughly the sentiments expressed from the
Green - street dock nineteen years ago coincide with the
declarations of Tone , of Emmet , and of Russell
readers will shortly have an opportuity of judging . They
our -
of all
all
will see how the sufferings and the calamities that

darkened the path the martyrs
of
'98 were insufficient

asto
as
gifted earnest and

as
as
deter others chivalrous

,
, in ,
they from following their footsteps and how un

;
,
the altar light the fire

of
quenchable and unending

as
the generous glow patriotic

of
worshipper enthusiasm
,
by
was transmitted through generations unaffected the

,
was sought extinguish

of
torrents blood which

in
to
it
it
.
our own generation the acts of con

of
The events
—
temporary patriots now.claim our attention but we

;
-
yet turn over the page and drop the

to
as
are reluctant
,
curtain on the scenes with which we have hitherto been

dealing and which we feel we have inadequately de
. ,
We have spoken
of
scribed the men whose speeches

record but we still linger over the
on
from the dock are

,
in
history which they shared and

of
of
the events the

,
in
men who were associated with them their endeavours

.
at
The patriots whose careers we have glanced are but

a
Irishmen who suffered during

of
few out
in of
the number
the same period and the same cause and whose
,
,
to
actions recommend them the admiration and esteem

Confining ourselves strictly
to
of
posterity those whose

.
speeches after conviction have reached us , the list could

not well be extended ; but there are many who acted as
brave a part , and whose memories are inseparable from
the history of the period . We should have desired to
speak , were the scope of our labours more extended , of
the brave Lord Edward Fitzgerald , the gallant and the
true , who sacrificed his position , his prospects , and his
life , for the good old cause , and whose arrest and death
contributed more largely , perhaps , than any other cause
that could be assigned to the failure of the insurrection
, allold
of 1798. Descended from an and noble family
,
possessing remarkable degree the attributes and
in
a
of
embellishments popular leader young and spirited
,
a
eloquent and wealthy ardent generous and brave
of
,
,
,
good address and fine physical proportions not
it
is
,
,
surprising that Lord Edward Fitzgerald became the idol

the patriot party and was appointed by
of
to
them
a
,
leading position the organization Lord Edward

in
Fitzgerald was born being the fifth

up of in
October 1763
, ,
;
of
of
son James Duke Leinster the twentieth Earl
as
Kildare He grew recent writer

to
manhood
,
a
.
of
has observed when the drums the Volunteers were

,
victory and under the stirring

of
pealing their marches

;
his
the period soul burst through the shackles

of
events
that had long bound down the Irish aristocracy
in
servile
he
In
dependence his early years served the Ameri

in
.
on
Independence despotism and

- of
of
can War the side

oppression circumstance which after years caused
in
a
him poignant sorrow He joined the United Irishmen

.
about the time that Thomas Addis Emmet entered their

ranks and the young nobleman threw himself into the
,
all
movement with the ardour and energy

of
his nature
.
of
He was appointed Commander Chief the National

in
-
-
in
forces the south and laboured with indefatigable zeal

,
on
perfecting the plans for the outbreak

of
in
the 23rd
May The story his arrest and capture
of
too well
is
.
to
known need repetition Treachery dogged the steps

.
the young patriot and after lying for some weeks

in
of
,
he
the 19th day May

on
concealment was arrested

of
,
of ,
two months after his associates

in
1798 the direction

,
the movement had been arrested at Oliver Bond's . His
his
gallant struggle with captors fighting like
at
,
lion
a
bay against the miscreants who assailed him his
;
,
assassination his imprisonment and his death are
,
,
of
which the minds
to
events the Irish nationalists per
petually recur and which celebrated song and story
in
,
,
,
are told with sympathising regret wherever group
of
a
Irish blood are gathered around the hearth stone His
.
genius his talents and his influence his unswerving
,
,
his
his country and melancholy end cast
to
attachment
,
,
and the last ray
of an
romance around his history

of
air
;
gratitude must fade from the Irish heart before the
the martyred patriot who sleeps
of
in
name the vaults
,
In St.
Werburgh forgotten
of
of
be
will his birth

in
the land
a ,
, in .
less than fortnight after Lord Edward expired
Newgate another Irish rebel distinguished by his talents
,
his fidelity and his position expiated with his life the
,
loving his country above his king

of
It
crime
is
"
."
hard mention Thomas Russell and ignore Henry Joy
to
to
of
speak
of
M‘Cracken hard the Insurrection
is
—
it
'98 and forget the gallant young Irishman who com

of . in of
the battle
at
manded Antrim and who perished

,
few weeks subsequently the bloom his manhood a

of
,
,
Henry Joy M'Cracken was

on
the scaffold
in
Belfast
the Society United Irish
of
of
one the first members

he
of
men and was one the best He was arrested

,
,
by
owing private information received the govern

onto
—
of
ment the 10th October 1796 three weeks after

,
Russell his friend and confidant was flung into prison

,
Newgate Jail where

he
and lodged remained until

in
,
of
the 8th September the following year

in
He was
on.
on
then liberated bail and immediately regaining

,
,
on
his liberty returned Belfast still bent accomplish

to
,
,
all
ing
at
of
hazards the liberation his country Previous

.
May '98
he
had frequent interviews

in
to
the outbreak
,
with the patriot leaders Dublin and

in
M.
Cracken was
,
appointed the insurgent forces

of
the command
in
to
Antrim Filled with impatience and patriotic ardour

.
,
of
the stirring events that followed the arrest

of he
heard
all
he
Lord Edward Fitzgerald concentrated his

;
the
for
energies in preparing Northern patriots action
, ,
but circumstances delayed the outbreak that quarter
in
of
and was not until the 6th
it June 1798 that
,
,
M'Cracken had perfected his arrangements for taking
the field and issued the following brief proclamation
,
,
dated the first year liberty 6th June
of
,
1798
",
“
,
the Army
of
Ulster
to
addressed
:
on
To morrow we march Antrim Drive the garrison
“
.
junction
of
Randalstown before you and hasten
to
form
a
,
with your Commander Chief in
.”
.
-
Twenty one thousand insurgents were - have rallied
to
-
of
at
the call M‘Cracken but not more than seven

,
thousand responded the summons Even this num
to
.
,
strike
to
ber however would have been sufficient
, , of a
,
1 successful blow which would have filled the hearts

,
the gallant Wexford men then arms with exultation

in
,
,
on
of
and effected incalculable results the fate Ireland
to of
had not the curse the Irish cause treachery and

,
its
betrayal again come Hardly

of
the aid enemies

,
.
for
on
had the plans the attack Antrim been perfected
,
of
the conspirators were revealed
in to
when the secrets
General Nugent who commanded the British troops
,
the North and the defeat the insurgents was thus

of
,
secured M‘Cracken's forces marched to the attack on

.
Antrim with great regularity chorusing the Marseillaise

,
Hymn they charged through the town Their success

as
"
first seemed complete but the English general acting

on at
the information which had treacherously been sup

plied him had taken effective means
to
disconcert and
,
Suddenly and
in
as
defeat them seemed the flush

it
,
,
.
victory the insurgents found themselves exposed

of
to
,
galling fire from force posted

of
at
either end the

a
town gallant resistance was offered but was vain

it
;
a
of .
The insurgents fled from the fatal spot leaving 500

,
their dead and dying behind them nightfall

at
and
,
Henry Joy M'Cracken found himself fugitive and

a
a
to
ruined man For some weeks he managed baffle the

.
on
he
bloodhounds his track but was ultimately arrested

,
by
the 17th July

on
and tried court martial

in
Belfast
,
,
-
On
he
the evening the same day

of
1798. was executed

.
We have it on the best authority that he bore his fate

with calmness , resolution , and resignation . It is not his
fault that a “ Speech from the Dock ” under his name is
not amongst our present collection . He had actually
prepared one, but his brutal judges would not listen to
the patriot's exculpation . He was hung , amidst the
sobs and tears of the populace , in front of the Old
byhis
Market place of Belfast , and remains were interred
St.
the graveyard now covered George's Protestant
in
church
.
Later still the same year two gallant young officers

in
of
of
Irish blood shared the fate Russell and M'Cracken
,
.
They sailed with Humbert from Rochelle they fought
of
and when the swords
at
Castlebar and Ballinamuck

;
their French allies were sheathed they passed into the

,
power
of
Matthew Tone was one
of
their foes them
;
.
the other was Bartholomew Teeling The latter filled

.
Etat major the French army and

of
the rank
in
letter
a
;
-
from his commanding officer General Humbert was read

,
,
trial which
to
the highest praise was given
in
at
his the
,
young officer for the humane exertions which made he

throughout his last brief campaign
of
in
the interest
he
mercy His hand stay

to
said was ever raised

, ”
"
,
.
of
the useless effusion blood and his protection was

,
the prostrate and defenceless But his

to
afforded
."
military judges paid little heed those extenuating

to
circumstances and Teeling was condemned

on
die the
to
,
on
day his trial He perished the 24th September

a , of
,
,
1798 being then his twenty fourth year He marched

in
on
he to
with proud step the place

of
execution Arbour
Hill Dublin and soldier might with un
as
died
,
,
,
a
shaken firmness and unquailing mien No lettered slab

.
marks the place

of
his interment and his bones remain

;
Hardly had
in
unhallowed and unconsecrated ground

.
his headless body ceased palpitate when was flung

of to
it
,
few
A
into hole the Royal Barracks

at
the rere
a
days later the same unhonoured spot received the mortal

of
remains Matthew Tone He had more enthusiastic

a
“
.
us
nature than any writes his brother Theobald

of
,
"
of
Wolfe Tone and was sincere Republican capable

,
a
,
“
for
his
sacrificing everything principles His execution
.”
was conducted with infamous cruelty and brutality and
it ,
the life blood was still gushing from his body when was
-
flung into the Croppy's Hole The day will come
, be "
“
.”
“
says Dr. Madden when that desecrated spot will
- “,
by
hallowed ground consecrated religion trod lightly
-
in by
lie by
pensive patriotism and decorated funeral trophies
-
of
honour the dead whose bones graves
in
there
that are now neglected and unhonoured
"
.
the patriot leaders who died
of
, in
There are others
far
for
exile away from the land which they suffered
,
by
on
and whose graves were dug alien shores the heed
the stranger This was the fate
of
less hands Addis
of
Ireland they
M
Emmet Nevin
In
of
of
Neilson and
,
.
were foremost and most trusted amongst the gifted and
brilliant throng that directed the labours and shaped
They survived
of
the purposes the United Irishmen

up.
the reign the majority
of
to of
terror that swallowed
their compatriots and when milder councils began
,
go
prevail they were permitted forth from the dun

to
,
geon which confined them into banishment The vision

.
in of
Irish freedom was not permitted dawn upon them

to
by
life from beyond the sandy slopes washed the
;
Western Atlantic they watched the fortunes

of
the old
land with hopeless but enduring love Their talents
,
.
their virtues and their patriotism were not unappre

,
by
ciated the people amongst whom they spent their

In
life
closing years the busiest thoroughfare

of of
of
the
.
of
greatest city America there towers over the heads

-by
marble which grateful

of
the passers the monument

In
the memory
of
to
hands have raised Addis Emmet

.
republi
of
Western civilization the home

of
the centre
,
can liberty the stranger reads glowing words

of
the
in
,
,
of
virtues and the fame

of
the brother Robert Emmet

,
the noble pillar erected

to on
sculptured Broadway
in
A of ,
the only one

he
New York his memory Nor was

,
his party
an
to
whom such honour was accorded

.
stone throw from the spot where the Emmet monument

,-
its
stands memorial not less commanding propor

in
a
tions and appearance was erected William James

to
,
M'Nevin ; and the American citizen , as he passes through

the spacious streets of that city which the genius of
liberty has rendered prosperous and great , gazes proudly
on those stately monuments , which teil him that the
devotion to freedom which England punished and pro
his
scribed found in own land the recognition which
it
merited from the gallant and the free
*
.
on
in
The inscriptions the Emmet monument are three lan
*
guages Irish Latin and English The Irish inscription consists

—
,
,
.
the following lines
of
se
Do mhiannaich ardmáth
Cum tir breith a
se
se
Do thug clu a's fuair moladh

An deig bais.
a
The following the English inscription

is
:
In
Memory
of
THOMAS ADDIS EMMET

Who exemplified his conduct ,
in
And adornedby his integrity,

The policy and principles the
of
UNITED IRISHMEN
To
of
forward brotherhood affection

a
,
of "
an
community rights, identity interests and union power

of
of
A
a
,
AmongIrishmen everyreligious persuasion

of
As the onlymeans Ireland's chief good,

of
An impartial and adequaterepresentation

IN AN IRISH PARLIAMENT
."
For this mysterious fate virtue exiled fromhis nativeland.

of
,
(
In
America the land Freedom

of
,
He found secondcountry,
a
Which paid his love by reverencinghis genius

.
Learned our laws and the laws Europe,

in
of
in
,
antiquity
In
the literature our times and that

of
of
in
,
All knowledgeseemedsubject his use.

to
An orator the first order clear copious, fervid.

of
Alike powerful kindle the imagination touchthe affections

to
And sway the reason and will

.
Simple his tastes unassuming his manners

in
in
,
, ,
Frank generous kind hearted and honourable

,
,
-
His private life was beautiful

,
As his public coursewasbrilliant

.
Anxious perpetuate
to
The nameand example such man

of
, a
Alike illustrious by his genius, his virtues and his fate

,;
by
Consecrated their affections his sacrifices his perilo

to
And the deeper calamities of his kindred

,
IN
JUST AND HOLY CAUSE

A
His sympathisingcountrymen
Erected this Monument and Cenotaph
.
11
JOHN MITCHEL .
SUBSEQUENT to the melancholy tragedy of 1803, a period

of indescribable depression was experienced in Ireland.
Defeat , disaster , ruin , had fallen upon the national cause ;
the power on whose friendly aid so much reliance had
been placed was humbled , and England stood before the
world in the full blaze of triumph and glory . Her fleet
was undisputed mistress of the ocean , having swept it of
all
hostile shipping and left the enemy little more

to
,
than the small craft that sheltered
in
narrow creeks and
under the guns Her army
of
well defended harbours
,
, -
.
its
to on
not numerically large had proved many
if
valour
well fought field and shown that knew how bring
it
,
a
victory light upon its standards and what was not

to
of ,
;
pride her
of
less matter
to
in of to
wonder others and
,
a
of
self the abundance her wealth and the extent her

,
be
resources were shown without parallel the

an to
St.
Napoleon was
on
world exile the rock Helena

of
;
.
the Holy Alliance —as the European sovereigns blas

“
phemously designated themselves were lording over

--
it
by
right divine
in of
the souls and bodies men the free

;
“
"
and noble principles which the French Revolution had

its origin were now sunk out sight covered with the
of
infamy the Reign Terror and the responsibility

of
of
of
desolating wars which had followed

of
the series and

it
,
forno
speak for them Those were dark days

to
man dared
.
Ireland Her parliament was gone and the blight

in
,
.
ing shade the provincialism which she was reduced

to
of
genius and and courage seemed

to
have died out from

Thousands
in of
the land her bravest and most devoted

.
on
children had perished her cause the scaffold

—
some
,
on
and many whose pre

—
of
and others the field battle

home would have been invaluable
at
to
sence her were

So
obliged seek safety Erin the crownless

in
to
exile
on ,
.
Queen sat the dust with fetters her limbs her

in
,
,
broken sword fallen from her hand and with mournful

,
memories lying heavy

on
The feelings
of
her heart
.
WILLIAM S. O'BRIEN .
JOHN MITCHEL . JOHN MARTIN .

SPEECHIES FROM THE DOCK . 77
disappointment and grief then rankling in every Irish

breast are well mirrored in that plaintive song of our
national poet , which open with these tristful lines :
56'Tis gone, and for ever, the light we saw breaking ,
Like heaven's first dawn o'er the sleep of the dead ,
When man , from the slumber of ages awaking ,
ere
Looked upward and blessed the pure ray fled
it
.
Tis
of
its
gone and the gleams has left burning
it
,
'
deepen long night bondage mourning
of of
But the and
,
That dark o'er the kingdoms returning
is
earth
,
all
And darkest hapless
of
Erin o'er thee

,
.”
affairs there was nothing
In
this gloomy condition of

for Irish patriotism
do
except seek for the removal

to
of to
,
by
the cruel grievances

of
constitutional means some

,
on
that pressed the people Emancipation the Catholics
of
.
the penal laws that still

of
from the large remainder

degraded and despoiled them was one the baits held of
by
out Mr. Pitt when playing his cards for the Union
;
but not long had the Irish parliament been numbered
with the things that were when became evident that
it
,
hurry
no
in
the minister was fulfil his engagement

to
,
was found necessary take some steps for keep
to
and
it
his
ing him promise Committees were formed meet

to
,
.
ings were held speeches were made resolutions were

,
,
en
all
adopted and the machinery parliamentary

of
,
of
deavour was put The leaders the Catholic

in
motion
.
of
this case like those

in
in
cause the national cause the

,
preceding years were liberal minded Protestant gentle

,
young barrister from Kerry

on
men but
as
time were
;
,
a
,
the old race and the old faith took

of
one decided lead

a
of its ,
amongst them and soon became recognised champion

,
the people
of
the elect the nation the man Daniel

,
.”
O'Connell stood forth with the whole mass

of
his Catholic
,
to
of
countrymen his back wage within the lines the

at
constitution this battle for Ireland He fought

it
reso
.
lutely and skilfully

an
the people supported him with

;
unanimity and
an
enthusiasm that were wonderful their

;
spirit rose and strengthened that degree that the pro

to
up
bability another civil war began

of
the
to
loom
in
inquiries instituted by the government

--
near future
re
sulted in the discovery that the Catholics serving in the
its
army, and who constituted at least a third of strength
,
on
were full sympathy with their countrymen
in this
depended on
to
question and could not act against
be
,
the ministry recognised the critical condition
to of
, —
them
affairs saw that there was danger delay yielded
in
,
the popular demand and Catholic Emancipation was
—
won .
Irish history
of
The details that brilliant episode
of
told within the limits of this work but some
be
cannot
,
very nearly The triumph
its
us
consequences concern
ofof
.
the constitutional struggle for Catholic Emancipation
had previously
a he
in
confirmed O'Connell the resolution

an
promote agitation for Repeal
of
to
formed the
,
Union and encouraged him lay the proposal before

to
,
his
countrymen The forces that had wrung the one

.
unwilling parliament were

an
justice from
, of
measure
in he
competent declared obtain the other He soon

to
,
.
on
impressing his own belief
of
succeeded the minds
his wisdom and his
in
his countrymen whose confidence

,
powers was unbounded The whole country responded

.
his call and soon the Liberator the emancipatel

to
as
",
,
Irish Catholics loved call him found himself

to
at
the
,
of
its
political organization which

in
of
head mode
of itsa
its
unique
in
action extent and ardour was the

“
,
,
history Every city and great town

in
the world
.”
its
the Repeal Association every

of
Ireland had branch

-
all
village had Repeal reading room deriving hope

its
,
-
and life and taking direction from the head quarters

in
, ,
Dublin where the great Tribune himself thundered

“
and lightened the weekly meetings All Ireland

at
"
.
his
echoed with words Newspapers attaining thereby

,
.
circulation never before approached Ireland

to
in
,
a
carried them from one extremity the land

of
to
the
educating cheering and inspiring the hearts
of
other
,
,
-
the long downtrodden people Nothing like this had

.
ever occurred before The eloquence the patriot of

,
the Irish parliament had not been brought

of
orators
of
the population and the United

to
home the masses

;
Irishmen could only speak them secretly whispers

in
to
.
But here were addresses glowing, and bold , and tender ,

brimful of native humour, scathing in their sarcasms ,
terrible in their denunciations , ineffably beautiful in their
pathos - addresses that recalled the most glorious as well
as the saddest memories of Irish history , and presented
brilliant vistas of the future - addresses that touched to
its
of
fullest and most delicious vibration every chord
the Irish heart here they were being sped over the
—
unfailing and ever welcome supply

an
land The
in
.
by
his family the fireside when his
to
peasant read them
of he
hard day's work was done and the fisherman
as
,
,
of as
steered his boat homeward reckoned not the least
,
his anticipated pleasures the reading the last report

,
from Conciliation Hall And was not the humbler

it
.
classes only who acknowledged the influence
of
the
Repeal oratory sympathised with the movement and
,
,
enrolled themselves
in
the ranks The priesthood almost

.
the Association and propa

to
of
were members
a
man
,
its
gandists principles
the professional classes were
of
largely represented
of
in
merchants and traders

it
it
;
up
could count long roil and many

of
the landed
a
gentry even though they held her Majesty's Commission

,
its
In of
the Peace were amongst most prominent supporters

,
.
short the Repeal Association represented the Irish
,
its
nation and voice was the voice the people

of
The
,
Monster Meetings the year 1843 put this fact

of
“
of "
beyond the region

or
doubt question As popular

.
demonstrations they were wonderful their numbers

in
their order and their enthusiasm O'Connell elated by

,
as ,
.
their success fancied that his victory was good

on as
,
won
go
He knew that things could not continue

to
.
they were going either the government

as
the Repeal
or
-
Association should give way and

he
believed the govern

,
For
he
ment would yield the Association assured his

,
.
countrymen was safe within the limits

it of
the law and

,
not hostile hand could

be
laid upon without vio

a
lating the constitution His countrymen had nothing

.
do but obey the law and support the Association and

a to
he ,
Repeal
of
the Union within few months was said

a
,
,
all
In
he
inevitable this had allowed his own heart

to
.
deceive him ; and his mistake was clearly shown , when

in October , 1843 , the government , by proclamation and
a display of military force , prevented the intended
monster meeting at Clontarf. was still more fully
established in the early part of the following year , when
It
he , with a number of his political associates, was brought
for
to trial treasonable and seditious practices found
,
guilty and sentenced twelve months imprisonment
to
,
'
of.
by
The subsequent reversal
of
the verdict the House
Lords was legal triumph for O'Connell but neverthe
,
,
by
less his prestige had suffered the occurrence and his
,
,
policy had begun pall upon the minds the people
to
of
.
After his release the business the Association went
of
of
on
before only there was less confidence and

of
as
the speeches the Liberator and there were

in
of
defiance
,
no
more monster meetings He was now more emphatic

.
his advocacy moral force principles and

of
than ever
in
,
all
of
his condemnation warlike hints and allusions
.
The weight was then more than seventy
of
onhe
age
—
years was pressing his once buoyant spirit his
of to he ;
-
prison experience had damped his courage and was

;
by
haunted night and day conviction terrible his

a
mind that there was growing up under the wing the

-
Association party that would teach the people look

to
a
,
an
armed struggle the only sure means obtaining

of
to
as
their country The writings

of
the freedom
of
the
.
new light the literature and politics

in
Nation then
—
Ireland had ring

of hisof
them that was unpleasant

in
to
—
a
In as
clashing steel and the explosion

of
ears sound
a
,
gunpowder that journal much

of
the articles
.
to
honour was given men who had striven for Irish

by
Con
in
at
freedom other methods than those favour

ciliation Hall and the songs and ballads which was
it
;
giving Ireland who received them with

of
the youth
, to
angel sprke
"
an
if
delight treasuring every line

"
as
were bright with the spirit battle and taught any

of
doctrine except the sinfulness fighting for liberty

of
that organ and

of
The Liberator grew fearful

of
the men
by
whom was conducted He distrusted that quiet

it
faced thoughtful and laborious young man whom they

,
,
so loved and reverenced -- the founder , the soul , and the

centre of their party . To the keen glance of the aged
all
leader it appeared that for that placid brow those
,
lip
of
calm grey eyes and softly curving his the man had
,
1
no
horror blood spilling righteous cause and was
in
of
a
of -
,
capable not only deliberately inciting his countrymen
rise arms against English rule but also taking
of
in
to
a
foremost place the struggle
in And little less be
to
.
dreaded than Thomas Davis was his friend and collabora
, ,
to in
teur Charles Gavan Duffy whose sharp and active
,
tellect and resolute spirit were not the least likely
in
on
allow the national cause rest for ever the peaceful
to
platform Conciliation Hall Death removed Davis
of
.
early from the scene but John Mitchel who had
in
,
;
taken his place there was no gain the party
of
to
moral
,
force Then there was that other young firebrand that
—
.
dapper well built well dressed curled and scented young

,
,
-
-
gentleman from the Urbs Intacta whose wondrous elo

—
with the glow thought the brilliancy and

its
of
quence
,
,
its
its
imagery and the sweetness
of
of
richness cadences
,
,
charmed and swayed all hearts adding immensely
to
-
the dangers
of
the situation O'Brien too staid and

,
,
.
unimpulsive was his character deliberate and circum

as
were his habits was evidently inclined give

as
spect
to
,
his
the weight
of
to
name and influence this advanced

“
party And
there were many less prominent but scarcely
,
.
less able men giving them the aid their great talents
of
not only men

on
in
the press and the platform but

,
-
the most inspiriting

of
of
women too Some the strains

.
that were inducing the youth the country familia

to
of
rize themselves with steel blades and rifle barrels pro

ceeded from the pens those fair and gifted beings
of
the stale plati

as
Day after day this party sickened

of
,
and timid counsels and crooked policy the Hall

of
tudes
,
of ,
O'Connell his son John and other leading members

,
,
on
the Association insisted more and more strongly their

,
moral force and indulged

of
in
doctrine the wildest and

,
the principle
of
of
most absurd denunciations armed

tyranny The liberty ex
of
the world
to
resistance
is“
of ”,
.
claimed O'Connell not worth the shedding one

,
“
F
drop of human blood ." Notwithstanding the profound

disgust which the utterance of such sentiments caused to
the bolder spirits in the Association , they would have
its
continued within fold those debasing principles
if
,
had not been actually formulated into series resolu
of
a
for
and proposed the acceptance
of
tions the Society
in .
Then they rose against the ignoble doctrine which would
all
blot the fair fame who ever fought for liberty
of
Ireland elsewhere and rank the noblest men the
or
the category
of
world ever saw fools and criminals
in
.
Meagher brilliant oration protested against the
in
,
,
a
he
resolutions and showed why would not abhor and
,
“
stigmatize the sword Mr. John O'Connell interrupted
.”
and interfered with the speaker was plain that free

It
"
no.
of
speech was
be
had longer
to
dom
on
the platform
spirit had
no
of
the Association and that men longer

of
,
up
any business there Meagher took his hat and left
-
the Hall and amongst the crowd that accompanied him

,
,
went William Smith O'Brien Thomas Devin Reilly
,
,
Charles Gavan Duffy and John Mitchel
,
of
on
After this disruption which occurred the 28th

,
July
of
1846 came the formation the Irish Confede

,
“
by,
In
the seceders the proceedings

of
ration the new

”
Society Mr. Mitchel took

he
more prominent part than
a
of
the Repeal Association

in
had taken the business

.
in he
And write
in
to
continued his own terse and forcible

style But his mind travelled too fast
in
the Nation
.
war for either the journal

, he of
the direction the society

or
with which was connected The desperate condition

.
all
the country now prey

of
of
of to
the horrors famine

a
for the awfully fatal effects which the government was

clearly responsible the disorganization and decay
of
the
--
O'Connell
on
of
Repeal party consequent the death

,
of
the introduction Arms Acts and other coercive mea

, '
by
the government and the growing ardour

of
sures the
to
signs and tokens un

as
Confederate Clubs were him

,
no
bringing
be
in
to
mistakable that there was time lost

which the people should hold their
in
to
matters crisis
a
by
his
political associates
of
own
of
force arms Most

.
viewed the situation with more patience but Mr.

;
Mitchel was resolved that even if he stood alone , he

would speak out his opinions to the people . In the
latter part of December , 1847 , he withdrew from the
Nation . On the 5th of February , 1848 , at the close of a
debate , which had lasted two days , on the merits of his
policy of immediate resistance to the collection of rates ,
rents, and taxes , and the division on which was unfavour
able to him , he , with a number of friends and sympa
thisers withdrew from the Confederation . Seven days
afterwards , he issued the first number of a newspaper ,
bearing the significant title of The United Irishman , and
for
its
having motto the following aphorism quoted from
,
Our independence must
be
Theobald Wolfe Tone had
"
:
all
, at
property will not support

of
If
hazardsthe men
by
.
we can support ourselves the aid

of us
they must fall

;
that numerous and respectable class the community

of
,
no
the men
of
property
.”
to an
The Nation had been regarded outspoken
as
rather
journal and not particularly well affected the rulers
,
of
the country But was mildness and gentleness

it
,
.
and loyalty itself compared

to
the new comer the field

in
-
The sudden uprising most portent

of
journalism
of
a
.
in of
to
ous comet sweeping close this planet ours could

hardly create more unfeigned astonishment the minds
people general than did the appearance
of
of
this
in
wonderful newspaper brimful open and avowed sedi

of
,
tion crammed with incitements insurrection and with

to
,
,
diligently prepared instructions for the destruction

. of
her Majesty's troops barracks stores and magazines

,
Men rubbed their eyes

its
they read
as
articles and
,
correspondence scarcely believing that any man his

in
,
of
any part
in
sober senses would venture the Queen's

,
dominions put such things print But there were

in
to
,
the articles and the letters nevertheless

on
fair paper
,
duly registered news

in
good type published

, in
and
a
,
paper bearing the impressed stamp the Customs

of
a
-
to all
in
sign men that the proprietor was bound heavy

to
the government against the publication

in of
sureties
libel blasphemy
or
sedition couched moreover

,
,
,
--
!
a "
"
style language possessing such grace and force such

of
,
drop of human blood ." Notwithstanding the profound

disgust which the utterance of such sentiments caused to
the bolder spirits in the Association , they would have
its
continued within fold those debasing principles
if
,
had not been actually formulated into resolu
of
series
a
for
proposed acceptance
of
tions and the the Society
.
Then they rose against the ignoble doctrine which would
all
blot the fair fame of
who ever fought for liberty
in
Ireland elsewhere and rank the noblest men the
or
world ever saw the category
of
fools and criminals
in
.
Meagher
in
brilliant oration protested against the

a
,
,
resolutions and showed why
he
would not abhor and
,
“
stigmatize the sword Mr. John O'Connell interrupted
.”
and interfered with the speaker was plain that free

It
no.
"
longer
of
dom speech was

be
had
to
on
the platform
spirit had
no
of
of
the Association and that men longer
,
up
any business there Meagher took his hat and left
—
the Hall and amongst the crowd that accompanied him

,
,
went William Smith O'Brien Thomas Devin Reilly
,
,
Charles Gavan Duffy and John Mitchel
,
of
on
After this disruption which occurred the 28th

,
July 1846 came the formation

of
the Irish Confede

“
,
by,
In
ration the seceders the proceedings

of
the new
"
Society Mr. Mitchel took

he
more prominent part than
a
of
the Repeal Association

in
had taken the business

.
And he continued write

in
to
his own terse and forcible

style But his mind travelled too fast
in
in
the Nation
.
war for either the journal

, heof
the direction the society

or
with which was connected The desperate condition

.
all
the country prey

of
of
of to
now the horrors famine

a
for the awfully fatal effects which the government was

clearly responsible the disorganization and decay
of
the
—
O'Connell
on
of
Repeal party consequent the death

,
of
the introduction Arms Acts and other coercive mea

'
by
the government and the growing ardour

of
sures the
,
Confederate Clubs were signs and tokens un

as
him
to
,
in
no
be
bringing
to
mistakable that there was time lost

which the people should hold their
in
to
matters crisis
a
by
his political associates

of
own
of
force arms Most

.
viewed the situation with more patience but Mr.

;
Mitchel was resolved that even if he stood alone, he

would speak out his opinions to the people . In the
latter part of December , 1847 , he withdrew from the
Nation . On the 5th of February, 1848 , at the close of a
debate , which had lasted two days , on the merits of his
policy of immediate resistance to the collection of rates ,
rents, and taxes , and the division on which was unfavour
able to him , he , with a number of friends and sympa
thisers withdrew from the Confederation . Seven days
afterwards, he issued the first number of a newspaper ,
bearing the significant title of the United Irishman , and
having for motto the following aphorism
its
quoted from
be
Theobald Wolfe Tone Our independence must had
“
:
all
, at
property will not support

of
hazards the men

If
.
by
aid
they must fall we can support ourselves
of us
the
;
that numerous and respectable class the community of
,
no
of
the men property

.”
The Nation had been regarded outspoken to an

as
rather
journal and not particularly well affected the rulers
,
of
the country But was mildness and gentleness

it
- ,
,
.
and loyalty itself compared

in
to
the new comer the field

The sudden uprising most portent
of
journalism
of
a
.
to
ous comet sweeping close this planet

in of
ours could
hardly create more unfeigned astonishment the minds
people general than did the appearance
of
of
this
in
open and avowed sedi

of
wonderful newspaper brimful

,
tion crammed with incitements

to
insurrection and with

,
,
diligently prepared instructions for the destruction

. of
her Majesty's troops barracks stores and magazines

,
,
they read
as
Men rubbed their eyes

its
articles and
,
his
correspondence scarcely believing that any man

in
,
of
sober senses would venture any part

in
the Queen's
,
put such things print But there were

in
to
dominions
,
on
the articles and the letters nevertheless fair paper

,
,
in
good type published duly registered news

to , in
and
a
,
paper bearing the impressed stamp

of
the Customs
a
to all
in
sign men that the proprietor was bound heavy

the government against the publication
in of
sureties
libel blasphemy
or
sedition couched moreover

,
,
--
,
a “
,
!
"
style language possessing such grace and force such

of
,
delicacy of finish , and yet such marvellous strength , rich

with so much of quiet humour , and bristling with such
rasping sarcasm and penetrating invective that they
,
were read as an intellectual luxury even by men who
regarded as utterly wild and wicked the sentiments they
conveyed . The first editorial utterance in this journal
consisted of a letter from Mr. Mitchel to the Viceroy ,
in which that functionary was addressed as " The Right
Hon . the Earl of Clarendon , Englishman , calling himself
her Majesty's Lord Lieutenant -General and General
Governor of Ireland . ” The purport of the document
was to declare , above board , the aims and objects of the
United Irishman , a journal with which , wrote Mr. Mitchel ,
“ your lordship and your lordship's masters and servants
are to have more to do than may be agreeable either to
you or me." That that purpose was to resume the
struggle which had been waged by Tone and Emmet , or ,
as Mr. Mitchel put it , “the Holy War , to sweep this
island clear of the English name and nation . ” « We
differ ,” he said , “from the illustrious conspirators of
’98
,
not
iota
shall pre
in
principle
no
as an
not but
as
,
I
-
sently show you materially

of
to
the mode action

,
.'
And the difference was
in
to
consist this that whereas

-
an byin
the revolutionary organization Ninety Eight was

, a
-
secret one which was ruined spies and informers

,
Forty Eight was to

be
of
that open one concerning

-
its ,
which informers could tell nothing that promoters

would not willingly proclaim from the house tops
If
“
-
.
he
you desire wrote have Castle detective em

to
,
”,
a
“
ployed about the United Irishman office Trinity street

in
,
be -
objection provided the man

no
shall make sober

If
,
I
Sir George Grey Sir William Somer

or
and honest
.
ville would like read our correspondence we make

to
him welcome for the present

let
in he be
only the letters

-
Of
forwarded without losing post the fact that

to a
.”
would speedily
be
called account for his conduct

her Majesty's courts
of
of
law the writer this

of
one
,
he
defiant language was perfectly cognizant but declared

;
that the inevitable prosecution would

be
his opportunity
achieving victory over the government
of
be
For
it
a
“
.
known to you ,” he wrote , “that in such a case you shall

either publicly , boldly , notoriously pack a jury , or else
see the accused rebel walk a free man out of the court of
Queen's Bench - which will be a victory only less than
the rout of your lordship’s red - coats in the open field .”
In case of his defeat , other men would take up the
cause, and maintain it until at last England would have
to fall back on her old system of courts -martial, and
triangles, and free quarters , and Irishmen would find
that there was no help for them “ in franchises , in
votings, in spoutings, in shoutings , and toasts drank
with enthusiasm - nor in anything in this world , save
the extensor and contractor muscles of their right arms , in
these and in the goodness of God above.” The conclu
sion of this extraordinary address to her Majesty's
presentative was in the following terms
re
:
“ In plain English, my Lord Earl , the deep and irreconcilable
all
disaffection of this people to British laws lawgivers and law

,
of ,
administrators shall find voice That holy Hatred foreign
a
dominion which nerved our noble predecessors fifty years ago for
the dungeon the field the gallows though late years
or
of
has
it
,
vile nisi prius gown and snivelled somewhat

in
of
worn courts
,
a
on
law and spouting platforms still lives thank God and glows
,
)
!
it as
as
fierce and hot

, To
to
ever educate that holy Hatred make
.
, ,
fill
know itself and avow itself and itself full hereby

at
last
,
.” ,
I
of
devote the columns the United Irishman
After this address the Lord Lieutenant Mr. Mitchel

to
addressing the farming classes and really

it
is
to
took
,
study observe the exquisite precision the clearness

to
,
he
of
and the force the language employed convey his

to
In
to
ideas them his second letter he supposes the case

.
farmer who has the entire produce

of
of
in
his land
a
he
his haggard the shape

of
of
six stacks corn shows

in
of ,
;
all
these ought
in
that three honour and conscience

,
to ,
be
sufficient for the landlord and the government

seize upon leaving the other three support the family
to
,
the man whose labour had produced them

of
But what
.
are the facts -the landlord and the government sweep

!
his
by
all
away and the peasant and family starve the

,
an
As
things
of
of
ditch sides illustration this condition

,
.
he quotes from a southern paper an account of an inquest

held on the body of a man named Boland , and on the
bodies of his two daughters , who , as the verdict declared ,
had died of cold and starvation ," although occupants
of a farm of over twenty acres in extent. On this
melanclioly case the comment of the editor of the United
Irishman was as follows --
:
“ Now what became of poor Boland's twenty acres of crop ? Part
of it went to Gibraltar , to victual the garrison ; part to South
Africa , to provision the robber army ; part went to Spain , to pay
for
the landlord's wine part pay the interest his

. to
to
; of
London
,
;
honour's mortgage the Jews The English ate some
of
it
the
to
Chinese had their share the Jews and the Gentiles divided
it
;
amongst them and there was none for Boland
."
-
of
As
to
the manner which the condition and fate

in
poor Boland were

be
to
avoided abundant instructions

,
were given every number The anti tithe movement

in
-
.
was quoted begin with but
of
model
to
be as
course
,
a
,
that was improved upon The idea that the people
to
.
on
would not venture such desperate movements and
,
had grown enamoured the Peace policy and
to of
of
Patience and Perseverance Mr. Mitchel refused

,
“
entertain for moment

a
will not believe that Irishmen are

so
degraded and utterly

“
I
as
The Earth awakening from sleep

is of
lost this flash electric

is
a
;
.
fire passing through the dumb millions Democracy girding

is
himself once more like strong man run race and slumbering
to
a
nations are arising their might and shaking their invincible

in
up
my countrymen look
up
Oh
locks look Arise from the

,
!
,
!
.'
death dust where you have long been lying and this light visit
let
,
-
your eyes also and touch your souls Let your ears drink the
in
,
are
Liberty Fraternity Equality

to
blessed words which soon

,
!
'
!'
ring from pole pole Clear steel will ere long dawn upon you
to
,
!
your desolate darkness and the rolling thunder the People's

of
in
it ;
cannon will drive before many heavy cloud that has long hidden
a
for
you Pray that day and preserve life

of
from the face heaven

;
.
and health that you may worthily meet

let
Above all the

it
,
.
his
no
man amongst you who has gun sell garment and buy one
."
So
on
Mr. Mitchel went for some weeks preaching

in
,
earnest and exciting language the necessity prepara

of
an
tion for immediate grapple with

In
the enemy
“
."
the midst of his labours came the startling news of

another revolution in France, Louis Philippe in full flight ,
and the proclamation of a Republic . Yet a few days
more and the Berliners had risen and triumphed , only
stopping short of chasing their king away because he
all
they were pleased require
in of
him then
to
conceded
;
Sicily insurrection Lombardy
in
came insurrection
, ,
,
Hungary
in
Milan insurrection
in
insurrection short
in
,
-
the revolutionary movement became general throughout
Európe and thrones and principalities were tumbling
,
all
and tottering Loud was the complaint

in
directions
.
in
the United Irishman because Dublin was remaining

tranquil was evident however that the people and
It
,
,
.
their leaders were feeling the revolutionary impulse and
,
that matters were fast hurrying towards an outbreak
.
John Mitchel knew that hand and de
at
crisis was
a
,
all
his energies making the best use
of
to
voted the short

time that his newspaper had live His writing be
to
came fiercer more condensed and more powerful than

,
ever . Lord Clarendon was now addressed “ Her
as
Majesty's Executioner General and General Butcher
. of
Ireland and instructions for street warfare and sorts all
”,
for
in an
of
operations suitable insurgent populace occupied

larger space than ever his paper But the govern
a
ment were now resolved close with their bold and

to
clever enemy On Tuesday the 21st

of
March 1848
,
,
,
.
Messrs O'Brien Meagher and Mitchel were arrested

,
,
,
.
the former for seditious speeches uttered meeting

at
,
a
on
of
of
the Confederation held the 15th that month

,
the latter for three seditious articles published the

in
All were released

on
United Irishman bail and when

,
.
May disagreements
of
on
the trials came

in
the month
of ,
,
the jury took place the cases

of
O'Brien and
in
Meagher But before the trial

of be
of
Mr. Mitchel could

.
on
proceeded with fresh charge

he
was arrested
a
,
treason felony -a
new crime which had been manu
a
a ,
-
by
of
factured Act Parliament few weeks before He

.
the toils and with but little chance

in
was therefore fast

,
,
,
Little concern did this give the brave bearted

of
escape
-
.
patriot who only hoped and prayed that

at
last the time

,
SS SPEECHES FROM THE DOCK .
had come when his countrymen would launch out upon

the resolute course of action which he had so earnestly
recommended to them . From his cell in Newgate , on
the 16th of May, he addressed to them one of his most
exciting letters , of which the following are the concluding
passages
for
“ For me , I abide my fate joyfully ; know that whatever
,
I
betide me my work nearly done Yes
is Moral Force and
to ;
,
.
Patience and Perseverance are scattered the wild winds
of
•
The music my countrymen now love best '
to
heaven hear the
is
of .
in
arms and the ring As sit here and write
of
rattle the rifle
I
, .
my lonely cell hear just dying away the measured tramp
of
ten
,
I,
thousand marching men my gallant confederates unarmed and
,
-
silent but with hearts like bended bow waiting till the time comes
,
.
They have marched past my prison windows let me know there
to
,
ten
thousand fighting men Dublin felons

-
in
in
are heart and
'
soul
“ .
for
The game The liberty
of
at
thank God afoot last
is
it
I
.
by
Ireland may come sooner later peaceful negotiation bloody

or
or
,
conflict- but sure and wherever between the poles may

is
it
I
to
of
be
of
chance will hear the crash the downfall the thrice

,
I
accursed British Empire

."
On Monday May 22nd 1848 the trial

of
Mr. Mitchel
,
commenced the Commission Court Green street before

in
,
-
by
Baron Lefroy He was eloquently defended the

.
veteran lawyer and uncompromising patriot Robert

,
Holmes the brother law of Robert Emmet The

in
law ,
.
-
-
the case was strong against the prisoner but

of
mere
,
Mr. Holmes endeavoured the jury

to
raise the minds

of
the case upon which English juries

to
of
the moral view

,
of
have often acted regardless

of
of
the letter the Act

With jury Irishmen impartially chosen
of
Parliament
a
.
would have been good defence but the Castle had

it
At five o'clock on
of
their men this case

in
made sure
.
the evening the 26th the case went the jury who
of
to
,
a ,
an
after two hours returned into court with

of
absence
,
Guilty
of
verdict
“
.”
That verdict was On the

no
surprise day
to
one
a
the jury was empanelled the prisoner and every one

,
else knew what

to
it
It
was be was now his turn

.
he
say for himself and

to
to
have word spoke

as
was
a
,
his wont, in plain terms , answering thus the question

that had been put to him :
“ I have to say that I have been found guilty by a packed jury
by the jury of a partizan sheriff - by a jury not empanelled even
according to the law of England . I have been found guilty by a
not
by
packed jury obtained by a juggle —a jury empanelled
a
by
sheriff but juggler

a
”
.
This was touching the high sheriff
on
tender place
,
he
immediately called out for the protection
of
and the
court Whereupon Baron Lefroy interposed and did
,
.
gravely and deliberately judges
of
as
the manner
is
,
,
declare that the imputation which had just been made
on
of
the character that excellent official the high sheriff
.” ,
, ,
was most unwarranted and unfounded He adduced
“
—
no
support
in
not
of
however reason that declaration
a
,
proof that the conduct

or of
of
shadow the aforesaid official
was fair but proceeded say that the jury
to
honest
—
by
had found the prisoner guilty
on
evidence supplied
his
his
own writings some lordship

of
which with
,
a
pro
his
on
proper expression
of
horror countenance
,
In
the prisoner's
of
one
to
ceeded read from his notes

.
said there appeared the following pas

he
publications
,
on
now growing
of
sage There the soil Ireland

is
a
“
:
grain and roots and cattle far more than

to of
wealth
,
all ,
enough life and comfort

in
sustain the inhabitants

for us
of
the island That wealth must not leave another

.
year not until every grain fought every

of
in
is
it
,
stage from the tying the loading

of of
to
the
of
the sheaf
,
ship and the effort necessary that simple act self

to
;
preservation will one and the same blow prostrate

at
British dominion and landlordism together refe In

.”
writing and many others

of
this piece
of
to
rence
,
similar nature his lordship remarked that no effort had

,
to
been made show that the prisoner was not responsible

no
for them was only contended that they involved

it
;
be
moral guilt But the law was

to
vindicated
it
and
;
.
his
duty
to
pronounce the sentence

of
now became the

be
court which was that the prisoner transported

--
,
for
of
beyond the seas term fourteen years The

.
a
severity the sentence occasioned general surprise

of
a
;
90 SPEECAES FROM THE DOCK .
general suspiration and low murmur were heard through

the court . Then there was stillness as of death , in the
midst of which the tones of John Mitchel's voice rang
out clearly , as he said :
its
part and the Queen England
of
“ The law has now done her
to ,
crown and government Ireland are now secure pursuant act
in
,
parliament have done my part also Three months ago
of
I
.
.
promised Lord Clarendon and his government this country that
in
,
of ,
as
would provoke him into his courts justice places this
of
,
I
kind are called and that would force him publicly and notori
a ,
me
jury against me
or
to
ously pack else that would
, to
convict
I
to
walk free man out this court and provoke him
, in
of
contest
a
ona
another field My lord knew was setting my life that cast
,
I
I
.
be
but knew that either event the victory should with me and
in
I
,
it
with me Neither the jury nor the judges nor any other man
is
,
.
,
in this court presumes imagine that criminal who stands
to
is
a
it
." „
in this dock
applause which caused

of
Here there were murmurs

,
the criers call out for and the police
to
to
Silence
“
!"
on
look fiercely the people around them Mr. Mitchel

.
resumed
::
in
of
have shown what the law made Ireland have

is
“
I
.
I
by
shown that her Majesty's government sustains itself Ireland
in
by
by
packed juries partizan judges perjured sheriffs

,
,
.”
, sit
Baron Lefroy interposed The court could not
.
:
hear the prisoner arraign the jurors the sheriffs
to
there
,
by
the courts and the tenure which Englands holds this

,
country Again the prisoner spoke

.
all
have acted through this business from the first under

,
“
,
I
strong sense duty do not repent anything that

of
have
I
I
a
done and believe that the course which have opened only
is
I
,
The Roman who saw his hand burning

to
commenced ashes before

, .
the tyrant promised that three hundred should follow out his
for
for
for
enterprise Can not promise one for two three aye

,
,
,
I
.
hundreds
?
"
As
he
uttered these words Mr. Mitchel looked proudly

,
of
into the faces the friends near him and around the
,
all re
court His words and his glance were immediately

.
by
an
to
sponded passionate voices from

of
outburst
me
the building exclaiming

-—
parts
of
For for me
,
!
for
for
promise me Mitchel and me And then came
of !"
a !
rd through clapping stamping feet that sounded
of
hands and
,
a
the
ath
by
loud and sharp
in
discharge musketry followed

,
. of
as
,
a
voice rang shout like peal of_thunder John Martin Thomas
,
a
Francis Meagher and Devin Reilly with other gentle
,
by
acther
of to
men who stood close the dock reached over
it
,
England
ago ,
grasp the hand the new made felon The aspect
of
to
suant
.
affairs looked alarming for moment The policemen
I
onths
.
on
Countrythat the persons near them and pulled
,
laid violent hands

this
of
laces them about Mr. Meagher and Mr. Doheny were taken
. .
and notori
of
into custody Baron Lefroy high state excite
in
,
that would
a
I
ment cried out-- Officer remove Mr. Mitchel

and, in
contest and
,
!”
"
!
on a
thatcast then with his brother judges retired hurriedly from the
,
,
me
The turnkeys who stood the dock with Mr.
in
vith bench
,
man
he
he
other Mitchel motioned him that took
to
to
was move
y
;
who stands
step two down the little stairs under the flooring
of
or
a
no
the court house and his friends saw him more
,
-
.
ich caused He was led through the passages that communicated
with the adjoining prison and ushered into dark and
a
,
to
police
of
narrow cell his detention was
in
which however but

,
Mitchel
,
At
r.
byof
few hours duration four o'clock the evening
in
a
.
'
May 27th 1848 the prison van escorted

—
that day
—
,
hare
nd
large force mounted police and dragoons with drawn

of
I
.
by
,
up
to
Ireland
the prison gate
It
sabres drove was opened and

,
,
.
forth walked John Mitchel heavy chain

A
fetters
byin
-
his right leg the ankle

, sit
to
at
was attached shackle

a
not
;
d
the other end was the left leg

to
to
have been attached

,
ne
sheriffs
but the jailors had not time
to
as
this effect the connexion

holds
the prisoner
of
when the order came for

th
removal
,
:
they bade him take this

in
in
his hand and was

it
it
,
under plight with festoon

of
iron from his hand his foot

I,
to
first have
,
at passed from the prison into the street_repeating

he
only
by
ed
is
his
mayhap Wolfe
to
own heart the words uttered

,
before
shes his
Tone For the cause
in
circumstances not dissimilar

“
:-
out
W
for
which feel prouder

to
ree are
have embraced wear these
,
I
,
I
chains than were decorated with the star and garter

if
,
England five police inspectors assisted him

to of
Four
or
.”
proudly step into the van the door was closed after him the
allrathe
,
,
ound word was given the escort and off went the cavalcade
to
ately thundering pace govern

the North wall where
at
to
a
a
,
-
from
!
for me
ment steamer , the “ Shearwater , " was lying with her steam
up in readiness to receive him . He clambered the side
ladder of the steamer with some assistance ; on reaching
the deck , the chains tripped him and he fell forward .
Scarcely was he on his feet again , when the paddles of
the steamer were beating the water , and the vessel was
moving from the shores of that “ Isle of Destiny, " which
he loved so well , and a sight of which has never since
gladdened the eyes of John Mitchel .
The history of Mr. Mitchel's subsequent career , which
has been an eventful one , does not rightly fall within the
scope of this work . Suffice it to say that on June the
1st
of
he
was placed Scourge man

on
1848 board the

,
, ,
-
war which then sailed off for Bermuda There Mr.
.
on
Mitchel was retained penal ship
or
board hulk
,
he a
”
until April 22nd 1849 when
to
was transferred the
,
ship Neptune her way from England the Cape

on
to
,
“
"
Good Hope whither she was taking

of
British
of
batch
,
re
the Cape
a at
convicts Those convicts the colonists
to .
fused receive into their country and long struggle

,
the
of
ensued between them and the commander
Neptune who wished deposit his cargo according
to
anto
,
“
"
instructions The colonists were willing make

to
1
Mr. Mitchel but the naval officer

of
exception
in
the case
,
making any compromise

of
could not think

in
the matter
.
of
The end the contest was that the vessel with her
,
February 19th 1850

on
cargo
of
on
convicts board sailed

,
April 7th
on
for Van Dieman's Land where she arrived

,
the hardships they

of
of
In
the same year consideration

.
by
had undergone the Cape

of
their detention
at
reason
,
all
the government granted conditional pardon the

to
a
It
on
their arrival Hobart Town

at
criminal convicts
.
on
set them free the condition that they should not

return the Uniter Kingdom Mr. Mitchel and the
to
.”
'
other political convicts were less mercifully treated

It
.
of
was not until the year 1854 that similar amount

a
freedom was given to these gentlemen Some months

.
previous Mr. Mitchel

of
the arrival Hobart Town

to
at
,
'
his friends William Smith O'Brien John Martin Thomas

,
Meagher Kevin Izod O'Doherty Terence Bellew

F.
,
MacManus , and Patrick O'Donoghue , had reached the

1 same place , there to serve out the various terms of
transportation to which they had beerf sentenced . All
except Mr. O'Brien , who had refused to enter into these
arrangements , were at that time on parole - living , how
ever , in separate and limited districts ; and no two of
them nearer than thirty or forty miles . On
his
landing
Neptune Mr. Mitchel
of
from the
in
consideration
of ",
,
“
the delicate state
to
his health was allowed reside
,
with Mr. Martin the Bothwell district
in
.
In
the year 1853

of
of
the summer number Irish
a
,
gentlemen effect the re
in
to
America took measures
,
of
the Irish patriots from Van
of
, or
lease one more

Dieman's Land and Mr. Smyth sailed from New
P.
J.
on
York that patriotic mission Arrived Van Die
in
.
man's Land the authorities who seemed have suspi
, to
,
,
tion his business placed him under arrest from which

of
,
he
was released after three days detention The friends .

'
in an
of to
soon managed understanding

to
as
meet and come
to
their plan future operations conformity with

,
which Mr. Mitchel penned the following letter

to
the
,
-
of
governor the island

:
Bothwell 8th June 1853

,
,
“
.
SIR hereby resign the comparative liberty called ticket
- “
',
I
'
leave and revoke my parole shall forthwith pre

of
of
honour
I
',
sent myself before the police magistrate Bothwell his police

at
of
be
,
office show him this letter and offer myself taken into
to
,
,
am
sir
custody your obedient servant

,
I
,
,
.
JOIN MITCHEL
“
.”
On the next day June the 9th Mr. Mitchel and Mr.
,
,
Smyth went the police office saw the magistrate with

to
his attending constables handed him the letter waited

,
;
he
its
he to
until had read contents addressed him verbal

a
,
the same effect and while appeared

to
to to
statement
,
do be
paralyzed with astonishment and uncertain what

,
touched their hats him and left the office

to
Chase
,
they had mounted pair

of
as
after them was vain fleet

a
,
steeds after leaving the presence his worship

of
but
it
;
was not until six weeks afterwards that they were able
of
On the 12th
to
get shipping and leave the island

.
October , 1853 , Mr. Mitchel was landed safe in California

to the intense delight of his countrymen throughout the
American States , who celebrated the event by many
joyful barquets .
Since then , Mr. Mitchel has occupied himself mainly
with the press . started the Citizen in New York ,
He
and subsequently ,
at Knoxville , Tennessee , the Southern
Citizen . As editor of the Richmond Examiner during the
American civil war , he ably supported the Southern
cause , to which he gave a still stronger pledge of his
attachment in the services and the lives of two of his
brave sons . One of these gentlemen , Mr. William
Mitchel , was killed at the battle of Gettysburg ; the
other , Captain John Mitchel , who had been placed in
command of the important position of Fort Sumter , was
shot on the parapet of that work , on July 19th , 1864 .
Shortly after the close of the war , Mr. John Mitchel was
taken prisoner by the Federal government ; but after un
dergoing an imprisonment of some months his release was
ordered by President Johnson , acting on the solicitation
of a large and influential deputation of Irishmen . In
the latter part of the year 1867 , turning to the press
again , he started the Irish Citizen at New York , and in
that journal, at the date of this writing , he continues to
wield his trenchant pen on behalf of the Irish cause .
all
To that cause , through the lapse

of
time and
,
he
of
change fortune which

of
scene and vicissitude

,
has known his heart has remained for ever true He

,
.
he
it
has suffered much for may live

to
that see
it
;
an
triumphant prayer which finds

is
in
echo the hearts

a
all his fellow countrymen

of
.
of
We have written Mr. Mitchel only

to
reference
in
we
his political career but can without trenching

;
private life supply

on
any degree
of
the domain
in
,
be
some additional and authentic details which will

of
Irish readers
to
interest The distinguished subject

.
of
near Dungiven
at
our memoir was born Camnish

,
Derry
on
the county
of
of
the 3rd November 1815

in
His father was the Rev. John Mitchel that time

at
,
Presbyterian Minister
of
Dungiven and good patriot

,
,
a
too , having been — as we learn from a statement casually

made by Mr. Mitchel in Conciliation Hall - one of the
United Irishmen of 1798. The maiden name of his
mother , who also came of a Fresbyterian and county
Derry family , was Mary Haslitt . At Newry , whither
the Rev. Mr. Mitchel removed in the year 1823 , and
where he continued to reside till his death in 1843,
young John Mitchel was sent to the school of Dr. David
Henderson , from which he entered Trinity College ,
Dublin , about the year 1830 or 1831. He did not reside
by
within the college, but kept
his
up
terms coming
from the country attend the quarterly examinations
to
.
Though did not distinguish himself
he
his college
in
course and had paid
no
to
more attention the books
,
for
his
prescribed studies than seemed necessary for pass

ing his examinations respectably John Mitchel was
,
known
to
his intimate friends be fine scholar and

to
possessed rare ability While still college student

of
in a
,
.
he
was bound apprentice Newry

to
solicitor Before
a
.
of
the completion his apprenticeship the year 1835

in
,
,
young lady
he
at of
married Jane Verner remarkable

,
a
beauty only sixteen years age

of
and the time a

,
daughter Captain James Verner Not long after his

he of
marriage into partnership his profession

in
entered
, ,
and conformity with the arrangements agreed upon

in
ofhe at
Banbridge
of
went town ten miles north

to
reside
à
,
as
Newry where continued practice

to
solicitor
,
until the death He had been

in
Thomas Davis 1845.

an occasional contributor
to
the Nation almost from the

at
ofhis
its
its
editors recognised
of
date foundation once

;
splendid literary powers and when the Library

,
of
to
Ireland was projected pressed him write one the

heas ,
”
suggesting his subject the Life Hugh

of
volumes
,
O'Neill How ably fulfilled the task known

to
his
is
.
who rightly regard the volume

of
countrymen
as
one
,
of
the most valuable the whole series When death

.
removed the amiable and gifted Thomas Davis from the

his
labours Mr. Duffy invited John Mitchel

of
as
scene
,
,
his
all
in
the man most worthy

of
Ireland place
asto
take
.
,
Mr. Mitchel regarded the invitation

of
the call his

country. He gave up his professional business in Ban

bridge, removed with his wife and family to Dublin , and
there throwing himself heart and soul into the cause ,
fought it out boldly and impetuously until the day when ,
bound in British chains , “ the enemy ” bore him
off
from
Ireland
.
JOHN MARTIN
.
its
WHEN the law had consummated crime and the
,
the felon was pronounced against John Mitchel
of
doom
,
the group that pressed round him the
in
in
there stood
he
as
dock and echoed back the assurances which flung
thoughtful delicate looking
at
last defiance his foes

a
,
,
,
but resolute young Irishman whose voice perhaps was

,
those that spoke there but whose

of
not the loudest
,
heart throbbed responsively his words and for whom
to
,
the unconquerable rebel possessed
of
the final message
a
meaning and significance that gave spe
of
the force
it
a
cial revelation Promise for me Mitchel they cried
",
.
,
"
join
he
he
no
out but had that request

in
to
need had
;
,
no
need intimate Mr. Mitchel his willingness

to
to
follow out the enterprise which that fearless patriot had to

boldly commenced On the previous day sitting with
so
,
.
the prisoner his gloomy cell John Martin Lough

of
in
he
orne had decided on the course which would take

the suppression
of
of
the United Irishman

in
the event
He
and the transportation would start

its
of
editor
a
.
that journal and take the place

of
his dear
to
successor
,
friend the post

at
It
of
danger was noble resolve

a
,
.
deliberately taken and resolutely and faithfully was

ofit
,
carried out None can read the history

of
that act
.
by
daring and
of
which
of
the life sacrifice has been

it
,
us
followed and not agree with that while the memories

,
of
. in
Russell are cherished

of
Tone Emmet and

of
, ,
of ,
be
Ireland the name John Martin ought not forgotten

few days subsequent that memorable scene Green
to
A
in
street court house John Martin quitted his comfortable

,
-
home and the green slopes Loughorne separated him

of
,
self from the friends he loved and the relatives who

idolized him ; and entered on the stormy career of a na
tional leader and journalist , at a time when to advocate
the principles of nationality was to incur the ferocious
hostility of a government whose thirst for vengeance was
only whetted by the transportation of John Mitchel .
He knew the danger he was braving ; he knew that the
path on which he entered led down to suffering and ruin ;
he stood in the gap from which Mitchel had been hurled ,
with a full consciousness of the perils of the situation ;
but unflinchingly and unhesitatingly as the martyr goes
to his death , he threw himself into the thinning ranks
of the patriot leaders ; and when the event that he anti
cipated arrived , and the prison gates opened to receive
him — then , too, in the midst of indignities and priva
tions — he displayed an imperturbable firmness and con
for
tempt physical suffering that showed how powerless

,
persecution subdue the spirit that self conscious

to
is
-
righteousness sustains
.
His history previous

of
to
the conviction his friend

and school feiiow John Mitchel no
if
includes events
it
,
,
-
all
public importance possesses for

us
of
the interest
,
to
the early life good and remarkable

at of
that attaches
a
man John Martin was born Loughorne the lord

in
of ,
.
Newry Co. Down

of
ship the 8th September

on
,
,
,
of
1812 being the eldest son Samuel Martin and Jane

;
that neighbourhood and mem

of
Harshaw both natives

,
Presbyterian families settled there for many

of
bers
of
generations About the time his birth his father

,
.
he
the large farm which

of
purchased the fee simple had

-
his uncles having made

of
previously rented and two

,
, of
similar investments the family became proprietors

,
on
the townland which they lived Mr. Samuel Martin

.
in
who died 1831 divided his attention between the

,
industry
of
of
management the linen business branch

a
-
which the family partly occupied themselves for

in
had
his
His family
of
some generations and the care land

—
whom John Martin

of
of
consisted nine children the

,
subject The prin

of
our sketch was the second born

.
if -
his
be
ciples family they could not

of
to
said possess
,
G
the hue of nationality , were at least liberal and tole
'98
Loughorne were stern oppo
of
rant . In the Martins
,
'82 his father
in
of
nents the United Irishmen but
,
and uncles were enrolled amongst the volunteers and
,
Union was opposed by them
as
national
of
the Act
a
calamity was from his good mother however
It
a
,
,
.
lady
of
refined taste and remarkable mental culture that
,
young John derived his inclination for literary pursuits
,
justice and equality that
of
and learned the maxims
He
swayed him through life speedily discarded the
.
prejudices against Catholic Emancipation which were
,
not altogether unknown amongst his family and which
,
even found some favour with himself the unreflecting
in
days boyhood The natural tendency his mind
of
of
,
.
justice
of
the principles
as
the
to
as
however was true

,
the pole and the quiet rebuke that one day

to
needle
,
fell from his uncle What John would you not give
,
“
your Catholic fellow countrymen the same rights that

-
you enjoy yourself having set him thinking for the

a
?
”
the subject he soon formed opinions more

on
first time
,
in
consonance with liberality and fair play

.
When about twelve years age young Martin was

of
Newry where
he
of
Dr. Henderson
to
at
sent the school

,
first became acquainted with John Mitchel then attend

,
ing the same seminary day scholar We next find

as
a
.
an
John Martin Trinity College and

of
extern student
,
to de
took out his

he
of
year after the death his father

a
.
up
old
gree Arts He was now twenty years

in
and
,
.
this time had suffered much from constitutional affec

a
tion being subject from infancy

to
spasmodic
of
fits
,
Strange say the disease which troubled him

to
asthma
,
.
frequently recurring intervals

at
home seldom attacked

at
him when away from Loughorne and partly for the

,
his
took up Dub
he
purpose
of in
escaping
, of
residence
it,
lin
1833 and devoted himself to the study medi

. in
by
cine He never meditated earning his living the

he
profession but longed for the opportunity assuag

airof
,
ing the sufferings of

of
the afflicted poor The the

for
.
dissecting room however was too much Martin's

,
,
-
delicate nervous organization the kindly encouragement

;
of his fellow -students failed to induce him to breathe its

fetid atmosphere a second time , and he was forced to
content himself with a theoretical knowledge of the
profession . By diligent study and with the assistance
of lectures , anatomical plates , & c. , he managed to con
all
quer the difficulty ; and he had obtained nearly the
for
certificates necessary taking out medical degree
,
a
he by
he
when Loughorne
in
to
was recalled 1835 the death
,
his uncle John whose house and lands
of
inherited
,
.
During the four years following Loughorne
he
lived
at
,
discharging the duties resident country gentleman
of
a
Ireland and endearing
as
they are seldom performed

in
by
all
himself but particularly
to
to
classes the poor

, ,
,
purity
of
his gentle disposition mind and benevolence
,
a In
of
heart him the afflicted and the poverty stricken

.
-
sympathising friend and
of
ever found none the
if
,
rewards which the ruling faction were ready
to
shower
on
of
the Irishman his position who looked

to
the Castle
to
for
he
inspiration fell his share enjoyed recompense

,
of
more precious the prayers and the blessings
in
the
poor his door were crowded with the
of
The steps
.
patients who flocked him for advice and for whom

to
prescribed gratuitously
he
not without some reluctance

—
,
however arising from distrust
of
his own abilities and

,
an
. to
unwillingness interfere with the practice

of
the
he
regular profession But the diffidence with which

regarded his own efforts was not shared by the people
of
the district Their faith his professional skill was

in
.
unbounded and perhaps the confidence which they felt

,
his power contributed

in
in
to
some measure the success

,
that attended his practice

.
In
1839 Mr. Martin sailed from Bristol New York

to
Upper
of
to
and travelled thence the extreme west

visit On
to
Canada relative who had settled there

.
he
that occasion was absent from Ireland nearly twelve

in
months and during his stay

, he
America made some

in ,
tours Canada and the Northern States visiting the

Falls Toronto Montreal Philadelphia New York
,
,
,
Washington Pittsburg and Cleveland In 1841 he

,
,
made brief continental tour and visited the chief

a
,
points of attraction along the Rhine . During this time

Mr. Martin's political ideas became developed and ex
panded , and though like Smith O'Brien , he at first with
his
held sympathies from the Repeal agitation
in
,
a
he
became impressed with the justice
of
short time the
national demand for independence His retiring dispo
.
sition kept him from appearing very prominently before
the public but the value the Repeal
of
his adhesion
to
;
by
great
be
Association was felt those who knew his
to
uprightness his disinterestedness and his ability
,
,
.
When the suicidal policy O'Connell drove the Con
of
federates from Conciliation Hall John Martin was not
of
spectator
of
consequence
in
silent the crisis and
a
,
he
the manly sentiments expressed with reference
to
the
which the Young Ireland party had been
he to
treatment
be
subjected
of
to
ceased member the Association

a
,
There was another cause too for his secession stand
A
.
ing taunt the English press was that
in
of
the mouth
O'Connell pocketed the peoples money and took care
to
'
to let
To
put
he
an
nobody know what did with end
it
.
this reproach Mr. Martin asked that the accounts
of
be
the Association should published Publish the

ac
“
.
counts shrieked the well paid gang that marred the

!”
the politics Mon

of
O'Connell
in
influence and traded

“
by
:
strous and they silenced the troublesome purist

”
!
suppressing his letters and expelling him from the Asso

In
of
ciation the ranks the Confederates however

,
he ,
.
Martin found more congenial society amongst them

;
found men single minded

as
as
of as
earnest sincere and

,
-
,
by
himself and them the full worth his character

as
was soon appreciated He frequently attended their

.
was who filled the chair during the

he
meetings and
,
it
prolonged debates that ended with the temporary with

drawal Mitchel from the Confederation
of
When the
.
he
itsto to
United Irishman was started became contributor

in a
its
he
of up
to
columns and continued write its pages

,
its
of
the date suppression and the conviction

,
editor and proprietor

.
There were many noble and excellent qualities which

the friends John Martin knew him
of
to
possess Rec
.
titude of principle , abhorrence of injustice and in

tolerance , deep love of country , the purity and earnest
ness of a saint , allied with the kindliness and inoffen
siveness of childhvod ; amiability and disinterestedness ,
together with a perfect abnegation of self , and total
freedom from the vanity which affected a few of his
compatriots -- these they gave him credit for , but they
were totally unprepared the lion like courage the
for
,
-
by
him
boldness and the promptitude displayed when
,
,
by
Mitchel flung
of
the government the conviction
,
,
down the gauntlet the people Hastily
of
Ireland
to
in he
settling up his worldly accounts the North
re
in
,
Dublin stake his fortune and his life
to
turned the
to
he
cause which had promised serve The United Irish

to
its
man was gone but Martin had undertaken that place
,
be
Irish Journalism should not

in
vacant and few
he a
;
re
Tņinity street was sacked
in
weeks after the office

-
occupied the violated and empty rooms and issued there

,
no
of
from the first number the Irish Felon There was

.
halting place Irish Journalism then The Nation had

in
already flung peace and conciliation and balmy forgive
.
ness the winds and advocated the creed of the
to
The scandalous means used procure verdict

to
sword
a
.
guilty against Mitchel tore tatters the last rag of

of
It to
the constitution Ireland was idle dictate ob

in
to
.
the law which the government themselves

of
servance
were engaged violating and the Nation was not the
in
journal brook the tyranny With

of
the authorities
to
for
spirit that cannot too highly praised

be
called
it
,
a
the overthrow the government that had sent Mitchel

of
chains into banishment

in
and summoned the people

of
,
by
assert their rights the only

to
Ireland prepare
— to
the
means now left them bullet and the pike And

.
of
the eyes men whose hearts were weary waiting for

“
the fray began glisten they read the burning

to
as
of ,
"
words poetry and prose which the Nation preached

in
by
the gospel liberty

of
take that
of its
to
It
was side
.
its
journal and rival language

to
the boldness
in
it
,
it its
and the spirit arguments that the Irish Felon was

of
,
its
do
established and executed mission well

;
“
I
.
its
not love political agitation for own sake exclaimed
, "
his opening address
in
in
Martin the first number
.
At
as
best regard necessary evil and were
it
if
I
I
;
a
*
to on
not convinced that my countrymen are determined
vindicating their rights and that they really intend
,
would once withdraw from the
at
free themselves
,
I
for
struggle and leave my native land ever could not
I
.
in
as
Ireland and derive my means
of
live life member
re
the Irish community without feeling
of
citizen's
a
sponsibilities Irish public affairs Those responsi
in
.
bilities involve the guilt national robbery and murder
of
-of system which arrays the classes our people
of
a
against each other's prosperity and very lives like beasts
,
on
prey rather like famishing sailors
byof of
a
wreck
or
,
of
the debasement and moral ruin people endowed
of
God with surpassing resources for the attainment
man happiness and human dignity loyal
be
cannot I
.
system meanness terror and corruption although

of
to
,
a
usurp the title and assume the form govern of

it
a
“
ment long government presumes
So
such
to
as
.'
'
me
injure and irsult whose prosperity

in
and those
I
,
all
to
am involved must offer the resistance my in

it
,
if I
of
power But despaired successful resistance

I
,
I
.
would certainly remove myself from under such a

that
do
government's actual authority not exile

;
I
'
‘
myself proof that

hope witness the overthrow
to
is
,
a
of
in
and assist the overthrow the most abominable

,
Im
tyranny the world now groans under the British

--
To
per system gain permission for the Irish people

al
their own lives their own happiness and dig

for
cire
to
nity abolish the political conditions which compel

to
—
our people
of
the classes
to
to to
hate and murder each

,
other and which compel the Irish people hate the very
the English end the reign fraud perjury
of
, , of
name
to
, ,
,
-
corruption and government butchery and make

to
, ,
'
law order and peace possible Ireland the Irish Felon

in
,
its
place amongst the combatants the holy war

in
takes
now waging this island against foreign tyranny In
itin
.
the
be
conducting my weapons shall the truth

—
whole
,
but
the
me
truth and nothing God

so
truth help
,
!"
103 1
SPEECHES FROM THE DOCK .
Such open and avowed treason as this could not

long continue to be published . Before the third number
the Felon saw the light , a warrant for Mr. Martin's arrest
was in the hands of the detectives , and
its
its
fifth was
last On Saturday July 8th Mr. Martin surrendered
,
.
himself into custody having kept out
of
the way for
a
few days
to
prevent his being tried under the gagging
“
the Commission sitting when the warrant was
at
act
”,
issued and which adjourned until August the time
—
,
fixed for the insurrection the interim On the same
in
-
.
day Duffy Williams and O'Doherty were arrested
,
to .
Martin was imprisoned
he
Newgate but continued
in
its
write from within his cell for the Felon and last
,
July 22nd contains spirited
on
number published
a
,
,
letter signed with his initials which formed portion
to , of
on ,
In
the indictment against him his trial this letter
.
on
Martin calls his countrymen impassioned words

in
>>
their arms Let them menace you he
to
stand
6
“
!
",
writes from his dungeon with the hulks the gibbet
or
,
"
for daring speak write your love Let

to
or
Ireland
to
.
them threaten mow you down with grape shot
to
as
,
they massacred your kindred with famine and plague
Spurn their brutal Acts
of
Parliament trample upon

'-
•
their lying proclamations fear them not

—
!”
On Tuesday August 15th John Martin's trial com

,
the indictment
in
menced Green street court house

,
-
being for treason felony Several of his tenantry

,
“
”,
-
writes the Special Correspondent the London Morning

of
at up
be
present town
his trial and
to
to
at
Herald came
,
,
,
for
his
they hoped they could not bring

as
escape
,
so
so
believe that gentle

to
themselves man amiable

a
pious they had long known him could be

so
as
and
,
"
,
the Englishman's way putting it—

of
an
this inciter
is
It
"
really melancholy added the writer

“ to
bloodshed
is
”,
of ,
.
hear the poor people

to
the neighbourhood
of
Loughorne speak their benefactor He was ever ready

of
and advice gratuitously

to
an ; to
administer medicine his

all
poor neighbours and who sought his assistance and

in
he
according the reports did

to
have received
,
I
his
As
he
good way
of
landlord
in
calculable amount
a
.
was beloved by his tenantry for his kindness and

liberality, while from his suavity of manner and excel .
lent qualities , he was a great favourite with the gentry
around him . ”
Ateight o'clock , p.m. , on Thursday , August 17th , the
jury came into court with a verdict of guilty against the
prisoner , recommending him to mercy on the grounds
that the letter on which he was convicted was written
from the prison , and penned under exciting circum
stances . On the following day , Mr. Martin was brought
up to receive sentence, and asked - after the usual form
—whether he had anything to say against the sentence
being pronounced ? The papers of the time state that
he appeared perfectly unmoved by the painful position
that he looked round the court
:
in which he was placed
house in a calm , composed , dignified manner , and then
spoke the following reply in clear unfaltering tones
“ My lords —I have no imputation to cast upon the bench , neither

have I anything
to charge the jury with , of unfairness towards me .
I think the judges desired to do their duty honestly as upright
judges and men ; and that the twelve men who were put into the
I ,
try
,
box as believe not to convict me voted honestly
to
but
,
,
,
no
according their prejudices have personal enmity against

I
to
any the gentlemen connected with

or
of
the sheriff sub sheriff

,
,
arrangement jury panel nor against the Attorney

of
the the
-
General nor any other person engaged the proceedings called my

in
,
trial but any lords have not been yet tried

I
consider that There

,
I
,
;
have been certain formalities carried on here for three days regard
ing me ending guilty but have not been put upon
of
in
verdict
I
a
,
:
as
my country exist Ireland requires

in
the constitution said

to
,
my countrymen indifferently chosen have not been

of
Twelve
,
',
put into that jury box try me but twelve men who
to
believe
,
I
,
,
-
by
have been selected the parties who represent the crown for the
,
purpose convicting and not trying me believe they were

of
of
I
.
the
put into that box because parties conducting the prosecution

knew their political sentiments were hostile
— to
mine and because

,
political question
is
at
the matter issue here opinion

asof
matter
, I a
and not nothing say to the

of
matter fact have

to
more
a
.
to
trial except repeat having

of
that watched the conduct the

,
upright
to
judges consider them and honest men have this

,
I
I
to .
as
charge make with respect

to
add that the the constitution

,
the panel and the selection

no
the jury legal evidence

of of
of
have
,
I
no
the truth my statement but there

of
one who has moral

is
a
,
Every person knows that what have stated the fact

of
doubt
is
it
;
I
.
and I
would represent to the judges , most respectfully , that they ,
as upright and honourable men and judges , and as citizens , ought
to see that the administration of justice in this country is above
suspicion . I have nothing more to say with regard to the trial ;
but I would be thankful to the court
for
permission say
to
few
a
my character and motives after sentence
in
words
of
vindication
is
passed
.”
we
Baron Pennefather— No will not hear anything from you
;
after sentence
."
Chief Baron— We cannot hear anything from you after sen

“
tence has been pronounced

.'
me
Mr. Martin Then my lords permit say that admitting
to
,
I,
-
the narrow and confined constitutional doctrines which have heard
, Into am
the
to
right
in
be
preached not guilty charge
ac
this court
of
,
I
cording
to
this act did not intend levy war against
or
devise
I
.
in on
or
to
depose the Queen the article mine which
of
the Queen
.
the jury framed their verdict guilty which was written prison
of
to ,
published my
of
in
and the last number paper what desired
I
,
do
advise and encourage my countrymen keep their

to
no —
was.this
to
I of
arms because that right
no
their inalienable which act par
is
,
,
; re
It
liament proclamation can take away from them
is
,
,
.
peat their inalienable right keep their arms
in to
advised them
,
I
.
and further their own defence

to
advised them use their arms

,
,
I
all
against assailants.even assailants that might come
to
attack
them unconstitutionally and improperly using the Queen's name
,
all
their sanction My object

to as
my proceedings has been simply

in
.
establishing the national independence Ireland for

in
assist
of
,
all
of
the benefit the people noblemen clergymen

of
Ireland
,
,
-
all
judges professional men have sought that

in
fact Irishmen
I
,
of ,
-
of - .
object first because thought was our right because think na

it
,
I
I
:
tional independence the right the people this country and

in , is
secondly admit that being man who loved retirement never

I
,
,
I
would have engaged politics not think was necessary

it
did
to
of I
all
do
an
my power the horrible scenes that this

in
to
make end
country presents pauperism
—
the starvation and crime and vice

I,
,
,
all
classes against each other thought there should

of
and hatred
.
no be
an
that horrible system which while

of to
end lasted gave me

it
,
,
,
for
peace could not enjoy anything my native

in
mind
I
as ;
to
saw my countrymen forced

be
so
country long vicious

I
to
forced hate each other and degraded paupers and

to
the level
of
-
engaged politics
in
brutes That the reason acknowledge

is
,
I
.
.
I of as
the Solicitor General has said that was but weak assailant
a
,
I
-
the English power am not good writer and am

no
orator
a
,
I
I
' .
had only two weeks experience conducting newspaper until

in
was put into jail

of
to
but am satisfied direct the attention

I
;
I
my countrymen everything have written and said and

a to
to
rest
,
I
have put
on
my character
of
fair and candid examination what

I
my
as
my opinions shall say nothing

in
of
forward vindication
I
.
no
that every fair and honest man

—
motives but this matter how

,
he
be
he
prejudiced may calmly considers what have written

if
I
,
and said , will be satisfied that my motives were pure and honour
able . I have nothing more to say .”
Then the judge proceeded to pass sentence . In the

course of his remarks he referred to the recommenda
tion to mercy which came from the jury , whereupon Mr.
Martin broke in . “ I beg your lordship's pardon ," he
said , “ cannot condescend to accept mercy , where
I ' ' I
believe I have
been morally right ; I want justice - not
mercy ." But he looked for it in vain .
“ Transportation for ten years beyond the seas ” is
spoken by the lips of the judge , and the burlesque of
justice is at an end . Mr. Martin heard the sentence
with perfect composure and self-possession, though the
faces of his brothers and friends standing by , showe
signs of the deepest emotion . “ Remove the prisoner ,"
were the next words uttered , and then John Martin ,
the pure -minded , the high - souled , and the good , was
off
to
borne the convict's cell Newgate

in
Amongst the friends who clustered round the dock
in
which the patriot leader stood and watched the pro
,
his
gress trial with beating hearts was Mr. James

of
the prisoner's brothers During the

of
Martin one
,
, .
three long weary days occupied

his
by
the trial post had

by
his
been side listening proceedings

to
brother's the
with the anxiety and solicitude which brother alone
a
by
can feel and revealing every line his countenance

of
,
the absorbing interestwith which

he
regarded the issue

.
the jury fell upon him with the bewilder

of
The verdict
He was stunned stupified
he of
ing shock
an
avalanche
,
,
.
could hardly believe that

he
amazed had heard the

;
fatal words aright and that guilty had been the ver
,
he “
, by
dict returned He guilty whose life was studded

.
good deeds stars stud the wintry sky guilty

as
he
;
whose kindly heart had always throb for the suffering

a
to to
and the unfortunate whose hand was ever extended

, ,
to
shield the oppressed succour the friendless and

,
shelter the homeless and the needy inspired by the

he
;
to "
devil whose career had been devoted

to
attempt
an
”,
his
redress the sufferings

of
fellow countrymen and whose

,
-
sole object in life seemed to be to abridge the sufferings

of the Irish people , to plant the doctrines of peace and
good -will in every heart , and to make Ireland the home
of harmony and concord , by rendering her prosperous
It
lie
and free . was a calumny brutal fabrication
,
a
a
,
. it !
justice cculd endure
of
was more than his sense
It
,
was more than his hot Northern blood could tolerate
Beckoning friend
he
rushed with him into the street
a
to ,
,
of
and drove direct the residence Mr. Waterhouse the
,
the jury The latter had barely returned
, of
foreman
.
by
he
from court when was waited upon Mr. Martin
,
who indignantly charged him with having bullied the
jury into recording
of
guilty
an
verdict accusation
—
a
which current report made against him and challenged
-
the astonished juryman Mr. Water
to
mortal combat
.
by
. he
house was horror struck the proposal which
to
,
-
to
in
gasped out response threat call the police
in
a
,
anything terribly audacious

of
He never heard He
so
,
.
??
loyal Castle tradesman who had well and truly
,
a
tried the case according

to
the recognised acceptance
of
27
the words and who had true deliverance made after
,
he
favour with the crown per

in
the fashion whose

;
“
spicuity wisdom impartiality had been appealed
&
,
”,
c
,
.,
by
the Attorney General by be

to
so
to
and belauded often
,
-
challenged hostile meeting which might end

to
,
a
leaving bullet lodged his invaluable body The

in
a
.
of
bare idea fairly took his breath away and with the
it
pistols and bloodshed before his mind

of
terrible vision
,
his
indignant
he
rushed the police office and had

to
visitor arrested On entering the Green street court

-
.
house next day Mr. Waterhouse told his woeful story

,
by
the judge The judge was appalled

to
the disclosure
;
.
Mr. Martin was brought before him and sentenced

to
a
month's imprisonment besides being bound over keep

to
,
the peace towards Mr. Waterhouse and everyone else

for period of seven years
Aa
he
short time after Mr. John Martin's conviction

,
.
and Kevin Izod O'Doherty were shipped

off
Van
to
on
Diemen's Land board the Elphinstone where they

,
“
"
of
arrived O'Brien
in
the month November 1849.

,
,
Meagher , MacManus, and O'Donoghue had arrived at the

same destination a few days before . Mr. Martin resided
in the district assigned to him until the year 1854 , when
a pardon , on the condition of their not returning to Ire
land or Great Britain was granted to himself, O'Brien ,
and O'Doherty , the only political prisoners in the country
at that time - MacManus, Meagher , O'Donoghue , and
Mitchel having previously escaped . Mr. O'Brien and Mr.
Martin sailed together in the “Norna ” from Melbourne
for Ceylon , at which port they parted , Mr. O'Brien turn
ing northward to Madras, while Mr. Martin came on
via
to
Aden Cairo Alexandria Malta and Marseilles Paris
,
In ,
,
,
,
he
of
where arrived about the end October 1854.
,
the government made the pardon
, of
June 1856 Messrs
,
.
Martin O'Brien and O'Doherty unconditional and Mr.
,
Martin then hastened pay visit his family from

to
to
a
After
of he
whom had been separated during eight years
.
to
Paris intending
he
stay few months went back

a
,
to a
reside abroad during the remainder his life be

of
,
could not voluntarily live under English rule
he
of in
cause
of
Ireland But the death near and dear member

a
.
on
his family 1858 imposed

in
October him duties

,
by
could only discharge

he
which his own

in
residence
terminate his exile Living
to
home and compelled him

,
since then his own land he has taken care

in
to
renew
and continue his protest against the domination Eng
of
In
.
land January 1864 acting the sug

in
on
Ireland
,
,
.
gestion many well known nationalists he established

of
,
-
Dublin Repeal Association called The National

in
League The peculiar condition Irish politics

of
of at
the
.”
to
time was unfavourable any large extension the

society but notwithstanding this circumstance the
;
by
meetings and its publications

to its
League rendered
good service
of
the cause Irish freedom Mr. Martin has

.
seen many who once were loud and earnest their pro
in
patriotism lose heart and grow cold the

of
of in
fessions
of
service their country but he does not weary the

,
good work Patiently and zealously

he
still continues
in .
to
labour the national cause his mission not ended

of is
;
yet and with constancy which lapse years and

a
;
change of scene have not affected ,

he still clings to the
hope of Ireland's regeneration , and
with voice and pen
supports the principles of patriotism for which he
suffered .
The debt that Ireland owes to him will not easily
be
acquitted , and if the bulk of
his co -religionists are no
longer to be found within the
national camp , we can
almost forgive them their shortcomings ,
when we re
member that, within our own « generation ,
the Presby
terians of Ulster have given to Ireland two such
men as
John Martin and John Mitchel .
Mr. Martin's name will re-appear farther on in another
portion of this work , for the occasion of
which we have
here treated was not the only one on
which his patriotic
words and actions brought upon him the attention
of
" the authorities, " and subjected him to the troubles
of
a state prosecution ,
1
W. S. O'BRIEN .
LOUDLY across the dark flowing tide of the Liffey ,

rolled the cheers of welcome and rejoicing that burst
from Conciliation Hall on that memorable day in January ,
'44 , when William Smith O'Brien first stood beneath its
roof ,, and presided over a meeting of Repealers . Many
a time had the walls of that historic building given back
the cheers of the thousands who gathered there to revel
in the promises of the Liberator ; many a time had they
vibrated to the enthusiasm of the Irishmen who met
there to celebrate the progress of the movement which
was to give freedom and prosperity to Ireland ; but not
even in those days of monster meetings and popular de
monstrations had a warmer glow of satisfaction flushed
the face of O'Connell, than when the descendant of the
Munster Kings took his place amongst the Dublin Re
pealers . “ I find it impossible ,” exclaimed the great
Tribune , “ to give adequate expression to the delight
I
with which hail Mr. O'Brien's presence in the Associa
tion . He now occupies his natural position — the posi
tion which centuries ago was occupied by his ancestor,
con
Brian Boru . Whatever may become of me , it is a

be
that Ireland will not

to
solation remember without

friend such William Smith O'Brien who combining
as
a
,
all
highly cultured mind

of
the modern endowments

a
,
-
with intellectual gifts

of
the highest order nervous

,
eloquence untiring energy fervid love country and

of
,
at is ,
,
every other high qualification popular leader now

of
,
a
where his friends would ever wish

to
see him the

-
the Irish people banquet

of
head Six weeks before

a
,
.”
ad
in
had been given Limerick celebrate O'Brien's

to
on
the national cause and

to
hesion this occasion too

,
,
,
O'Connell bore generous testimony the value and im

to
His presence said the

, of
portance his accession

,
“
.
"
Emancipator proposing Mr. O'Brien's health can

,
in
"
of
not prevent me here from expressing behalf

on
the
universal people Ireland their admiration and delight
of
,
& 3
KEVIN I. O'DOHERTY .
THOMAS F, MEAGHER . TERENCE B. M'MANUS .

+
at his conversion to their cause . Receive the benefac

tor of Ireland , as such a benefactor
should be received .
It is certain that our country will never be deserted as
long as she has William Smith O'Brien as one of her
leaders .”
for
There was much to account the tumult rejoicing
of
which hailed Smith O'Brien's entry within the ranks
inof
the popular party His lineage his position his
,
.
fluence his stainless character his abilities and his
, ,
,
for
fit
to
worth combined him the place which O'Connell

rally round him the affection and
to
assigned him and

of ,
the Irish people
in
allegiance No monarch the
.
world could trace his descent from longer line illus
of
a
he
trious men beside the roll ancestry which of
to
;
could point the oldest European dynasties were things

of
,
day When the towering Pyramids that overlook

of
a
the Nile were still new before the Homeric ballads had
;
an
yet been chanted Eastern city be

of
the streets
in
;
of
fore the foundations the Parthenon were laid on the

Acropolis before the wandering sons
of
Æneas found
a
;
the valley
of
of
the Tiber the chieftains his
in
home
,
house enjoyed the conqueror's fame and his ancestors

,
he
swayed the sceptre unworthy

of
. of
Erie Nor was
.
; of
of
the name and the fame the O'Briens Kincora

Clear sighted and discerning deeply endowed with calm
sagacity and penetrating observance pure minded elo
;
,
he
quent talented and chivalrous comprised within his

;
,
the patriot the scholar

of
nature the truest elements

,
,
, of the
Unfaltering attachment the prin

to
and statesman
.
to
of
ciples justice unswerving obedience the dictates

,
honour unalterable loyalty rectitude and duty these

to
were the characteristics that distinguished him and

;
these were the qualities that cast their redeeming light

his
his
round failings and errors and wrung from the

,
to
his
suffering worth
of
bitterest foes the tribute due

.
nobility
, - of
if
heart and singleness

of
of If
soul earnestness
,
purpose unflinching and self sacrificing patriotism

if
,
,
to
allied zeal courage and ability could have redeemed

,
,
be
Irish
us
would not left for

to
to
it
the cause mourn

,
we
story
to
day melancholy
of
instead the have

it
and
;
-
н
at his conversion to their cause . Receive the benefac

tor of Ireland, as such a benefactor should be received .
It is certain that our country will never be deserted as
long as she has William Smith O'Brien as one of her
leaders . ”
for
There was much to account the tumult rejoicing
of
which hailed Smith O'Brien's entry within the ranks
of
the popular party His lineage his position his
in
,
,
.
fluence his stainless character his abilities and his
,
,
, ,
for
fit
him the place which O'Connell
to
worth combined
assigned him rally round him the affection and
to
and
of ,
in
allegiance the Irish people No monarch the
.
world could trace his descentfrom longer line illus
of
a
trious men beside the roll
he
ancestry
of
which
to
;
could point the oldest European dynasties were things

of
,
day When the towering Pyramids that overlook

of
a
the Nile were still new before the Homeric ballads had
;
of
Eastern city be
an
yet been chanted
in
the streets
;
of
fore the foundations the Parthenon were laid on the

Acropolis before the wandering sons
of
Æneas found
a
;
the valley
of
of
the Tiber the chieftains his
in
home
,
house enjoyed the conqueror's fame and his ancestors

,
unworthy
he
swayed the sceptre
of
. of
Erie Nor was
.
; of
of
the name and the fame the O'Briens Kincora
Clear sighted and discerning deeply endowed with calm
sagacity and penetrating observance pure minded elo
,
;
he
quent talented and chivalrous comprised within his

,
the patriot the scholar

of
nature the truest elements

,
,
and the statesman Unfaltering attachment the prin
to
.
justice unswerving obedience

of
to
ciples the dictates

of
honour unalterable loyalty rectitude and duty these

to
,
;
him
were the characteristics that distinguished and

;
these were the qualities that cast their redeeming light

round his failings and his errors and wrung from the
,
foes the tribute due to suffering worth

his
of
bitterest
.
nobility heart and singleness

, if of
, - of
of If
soul earnestness
if
,
purpose unflinching and self sacrificing patriotism

,
,
zeal courage and ability could have redeemed

to
allied
,
be
us
the Irish cause would not left mourn for

to
to
it
,
we
day the melancholy story

of
to
it
and instead have

;
-
н
now to relate , it
might be given to us to chronicle the
regeneration of the Irish nation .
William Smith O'Brien was born at Dromoland ,
County Clare, on the 17th of October , 1803. He was
the second son of Sir Edward O'Brien , and on the death
of his kinsman , the last Marquis of Thomond , his eldest
brother became Baron of Inchiquin . He was educated
at Harrow and Trinity College , Cambridge ; but his
English education , however much it might have coloured
his
his
views during boyhood did not seriously affect
justice or ,
of
innate love warp the patriotic feelings

he ,
which were developed his earliest years The asso

in
of .
ciations into which was cast the tone , the society
moved the politics
he
his family and the

of
which
in
,
,
throw him
of
modern traditions
to
his house combined
,
the people's enemies

of
into the ranks and that these

influences were not altogether barren ;
of
results
is
by
in
proved the fact that O'Brien entered Parliament 1826
prevent the
an
Anti Repealer and exerted himself

as
to
,
-
of
return O'Connell the memorable election for Clare

at
.
no
factious opponent
of
But O'Brien was the national

he
he
interests even while acted thus had the welfare

,
;
his country sincerely

he
according
to of
at
heart steered
;
his lights and when time and experience showed the

of ,
he
falseness did not hesitate

to
his views renounce

,
To
this period his political career Mr. O'Brien

of
them
.
in
often adverted after life with the frankness and

,
candour that distinguished him When the proposal

“
.
seek for Repeal Union was first seri

of
to
of
the Act
a
all
ously entertained said O'Brien used the influ

,
,
to ”
“
I
ence possessed discountenance the attempt did

I
I
not consider that the circumstances and prospects

. of
Ireland then justified the agitation

of
this question
Catholic Emancipation had been recently achieved and
,
sincerely believed that from that epoch new course

I
a
be
policy would
of
adopted towards Ireland per

I
.
suaded myself that thenceforth the statesmen

of
Great
no
Britain would spare repair the evils pro

to
effort
hy
of
duced centuries misgovernment that the Catholic

—
be
on
and Protestant would equal

to
admitted share
all
terms in the advantanges resulting from our consti
all
as
an
government
of
of
tutional form that traces
—
race or creed would
be
of
cendancy that the
—
effaced
gradually moulded
so
of
be
institutions Ireland would
as
its
in to
harmonise with the opinions
of
inhabitants and that
,
regard political rights legislation for both kingdoms
of
,
be
based upon the principle
of
would perfect equality
.”
of
Fourteen years had elapsed from the date Catholic
of
Emancipation when O'Brien startled the aristocrats
,
Ireland by renouncing his allegiance
to
their party and
,
throwing himself heart and soul into the vanguard
of
the people He told his reasons for the change
in
bold
.
convincing words He had seen that his expectations

.
The feelings
of
justice were false and delusive
of
the
.
have been exasperated by every “
he
Irish nation said

,
,
”
species every proposal tending

of
irritation and insult

;
to
our industry
--
develop the sources
of
raise the
to
character and improve the condition our population
of
, ,
rejected Ireland
or
has been discountenanced distorted

,
.
its
as
taking integral portion

an
place
of
instead the
of
great empire which the valour

of
her sons has contri

, ,
dependent tributary
to
buted win has been treated

as
a
province this moment after forty three years so of

at
and
;
-
of
nominal union the affections the two nations are

,
entirely alienated from each other that England trusts

,
their connection not

of
for the maintenance

to
the
,
the Irish people but the bayonets

of
to
attachment
,
which menace our bosoms and the cannon which she

,
all
has planted our strongholds

in
."
The prospects the Repeal movement were not

of
at
their brightest when O'Brien entered Conciliation Hall

.
England and
In
of
Ireland too the influence

, in
O'Connell
,
the multi
of
was on the wane and with the dispersion

that Sunday morning
on
tudes that flocked

of in
October
its , ,
the plains
on
listen the Liberator

to
to
1843 Clontarf
,
the
he
peaceful policy which advocated received

Over O'Connell himself and some
of
death blow the

a ,
.
most outspoken State prosecution

of
his associates
,
was impending and the arm the government was

of
;
crush the agitation whose

to
already stretched out

object they detested , and whose strength they had

begun to fear . The accession O'Brien , however , the of
his
his
prestige of example
of
name and the influence
,
,
do
was expected much towards reviving the drooping
to
fortunes of the Association Nor was the anticipation
.
of on
illusory From the day which O'Brien became
a
.
to
Repealer down the date the secession the strongest
,
,
prop the Conciliation Hall was his presence and
of
support he failed indeed counteract the corrupt in
to
;
fluences that gnawed the Association and

at
of
the vitals
it of he
ultimately destroyed but while remained within
it
;
its
ranks the redeeming influence his genius his

, ,
,
his
patriotism and worth preserved from the extinc

,
tion towards which was hastening

it
At early date the penetrating mind of O'Brien .

an
to
of
detected the existence the evil which was afterwards

transform Conciliation Hall into market for place
a a
he
hunters apprehend remarkable speech

in
said
, ”,
I
.
in “
January '46
to
delivered more danger Repeal from
,
"
the subtle influence of Whig administration than from

of a
And was right

he
the coercive measures the Tories

.”
.
dreaded did
he
Day by day the subtle influence which

,
its
blighting work and the success those who sought

of
of ;
the destruction the Repeal Association through the

machinery
of
bribes and places was already apparent

,
when on the 27th July 1846 O'Brien accompanied

, of
, ,
,
,
by
Mitchel Meagher Duffy and others arose sorrow

in
,
and indignation and quitted the Conciliation Hall for

,
ever
.
its
Six months later the Irish Confederation held first

meeting Meagher
of
the Round Room the Rotundo

in
,
.
Mitchel Doheny O'Brien O'Gorman Martin and M‘Gee

,
,
,
,
were amongst the speakers and amidst the ringing

;
the densely thronged meeting the establish

of
cheers
,
of
ment was decreed the Irish Confederation for the

,
of
purpose protecting our

as
the resolution declared—

---
"
national interests and obtaining the Legislative Inde

,
by
by
pendence opinion
of of
, of
Ireland the force the com

by,
all
bination
, of
classes Irishmen and the exercise

all
the political social and moral influence within our

of
,
reach . ” It be seen that the means by which the

will
Confederates proposed to gain their object , did not differ
materially from the programme of the Repeal Associa
tion . But there was this distinction . Against place
hunting, and everything savouring of trafficking with the
government , the Confederates resolutely set their faces ;
and in the next place, while prescribing to themselves
nothing but peaceful and legal means for the accomplish
ment of their object , they scouted the ridiculous doctrine ,
that “ liberty was not worth the shedding of a single
drop of blood ," and that circumstances might arise under
which resort to the arbitration of the sword would be
righteous and justifiable. In time, however , the Con
federates took up a bolder and more dangerous position .
As early as May , 1846, Lord John Russell spoke of the
men who wrote in the pages of the Nation , and who
subsequently became the leaders of the Confederation ,
as à party looking to disturbance as means and its
,
its
having separation from England object The

as
."
at
description was false the time but before two years

,
its
had elapsed application became more accurate
allof A
few men there were like Mitchel who from the birth
.
,
the Confederation and perhaps before abandoned

,
it,
of
redress through the medium

of
expectation Constitu
it
tional agitation revo

in of
but was not until the flames

;
lution had wrapped the nations

of
the Continent their

until
up
fiery folds every capital

in
the barricades were

from Madrid Vienna_and until the students song of
to
'
on
freedom was mingled with the pæan victory

of
many
of
of
field death that the hearts the Irish Confederates

a
caught the flame and that revolution and revolution

,
goal
of
alone became the their endeavours When

,
in .
Mitchel withdrew from the Confederation March

,
action were still

of
1848 the principles constitutional

,
he
the ascendancy when rejoined

in
it
month later
;
,
a
by
the cry the registries was superseded fiery

to
,
“
appeals summoning the people In the first

to
arms
.
April the doctrine which John Mitchel had

of
week
,
long been propounding found expression the leading

in
,
of
columns the Nation Ireland's necessity said

,
"
"
I
Duffy , the desperate remedy of revolution . "

“ demands
A few weeks later , the samedeclaration was made
1
in the very citadel of the enemy's power . It was
O'Brien who spoke , and his audience was the British
House of Commons . With Messrs . Meagher and Holly
wood , he had visited Paris to present an address of con
gratulation on behalf of the Irish people to the Repub
his
lican government ; and on taking the House
in
seat
he
found himself charged
byof
Commons after his return
,
the Crown with having gone
of
to
the Ministers
of
solicit armed intervention from France on behalf the
in
disaffected people O'Brien replied speech
of
Ireland
a
.
or
never was heard before since within the walls
as
such
In the midst
of
of
of
the House Commons indescribable
.
he
proceeded
in
be to
excitement and consternation declare
,
arraigned he
to
calm deliberative accents— that was
if
“
would gladly endure the most ignominious

he
as
criminal
,
a
be
he on
death that could inflicted him rather than witness
by
the sufferings and indignities had seen inflicted the3
on
British legislature his countrymen is

If
treason
it
,
.
profess disloyalty
to he
to
this House and

to
exclaimed
,
“
the government Ireland by the parliament

of
, of
,
Nay
be
Great Britain that treason avow

it
if
,
I
-
bethe study my life overthrow

of
say
to
more shall
it
I
,
of
the dominion this Parliament over Ireland The

”
.
yells and shouts with which these announcements were

; forin
received shook the building

he
which stood and

,
obliged him remain silent

to
several moments after

, of
the delivery each sentence but when the uproar

began subside the ringing tones O'Brien rose again
of of
to
air
upon the and with the stoicism martyr and the

,
Irish
he
imperturable courage proceeded

of
hero
-
a
.
he
be
won
by
Freedom said must Irish courage

“
",
Every statesman the civilized globe looks upon Ireland

in
you look upon Poland and upon your connection

as
as
,
entirely analogous
to
of
that Russia with Poland am

I
.
ight tell you that

to
you refuse our claims

to
here
if
,
-n
legislative independence you will have

to
to
encounter
,
during the present year the chance Republic

of
in
a
,
Ireland
.”
O'Brien returned to Ireland more endeared than ever

to the hearts of his countrymen . And now the game
was fairly afoot . Government and people viewed each
other with steady and defiant glare , and girded up their
loins for the struggle . On the one side the Confederate
clubs were organized with earnestness and vigour, and
the spirit of the people awakened by a succession of
stirring and glowing appeals . 6. What if we fail ?" asked
the Nation ; and it answered the question by declaring
unsuccessful resistance under the circumstances prefer
able to a degrading submission . “ What if we don't
fail ? " was its next inquiry , and the answer was well
calculated to arouse the patriots of Ireland to action .
On the other hand the authorities were not idle . Arm's
Bills , Coercion Acts , and prosecutions followed each
other in quick succession . Mitchel was arrested , con
victed , and sent to Bermuda . Duffy , Martin , Meagher ,
Doheny, O'Doherty , and M'Gee were arrested -
all
of
whom except Duffy and Martin were shortly afterwards
,
,
liberated Duffy's trial was fixed for August and this

,
.
by
the out
for
was the time appointed the Confederates
of
break the insurrection There were some who advo

.
At
more prompt mode meeting

of
of
cated action
a
a
July 19th after the greater

on
the Confederates held

,
portion
it
the country had been proclaimed

of
was
,
warmly debated whether immediate appeal to arms

an
should not be counselled O'Brien and Dillon advocated

.
delay the harvest had not yet been reaped the clubs
in
;
were not sufficiently organized throughout the country

,
and the people might easily conceal their arms until the
for
hour arrived striking decisive blow Against this

a
policy few the more impetuous members protested

of
a
You will wait exclaimed Joe Brennan until you get

to
”,
,
"
to
arms from heaven and angels pull the triggers But

,
."
up
his advice was disregarded and the meeting broke

;
with the understanding that with the first glance

of
the
of
to
harvest sun the fires insurrection were blaze upon

,
the hill tops Ireland and that meanwhile organization

of
- of
and preparation were engross the attention the

to
On
leaders Friday July 21st war directory con

,
a
,
.
sisting of Dillon , Reilly , O'Gorman , Meagher, and Father

Kenyon was appointed ; and on the following morning
O'Gorman started for Limerick , Doheny for Cashel , and
O'Brien for Wexford , to prepare the people for the out
break .
Itwas war to the knife, and every one knew . The it
forces of the government in Ireland were hourly increased
in Dublin -- every available and commanding position was
occupied and fortified . “ Inthe Bank of Ireland ,” says one
whowatched the progress of affairs with attentive gaze ,
“ soldiers as well as cashiers were ready to settle up ac
counts . The young artists of the Royal Hibernian Academy
and Royal Dublin Society had to quit their easels to make
way for the garrison . The squares of old Trinity College
resounded with the tramp of daily reviews ; the Custom
House at last received some occupation by being turned
into a camp . The Linen Hall, the Rotundo, Holmes '
Hotel , Alborough House, Dycer's Stables , in Stephen's
green -- every institution , literary , artistic, and commer .
cial, was confiscated to powder and pipe - clay . The
barracks were provisioned as if for a
siege ; cavalry
horses were shod with plates of steel , to prevent their
being injured and thrown into disorder by broken bottles ,
iron spikes , or the like ; and the infantry were occupied
art
in familiarizing themselves with the fusilading

of
footpaths and thoroughfares Arms were taken from the

.
loyal families stocked with the

of
people and the houses

,
implements
of
war
"
.
on
But the national leaders had calculated the prepa

of
rations the government they knew the full measure

;
its
military power and were not afraid

to
of
face but
, it;
,
there was one blow which they had not foreseen and
of
which came on them with the shock thunderbolt

a
On the very morning that O'Brien left for Wexford the

,
news reached Dublin that warrant had been issued for

a
his
arrest and that the suspension the Habeas Corpus

of
,
Act by the government

It
on
was resolved appears

“
.
strangely unaccountable me was Meagher's reflection

to
”,
in after years that whilst consideration our posi

of
a
"
,
tion our project and our resources was taking place

,
,
;
whilst the stormy future on which we were entering

formed the subject of the most anxious conjecture , and
the danger of it fell like wintry shadows around us ; it
seems strangely unaccountable to me that not an eye was
turned to the facilities for the counteraction of our
designs which the government had at their disposal ; that
not a word was uttered in anticipation of that bold
astounding measure — the suspension of the Habeas Corpus
Act -- the announcement of which broke upon us so
suddenly . The overlooking of it was a fatal inadvertance .
Owing to it we were routed without a struggle , and were
led into captivity without glory. We suffer not for a
rebellion , but a blunder . "
The few of the Confederate leaders at large in Dublin
at the time - Duffy , Martin , Williams , and O'Doherty
were in Newgate - held a hurried council , and their plans
were speedily formed . They were to join Smith O'Brien
at once , and commence the insurrection in Kilkenny .
On the night of Saturday , July 22nd , M'Gee left for
Scotland to prepare the Irishmen of Glasgow for action ;
and Meagher , Dillon , Reilly , M‘Manus , O'Donoghue , and
Leyne started southwards to place themselves in com
munication with O'Brien . A week later the last of the
national papers was suppressed , and the Nation went
down , sword in hand as a warrior might fall, with the
for
its
words of defiance upon lips and prayer the good

,
a
old
its
cause floating
upwards with latest breath
.
O'Brien was bed when Meagher and Dillon arrived

in
he
at
was stopping the

of
Balinkeele where The news

, .
suspension the plans

of
of
the Habeas Corpus Act and

formed by the Confederates were speedily communicated
him
surprise
no
O'Brien manifested
to
at
the intelli
.
gence He quietly remarked that the time for action

.
had arrived and that every Irishman was now justified

up;
the
taking arms against government dressed him

in
self and set out without losing

an
Asto
hour inaugurate
,
the
his hazardous enterprise Enniscorthy

at
train
.
drove along the three friends occupied themselves with

,
the important question where should they begin the out

of
break Wexford was mentioned but the number

,
."
122 SPEECHES F'ROM THE DOCK .
Confederates enrolled there were few , and the people
for
were totally unprepared sudden appeal arms
to
a
;
New Ross and Waterford were ruled against because
of
,
in
the effectual assistance the gunboats stationed the
river could render the garrison Against
of
those towns
.
Kilkenny none thoseobjections applied and the more
of
;
they discussed the subject the more convinced did they
become that the most fitting cradle for the infant genius
Irish liberty was the ancient city
of
the Confede
of
“
Perfectly safe from
all
rates war steamers gunboats
,
,
.”
on
of
and floating batteries standing the frontiers the
;
three best fighting counties Ireland in

Waterford
,
and Tipperary the peasantry
of
Wexford which could
,
--
its
in
difficulty
no
find pouring relief possessing from

to
;
to
of
three five thousand Confederates most whom were ,
be
the streets being

to
of
understood armed the most
;
this account the greatest

on
row and presenting

,
of
facilities for the erection barricades the barracks ;

lying outside the town and the line
of
communication
,
between the powerful portions the latter and the

of
by
former being intercepted the old bridge over the

be
Nore which might easily defended

at
or
the most
,
,
,
,
very speedily demolished no place says Meagher

,
,
;
"
to
be
us
appeared better adapted for the first scene

to
“
of
the revolution
.”
Towards Kilkenny they therefore took their way

,
soul stirring addresses they

- as
haranguing the people

in
At Enniscorthy and
at
na
proceeded Graigue mana

-
.
their appeals were responded

to
with fervent enthusiasm

;
on
they called
to
the people form themselves into orga

in
to
operate with the

co
ganized bodies and prepare

,
surgents who were shortly unfurl their banner beneath

to
St. Canice's and the crowds who hung

in on
of
the shadow
;
do
their words vowed their determination But

to
so
.
as
Kilkenny every town they visited the patriot

in
,
,
to
leaders found the greatest_disinclination take the

the holy war
as
initiative There elsewhere the people

in
.
no
felt unwillingness fight but they knew they were

anto
emergency and fancied the first

be for
prepared
ill
such
,
blow might struck more effectively elsewhere Who

“
.
will draw the first blood ? ” asked Finton Lalor in the

last number of the Felon ; and the question was a perti
nent one ; there was a decided reluctance to draw it .
It is from our intention cast the slightest reflection
far
to
on
the spirit
of
1848. We
of
courage
or
the nationalists
selfish regard for their own safety
in no
know that was
made the leaders it
Wexford Kilkenny and elsewhere
,
an
shrink from counselling immediate outbreak their
in
the people well
as
of as
localities the men who led them
,
;
,
the rising
to
looked forward the harvest moon and
,
as
the cutting their crops the precursors
of
of
the herald
that was to summon them Their state , or
of
to
arms
.
ganization was lamentably deficient anticipating month
a
;
quiet preparation they had neglected
upof
procure arms
to
,
to
beof
the date O'Brien's

few weeks arrival and
a
would required
at
complete their arrange

to
least
In
ments Kilkenny for instance not one every eight
in
, ,
,
.
do of of
the clubmen possessed musket and even their supply

a
pikes was miserably small But they were ready
to
.
all that them lay and when O'Brien Dillon and

in
,
Meagher quitted Kilkenny Monday July 24th they
on
,
,
pursuance arrangement which was bring

of
an
went
in
to
the city the Nore before the lapse
of
of
to
them back
a
They were drive into Tipperary visit Carrick
, to
week
,
,
.
Clonmel and Cashel and summon the people

of
those
to ,
few days they

of
towns arms Then after the lapse

,
,
a
.
at
Kilkenny
of
return their followers

to
to
were the head

,
call out the clubs barricade the streets and from the
,
the Corporation issue the first

to of
Council Chambers
Revolutionary Edict the country They hoped that
be a
.
in of
week later the signal fires insurrection would

blazing from every hill op Ireland and that the
;
for-t
sunlight many generations

of
of
which
so
freedom
,
patriots had yearned would soon flood glebe and town

,
,
of
the heather clad mountains and pleasant vales Innisfail

,
-
Diis aliter visum the vision that glittered before their

;
of
longing eyes melted away with the smoke the first

insurgent shot and instead the conqueror
of
. of
the laurel
;
they were decked with the martyr's palm

On arriving Callan the travellers were received with
in
every demonstration of sympathy and welcome . The

streets were blocked with masses of men that congre
gated to listen to their words. A large procession , headed
by the temperance band , escorted them through the
town , and a bonfire was
lit
of
in
the centre the main
They told the people provide themselves
to
at
street
.
be
once with arms few days they would
an to
in
asked
as
,
a
march with the insurgent forces on Kilkenny
an
-
.
nouncement that was received with deafening applause
.
After few hours delay the three compatriots quitted
a
'
Callan and pursued their road
on
Suir where
to
Carrick
,
,
-
-
on
they arrived the some evening and received most
a
to the
enthusiastic reception They addressed excited mul
in
.
to
titude impassioned words promised lead them
,
battle before many days and called on them
to
practice
, in ,
patience and prudence the interval On the following .
day they quitted Carrick and took their way Mullin
to to
ahone where the people gathered
in
thousands receive
. ,
of
them The number men who assembled meet them to

of
was between three and four thousand whom about

,
three hundred were armed with guns pistols old swords

,
,
,
and pitchforks The gathering was reviewed and drilled

.
by
the Confederates and O'Brien who wore plaid

;
scarf across his shoulders pistol his

in
and carried
,
breast pocket told them that Ireland would have

a
of ,
government her own before many weeks

.
Tuesday July 25th the Confederate

of
On the evening
,
,
Mullinahone where they slept

in
leaders arrived On
,
the following morning they addressed the people who

,
hearing of
And
on
Alocked into the town their arrival

.
of
here was that O'Brien himself dealt the death blow

it
the movement The peasantry who came from their

,
.
meet him were left the whole day long

to or to
distant homes
,
without food shelter O'Brien himself gave what

.
he
buy them bread but

he
in
money had told them

;
future they should provide for themselves he could

as
,
Hungry
no
one's property
be
allow interfered with

to
.
to
the men who listened him returned

by at
and exhausted
,
night their homes they were sensible enough per

to
to
ceive that insurrection within the lines laid down

their leaders was impossible ; the news that they were

expected to fight on empty stomachs was spread amongst
the people , and from that day forward the number of
O'Brien's followers dwindled away .
On July 26th , O'Brien and his party first visited the
village of Ballingarry, where he was joined by M‘Manus ,
Doheny , Devin Reilly , and other prominent members of
the Confederation . They took a survey of the village
of its
and neighbourhood addressed the crowd from the

piers the chapel gate and slept , ;
of
to of
in
the house one
the village shopkeepers Next day they returned
.
Mullinahone and thence Killenaule where they were
to
of ,
received with every demonstration welcome and re
joicing showers upon O'Brien
ad
Bouquets fell
in
;
.
dresses were read and the fullest and warmest
co
,
by
operation was freely promised the excited crowds that

congregated
in
the streets
.
The exact position which the Confederates had now as

{
sumed towards the Crown and government deserving

is
,
Up the last they carefully
of
to
moment's attention
a
distinguished between resisting the acts

of
the govern
ment and disputing the sovereignty the queen They
of
regarded the suspension un

of
the Habeas Corpus Act

as
constitutional itself and when O'Brien told her Ma

in
jesty's Ministers
of
Commons that
in
the House was

, it
,
they who were the traitors the country the Queen and
to
the Constitution did but express the opinions that un

he
,
derlay the whole policy Even the

of
the Confederation
.
passing the Habeas Corpus Suspension Act was not

of
to of to
quite sufficient exhaust their patience

in
to
order
;
fill
the measure the government's transgressions and

justify arms against them was necessary
it
resort
a
the opinion O'Brien and his associates that the au

of
in
thorities should attempt carry into operation the ini

to
, of
quitious law they had passed the arrest O'Brien was

; ;
be
to
the signal for insurrection meanwhile they were sat

for
isfied with organizing their forces the fray and prepar

,
of It of
ing for offering

an
to
effective resistance the execution

a its
the warrant whenever should make appearance

it
,
small party
at
was therefore that when Killenaule

,
dragoons rode up to the town they were suffered to pro

ceed unmolested ; at the first notice of their coming , the
people rushed to the streets and hastily threw up a barri
cade to intercept them . Dillon commanded at the barri
cade ; beside him stood Patrick O'Donoghue , and a young
man whose career as a revolutionist, was destined to ex
far
he
beyond the scenes which was then sharing
in
tend
;
and whose name was one day become firsta terror the
to
to
by
England and afterwards
of
government word and
a
a
,
-
reproach amongst his countrymen O'Donoghue and Ste
.
phens were both armed and when the officer commanding
,
up
to
the dragoons rode the barricade and demanded
, a
passage Stephens promptly covered him with his rifle
,
by
when his attention was arrested command from
a
Dillon
to
ground his arms The officer pledged his

.
of
he
honour that did not come with the object arresting

O'Brien the barricade was taken down and the dragoons
;
passed scatheless through the town Another opportu

of .
nity had been lost and the hearts
of
the most resolute
,
O'Brien's colleagues sunk lower than ever

.
On Friday O'Brien and his followers returned Bal to

,
1
on
lingarry where they held council the prospects the of

,
was clear that the case was desperate

It
movement
a
.
successful resistance was inevi

of
one that the chance

,
-
tably lost and that nothing now awaited them should
,
they persist their enterprise but ruin and death

—
of in
Only couple hundred men wretchedly armed

or
not
,
a
all
of to
their failing fortunes

at
armed adhered and

;
,
throughout the rest the country the disaffected

he
gave But O'Brien was unmovable would

no
sign
;
.
let
by
his duty
do
its
his country the country answer for

,
duty towards him

.
The collision came

at
last On Saturday morning

,
.
July 29th the constabulary Thurles Kilkenny Cashel

of
. of ,
,
,
on
and Callan received orders the village

of to
march
Ballingarry for the purpose arresting Smith O'Brien
,
On the previous day the government had issued procla

a
re by
mation declaring him guilty

of
treasonable practices
a ,
,
appearing arms against the Queen and offering

in
; ,
for
his
of
ward
on
500 apprehension the same day

£
,
£ 300 was offered for the arrest of Meagher , Dillon , and

Doheny . Fired with the ambition of capturing the rebel
his
party with own forces and winning for himself
a
deathless fame Sub Inspector Trant marched out hot
in
,
, -
six
the head forty
of
policemen
at
haste from Callan
it ,
-
and directed his steps towards Ballingarry where
,
was known him that O'Brien was still stopping Be
to
.
tween twelve and one o'clock they arrived Farrenrory
at
,
Ballingary
of
within three miles of
the village On ar
.
at
riving this point the police found that effective mea

sures had been adopted to
dispute their further progress
.
Across the road before them barricade had been thrown
a
,up
was arrayed body
of
and behind men numbering
it
,
four hundred Fearing face the insur
to
to
from three
.
gent forces the police turned off the right and rushed
to
,
,
slate house which they saw
in
towards the distance
a
.
at
The people saw the object
of
the movement and once

but the police had the advantage long ,
of
gave chase
;
a
start and they succeeded reaching the house and barring
in
,
by
the door which they entered before their pursuers

,
came up
.
The die was cast and the struggle long watched

so
,
But came not

it
for and sighed for had come

at
last
it ,
.
by
as
had been depicted the tribune and poet the

;
its
vision that had flashed radiancy before the eager eyes

that hungered for the redemption
of
Ireland differed
,
sadly from the miserable reality

of
The serried ranks

.
glittering steel the files gallant pikemen the armed

of
,
stalwart peasants pouring through gap and

, of
columns
,
river course the glimmering camp fires quivering through

the mist the waving banners and the flashing swords
,
,
of
where were they now Where were the thousands

?
strength and spirit whose

of
matchless mould the men

,
at a ,
footfalls woke the echoes one month before

in
hun
.
to
to as
dred towns they marched the meetings which

they swore strike down the oppressor Only few
a
?
months had passed since two thousand determined men

had passed review before O'Brien scarcely
in
at
Cork
;
six weeks since similar sights were witnessed from the

,
city the winding reaches the Boyne

to
of
of
the Shannon
.
Everywhere there were strength , and numbers , and reso

lution ; where were they now in the supreme hour of the
country's agony ? A thousand times it had been sworn by
tens of thousands of Irishmen , that the tocsin of battle
old
would find them clustered round the good flag
to
con
quer die beneath its shadow And now the hour
or
,
.
had come the flag
so
of
insurrection often invoked was
,
raised but the patriot that raised was left defenceless
it
he ;
;
his
on
at
least kept word but the promises

he
which
,
relied had broken like dissolving ice beneath his feet
.
on
Around O'Brien there clustered that miserable
noontide about four hundred human beings weak
; ,
a
,
hungry and emaciated looking throng for the most part

,
by
their half naked forms browned the sun and hardened
,
,
by
the winter winds motley gathering amongst

—
;
a
fasting men
of
whom there were scores and hundreds

,
through whose wretched dwellings the wind and rain
,
found free ingress They were poor they were weak

,
. ,
, .
they were ignorant they were unarmed but there was

!
one thing least which they possessed that quality

at
gild and
on
which Heaven bestowed the Irish race

to
,
Of
redeem their misfortunes courage and resolution

.
they had plenty they understood little

of
the causes
:
to
which led which they participated

in
the outbreak upof

;
of
Smith O'Brien his associates few

or
them had heard

Ballingarry but they knew that
to onit to
their appearance
at
was against the forces the British government and

of
Ireland's independence they were called

on
of
behalf
fight and this cause they were ready shed their
in
to
,
blood Such was the party whom O'Brien gazed upon

.
on
with troubled mind that eventful day Even the

a
attached companions who had far attended him were

so
by
his
longer
no
side M‘Manus O'Donoghue and Ste

;
phens were still there but Meagher Dillon Doheny and

,
,
;
day
of
O'Gorman had left break raise the standard

at
to
Of the men around

of
in
insurrection other quarters

.
him not more than twenty possessed firearms about

,
twice that number were armed with pikes and pitchforks

;
the remainder had but their naked hands and the stones
by
they could gather the wayside

.
On the other side were forty - seven disciplined men

splendidly armed , and ensconced moreover in a building
possessing for the purpose of the hour the strength of a
fortress . It stood on the brow of a hill overlooking the
country in every direction ; it
consisted of two storeys
with four windows in each , in front and rere ; each gable
being also pierced by a pair of windows. There were six
little children in the house when the police entered it .
Their mother , the Widow M‘Cormick arrived on the spot
immediately after the police had taken possession of her
domicile , and addressing O'Brien she besought him to save
her little ones from danger . On O'Brien's chivalrous na
ture the appeal was not wasted . Heedless of the danger
to which he exposed himself he walked up to the window
of the house . Standing at the open window with his
breast within an inch of the bayonets of the two police
men who were on the inside, he called on them to give up
their arms , and avoid a useless effusion of blood . - We
Irishmen boys
all
only want your arms

he
are said
,
,
”
“
I
and I'll protect your lives The reply was murderous

a
.”
Some half
in on
volley poured the gathering outside

.
drunken person appears had flung

it
the crowd store

a
the windows and the police needed no further
of
at
one
,
provocation The fire was returned by the insurgents

.
,
and O'Brien seeing that his efforts preserve peace were
to
futile quitted the window and rejoined his companions

,
For nearly two hours the firing continued the police

;
well sheltered from the possibility

all
injury fired
of
in
about 220 rounds killing two men and wounding

a
num
,
others amongst them James Stephens who was

in of
ber
,
Long before
an
the thigh equal number

of
shot shots
.
the insur
of
were fired from without the ammunition

,
gents was exhausted and they could only reply

to
the
,
thick falling bullets with the stones which the women pre
for
It
sent gathered them their aprons was clear

in
in.
be
that the house could not stormed this way and

;
M'Manus with half dozen resolute companions rol

,
-a
,
-
up
hay
of
the kitchen door with the

to
led cartload
a
to
setting fire and burning down the

of
intention
it
house But O'Brien would not permit there were

it
.
;
T
130 SPEECHES FROM TIIE DOCK .
children in the house , and their innocent lives should

not be sacrificed . In vain did M‘Manus entreat him for
permission to fire his pistol into the hay and kindle the
ready flames , O'Brien was inexorable ; and the first and
last battle of the insurrection was lost and won . The
Rev. Mr. Fitzgerald , the priest of the parish , and his
curate , Father Maher now appeared on the spot , and na
turally used their influence to terminate the hopeless
struggle , a large force of constabulary from Cashel soon
after were seen approaching , and the people , who now
saw the absolute uselessness of further resistance broke
away to the hills . The game was up ; the banner of
Irish independence had again sunk to the dust ; and
O'Brien , who had acted throughout with preternatural cool
ness, and whose face gave no more indicationsof emotion
than if it had been chiseled in marble , turned from the
scene with a broken heart. For a length of time he re
sisted the entreaties of his friends and refused to leave
the spot ; at last their solicitations prevailed , and
mounting a horse taken from one of the police he rode
away .
From that fatal day down to the night of Saturday ,
August 5th , the police sought vainly for O'Brien . He
slept in the peasant's hut on the mountain and he shared
ses his
scanty fare price which might well dazzle the sen

;
a
his
is
on
poverty stricken entertainers was

of
head
,
; -
and they knew over hill side and valley swarmed the
it
on
, ; of
host spies detectives and policemen placed his

,
,
no
clutch the tempting

to
track but hand was raised

for
no
bribe voice whispered the information which the

its
government proferred gold Amongst those too who

.
in
took part the affray Ballingarry and who sub

at
sequently were cast shoals into prison there were

in
in
many from whom the government sought

to
extract
up
formation Bribes and promises pardon were held

of
.
before their eyes menaces were freely resorted but

to
,
an ,
amongst them the government sought vainly for in

Many captivity
of
exile their
in
former them died

or
in
;
.
up
homes were broken their wives and children left des

;
titute and friendless but the words that would give

;
them liberty and wealth , and terminate the sufferings of

themselves and their families were never spoken . Had
O'Brien chosen to escape from the country like Doheny ,
O'Gorman , Dillon and other of his friends, it is probable
he might have done so . He resolved however on facing
the consequence of his acts and sharing the fate of the
Irish rebel to the bitter end .
The rain fell cold and drearily in the deserted streets
of Thurles on the night which saw the arrest of William
Smith O'Brien . Away over the shadowy mountains in
the distance , the swimming vapours cast their shroud ,
wrapping in their chilling folds the homes of the hunger
stricken prostrate race that sat by their fireless hearths .
The autumn gale swept over the desolate land as if moan
ing at the ruin and misery that cursed it , and wailing
the dirge of the high hopes and ardent purposes that a
its
few short weeks before had gladdened the hearts of
people Calmly and deliberately with folded arms
.
O'Brien walked through the streets and entered the

a ,
Thurles Railway Station He wore black hat blue
a
;
in he .
which was rather tightly muffled and

in
boat cloak
,
light plaid trousers ,

his
carried large
he
hand
a
a
;
He walked the ticket office and paid his

to
black stick
.
up
Limerick then wrapping himself his cloak

in
to
fare
;
walked slowly along the

of he
and folding his arms again

,
platform awaiting the arrival the train He had re

.
he
surrendering himself for trial but

on
to
solved wished
,
pay one last visit his home and family That gratifi
to
.
him
an by
he
inan
cation however was denied was recognised

,
Englishman named Hulme railway guard

in
;
,
a
was surrounded by police and detectives and

he
stant
,
That same night

of
torn with brutal violence gaol

to
.
an
express train flashed northwards through the fog and

In the car
satto
mist bearing O'Brien prisoner Dublin

a
placed
of he
riage which was General M‘Donald

in
,
a
Sub Inspector Constabulary and four policemen On

-
entering the train pistol was placed O'Brien's head

to onat
,
a
peril
he
heto
speak
of
and was commanded not his life

.
Disregarding the injunction turned M‘Donald and

,
him
why The Gen

he
scandalously used
so
asked was
.
duty
to
eral had perform and his orders should Ad
,
a
"
"
“
be
obeyed have played the game and lost said
,
the cou
I I
.”
"
O'Brien and am ready pay the penalty having
of
to
,
“
back a
to be
failed hope that those who accompanied me may
;
I
in looked
dealt with clemency care not what happens
;
I
the out
myself
.”
Elackour
was arraigned be
he
On Thursday September 28th
,
,
was sent
charge high treason
on
of
fore Special Commission
a
a
" During
The trial lasted ten days and ended ver
in
at
Clonmel
the
a
,
.
guilty excited unprecedented interest through peric

of
dict
, It
the court
.
its
out the country and there are many
of
incidents
permanent record Amongst the witnesses became
of
deserving
.
, by
brought forward the crown was John O'Donnell barbarous
I a
the
“ ,
comfortable farmer who resided near Ballingarry public
.
or sobs
be
he
on
on
coming and
won't sworn the table
man
said
, "
,
give evidence under any circumstances You may bring
,
who
,
.
me out and put soldiers before me and plant whose
of
file lipsa
in a
tionIot
twenty bullets my breast but while have heart tremble
a
I
,
will never swear for you
of
there
pa
He expiated his cons
I
. ”.
by
triotism long imprisonment Nor was this soli Vine

mon
a
a
tary instance fine looking sailed
of
heroism Richard Shea from

a
,
;
being handed the book declared that

on
young peasant
,
Villanus
,
he
he
would not swear against such gentleman and
,
November
a
“
”
off
pass years within British dungeon
"
tickets
to
too was carried
of
a
But their sacrifices were unavailing

of
evidence there condition

;
was plenty against O'Brien the police were overflowing district

;
mark
and the eloquence and ability make
no
byof of of
with Whiteside were

it,
attt
powerless guilty
to
save him from verdict ticket
.
a
Mes
.
on
The papers the time are full remarks

of
the accepted
was the
firmness and self possession displayed O'Brien through
-
consequ
out the trial
of
Even the announcement the verdict Maria

.
Island
disturb his composure and when the usual ques
to
failed treated
with
the and
,
the
he
tion was asked replied with calmness and deliberation

:
suffel
My lords not my intention enter into any vindication feelings
to
is
it
“
to
avail myself country

,
my conduct however much might have desired

of of
and
I
,
for
plan
so
this opportunity doing am perfectly satisfied with the

I of
his
.
consciousness that have performed my duty my country

to
off on
that coast
theThisandtake
my opinion
-
was the duty pa

a
have done only that which

of
in
I
it
; ,
,
to
every Irishman have done and am now prepared abide the the
to
I
consequences having performed my duty my native land had

to
of
art
.
Proceed with your sentence

"
.
design
treachery
A deep murmur , followed by a burst of applause filled

the court as the noble patriot ceased speaking . Stepping
back a pace , and folding his arms on his breast , O'Brien
looked fixedly at the judge , and awaited the sentence of 1
the court . Amidst the deepest sensation , Chief Justice
Blackburne proceeded to discharge his task . O'Brien
was sentenced to be hanged , beheaded, and quartered .
“ During the delivery of the sentence ,” says a writer of
the period , "the most profound agitation pervaded in
the court ; as it drew towards the close , the excitement
became more marked and intense ; but when the last
barbarous provisions of the sentence were pronounced ,
the public feeling could only manifest itself by stifled .
for
sobs and broken murmurs of sympathy the heroic
man who alone was unmoved during this awful scene
,
,
,
whose lips alone did not quiver whose hand alone did
,
not tremble but whose heart beat with the calm pulsa
,
conscious guiltlessness and unsullied honour

of
tion
.”
Nine months later July 29th 1849 the brig Swift
),
,
”
(
sailed from Kingstown harbour bearing O'Brien Meagher

,
of ,
M‘Manus and O'Donoghue into exile the month
In
,
November the vessel reached Hobart where Town

,
of of
those gentlemen on
tickets
to
leave were offered

“
condition their residing each one within certain

a
district marked out for him and giving their parole

to
,
in
attempt escape while possession

of
no
the
at
make
ticket Messrs Meagher M‘Manus and O'Donoghue
,
,
,
accepted these terms Mr. O'Brien refused them and

;
,
off
an
was consequently sent the coast called

to
island
he
Maria Island where was placed strict custody and

in
,
treated with great severity The news

of
the indignities
.
to
he
and the sufferings which was subjected outraged

,
the feelings of
the Irish people the neighbouring
in
country and ere long his sympathisers Tasmania laid

in
,
They hired
lie
plan for his escape

to
vessel off the

a
a
particular day and send

offon
on
to
coast boat shore

,
a
the prisoner who had been informed the plot

of
take
,
,
for
his
waiting
be
and had arranged

in
to
deliverers
.
This design would unquestionably have succeeded but for

the treachery the captain the ship who before
of
of
,
,
sailing to the appointed spot , had given the government

information of the intended escape and the manner of it .
What occurred on the arrival of the vessel we shall relate
in the words of (Mr. Mitchel , who tells the story in his
“ Jail Journal ” as he heard it from Mr. O'Brien himself :
" At last as he wandered on the shore and had almost
all
in
hope
of
given up the schooner the schooner hove
he
sight To give time for her approach walked into
.
might not alarm his
he
the woods for space that
a
,
by
to
guardian constable his attention her movements
.
Again sauntered down towards the point with
he
apparent carelessness but with beating heart San
.
,
Francisco was be his first destination and beyond

to
;
that golden gate lay the great world and home and
,
'
children and an honourable life The boat was coming

,
,
.
by
he
manned three men and stepped proudly and

;
To
be
to
on
resolutely meet them the shore sure there

.
was somewhere behind him one miserable constable
,
,
he
no
of
with his miserable musket but had doubt being
,
that difficulty with the aid
of
his
of
dispose
to
able
allies the boatmen The boat could not get quite close
,
.
to
the beach because they had
of
run her into kind
to
a
,
cove where the water was calm and unencumbered with

he
large tangled weeds O'Brien when reached the

,
.
to
beach plunged into the water prevent delay and

,
struggled through the thick matted seaweed the boat

to
to he .
he
The water was deeper than expected and when

,
of
the boat he needed the aid

to
came the boatmen

climb over the gunwale giving him this aid
of
Instead
.
the rascals allowed him flounder there and kept look

to
he by
ing the shore where the constable had this time

to
appeared with his musket The moment showed

.
himself the three boatmen cried out together We

,
,
byhe “
in
on
surrender and invited him board where

;
!"
up
stantly took doubt provided

no
hatchet the
a
ship for that purpose and stove the boat O'Brien saw
,
.
he
on
was betrayed and being ordered move along

to
,
to he
with the constable and boatmen towards the station

,
fact by his resistance

in
hoping
to
refused stir
,
,
-
provoke the constable However the three

to
shoot him
,
.
boatmen seized on him , and lifted him up from the

ground , and carried him wherever the constable ordered .
His custody was thereafter made more rigorous , and he
was shortly after removed from Maria Island to Port
Arthur station ."
To this brief narrative the following “ note ” is
appended in the work from which we have just quoted :
« Ellis , the captain of the schooner , was some months
after seized at San Francisco by Mr. M‘Manus and
his
others , brought by night out of ship and carried into
,
his
,
to
the country undergo trial under tree whereupon
,
a
found guilty
he
swing M‘Manus set
to
was destined
if
.
out his indictment and it
proves how much Judge
;
Lynch's method administering justice those early

of
in
California excelled anything we know
of
of
days law
or
justice Ireland that Ellis for want
of
in
sufficient and
—
satisfactory evidence then producible was acquitted by

,
that midnight court under that convenient and tempting
,
tree
.”
re
to
Port Arthur station which Mr. O'Brien was

,
place
of
moved from Maria Island was punishment for

,
convicts who while serving out their terms

of
trans
,
portation had committed fresh offences against the law

,
After detention there for some time Mr. O'Brien .

a
of ,
whose health was rapidly sinking under the rigours
- by
his confinement was induced letters from his poli

,
accept the ticket avail the

of
tical friends
to
of
leave and
-
comparative liberty which they enjoyed The govern

.
on
his acceptarce their terms placed him first

of
ment
,
,
of
of in
the district New Norfolk and subsequently that

in
,
remained until the conditional par

he
Avoca where
,
don already mentioned these columns was granted

in
,
,
on
to
in
1854. He then left Australia went Madras

,
,
he
stay
he
to of
where made about month from thence

a
he
to
was joined
on
went Paris and Brussels where

,
by
in
his wife and children He next made tour

a
.
that country when the unconditional

in
Greece and was

, ,
pardon which permitted him to return

to
his native
May 1856 imme
of
land was granted

in
the month
,
,
diately after the close

of
the Crimean war On Tuesday

,
.
July 8th , 1856 , Mr. O'Brien stood once more upon his
native soil after an exile of eight years . The news of
his arrival was joyfully received by his fellow -country
men , who welcomed him with every mark of respect and
affection whenever he appeared among them . Thence
forward Mr. O'Brien took no active part in Irish politics ,
but he frequently offered advice and suggestions to his
countrymen through the medium of letters and addresses
in the Nation . In February, 1859 , Mr. O'Brien made a
voyage to America , and during the ensuing months
travelled through a great portion of that country . After
his return to Ireland he delivered, in November , 1859 ,
an interesting series of lectures on his tour, in the
Mechanics' Institute , Dublin . On July 1st , 1863 , he
lectured in the Rotundo , Dublin , for the benefit of a
fund which was being raised for the relief of the wounded
and destitute patriots of the Polish insurrection . In the
early part of the year , 1864 , the health of the illustrious
patriot began rapidly to fail, and he was taken by his
friends to England for a change of air . But the weight
of
him
its
many years of care and suffering was on and
,
be
effects could not On the 16th

of
undone June 1864

,
.
, .
Bangor the noble hearted patriot breathed his last
at
His family had the honoured remains brought Ireland

to
for interment
in
the old burial round

of
his fathers
.
-g
On Thursday morning
at
an early hour they reached

on
Dublin board the Cambria steamer was known

It
“
"
that his family wished that

no
public demonstration
be
should made
at
his funeral but the feelings

to of
the
,
to
citizens who desired pay

of
tribute respect his

a
memory could not

be
In
repressed the grey hours

of
.
the morning the people

on
in
thousands assembled the

quays the
of
arrival and two

to
await the remains

,
steamers which had been chartered for the purpose pro

,
,
on
ceeded with large numbers board some distance into

,
meet the approaching vessel All along

to
the harbour
- .
the way from the North Wall the Kings bridge rail
to
,
way station the hearse bearing the patriot's body

was
,
by
accompanied the procession of mourners numbering

,
about 15,000 men At various stages

of
the journey
.
similar were witnessed . But the end was soon

scenes
reached . In the
churchyard of Rathronan , Co. Limerick ,
they laid him to rest . The green grass grows freshly
around the vault in which he sleeps, and has long filled
up the foot -prints of the multitude who broke the silence
of that lonely spot by their sobs on the day he was
buried ; the winter gaies will come and go , and touched
by the breath of spring , the wild flowers will blossom
there through succeeding years ; but never again will a
purer spirit a nobler mind , a patriot more brave , more
chivalrous, or more true , give his heart to the cause of
Ireland , than the silvered -haired , care -burthened gentle
man whom they bore from Cahirmoyle to his grave on
thu 24th day of June, 1864 ,
THOMAS FRANCIS MEAGHER .

EARLY in 1846 , when the Repeal Association was still
powerful and great , and ere yet the country had ceased
to throb to the magic of O'Connell's voice , there rose
one day from amongst those who crowded the platform
of Conciliation Hall, a well - featured , gracefully -built ,
dark -eyed young gentleman , towards whom the faces of
the assembly turned in curiosity , and whose accents when
he spoke , were those of a stranger to the audience . Few
of them had heard of his name ; not one of them if
the chairman , William Smith O'Brien be excepted
had the faintest idea of the talents and capacities he pos
sessed , and which were one day to enrapture and elec
trify his countrymen . He addressed the meeting on one
of the passing topics of the day ; something in his man
ner . savouring of affectation , something in the semi
of his
Saxon lisp that struggled through low toned utter

-
ances something the total lack suitable gesture

at in
,
,
an
gave his listeners the outset unfavourable impres

the young speaker He was boyish and some
of
sion
,
.
he
to
did not scruple

of
hint conceited had too much

;
his
the fine gentleman about appearance and too little

,
=
of the native brogue and stirring declamation to which

his listeners had been accustomed . The new man is a
failure , was the first idea that suggested itself to the
audience : but he was not ; and when he resumed his
seat he had conquered all prejudices , and wrung the
cheers of admiration from the meeting . Warming with
his subject , and casting off the restraints that hampered
his
he
poured forth strain genuine
of
at
utterances first
,
a
eloquence vivified by
the happiest allusions and en
by,
,
as
imagery and quotations beautiful they
as
riched
its
were appropriate which startled the meeting from
,
indifference and won for the young speaker the enthu

,
his
siastic applause O'Brien complimented

of
audience .
him warmly was that the
on
his success and thus
it
,
his
Young Ireland made the political
on
. of
orator debut
platform
Meagher was not quite twenty three years
of
age when
-
Conciliation Hall He was

an in
his voice was first heard

old Catholic family .
of
Waterford which
in
born
,
through good and the national faith
ill
to
had adhered
and the national cause his school boy days were passed
;
, -
partly Clongowes wood College and partly under the

at
at
superintendence Stoneyhurst
of
the Jesuit Fathers in

His early years gave few indications
of
Lancashire the
.
genius that slumbered within his

of
splendid wealth
breast He took little interest mathe
in
or
his classical
.
Eng
an
he
of
matical studies but was ardent student

;
lish literature and his compositions poetry and prose

Hein
,
his
invariably carried away the prize found father

.
filling the Civic Chair

he
in
Waterford when returned

,
Stoneyhurst native city

in
his to
from his O'Connell was

.
the plenitude
of
power the
of
to
and from end end

;
by
land the people were shaken mighty thoughts and

,
grand aspirations with buoyant and unfaltering tread

;
the nation seemed advancing towards the goal Free

of
Ireland seemed kindling

of
at
dom and the manhood

,
the flame which glowed before the altar Liberty Into

of
the national movement young Meagher threw himself

with the warmth and enthusiasm his nature At the
of
.
age
we
early twenty find him presiding meet

of
over
a
in
his
ing of Repealers native city called to express
of ,
'43
he
sympathy with the State Prisoners and thence
,
forward became diligent student
of
cotemporary
an
politics He became known occasional speaker
at
as
.
local gatherings but was not until the event we have
it
;
described that Meagher was fairly launched
in
the
lot
troubled tide politics and that his
of was cast for
,
good evil with the leaders the national party
to or
of
,
.
Up the date of
secession Meagher was frequent
a
the Repeal Association Day
hisat
speaker the meetings

of
by
at
day reputation speaker extended until
as
a
,
to
grew
be
he
of
as
length recognised the orator the
he
party and the knowledge that was expected speak
to
,
crowd Conciliation Hall overflowing

to
to
was sufficient
.
the Nation party began
be
of
When the influence felt
to
,
on
and signs disunion appeared
a of
the horizon O'Con
,
vigorous effort detach Meagher from the
to
nell made
Mitchel Duffy and O'Brien These young
will
of
side
,
,,
.
"
Irelanders he said lead you into danger
will lead
",
.
me
They may lead into danger replied Meagher
,
",
but certainly not into dishonour

."
“
Against the trafficking with the Whigs which subse

,
in
quently laid the Repeal Association the dust and

,
movement which might have ended

in
shipwrecked the
a
Ireland Meagher protested

of
in
disinthralment words
,
he
The suspicion
of
is
prophetic warning abroad

, ”
.
“
that the national cause will Whig

be
to
said sacrificed
,
“
supremacy and that the people who are now striding

,
,
on
be
will purchased back into factious vas

to
freedom
salage The Whigs calculate upon your apostacy the
, ,
.
The place beggars who

it
Conservatives predict
.”
the Whigs for position and wealth murmured

to
looked
,
as
they heard their treachery laid bare and their designs

by
the impassioned appeals

in
dissected which Meagher

to
sought the path patriotism and duty

of
to
recall them
.
was necessary for their ends that the bold denouncer

be of It
corruption and the men who acted with him should

,
effect that object

to
driven from the association and

;
on
O'Connell was hounded the step22 which ended

in
to
the secession The peace resolutions were introduced

,
"
.
of the native brogue and stirring declamation to which

his listeners had been accustomed . The new man is a
failure , was the first idea that suggested itself to the
audience : but he was not ; and when he resumed his
seat he had conquered all prejudices , and wrung the
cheers of admiration from the meeting Warming with
his subject , and casting off the restraints that hampered
his utterances at first , he poured forth a strain of genuine
eloquence , vivified by the happiest allusions, and en
riched by imagery and quotations as beautiful as they
its
were appropriate , which startled the meeting from
indifference and won for the young speaker the enthu
,
siastic applause O'Brien complimented

of
his audience .
his
him warmly was that the

on
success and thus
it
,
his
Young Ireland made the political
on
of
orator debut
platform
.
Meagher was not quite twenty three years
of
age when
-
Conciliation Hall He was

an in
his voice was first heard

old Catholic family which .
of
Waterford
in
born
the national faith
,
through good and
ill
to
had adhered
and the national cause his school boy days were passed
;
, -
partly Clongowes wood College and partly under the

at
Stoneyhurst in
at
superintendence
of
the Jesuit Fathers

His early years gave few indications
of
Lancashire the
.
genius that slumbered within his

of
splendid wealth
breast He took little interest mathe
in
or
his classical
.
Eng
he
an
of
matical studies but was ardent student

;
lish literature and his compositions poetry and prose

Hein
,
his
invariably carried away the prize found father

.
in
he
filling the Civic Chair Waterford when returned

. ,
his
in
from Stoneyhurst native city O'Connell was

histo
the plenitude power

of
of
the
to
and from end end

;
by
land the people were shaken mighty thoughts and

,
grand aspirations with buoyant and unfaltering tread

;
the nation seemed advancing towards the goal

of
Free
Ireland seemed kindling
of
at
dom and the manhood

,
the flame which glowed before the altar Liberty Into

of
the national movement young Meagher threw himself

with the warmth and enthusiasm his nature At the
of
.
age
we
early twenty find him presiding

of
over meet
a
ing of Repealers in his native city, called to express

sympathy with the State Prisoners of '43 , and he thence
forward became a diligent student of cotemporary
politics. He became known as an occasional speaker at
local gatherings ; but it was not until the event we have
described that Meagher was fairly launced in the
lot
troubled tide of politics , and that his was cast for
good evil with the leaders
to or
the national party
of
,
.
Up the date of
secession Meagher was frequent
Day
a
speaker the meetings the Repeal Association
his at
of
by
at
day reputation speaker extended until
as
a
,
to
length grew
be
he
of
recognised
as
the orator the
party and the knowledge that
he
was expected speak
to
,
crowd Conciliation Hall overflowing

to
to
was sufficient
, .
be
of
When the influence the Nation party began felt
to
and signs disunion appeared on the horizon
a of
O'Con
,
nell made vigorous effort detach Meagher from the
to
Mitchel Duffy and O'Brien

of
side These young

,
:)
.
he
Irelanders said will lead you into danger

“
”,
me ,
.
They may lead into danger replied Meagher
,
•
",
but certainly not into dishonour

“
.'
Against the trafficking with the Whigs which subse

,
quently laid the Repeal Association

in
the dust and

,
movement which might have ended

in
shipwrecked the
a
of
Ireland Meagher protested

in
disinthralment words
,
The
he
prophetic warning
of
suspicion
is
abroad
“
, ”
.
Whig
be
that the national cause will

to
said sacrificed
,
"
supremacy and that the people who are now striding

,
,
on
will purchased back into factious vas

be
to
freedom
,
salage The Whigs calculate upon your apostacy the

.
The place beggars who

it
Conservatives predict
,
."
the Whigs for position and wealth murmured

to
looked
,
as
they heard their treachery laid bare and their designs

by
the impassioned appeals

in
dissected which Meagher

to
sought the path patriotism and duty

of
to
recall them
.
was necessary for their ends that the bold denouncer

and the men who acted with him should
be of
corruption
,
effect that object

to
driven from the association and

;
on
O'Connell was hounded the step which ended

in
to
the secession The peace resolutions were introduced

,
“
.
arm
on
to
and Meagher found himself called the
of to of
to
subscribe
a
down
of
doctrine which his soul abhorred that the use arms
—
valry
all
times unjustifiable and immoral The Lord
at
was
.
stretched
Mayor was the chair and O'Brien John O'Connell
---
, in
freedom-
, ,
; the
Denis Reilly Tom Steele and John Mitchel had spoken
in
it
ass
,
when Meagher rose address the assembly The speech Weapon
to
.
serpent
that occasion for brilliancy and lyrical
he
on
and
. as dye
delivered
,
,
like
and
a
,
It
grandeur has never been surpassed won for him
as a
ofter
.
far
.
of
transcending that Shiel O'Connell
byor
reception brow
him
ize andthe 6
he
an
orator and gave the title which to was

it
Abhcrib
;
passes
of
Meagher
of
so
afterwards often referred to— the Sword
his"
.”
to by
thrcug
,
He commenced expressing gratitude and
of
sense
:,
peasantinsur
My lord
he
his attachment
the
O'Connell said
,
”,
“
sword
from
thewater
the
6
the man who struck the fetters off my

to
in
am not ungrateful
, into
I
quiveri
for the
by
limbs while was yet child and whose influence my father
,
a
attitu
I
sat
for
so
the first Catholic that did two hundred years for the last invincible
theand lord
,
it !
two years But my lord
in
my native city
he
the civic chair
of
,
,
”
.
swe
the
continued same God who gave that great man the power
to
Belgium
,
"
-
strike down one odious ascendency this country and who scou
to
in
knocked
,
th
a in
to
enabled him institute this land the laws religious equality

of
sluggish
wa
to
was inlord
My
the same God gave my own mind that has
is
me mind that
or a
,
,"
,
not been mortgaged the opinion any man
to
of
tellirot
of
set men
a
mind that was to use and not surrender ,
se
I
first
dom
.
article
just
Having thus vindicated freedom opinion the speaker dras
of
gift
was
,
fing ori
disclaim for himself the opinion that the As
on
I
went
to
honour
t
sociation ought deviate from the strict path legality Imünot
to to
of
stigma
.
,a
he
he
But refused accept the resolutions because said chambe

;
there are times when arms alone will suffice and when
,
was
“
andIt
political ameliorations call for
all
drop
of
blood and for

a
',
many thousand drops Then breaking forth

of
blood excited
ge
he
.”
into strain
of
he
impassioned and dazzling oratory could

a
pro not
ceeded timents
;.
Eith
:
sociation
O'B
he
an
The proof against argument but not proof

of to—
soldier
is
is
Foung
“
bullet The man that will listen reason let him be

,
against friend
a
-
.
But the weaponed arm the patriot that can attempts

to
reasoned with
is
it
.
'
alone prevail against battalioned despotism Brien

,th
left
.
,
of
Then my lord do not condemn the use arms as immoral Why

,
it ,
,
I
"
Reilly
do
profane say that the King

to
of
nor conceive Heaven the

I
Lord Battles —bestows his benediction upon

of
of
Hosts the God Meagher's

was
He
!
nation's peril From

in
of
those who unsheath the sword the hour

,a
a
regu
.
he
on
that evening the valley

of
in
which Bethulia nerved the Weration

of
,
ame
of
his
arm of the Jewish girl to smite the drunken tyrant in his tent ,
down to this our day, in which he has blessed the insurgent chi
valry of the Belgian priest , His Almighty hand hath ever been
stretched forth from His throne of Light to consecrate the flag of
freedom —to bless the patriot's sword ! Be it in the defence, or be
it in the assertion of a people's liberty , hail the sword as a sacredI
weapon ; and if, my lord , it
had sometimes taken the shape of the
too
serpent , and reddened the shroud of
the oppressor with deep
the High Priest
at
dye like the anointed rod
of
has other times
to it
,
a
,
. as
and often blossomed into celestial flowers deck the freeman's

,
brow
No
for
Abhor the sword stigmatize my lord
, in
the sword
,
?
“
,
-
the Tyrol
to of
the passes cut pieces the banner
to
of
the Bavarian
it
and through those cragged passes struck path fame for the
,
a
,
peasant insurrectionists Inspruck Abhor the sword stigma

of
-
!
byits
tize the sword No my lord for blow giant nation started
at
a
,
?
its redeeming magic and

of
from the waters the Atlantic and

,
,
of of
crimsoned light the crippled colony sprang

a its
the quivering
in
into the attitude proud Republic prosperous limitless and
,
-
invincible Abhor the sword -stigmatize the sword No my

!
,
for
swept the Dutch marauders out
of
of
lord the fine old towns
- it
,
Belgium scourged them back their own phlegmatic swamps

to
and knocked their flag and sceptre their laws and bayonets into
. ,
,
of
the63 sluggish waters the Scheldt

My lord learned that was the right govern
of
to
,
nation
I
onit
itself not this hall but the ramparts Antwerp

in
of
learned
,
I
;
of
the first article nation's creed upon those ramparts where

a
,
freedom was justly estimated and where the possession the pre
of
,
My
by
cious gift was purchased the effusion generous blood

of
.
for
lord honour the Belgians their courage and their daring and
I
,
,
by
will not stigmatize the means which they obtained citizen

I
king Deputies
of
chamber
a
,
”
.
all
he
was permitted say With flushed face

to
It
was
.
and excited gesture John O'Connell rose and declared

,
of
he
sit
could not the expression

to
and listen such sen

should leave the As
he
timents Either Mr. Meagher

to or
.
sociation O'Brien interceded obtain hearing for his

a
;
young friend and protested against Mr. O'Connell's

,
attempts But the appeal was wasted

to
silence him
, ,
.
O'Brien left the hall disgust and with him Meagher

in
Duffy Reilly and Mitchel quitted for ever

it
,
is ,
Meagher's subsequent career Ireland soon told

in
He was regular attendant the meetings the Con

of
at
a
, he
of
of
federation which was one the founders and the

his ,
,
of
fame eloquence his manly appearance and the

,
his
charms of youthful frankness contributed immensely
towards the growth
of
the new organization He always
.
he
acted with O'Brien
in
whom loved his inmost soul
,
was respected and admired by every section
he
of
but
nationalists the Mitchelites the Duffyites and we might
,
,
,
even say the O'Connellites When the country began
to
.
of
of
feel the influence the whirlwind revolution which
swept over the continent overturning thrones and wreck
if ,
ing constitutions they were built
as
of
cardboard
,
Meagher shared the wild impulse the hour and played
of
,
for
boldly insurrection and separation He was one
of
.
the three gentlemen appointed present the address
to
from Ireland
to
the French Republican government
in
him
by
the speech delivered
in
1848 and the crowded
hisat
;
the Dublin Music Hall before

in
meeting departure
,
he
to
counselled his countrymen deputation
in to
send the a
Queen asking her convene the Irish parliament
to
the
,
be
Irish capital rejected said Meagher

If
the claim
",
,
.
"
if
the throne stand barrier between the Irish people

as
a
“
and the supreme right then loyalty will

to be
crime and
—
,
a
to be
to
obedience the executive will treason the country
, .
Depute your worthiest citizens approach the throne
let
of
and before that throne the will the Irish people

of be
uttered with dignity and decision nothing comes

If
.
if
Ireof no
he
this
to
the constitution opens

us
added
if “,
to ”,
be
path freedom the Union maintained spite

in
,
the government
of
of
the will the Irish people

if
,
on
being government dragoons and bom

of
land insist
a
detectives and light infantry then

he
ex
,
in of
badiers
,
! " ,
"
up
of
claimed the midst tumultuous cheering with

,
in of
the barricades and invoke the God Battles

,
While the Republican spirit was full glow Ire

in
by
land Meagher astonished his friends rushing down

to
,
for
Waterford and offering himself the post

as
candidate
a
by
parliament the resignation

of
left vacant O'Connell

in
By this time the Confederates had begun despair

of
to
parliamentary policy and they marvelled much

to
see
,
their young crator rush the hustings and throw him

to
an ,
self into the confusion and turmoil

of
election contest
.
Que diable allait faire dans cette galere muttered his

le
il
Dublin friends . Was not the time for hustings orations ,

and parliamentary agitation over now ? Meagher , how
ever , conceived , and perhaps wisely , that he could still
his
do some good for country
of of
in
the House Commons
.
He issued noble address
to
a the electors his native
city asked for their support
. he
on
which
in
the most
,
said with
he
patriotic grounds shall not meddle
,
“
",
to of “
I
par
no
English affairs shall take part
in
I the strife
.
go
ties all factions
on to
are alike me shall the
-
I
.
of
House the rights
of
insist this country
to
Commons
by
its
be
to
held governed and defended own citizens

,
,
,
by
and them alone Whilst live shall never rest
sa
I
I
.
tisfied until the kingdom parlia

of of
Ireland has won
a
army and navy her own Mitchel strongly
an
ment
a
of ,
.”
,
disapproved his conduct Mr. Meagher were

If
in
“
.
parliament said the United Irishman men's eyes would

,
,
"
”
be attracted thither once more some hope
of
justice
;
"
might again revive this too easily deluded people
in
to .”
The proper men parliament were according
to
send
to
"
old
Mitchel placemen pensioners five pound Concilia

,
,
,
We
“
tion Hall Repealers have no wish

to
dictate
in .
",
"
an
on
concluded Mitchel article the subject full the of

,
lurking satire and quiet humour that leavened his writ

ings Waterford have any con
of
but the electors

, if
,
“
for
we
us
fidence we shall only say that are Costello

in
"
!
Costello was defeated however but was Meagher

so
,
,
“
"
.
as
The Young Ireland champion was stigmatized Tory

thea
by
by the Whigs and

as
rebel the Tories people

if
,
,
a
;
as
he
Mitchel remarks had any power would have been

by
overwhelming majority but the people

an
elected
,
votes and Sir Henry Winston Barron was

no
re
had
,
turned Meagher went back Dublin almost convert

to
a
.
Mitchel's views leaving Whig Tory and West Briton

to to
exult over his discomfiture

.
We have already seen what Meagher did when the

guage battle was thrown down and when the day
of
we
all
to
weigh
was imagined
to
hearts have arrived

"
,
tohis
expedition
to he
have seen how accompanied O'Brien

in
from Wexford Kilkenny and thence Tipperary

,
the morning July 29th 1848 he left

on
of
and how
,
,
O'Brien at Ballingarry , little dreaming of the tragedy

which was to make that day memorable , and expecting
to be able to bring reinforcements to his leader from
other quarters before the crisis came. He failed how
ever in his effort to spread the flames of insurrection .
The chilling news of O'Brien's defeat - distorted and
exaggerated by
hostile tongues - was before him every
where , and even the most resolute of his sympathisers
see
had sense enough to that their opportunity
of it
—
if
, all
had passed away On the 12th day

at
existed
—
. on
August 1848 Meagher was arrested the road between
,
Clonoulty and Holycross Tipperary He was walk

in
,
ing along company with Patrick O'Donoghue and

in
his
R.
Leyne two intimate friends and fellow

of
Maurice
,
.by
outlaws when party police passed them Neither
of
a
,
the three was disguised but Meagher and Leyne wore

of
frieze overcoats which somewhat altered their usual

,
appearance After short time the police returned
on ;
a
.
Meagher and his companions gave their real names

being interrogated and they were once arrested and
at
,
triumph
to
The three friends bore

ill in
taken Thurles
.
their fortune with what their captors must have con

sidered provoking nonchalance Meagher smoked as a
.
as on
cigar the way the station and the trio chatted

to
on
gaily they were walking safety

in
the free soil

if
on
of
being helpless prisoners

of
America instead their

,
way captivity and exile

to
Meagher
in
at
stood the dock Clonmel week after

a
by
He
O'Brien had quitted convict was defended

it
a
Mr. Whiteside and Isaac Butt whose magnificent speech

,
his defence was perhaps the most brilliant display

of
in
forensic eloquence ever heard within the court in which

Ca
Of
course the jury was packed

he
only
18
stood
(
.
on
jury panel
of
tholics were named 300 and course

of
a
),
-
of
the crown carried its point On the close the sixth

.
day the trial the jury returned into court with ver
of of
a
”, ,
on
dict guilty recommending the prisoner mercy

to
his
of
the ground youth

.
he
to
to
Two days later was brought back the dock

He was dressed his usual style ap
in
receive sentence
,
.
S
peared in excellent health , and bore himself — we are

told - throughout the trying ordeal , with fortitude and
manly dignity. He spoke as follows :
“ My lords , it is my intention to say a few words only . desire I
that the last act of a proceeding which has occupied somuch of the
public time , should be of short duration . Nor have I the indelicate
wish to close the dreary ceremony of a state prosecution with a
vain display of words . Did I
fear that hereafter , when I shall be
no more , the country I tried to serve would speak
of
ill
me
,
I
might indeed avail myself vindicate my
to
. of
this solemn moment
,
my
no
sentiments and conduct But have such fear The
a .
country will judge light
in
of
those sentiments and that conduct
by
jury have been con
, in
far different from that which the whom
I
by
victed have viewed them and the country the sentence which
be
as
you my lords are about pronounce will remembered only
to
,
,
,
my rectitude and truth What

of
the severe and solemn attestation
.
be
be
the language which that sentence spoken
in
ever know
I
,
that my fate will meet with sympathy and that my memory will
,
me
,
be
an
In
speaking my
of
honoured thus accuse not lords
,
,
doin
.
indecorus presumption the efforts just and

in
have made
it I a
I
no
noble cause ascribe main importance nor claim for

,
I
.
to so
those efforts any high reward But happens and will ever
it
,
.
no
so
happen that they who have lived serve their country

,
-
matter how weak their efforts may have been are sure receive to
-
With my countrymen
its
the thanks and blessings people

of
I
.
leave my memory my sentiments my acts proudiy feeling that

,
,
,
they require no vindication from me this day jury my

of
A
.
true have found me guilty

of
countrymen the crime which

of
. is
,
it
slightest feeling
of
stood indicted For this entertain not the
I
I
they must have been by

as
resentment towards them Influenced

.
charge the Lord Chief Justice they could perhaps have found
of
the
,
on onno
Any strong observations

of
other verdict What that charge

?
.
ill
I it
feel sincerely would befit the solemnity

of
this scene
;
I
but would earnestly beseech you my lord you who preside

of
of
-
that bench when the passions and the prejudices this hour
have passed away appeal your own conscience and ask
init
to
to
of
,
,
ought
it
was your charge what have been impartial and

to
? ,
different between the subject and the crown My lords you

it ,
me
may deem this language unbecoming and perhaps may

in
seal my fate but speak the truth

to
am here whatever
I I
noto it
,
;
may cost regret nothing

to
am here have ever done

I
,
-
I
regret nothing have ever said am here

to
crave with
I
I
lip
lying
to
the liberty my country

of
the life consecrate Far

.
from Even here here where the thief the libertine the
it
,
,
,
-
.
on
prints spot
in
murderer have left their foot the dust here this

,
,
,
where the shadows see my

of
death surround me and from which

,
I
an
to
early grave unanointed soil open receive me even here

in
,
by
these terrors that hope which first beckoned me

to
encircled the
,
K
perilous sea on which I

have been wrecked , still consoles , animates ,
and enraptures me. No ; I do not despair of my poor old country
her peace, her liberty ; her glory . For that country
more than bid her hope . To lift this island up-
can do no
make her a
benefactor to humanity , instead of being , as she is now , the mean
to I
est beggar in the world -- to restore to her her native powers and her
ancient constitution —this has been my ambition , and this ambition
has been my crime . Judged by the law of England , know this I
crime entails upon me the penalty of death ; but the history of
Ireland explains that crime and justifies it
. Judged by that history ,
I am no criminal, you ( addressing Mr. M‘Manus ) are no criminal,
you (addressing Mr. O'Donoghue ) are no criminal , and we
deserve no punishment ; judged by that history, the treason
of which I stand convicted loses
all
guilt has been sanctified
its
as
,
be
as
duty and will enobled sacrifice With these sentiments

a
a
,
be
to
of
await the sentence the court have done what I felt
I
I
on
to as
my duty have spoken now did every other occasion

.
I
I be
during my short life what felt the truth now bid fare
I
of ,
.
my
the
my birth
of
country passions my death
to
of
well
&
;
-
country whose misfortunes have invoked my sympathies whose
-
sought quell whose intelligence prompted lofty
to
to
—
factions
aim
a
I
. I
whose freedom has been my fatal dream To that country
—
I
as
pledge the sincerity

of
now offer the love bore her and for of

a
with which thought and spoke and struggled her freedom
. , ,
,
I
the life young heart and with that life the hopes the honours
of
, ,
;
a
happy prosperous and honourable home

of
the endearments
a
a
,
Proceed then my lords with that sentence which the law directs
,
it ,
,
its
to
, I--
am prepared am prepared
to
hear trust meet execu

I
light heart before higher tri .

go
tion shall think with

a
as a
I
,
.
Judge
as
infinite goodness
of of
tribunal where
of
bunal well
--
,
a
infinite justice will preside and where my lords many many

,
,
,
,
be
judgments this world will

of
the reversed
"
.
us
to
There little more for add Meagher arrived

is
Van Dieman's
in
with O'Brien O'Donoghue and M‘Manus

,
,
to
October 1849 and escaped

in
Land America 1852

in
,
,
in en .
he
He started the Irish News New York which

in
,
he by
the stirring scenes

of
riched personal recollections

which participated but his career journalist
as
;
of
closed abruptly with the outbreak

of
the war Seces

join Corcoran's
he
raised Zouave Company

to
sion when
a
,
69th Regiment with which fought gallantly

he
Bull's
at
,
Every one remembers how the gallantry

of
Run the
.
Irish regiment which Meagher served saved the

in
,
of
on
Federal forces from annihilation that field disaster

.
raised and commanded the Irish Brigade

he
Subsequently
,
which won imperishable laurels throughout the hard

fought campaigns that ended with the capture of Rich
mond . When Mr. Johnson became President of the
United States , he appointed Meagher to the position of
Governor of Montana Territory , in the
far
West post
a
,
which he held until his death
in
His end was sad and sudden One dark wild night
.
.
July 1867 gentleman suddenly disappeared from the
a
,
it he
on was standing and fell
of
deck the steamer which
,
by
its
into the great Missouri where winds course the
,
hills of Montana The accident was too sudden for
.
availing assistance sudden slip splash faint cry
,
a
a
A
,
.
brief struggle and all was over the hungry waters

a
;
,
closed over him and the rapid rolling current swept

,
away his lifeless corse The finished scholar the genial
,
.
friend the matchless orator the ardent patriot was
no
,
more Thomas Francis Meagher was dead

.
.
KEVIN IZOD O'DOHERTY .

ANOTHER bold , clever , and resolute opponent of British
rule in Ireland was torn from the ranks the popular of
leaders on the day that Kevin Izod O'Doherty was
arrested . Amongst the cluster of talented and able men
who led the Young Ireland phalanx , he was distinguished
his
for his spirit and mental accomplishments amongst
;
of
the organizers party his ready words manly

the
,
address and ceaseless activity gave him prominent
; ,
a
. he
its
position amongst journalists was conspicuous for

fearlessness frankness and ability Over the surging
,
,
of
waves the excitement agitation that convulsed

nd
the country during the period which ended with the

affray Ballingarry and through the haze which time
at
his
has cast over the attempted revolution '48
figure
of
,
up
looms bold proportions suggestive mental of

in
capacity fortitude soul and tenacity purpose For

of
of
,
.
as
for many his brilliant associates the paths
of
of
him
,
,
patriotism led down proscription and pain but

to
;
O'Doherty fulminating the thunderbolts
of
the Tribune ,
sowing the seeds patriotism amongst the students
of
of or
un
or
Dublin was not one whit more self possessed

,
daunted than when standing convict the Green

in
a
he
of
street dock awaited the sentence the court

,
Kevin Izod O'Doherty was born respectable Catholic

of
parents June 1824. He received liberal

in
, in
Dublin
a
,
,
by
education which he profited extensively showing

,
his school days strong evidences natural of

in
even
-
ability
of
and talents more than average degree He

,
on .
to
directed his attention the medical profession com

pleting his education and was
of
the full tide

in
lectures
,
and hospital attendance when the development

of
the
national sentiment that pervaded the year ’48 drew him
into the vortex He became hard work
of
public life
a
.
ing and enthusiastic member

of of
the Young Ireland party

,
, of
and was one the founders the Students and Poly

'
by
technic Clubs which were regarded

in
the leaders
CHARLES J. KICKHAM .
JOHN O'LEARY . THOMAS CLARK LUBEY .

Dublin as the elite of the national force in the capital

When Mitchel was struck down and his paper suppressed ,
O'Doherty was one of those who resolved that the poli
tical guidance which the United Irishman was meant to
afford , should not be wanting to the people . In con
junction with Richard Dalton Williams— “ Shamrock ”
of the Nation - he established the Irish Tribune , the first
number of which saw the light on the 10th of June ,
1848. There could be no mistake about the objects of the
Tribune , or the motives
its
of establishing
in
it
founders
.
ill
The British government could afford endure the
to
their exactions and usurpations thundered
on
attacks
anon by
of its
forth weekly
in
articles Its career was cut short

.
authority its fifth number and

at
the mailed hand
,
July '48 Kevin Izod O'Doherty was
of
the 10th
,
Newgate prison
of
inmate
.
August
he
was placed
- of
of of
On the 10th
a at
the bar
on
Green street court house and arraigned charge
,
-
treason elony and vigorous effort was made by the

a
,
, ; to -f
crown convict him The attempt however was
a
,
.
failure the jury panol had not been juggled effectively

as
-
the jury was the conse

of
as
usual and disagreement

a
no
relaxing
of
quence The crown however had idea

,
,
.
its grasp
its
victim after John Martin's conviction

of
new jury
se
O'Doherty was put forward again and
,
try him Again were the government defeated

to
lected
;
.
the second jury like the first refused agree verdict

to
to
guilty and were discharged without convicting the

of
. ,
prisoner third time was O'Doherty arraigned and

A
this time the relentless hatred

of
his persecutors was

by
by
gratified guilty The speech delivered

of
verdict
a
Mr. O'Doherty after conviction was follows

as
did
My lords hope confess that upon being placed this

in
—
,
I
“
the third time after two juries of my fellow citizens had

for
dock
,
find verdict against me that while my prosecutors

to
refused
a
would have been scrupulous their care attempting uphold

in
in
to
their law they would not have violated the very spirit justice
,
of
.”
Judge Crampton .— have great difficulty preventing you

in
a
“
I
of
be
from making any observations that may occur you ser

to
to
if
or
to
vice but you mean cast imputations obloquy upon the law
;
the court cannot permit that

of
officers the crown

,
."
Mr. O'Doherty— “ I only wish to mention a matter of fact . The

Attorney - General stated that there were only three Roman Catho
lics set aside on my jury .”
Judge Crampton again interposed , and requested the prisoner not
to pursue this line of observation .
I
Mr. O'Doherty .— “ would feel much obliged if your lordship
would permit me to mention a few more words with reference to
my motives throughout this affair .
“ I had but one object and purpose in view . did feel deeply
for the sufferings and privations endured by my fellow - countrymen .
I
I
all
did wish by means consistent with manly and honourable
a
,
an
to
putting very
in
that suffering
to
It
resistance assist end
is
.
of
an
true and will contess that desired open resistance the
,
I
it,
people that government which my opinion entailed these
in
to
sufferings upon them ,

have used the words open and honourable
.
I
might refer the articles brought

in
to
of
resistance order that one
in I
,
which the writer suggests such things
it, no as
evidence against me
in
My lords these are

on
flinging burning hoops the soldiery
I,
.
it of
sentiments mine did not write that article did not see
j
.
.
know until read when published in
or
the paper
of
But
of it
I
I
bring Why
on
did not the writer here the table knew

it
I
?
.
be
to do
if
so
would only handing him over

to
at
that were the
it
I
court house doors very properly

of
what one the witnesses has

-
fangs Attorney respect myself

of
With
to
called the the General
.
be -
bear my sentence with

no
have trust will

to
fears enabled
I
I
.
I
all
be
the opinion
to
the forbearance due

to
what believe
of
twelve
I
will bear with due patience the

to
conscientious enemies me and

I
,
government mouthpiece they were but

of
wrath the whose will

;
I
deplore the destiny that gave me birth
un
to
in
never cease this

at .
an
as
happy country and compelled me

to
Irishman receive
,
,
,
for
your hands felon's doom discharging what conceived and

be ,
a
still conceive my duty shall only add that the

to
what
I
.
,
, I
three Roman Catholic jurors being set aside

is
fact that instead

of
be by
the Attorney General there were thirteen

in
hold my hand
;
,
I
-
the twelve jurors

he
list their names and out permitted

to
of
of
a
sworn there was not one Roman Catholic

"
.
Mr. O'Doherty was sentenced transportation for ten

to
years He sailed for Van Dieman's Land

in
the same
.
ship that bore John Martin into exile

of setIn
on of
the course
.
he
time like Martin and O'Brien was liberty

at
,
,
his residing anywhere out the United

of
condition
“
on
Kingdom He came Paris and there resumed

to
,
.”
his medical studies He paid however one secret and

,
in to ,
.
hurried visit
to
Ireland He came wed and bear

.
him
away with share his fortune

to
other lands
a
,
,
him
every way worthy one whose genius

of
in
womar
—
and talents , like his own , had been freely given to the
cause of Ireland , and whose heart had long been
his
of of in
of
the bonds most tender attachment Eva one
,
.
"
the Nation was the plighted wife
of
the fair poetesses
,
O'Doherty Terrible must have been the shock
to
. her
off
gentle nature when her patriot lover was borne
in a
convict and shipped for England's penal settlements
,
the far southern seas She believed however they
,
.
would meet again and she knew that neither time nor
,
of
distance could chill the ardour their mutual affection
.
the Nation published during his captivity
of
The volumes
contain many exquisite lyrics from her pen mourning for
the absent one with others expressive
of
unchanging
,
her
in
of
affection and the most intense faith the truth
,
of
distant lover The course this case
, in
true love
“
"
.
we
ended happily O'Doherty have stated managed
as
,
.
to_slip across from Paris Ireland and returned with

to
,
Eva
In
1856 the pardons granted
in to
his bride the
“
exiles above named was made unconditional and the ,
he
following year O'Doherty returned
to
Ireland where ,
he
took out his degrees with great eclat then commenced

;
the practice medicine and surgery

of
Dublin and soon

in
,
be
ranked amongst the most distinguished and

to
came
After remaining
of
successful members his profession

.
some years Ireland Mr. O'Doherty sailed far away

in
up
seawards once again and took his abode under the

,
light He settled rising

in
of of of
the Southern Cross

a
by
he .
colony Australia where still lives surrounded

,
troops friends and enjoying the position which his

to
,
talents and his high character entitle him

.
TERENCE BELLEW MMANUS

.
by
the startling events

of
The excitement caused which

of
ex
this country was the scene

in
the summer 1848

tended far beyond the shores Away beyond
of
Ireland
.
the Atlantic the news from Ireland was watched for

by
by
with glistening eyes the exiles who dwelt the

=
shores of Manhattan or in the backwoods of Canada .

Amongst the Irish colony in England the agitation was
still greater . Dwelling in the hearts of the monster
towns of England , the glow of the furnace lighting up
their swarthy faces ; toiling on the canals , on the rail
ways, in the steamboats ; filling the factories , plying
their brawny hands where the hardest work was to be
done ; hewers of wood , and drawers of water ; living in
all
the midst of the English , yet separated from them by
by
of
the marks distinctive nationality antagonistic

a
,
(
by
by
feelings clashing interests jarring creeds such

,
,
;
was the position of the men who carried the faith the
,
traditions the politics and the purpose
of
Ireland into
,
With their country

of
the heart the enemy's country

.
by
in of
home they were united the warmest ties
at
men
sympathy and affection In London Manchester in
,
.
Birmingham
in
Leeds Confederate Clubs were estab

,
lished and active measures taken for operating with

co
,
the Young Ireland leaders whatever course they might

Inin
think proper adopt Liverpool those clubs were

to
organized
on
of
the most extensive scale thousands
;
Irishmen attended their weekly meetings and speech

es
,
rivalling those delivered the Rotundo and

at
at
the
Music Hall
in
fervour and earnestness were spoken from

their platforms Amongst the Irishmen who figured
,
prominently
to
these gatherings there was one

at
whom
up
Liverpool looked with peculiar confi

in
The Irish
dence and pride He was young he was accomplished
,
,
.
filled highly respectable position

he
he
was wealthy
in
,
by
society his name was connected everyone with

;
. all
probity and honour and above

he
was nationalist
a
,
;
of of
unselfish enthusiastic and ardent The Irishmen

,
Liverpool will not need

be
told that we speak

to
Terence Bellew M‘Manus

.
The agitation good busi

of
1848 found M‘Manus

in
'
by
shipping agent his income being estimated

as
ness
a
at ,
his Liverpool friends twelve hundred year

or
ten
a
.
be
His patriotism was

of
too genuine merged

to
nature
a
his commercial success and Manus readily aban

in
doned his prospects and his position when his country

seemed to require the sacrifice . Instantly on discovering

that the government were about to suspend the Habeas
Corpus Act in Ireland , he took the steamer for Dublin ,
bringing with him the green and gold uniform which he
owned in virtue of being a general of the '82 Club . In
the same steamer came two detectives sent specially to
secure his arrest in Dublin . M‘Manus drove from the
quay , where he landed , to the Felon Office . He dis
all
covered that
of
the Confederate leaders out prison
;
on
had gone southwards hostile thoughts intent and
joining them without moment's
on
M‘Manus resolved
a
Having managed
to
hesitation give the detectives the
.
Tipperary and joined

he
to
slip journeyed southwards
,
O'Brien's party Killenaule He shared the fortunes

at
.
the insurgent leaders until the dispersion Ballin
of
at
fought with conspicuous bravery and
he
garry where
,
determination He was the first arrive before the to

.
which the police took refuge and the last

in
to
house ' , ,
leave The Rev. Mr. Fitzgerald P.P. an
an it
eye witness
,
,
.
gives interesting account M‘Manus conduct during

of
on
the attack the Widow M‘Cormack's house He says
:
.
With about dozen men more determined than the rest was
a
“
,
M‘Manus who indeed throughout the whole day showed more
,
in
courage and resolution than anyone else With musket his
a
he.
the enemy reconnoitered the place

of
in
hand and the face

,
,
to
and observed every accessible approach the house and with

,
hay which they pushed

of
of
few colliers under cover cart load

a
a
,
,
-
up
of
on
postern
to
before them came the door the kitchen Here

,
.
-
his
with own hand he fired several pistol shots ignite

to
make
it
,
,
-
damp heavy
of
but from the state the weather which was and and
, ,
of ,
on
from the constant down our rain the previous day this
-p
so
attempt proved quite unsuccessful With men expert

at at
the
.
so
the pickaxe and large supply blasting powder

of
of
use the
,
a
he
could have quickly undermined the house

or
it
collieries blown
,
,
up
many children being shut

so
of
but the circumstance with

in
;
all
the police and the certainty that ihey persevered

be
would
if
in ,
,
,
the same ruin compelled him and his associates

to
involved desist
,
from their pur pose

."
When offer further resistance

to
became useless
it
Manus retired with the peasantry the hills and

to
M
dwelt with them for several days Having shaved

off
,
.
his whiskers , and made some other changes in his ap

pearance , he succeeded in running the gauntlet though
his
the host of spies and detectives on
by he
trail and was
,
on the point
on
actually large vessel sailing
of
board
a
for America from Cork harbour when arrested the 1
1
police His discovery was purely accidental the police
;
.
in
an
of
boarded the vessel chase absconding defaulter
,
the constables
of
but while prosecuting the search one
who had seen M‘Manus occasionally Liverpool recog 1
in
.
his
nised him At first gave
he
O'Donnell said
as
name
.
,
Irish American returning westward after
he
an
was
,
-
visiting his friends His answers how

in
the old land
,
.
ever were not sufficiently consistent dissipate the
to
,
constable's suspicion He was brought ashore and taken

.
he
handcuffed before magistrate whereupon avowed
a
,
his
name and boldly added that did not regret any

he
,
go
he
act had done and would cheerfully through
it
,
again
.
he
On the 10th was brought trial
to
of
October 1848
,
for high treason He viewed the whole pro

in
Clonmel
.
ceedings with calm indifference and when the verdict
of
,
guilty was brought

he
heard the announcement with

in
up
fortnight later
he
was brought
A
unaltered mien
to
.
receive sentence Meagher and O'Donoghue had been

;
the interim and the three confederates

byin
convicted
,
of
in
to
stood side side the dock hear the doom the

traitor pronounced against them M‘Manus was the
.
first speak reply the usual formality and his

to
to
in
follows
as
address was
:
am
My lords enough Christian and enough

of
of
—
trust
a
a
I
I
“
man understand the awful responsibility the question which

to
of
me Standing upon my native soil standing

to
has been put

in
.
to an
Irish court justice and before the Irish nation

of
have much
-I
,
say why the sentence

of
or
of
death the sentence the law should

,
,
be
not passed upon me But upon entering into this court placed
I
of .
my life and what more importance me my honour

to
the
in
is
of --
hands two advocates and had ten thousand lives and ten
be if
,
all
content place them

in
to
thousand honours should the

I
,
watchful and glorious genius of the one and the patient zeal and
,
the other
of
talent am therefore content and with regard

to
I
,
,
.
that have nothing But word say which no

to
say have
to
I
a
I
,
.
for
advocate , however anxious and devoted he may be , can utter
in for
me. say whatever part may have taken the struggle my
in
,
I
I
country's independence whatever part may have acted my
I
,
short career stand before you my lords with free heart and
a
,
,
light conscience
to
abide the issue your sentence And now
of
a
,
.
my lords this
to
perhaps the fittest time put sentence upon
, a
is is
,
,
,
this that standing and called
in
to
it —
record which this dock
,
be
be
may
-
may may
to
ascend the scaffold morrow now
it
it
-
-
put
be
be
on
may
to
never whatever the result wish this record
,
I
,
-
by
the part enmity towards
in
that have taken was not actuated

forI
I
Englishmen among them have passed some the happiest
no of
I
-
in
days my life and the most prosperous part which
of
and
inI
;
,
by
have taken was actuated enmity towards Englishmen
I
dividually whatever may have felt the injustice English
of
of
,
I I
therefore say that

in
rule this island not because loved
is
it
I
;
England less but because loved Ireland more that , now stand
I
,
I
before you
".
In 1851 M‘Manus escaped from captivity Van
in
,
he
Dieman's Land and California
in
soon after settled
,
he
where died His funeral was the greatest ever wit

.
nessed upon earth From the shores

of
the Pacific thou

.
of
sands miles away across continents and oceans they

,
brought him
of
and laid his ashes the land
in
to
rest
,
On the 10th day

of
his birth November 1861 that

,
,
.
wonderful funeral passed through the streets

of
Dublin
and those who saw the gathering that fol
to
Glasnevin
,
.
the grave the thousands
of
to
lowed his coffin stalwart

,
solemn order behind his bier will

in
men that marched

never forget the sight silent slab unlettered and un
A
.
marked shows the spot where his remains were interred

or ;
no
no
storied urn
or
animated bust marble column

,
in to
commemorative tablet has been consecrated his

memory but the history his life
of
graven the
is
of ,
he
his countrymen and enjoys their affec

in
hearts
,
tionate remembrance monument more enduring thar

,
a
human hands could build him

.
THOMAS CLARKE LUBY

.
in of
LOOKING along the course Irish history

to
easy
it
is
,
point out certain periods which England could have

opportunity for making terms with the Irish
an
found
nation , healing some of the old wounds and mitigating

in some degree the burning sense of wrong and the de
sire of vengeance that rankled in the hearts of the Irish
race . There were lulls in the struggle , intervals of
gloomy calm , occasions when the heart of Ireland might
have been touched by generous deeds , and when the
offer of the olive branch , or even a few of
its
leaves
,
would have had blessed effect But England never
a
.
an
instant sought turn
of
never for
to
availed them
-
to
them good account She preferred when Ireland was

.
defeated prostrate and forlorn taunt her with her
to
,
,
,
her sufferings and add
to
failure scoff
at
her afflictions
,
,
.
Such was her conduct during the mournful time that
an on
followed the attempted insurrection

of
1848
.
whose death laden atmos
in
appaling time
It
was
,
-
phere political action was impossible The famine had
.
the country one huge graveyard

of
made silence fell A

.
for
so
upon the land lately her rights hope
so
clamorous
,
,
ful and The Repeal organization spoke no
so
defiant
,
more the tramp the Confederate Clubs was no longer

of
;
heard the streets O'Connell was dead the Young

in
;
;
Ireland leaders were fugitives prisoners

byor
and the
;
people were almost bewildered their great

of
sense
a
calamity England had stooped raise her

if
to
Then
,
, .
fallen foe offered her some kindly treatment and spoken

,
of
some gracious words the bitterness the old quarrel

,
might have been some degree assuaged even though

in
But Eng
its
entirely obliterated
tobe
cause should not

.
land did not choose take that politic and Christian

course much pleasanter
to
She found chuckle over

it
.
the Irish patriots ridicule the

of
to
the discomfiture
,
, at
their peaceable agitation

of
failure sneer their

to
,
to
poor effort and misrepresent

in
arms nickname and

,
led
libel the brave hearted gentleman who that unlucky

-
all
the re
on
endeavour and above felicitate herself

to
;
duction that had taken place the Irish population

in
of .
That from her point

of
view was the glorious part

—
66
the whole affair The Irish were gone with venge

a
all .
of
ance not them but goodly proportion and

,
. a
,
”
!
-
off
others were going every day Emigrant ships clus

tered in the chief ports , and many sought their living

freights in those capacious harbours along the Atlantic
coast which nature seemed to have shaped for the accom
modation of a great commerce , but where the visit of
any craft larger than a fishing smack was a rare event .
The flaming placards of the various shipping - lines were
posted in every town in Ireland , -on the chapel -gates ,
and the shutters of closed shops , and the doors of te
nantless houses ; and there appeared to be in progress
a regular breaking up of the Irish nation . This , to the
English mind , . was positively delightful. For here was
the Irish question being settled at last , by the simple
process of the transference of the Irish people to the
bottom of the deep sea , or else to the continent of
it far
America - nearly the same thing as England was
as
concerned for neither place her
in
to
as
seemed
,
could they ever more trouble her peace have any
or
,
of
claim on those fruits the Irish soil which were needed

for
no
of
the stomachs Englishmen There they could

.
longer pester her with petitions for Tenant Right de
or
mands for Repeal English farmers ,
of
the Union
, a
,
.
and drovers and labourers loyal the English govern

to
,
ment and yielding

no
allegiance the Pope

of
to
sort
,
,
would cross the Channel and take possession the de
of
serted island which would thenceforth be England's

,
in
as
magnificent
it
such sense never was before

O
a
consummation most brilliant prospect the eyes

O
in
!
,
tosaw
English statesmen They their way clear they

of
,
!
understood their game lighten degree

no
was
it
in
;
the pressure which they maintained upon the lives

of
the
nothing that could tend
do
to
to
Irish people render

,
them Ireland check the rush

in
or
to
existence tolerable
,
emigration Acting conformity with this shallow

of
in
.
of
they allowed
to
and false estimate the situation drift

,
away unused the time which wise statesmen would have

of
employed conciliatory and tran

in
the effectuation
quilising measures and applied themselves simply
to of to
the
,
crushing out from the Irish mind every hope im

of of
proved legislation and the defeat every effort ob

,
up
tain Thus when the people waking

it
from the
—
.
stupefaction that followed on the most tragic period of

the famine - began to breathe the breath of political life
again , and , perceiving the danger that menaced the ex
istence of the peasant classes, set on foot an agitation to
procure a reform of the land- laws, the government re
solutely opposed the project ; defeated the bills which
the friends of the tenantry brought into parliament ;
and took steps , which proved only too successful, for
the break up of
the organization by which the move
ment was conducted . And then , when Frederick Lucas
was dead , and Mr. Duffy had gone into exile , and the
patriot priests were debarred from taking part in politics ,
and Messrs . John Sadlier and William Keogh were
bought over by bribes of place and pay , the government
its
appeared to think that Irish patriotism had fought in
last ditch and received its final defeat
,
.
But they were mistaken The old cause that had sur
.
many disasters was not dead yet While the

so
vived .
the Tenant Righters Ireland were being
of
in
efforts
foiled and their party was being scattered couple
be of
,
, ,
a
Paris fugitive
in
Irishmen temporarily resident

,
of
of
cause their connexion with the events '48 were

,
laying the foundations movement more profoundly

of
a
those with which she

of
dangerous than any

England
to
had grappled since the days Wolfe Tone and Lord

of
Edward Fitzgerald Those men were John O'Mahony

.
and James Stephens

.
Since then their names have been much heard

of
and
,
the organization which they were the originators has

of
played Irish history But the

of an
important part
at
in
.
we
period which are now writing the general public

,
knew nothing O'Mahony Stephens beyond the

of
of
or
to
fact that they were alleged have taken some part

in
the recent insurrectionary demonstrations Stephens

,
very young lad had been present

at
who was then the

a
by
,
Ballingarry attack and had been severely wounded

,
of
the police He managed crawl away from

to
the fire
.
he
the spot was lost sight

of
ditch side where

to
A
hisa
loyal
of
report death was put into circulation and

a
,
the
journal published Kilkenny native town

--
in
of
the
young rebel , who in this instance played his first trick on

the government - referred to his supposed decease in
terms which showed that the rule de mortuis nil nisi bo
num found acceptance with the editor. The following
are the words of the obituary notice which appeared in
the Kilkenny Moderator on or about the 19th of August,
1848 :
Poor James Stephens , who followed Smith O'Brien to the
field , has died of the wound which he received at Ballingarry
whilst acting as aide -de- camp to the insurgent leader . Mr. Stephens
was a very amiable , and apart from politics , most inoffensive young
man , possessed of a great deal of talent , and we believe he was å
most excellent son and brother . His untimely and melancholy fate
will be much regretted by a numerous circle of friends .”
It is said that his family very prudently fostered this

delusion by going into mourning for the loss of young
James — the suggestion of which clever ruse probably
came from the dear boy himself . A short time after
wards he managed to escape , disguised as a lady's maid ,
to France . As one may gather from the paragraph above
quoted , the family were much respected in the locality.
Mr. Stephens , father of the future C.O.I.R. , was clerk in
the establishment of a respectable auctioneer and book
his
seller in Kilkenny . He gave children good edu

a
and sent young James Catholic seminary

to
cation
,
his being taught and trained for the

to
with view
a
priesthood But circumstances prevented the realiza

.
tion this design and before any line

of
business could
of
,
for
young Stephens the political events

be
marked out
,
took place and shaped his future career

to
above referred
.
John O'Mahony was different stamp

of
man He
a
belonged the class known as gentlemen farmers and

to
. ,
-
a he
the most respected His

of
of
that class was one

of of
family owned land

in
considerable tract the southern

part the County Tipperary which they had been
of
of
. ,
occupants for many generations He was well educated

,
studious habits and thoroughly imbued with patriotic

of
feeling which came him hereditary possession

to
as
a
,
When the Young Ireland leaders were electrifying the

L
of by
country their spirited appeals the patriotism and
to
wayfrom
all
bravery the Irish race and the population
in
the
,
intelligence were crystalizing into semi upon the
of
chief centres half arm -
military organizations O'Mahony was not apathetic
or
,
one man
the strongest
of
of
inactive One the Confederate clubs
.
was mad
—which were thick sown the contiguous districts
in
of
sult ; two
and Tipperary
the Counties of
Cork Waterford was
,
,
-
under his presidency and when July 1848 the .
police T
in
,
;
,
of
leaders the movement scattered themselves over the homes an

country for the purpose ascertaining the degree but hunt u
of
of
the
they should decide on in
if
un
support they would receive
of
furling the green banner his report
of
the state affairs capture
h 02
of ,
hisdistrict was one

in
their most cheering encourage country
,
ments prisoners
.
to the
few days afterwards the outbreak under O'Brien oc
A
cause
Ballingarry The failure that attempt and of
at
curred
,
Paris
,
.
of In gone
which
in
the irresolute manner was conducted had arrest

the
it
,
disheartened the country but the idea allowing the of before
,
that point was not universally enter

at
struggle rest
to
that
by
eus
of
tained the leaders the clubs and John O'Mahony

;
politi
those who resolved that another attempt
of
was one John

O'Mal
the
be
rally the people

to
to
should made the insurrectionary defeat
heir
up
On the night
his
He acted
to
standard resolution
:
.
.
ponde
on
of
of
the 12th September there were signal fires the failure

-
slopes whic
of
of
Slievenamon and the Comeragh mountains
,
that qui
ind the district between Carrick
on
Suir and Callan was whichthe

-
perturbation Next day the alarm was

allof
in
state duce
.
a
from
spread directions The gentry of the disturbed
in
,
politics
an
.
districts rushed into the nearest towns for protection tremble

for
re ;
police from the outlying barracks were called

in
to
spiracy
—
th
inforce the threatened stations and troops were hastily not
,
outwort
the
summoned from Dublin and the neighbouring garrisons

.
days ofof
Meanwhile parties the insurgents began
of
to
move about ystem

.
One proceeded the police station the Slate quarries

to
at
Ione
. -
on ,
-
that
—
and finding the policemen having retired

by
deserted
it
the
Piltown
zen
burned the ground Another attempted most

to
it
-
and
the destruction Grany bridge delay the advance propos

of
to
of
,
the soldiery third proceeded abroad

A
to
attack the Glenbower

.
station The defenders Mahony

of
in
the barracks were rather

on a
Geld
.
of
critical position when another party actic

of
police
It
their
,
was
Lative
of
the
way from the Nine - Mile - House station to Carrick , came

upon the spot , and the combined force speedily put their
half - armed assailants to flight, with a loss to the latter of
one man severely wounded and one killed . An attack
was made on the barrack at Portlaw , but with a like re
sult ; two men were stricken dead by the bullets of the
police . The people soon afterwards scattered to their
homes , and the soldiery and police had nothing to do
but hunt up for the leaders and other parties implicated
in the movement . John O'Mahony narrowly escaped
capture on three or four occasions . He lingered in the
country , however , until after the conviction of the state
him
prisoners at Clonmel, when it became clear to that
then took his way
he
the cause was lost for time and
a
;
of
Paris whither several his fellow outlaws for whose

to
,
arrest the government had offered large rewards had
,
gone before him
.
In
of
that famous centre intellect and intrigue the of
fo
,
.
political thought the fountain head great ideas
of
cus of
,
,
-
John O'Mahony and James Stephens pondered long over

the defeat that had come upon the Irish cause and
in
,
their ponderings bethought them that the reason the of

be
failure which they deplored was found the want

in
to
that quiet earnest secret preparation by means

of
of
,
,
which the Continental revolutionists were able pro

to
European
in
to
duce from time time such volcanic effects

politics and cause the most firmly rooted dynasties
to
,
tremble for their positions The system

of
secret con
.
old the universe yet

as
spiracy that ancient system

—
-a
,
,
“
system not unknown Ireland from

in
not outworn
”
the days the Whiteboys

of
to
of
the Attacots those the

--
of
Theobald Wolfe
of
system Sir Phelim O'Neill and

Tone that system developed refined and elaborated
as
—
,
,
by
of
the most subtle intellects modern times those two

,
propagate among the Irish race

to
at
men proposed home

and abroad They divided the labour between them
.
.
O'Mahony took the United States

of
America for his

action and Stephens took the Old Country
of
field
,
the year 1858 that the first symptoms indi

in
It
was
which James Stephens had set him
of
the work
to
cative
self made their appearance in the extreme south -west of

Ireland. Whispers went about that some of the young men
of Kenmare , Bantry, and Skibbereen were enrolled in a
secret sworn organization , and were in the habit of meet
ing for the purpose of training and drilling . Indeed the
its
members of the new society took little pains to conceal
existence they seemed rather pride the know
in
to
find
a
;
of
ledge which their neighbours had the fact and relied
,
for their legal safety on certain precautions adopted
in
When
of
their initiation
as
the manner members
in
.
by
formed firstly well known nationalists private
in
a
by
ad
manner and subsequently public remonstrances
,
by
dressed them Catholic clergymen and the national

to
journals that the government were
on
their track they
,
,
but ere long they suffered griev
to
refused believe
it
;
ously for their incredulity and want
In
prudence
of
.
the early days the go
of
1858 the swoop
of
December
,
of
vernment was made on the members the Phoenix
“
Society Cork and Kerry and arrests followed shortly
in
,
"
other parts The trials

in
of
a in
after the country the
, .
con
a in
at
south commenced Tralee March 1859 when

,
viction was obtained against man named Daniel O'Sul

he
penal servitude for ten

to
livan and was sentenced

,
The remaining cases were adjourned the next

to
years
.
July 1859 the pri

on
assizes and when they came

in
,
liberty
set
on
soners put guilty and were

of
at
in
plea
,
a
the understanding that their future conduct should not

if
up
the authorities they would

be
satisfactory
be
to
called
,
for sentence Amongst the Cork prisoners who took

.
this course was Jeremiah O'Donovan Rossa whose

,
to (
namehas since then been made familiar the public

.
Those events were generally supposed have ex

to
of
tinguished the Phenix conspiracy And many Ire

.
land's most sincere friends hoped that such was the case
so.
Recognising fully the peculiar powers which secret

a
ciety can bring bear against the government they

to
,
in or
still felt profound conviction that the risks rather

,
a
liberty and life involved

of
the certain cost such

a
modeof procedure formed more than counterpoise for the

a
,
advantages which presented They were consequently

it
.
earnest and emphatic in their endeavours to dissuade

their countrymen from treading in the dangerous paths
in which their steps were dogged by the spy and theinfor
mer . The Catholic clergy were especially zealous in their
condemnation of secret revolutionary societies , urged
thereto by a sense of their duty as priests and patriots .
But there were men connected with the movement both
in America and Ireland , who were resolved to persevere
in their design of extending the organization among the
Irish people , despite of any amount of opposition from
any quarter whatsoever . In pursuit of that object they
were not over scrupulous as to the means they employed ;
they did not hesitate to violate many an honourable
principle , and to wrong many an honest man ; nor
did
they exhibit
of
fair share common prudence dealing
in
a
with the difficulties their position but unexpected

of
;
favour their propagandism and
. of ob it
of to
circumstances arose
,
all
went ahead despite

of
their mistakes and every
of
stacle One those circumstances was the outbreak

.
the civil war America which took place April 1861

in
in
,
,
of
That event seemed the Irish revolu

to
the leaders
.
tionary organization now known
as
the Fenian Brother

,
to
be
of
hood one the most fortunate for their purposes

,
that could have happened

It
inspired the whole popu

.
up
America with military ardour

of
lation opened
it
,
a
in
splendid school the people

of
which the Irish section

art
could acquire knowledge

of
of
the war which was

a
give real efficacy

in en
exactly what was needed their

to
to
of
deavours for the overthrow British dominion

strong proba
be
Ireland Besides there appeared

to
ofa
.
bility that the line

, of
in
action favour the Southern

her
States which England notwithstanding proclamation

an
neutrality had adopted from early stage

of
of
the con
,
war with the

in
flict would speedily involve her

a
,
Federal government These things constituted pros

a
.
gone
of
pect dazzling the eyes

to
the Irishmen who had

"
Their hearts bounded with joy

at
with vengeance the

a
."
At
on
be
opportunities that appeared opening

to
them
.
last the time was near they believed when the accu
,
,
seven centuries would burst upon the

of
mulated hate
power of England , not in the shape of an undisciplined

peasantry armed with pikes , and scythes , and pitchforks,
as in 1798— not in the shape of half famished anda
empty -handed crowd , led to battle by orators and poets ,
as in 1848 , but in the shape of an army , bristling with
sharp steel, and flanked with thunderous cannon -- an
army ski'led in the modern science of war , directed by
true military genius , and inspired by that burning valour
all
the qualities
of
, of
which in times was one by the Irish
race . Influenced such hopes and feelings the Irish
by
the Northern States poured
of
thousands into the

Federal ranks and formed themselves into regiments
,
In
that were many Fenian circles
at
so
the same time
.
too
the Sout ern army there were many Irishmen who

,
?
give their native land the

to
to
were not less determined

their military experience the trou as
as
of
benefit soon
,
an
their adopted country should brought
of
to
bles be
Fenianism with that glow light upon spread
of
end
it,
.
like prairie fire through the States
of
The ranks the
a
organization swelled rapidly and money contributions

,
in its
poured like tide into treasury The impulse was

a
.
by
felt also the society rapid

It
Ireland received
a
.
put
on
development and soon began bold front towards

to
a
,
the government and still more belligerent one towards

,
a
all
Irishmen who while claiming the character pa

of
to ,
or
triots declined take part the Fenian movement

in
,
In
their countrymen
to
recommend November 1863

it
,
.
the brotherhood started the Irish People newspaper

in
Dublin for the double purpose

of
propagating their doc

,
trines and increasing the revenues

of
the society James

.
Stephens was the author this most unfortunate project

of
.
he
The men whom selected for working out were Thomas

it
Clarke Luby John O'Leary and Charles Joseph Kickham

,
,
.
its
of
From the date establishment up the mouth

to
-
September 1865 period

of
of
nearly two years the

,
--
a
its
Irish People occupied itself preaching what

in
editors
of
as
regarded the cardinal doctrines the society which

,
agitation for the redress

of
were —That constitutional

:
Ireland's grievances was worse than useless that every

;
man taking part

or
such agitation was either

in
fool
a
a
knave ; that in political affairs clergymen should be held

of no more account than laymen ; and that the only
Ireland lay armed uprising
an
for
hope
of
in
the
people These doctrines were not quite new
of
not one
.
;
them was absolutely true but they wereundoubtedly held
;
by
of
many thousands Irishmen and the Fenian society
,
secure for the journal
to
took care which they were ad
in
of
vocated large circulation The office the Irish
,
a
.
of to really was
be
People soon came regarded what
as
it
,
,
the head quarters the Fenian organization Ireland
in
.
To
the choice spirits of

the party resorted for counsel
it
and direction thither the provincial organisers directed

;
their steps whenever they visited Dublin into poured
it
;
an
weekly from all parts the country cor
of
of
immense mass
respondence which the editors instead destroying after
of
,
ac
had passed through their hands foolishly allowed
to
it
cumulate upon their shelves though every word
of
was
it
,
fraight with peril the lives and liberties their friends of

to
.
In
their private residences also they were incautious enough

keep numerous documents most compromising
of
to
of a
character There but one way accounting for their

is
in.
conduct this matter They may have supposed that

.
the legal proceedings against them which they knew

,
to
at
take place another would

or
were certain one time

,
the semi constitutional fashion which

in
be conducted
-
was adopted towards the national journals

in
If
1848.
of
the staff the Irish People had received single day's

a
be
notice that they were about

to
to
made amenable the

possible that they would have their houses and
is
law
it
,
of
their office immediately cleared those documents

so
which afterwards consigned many

of
their country
penal servitude But they saw
of
to
men the horrors

.
be
to
no
suppose that the swoop was about

to
reason
made on them On the fifteenth day September
of
,
.
no
Fe au
1865 there were perceptible indications that the

,
on
in
to
thorities were any more the alert reference

nian affairs then they had been during the past twelve
was Friday the Irish People had been prin
It
months
, ;
.
ted for the next day's sale large batches the paper had
of
the agents town and country the edi

in
to
been sent off

,
tors and publishing clerks had gone home to rest after

their week's labours — when suddenly , at about half - past
nine o'clock in the evening , a strong force of police broke
into the office , seized the books , manuscripts, papers ,
and forms of type, and bore them
to
off
the Castle
At the same time arrests
of
yard the chief Fenian
.
leaders were being made various parts the city The
of
in
.
all circles society
of
in
news created intense excitement
,
and more especially amongst the Fenians themselves who
,
of
had never dreamed government coup
so
so
a sudden
,
The government had now
so
lawless and effective

,
.
off
apathy and impassiveness which

of
thrown the mask

,
its
had worn lay strong
to
on its so
long and commenced

it
it
hand upon foes Amongst the men who filled the

.
prison cells that miserable autumn evening were John

O'Leary Thomas Clarke Luby and Jeremiah O'Donovan
,
Rossa Before the crown was ready proceed with to

(
).
their trial the third editor the paper Charles

of
J.
, ,
,
Kickham was added their company having been ar
to
rested with James Stephens Edward Duffy and Hugh

,
,
Brophy
on
the 11th November

at
Fairfield House near

,
,
Dublin
.
On Monday November 27th 1865 the state trials

,
,
'
Special Commission the Court

in
commenced before
- a
so
of
house Green street the scene many previous

ofa
,
grapple between British law and the spirit

pa
Irish
triotism Mr. Justice Keogh and Mr. Justice Fitzgerald
pri
.
There was long list

of
were the presiding judges

a
.
James Stephens might have been

to
soners be tried
.
honoured with the first place amongst them were not

it
,
that two days previously

to
the unspeakable horror and

,
its
all
the government and

he
of
surprise friends had

,
we
effected his escape rather might say obtained

or
,
,
,
by the aid
his
friendly hands
of
release from Richmond

,
his
In
prison regretted absence the crown commen

,
.
a by
ced their proceedings placing Thomas Clarke Luby

in
to
of
the dock charge treason felony

to
answer
-
.
, up
the bar between the jailors that clus

a to
He stood
,
tered about him quiet faced pale and somewhat sad

,
,
-
looking man apparently about forty years

of
of
age
,
.
glance around court -house showed him but few

the
of by
for
friendly -
owing
to
faces the terrors felt the
,
judges the crown prosecutors and other officials the
,
of
law who dreaded the desperate resolves armed con
,
spirators few were admitted into the building except
po
, ,
of
in
licemen detectives and servants the crown one
. ,
In
capacity the galleries however
of
or
another one
, ,
he recognised his wife- daughter
of
De Jean Fraser
J.
the sweetest poets the '48 period
of
with the
of of
one
—
wife his fellow prisoner O'Donovan Rossa and the
A,
,
-
John O'Leary
of
of
sister brief smile greeting passed
.
between the party and then all thoughts were concen

,
on
trated the stern business the day of
.
no
There was for Thomas Clarke escape

of
chance
Luby
or
for his associates The crown had plethora
a
.
*
evidence against them acquired during the months

of
ig
and years when they appeared but totally
. all
be
to
of
the conspiracy They had the

of
norant the existence
an
the approver Nagle who had been
of
evidence em
,
,
ployè the Irish People office and confidential agent

of
a
up
of
James Stephens the night

of
the arrests but who

to
during the previous eighteen months had been betraying

every secret the government They had the
of
theirs
to
whole army
of
of
evidence detectives but more crush

a
;
all
ing and fatal than they had that which was supplied
,
by the immense store

of
documents captured the Irish

at
People office and the houses

allof
of
some the chief mem

Of
of
bers the conspiracy those papers the most

.
important was one found Mr. Luby

of
at
the residence
,
which James Stephens being the time about

in
at
to
,
visit America delegated his powers over the organization

England and Scotland Thomas Clarke
in
to
Ireland
,
,
Luby John O'Leary This

J.
and Charles Kickham

,
to ,
,
.
which was referred during the trials

as
the executive
“
as
document was worded follows

:
",
hereby empower Thomas Clarke Luby John O'Leary and

"
,
I
or
Kickham organization
of
Charles committee executive

,
,
a
J,
with the same supreme control over the home organization Eng
,
by
myself
as
land Ireland and Scotland that exercised further

,
.
,
military inspection and

of
empower them appoint

to
committee
,
a
of
appeal and judgment the functions which com

of
committee
a
,
mittee will be made known to every member of them . Trusting

to the patriotism and abilities of the executive , fully endorse I
their actions beforehand . I
call on every man in our ranks to sup
all
port and be guided by them in that concerns the military
brotherhood
. STEPHENS
J.
“
."
all
the legal ingenuity and forensic eloquence
of
Not
their talented counsel Mr. Butt could avail save the
to
,
,
by
the preservation
as
the
of
men who such documents
,
on
foregoing had fastened the fetters their own limbs
,
a of .
Mr. Luby concluded
on
of
The trial the fourth day

the proceedings Friday December 1st 1865 with
—
,
-
guilty The prisoner heard the announcement

of
verdict
, .
with composure and then response the question

in
as to
,
such cases addressed the court

in
usual follows
:
,
Well my lords and gentlemen don't think any person pre

,
“
surprised the verdict found against me

is
at
sent here have been
I
.
for
prepared this verdict ever since was arrested although

I
I
,
by
thought my duty fight the British government inch
to
inch
it
.
was sure to
be
felt found guilty since the advisers
of
the
,
I
Crown took what the Attorney General was pleased the other day
I-
thought might have

of to
call the merciful course fair chance

a
I
, '
.'
so
as
escaping long the capital charge was impending over me
;
but when they resolved trying me under the_Treason Felony
on
Act felt that had not the smallest chance am somewhat

I
I
,
.
I
as
the present moment should say under

at
to
embarrassed what
I
the circumstances There are great many things that would

I
a
.
in
to
wish say but knowing that there are other persons the same
;
situation with myself might myself say

to
and that allow

, ,
something injudicious which would peril their cases feel that

,
I
are
my tongue great degree tied Nothwithstanding

to
is
there
. ,
a
two three points upon which would say have

or
few words
a
I
nothing say Judge Keogh's charge the jury He did not

to
to
to
up
.
to
any the topics that had been introduced prejudice

of
take
he
the case against me for instance did not take this accusation
;
my fellow prisoners
an
to
to
of
intention assassinate attributed

,
by re
to
and myself his reply Mr. Butt

in
The Solicitor General

,
-
.
those topics Mr. Barry was the first person who ad

to
ferred
.
up'
vanced those charges thought they were partially given

I
.
the Attorney General his opening statement least they were

a in
at
,
to -
but the learned So

in
put forward you very modified form

;
licitor General his very virulent speech put forward those

in
,
,
-
charges most aggravated manner He sought even

in
exag
to
a
gerate upon Mr. Barry's original statement Now with respect

to
,
.
charges justice my say this

in
to
is —
those character must that

in
I
-
court there not man more incapable anything like massacre

of
>a
,
or assassination than I am . I really believe that the gentlemen

who have shown so much ability in persecuting me , in the bottom
of their hearts lelieve me incapable of an act of assassination or
massacre . I
don't see that there is the smallest amount of evi
dence to show that I
ever entertained the notion of a massacre of
landlords and priests . I
forget whether the advisers of the crown
I
said . intended the massacre of the Protestant clergymen . Some
of the writers of our enlightened press said that did . Now , with I
respect to the charge of assassinating the landlords , the only thing
that gives even the shadow of a colour to that charge is the letter
signed - alleged to be signed - by Mr. O'Keefe . Now , assuming
but by no means admitting , of course —that the letter was written
by Mř: -O'Keefe ,
let
me make statement about know the
it
a
I
.
practical utility
no
facts that
I to to
am about
of
state are
no to
me now
I
,
at
least with respect the judges practical
of
know
it
onis
I
utility me because cannot give evidence .
my own behalf
to
be ,
to ,
practical utility
to
but may
of
others with whom wish

it
I
stand well believe my words will carry conviction and carry
I
of
-
.
much more conviction than any words the legal advisers

more than 300,000 the Irish race Ire
in
to
of
the crown can of

-
land England and America Well deny absolutely that

I
,
I
,
,
.
ever entertained any idea assassinating the landlords and the

of
,
be
to
Mr. O'Keefe assuming his letter the only

of
. . --
is
letter
it
My
-
on
evidence the subject acquaintance with Mr. O'Keefe was

the slightest nature did noteven know
of
of
his existence when

I
the Irish People was started He came after that paper was
,
.
few months the office and offered some articles

weto
established
a
,
,
some were rejected some
of
inserted and call the attention
of ,
, I
the legal advisers the Crown this fact that amongst the papers
to
which they got those that were Mr. O'Keefe's articles had many
,
his
no
in
paragraphs scored out fact we put without

in
of
article
meis ;
great deal technically called cutting down

of
what Now
a
,
'
.'
his
was simply private document con

It
to
of
that letter
a
of .
tained the mere private views pledge this

to
of
the writer and

;
the posi
as
spite
in
—
, of
the court man honour and believe

a
tion stand amongst my countrymen

in
to
which am believed
I
I
be
on
it
my life depended
of
man honour and that would

if
a
,
,
not speak falsely about the thing when

—
read that letter and the

,
I
first gave my with

to
whom was wife remember we read

itsit
it
,
I
I
My wife
at
laughter
at
— of
fits ridiculous ideas the moment

.
Oh
no
said Had not better burn the letter said

, ?
,
I
,
'
.
looking upon most ridiculous thing and never dreaming

as
it
up
for moment that such document would ever turn against

a
me and produce the unpleasant consequences has produced

it
,
mean the imputation assassination and massacre which has

of
,
I
*
it in
given me great deal more trouble than anything else this case
a
.
far
as
as
That disposes present dispose

at
—
of
of
can the
I
charge wishing assassinate the landlords As the charge

to
to
of
.
to
as
desiring assassinate the priests deny being the most

of
it
, ,
I
monstrous thing the world Why surely every one who read
in
,
.
the articles in the paper would see that the plain doctrine laid
down there was —to reverence the priests so long as they confined
themselves to their sacerdotal functions ; but when the priest de
scended to the arena of politics he became no more than any other
man , and would just be regarded as any other man . he was a If
man of ability and honesty , of course he would get the respect that
such men get in politics —if he was not a man of ability there
would be no more thought of him than of a shoemaker or any one
else. This is the teaching of the Irish People with regard to the
priests . I
believe the Irish People has done a great deal of good , even
amongst those who do not believe in its revolutionary doctrines .
I believe the revolutionary doctrines of the Irish People are good .
I
can
believe nothing ever save Ireland except independence
of ;
all
believe that other attempts
to
and ameliorate the condition
I
Ireland are mere temporary expedients and make shifts

Mr. Justice Keogh am very reluctant interrupt you Mr.
to
,
"
I
Luby
.”
Mr. Luby— Very well my lord will leave that believe
I
,
,
I
“
.
immensity
an
this way the Irish People has done
It
good
in
of
.
up
right
to
taught the people not give their private judgment

temporal matters the clergy that while they reverenced the up of
in
to
clergy upon the altar they should not give their consciences
to ,
the clergy good

in
secular matters believe that Others

is
I
.
.
may differ from me No set of men believe ever set themselves
I
.
any work but they did good some shape form

in
earnestly or
to
.”
Judge Keogh— am most reluctant Mr. Luby interrupt
to
,
,
I
“
you think you should pursue this

do
you but
?
”
,
Mr. Luby—
be of
Very well will not think that disposes
I
,
I
“
those things say much about myself

It
to
don't care would

I
.
rather beneath me Perhaps some persons who know me would say

all
.
should not have touched upon the assassination charge

so at
I
attaching
in
that fact have rather shown weakness much

in
importance But with regard my life

it to
or to
it
of
the entire course

,
,
be .
be
and whether mistaken course not will for every man's

a
no
individual judgment
to
decide this know that man ever loved

,
I
up
Ireland more than have done noman has ever given his
I
whole being From the time

to
to
Ireland the extent have done

I
what has been called the years my

to
came
of
discretion entire
I
thought has been devoted pur

to
Ireland believed the course

I
I
.
sued was right others may take different view believe the
a
I
;
majority
of
my countrymen this minute instead my being

of
,
if,
,
petty jury who suppose are bound

be to
tried before find accord

,
,
a
ing British law

by
my guilt
or
to
to
innocence was tried the

if
-
higher standard eternal right and the case was put all my
of
to
,
countrymen believe this moment the majority my country

of
-
I
am
men would pronounce that not criminal but that have

,
a
I
I
of
deserved well my country When the proceedings this trial

of
.
to go
of
is
forth into the world people will say the cause Ireland not
,
be
despaired that Ireland not yet

as
lost country
of
that
is
a
,
are
long
as
any country prepared expose themselves

in
to
there men
, its
to every difficulty and danger in service prepared brave cap
to
,
tivity even death itself
be
be
need that country cannot lost
if
,
.
With these words conclude
.”
I
On the conclusion this address Judge Keogh pro
of
,
the prisoner The
on
pass sentence prisoner's
to
ceeded
.
he
every way creditable him
in
to
speech said was
,
;
but the bench could not avoid coming
to
the conclusion
he
that with the exception James Stephens was the
of
,
,
person most deeply implicated
he in
the conspiracy The
.
kept
be
the court was that penal servi
in
of
sentence
twenty years Mr. Luby heard the
of
tude for term

a
.
words without any apparent emotion gave one sad fare
-
his
well glance wife and friends and stepping down

to
the little stairs from the dock made way for the next ,
,
prisoner
.
JOHN O'LEARY
.
WHILE the jury Thomas Clarke Luby were

of
in
the case
on
absent from the court deliberating and framing their

to
verdict John O'Leary was put forward the bar

.
,
He stepped þoldly
to
of
the front with flash fire in

,
a
his
his dark eyes and looking

on
scowl features
,
,
a
on
hatred and defiance judges lawyers jurymen and

,
,
,
All eyes were fixed

all
he
on
of
the rest them him for

,
.
those persons whose exterior attracts atten

of
was one
tion and indicates character above the common He
a
.
of
was tall slightly built and gentlemanly deportment

,
,
every feature his thin angular face gave token great

of
of
pallid hue
its
intellectual energy and determination and

,
by
was rendered almost death like contrast with his long

-
black hair and flowing moustache and beard Easy

it
.
see that when the government placed John

to
was
O’Leary the dock they had caged proud spirit and
in
He had come patriot

an
able and resolute enemy

of
a
.
part Ireland where rebels to

of
stock and from

,
English rule were never either few faint hearted He

, or
Tipperary parents whose

of
of
the town
in
was born
circumstances were comfortable , and who, at the time of

their decease , left him in possession of property worth a
couple of hundred pounds per annum . He was educated
for the medical profession in
the Queen's College , Cork ,
spent some time in France , and subsequently visited
America , where he made the acquaintance of the chief
organisers of the Fenian movement , by whom he was
regarded as a most valuable acquisition to the ranks of
the brotherhood . After his return to Ireland he con
tinued to render the Fenian cause such services as lay in
his power , and when James Stephens , who knew his
courage and ability, invited him to take the post of chief
editor of the Fenian organ which he was about to estab
lish in Dublin , O'Leary readily obeyed the call , and
accepted the dangerous position . In the columns of the
Irish People he laboured hard to defend and extend the
principles of the Fenian organization until the date of
his arrest and the suppression of the paper .
The trial lasted from Friday , the 1st, up to Wednesday ,
the 6th of December , when it was closed with a verdict
of guilty and a sentence of twenty years ' penal servi
tude - Mr. Justice Fitzgerald remarking that no distinc
tion in the degree of criminality could be discovered
between the case of the prisoner and that of the previous
convict . The following is the address delivered by
O'Leary , who appeared to labour under much excitement ,
when asked in the usual terms if he had any reason to
show why sentence should not be passed upon him :
for
“ I was not wholly unprepared this verdict because felt

I
,
so
that the government which could safely pack the bench could
to
of
not fail make sure its verdict

.'
We are willing
be in
Mr. Justice Fitzgerald— hear anything

to
“
we
reason from you but cannot allow language that kind

to
of
,
used
.”
O'Leary-
My
Luby
on
Mr. friend Mr.

to
did not wish touch

"
he
do
any harm the

to
this matter from natural fear lest should

a
political
be
prisoners but there can but little fear that

of
other
;
for
it heof
jury has been found conspiracy

to
now convict me this

a
,
upon the evidence Mr. Luby admitted that was technically

to .
by
guilty according British law but say that only the

is
;
most torturing interpretation that these men could make out their
case against me With reference this conspiracy there has been
to
.
much misapprchension , and serious misapprehension .

in Ireland
Mr. Justice Keogh said in his
charge against Mr. Luby that men
for
for
would be always found ready money some other motive
or
,
,
place themselves the disposal the government think
to
at
of
but
I
the men who have been generally bought this way and who
in
,
certainly made the best bargain agitators and not
of
the were
,
say one word
, in
the foul charge upon
to
rebels have
to
reference
I
.
which that miserable man Barry has made me responsible
.
Mr. Justice Fitzgerald— We cannot allow that tone
of
observa
“
tion
."
Mr. O'Leary continued— That man has charged me need
-I
“
not defend myself my friends from the charge shall merely
or
I
.
denounce the moral assassin Mr. Justice Keogh the other day
,
He
spoke Mr. Luby
of of
lecture
to
revolutions and administered
,
.
spoke cattle being driven away and houses being burned
of
,
·
would like know
be
on
to
so
down that men would killed and
I
all ,
.
that does not apply well as
as
to
to
if
war revolution One
?
shall have done have been found guilty
of
word more and
or ,
.
I
treason elony Treason foul crime The poet
is
treason a
.
.
-f
consigned hell but
of
believe the ninth circle
to
Dante traitors
,
;
,
I
what kind of traitors Traitors against king against country

?
I ,
,
England not my country
is
against friends and benefactors
;
.
no
no
have betrayed friend benefactor Sidney and Emmet were

,
legal traitors Jeffreys was loyal man and was Norbury

so
,
I
,
.
leave the matter there
.
these words John

of
One hour after

utterance the
O'Leary dressed convict garb his hair clipped and
in
,
,
his
off
was the occupant

of
beard shaved cell in

,
his
Mountjoy prison commencing long term suffering

of
,
having sought obtain self

of
expiation
of
to
in
the crime
government for his native land
.
JEREMIAH O'DONOVAN ROSSA

(
).
we
In
the preceding pages

of
one have mentioned the

the Cork Summer Assizes
at
of
fact that 1859 con

a
,
viction was recorded against Jeremiah O'Donovan Rossa

(
)
he
in
for his complicity the Phoenix conspiracy and was

if ,
on
he
be
then released the understanding that should

found engaging similar practices the crown would
in
,
up
bring him
of
for judgment the

It
characteristic
is
.
-
man that with this conviction hanging like a mill - stone

about his neck , he did not hesitate to take an active and
an open part with the promoters of the Fenian move
ment . He travelled through various parts of Ireland in
furtherance of the objects of the society ; he visited
America on the same mission , and when the Irish People
was started he took the position of business manager in
that foredoomed establishment .
He was brought into the dock immediately after John
O'Leary had been taken from it ; but on representing
that certain documents which he had not then at hand
for
his
he
were necessary defence obtained postpone
,
hea
his trial for few days When was again
of
iment
a
.
up
he
he
to
brought for trial intimated the court that
he
And entered upon
to
meant conduct his own defence

.
in
immediately He cross examined the informers
it
he
fierce fashion he badgered the detectives questioned ,
he ,
allhe
the police debated with the crown lawyers argued
,
,
he
with the judges fought with the crown side round

,
.
the witnesses had gone off
of
But was when the last

it
he
in
the table that the work good earnest He

to
set
.
up
took the various publications that had been put

evidence against him and claimed his legal right in
to
read
,
all
through
of
of
them One them was the file the Irish

.
its
for
People
of
the whole term existence Horror sat

!
upon the faces of judges jurymen sheriffs lawyers

,
,
,
all
turnkeys and when the prisoner gravely informed

,
them that compromise he would not insist upon

as
a
reading the advertisements The bench were unable

to
!
deny that the prisoner was entitled not the

of to
read
if
,
any rate great portion the volume and

at
entire
,
,
a
O'Donovan then applied himself the task selecting his

to
,
in
readings more especially from those articles which the

political career Mr. Šustice Keogh was made the sub
of
ject Right on read his lordship

of
he
animadversion
,
.
striving
,
composed and indifferent

to
as
look
as
possible
of
while every word the bitter satire and fierce invective

written against him by Luby and O'Leary was being
his heart When articles
at
of
launched that class were

.
the prisoner
to
exhausted turned the most treasonable

,
and seditious documents he could find , and commenced

the reading of them , but the judges interposed ; he
claimed to be allowed to read a certain article -- Judge
Keogh objected - he proposed to read another - that was
objected to also — he commenced to read another - he
was stopped - he tried another - again Judge Keogh was
down on him — then another — and he fared no better .
till
So the fight went on throughout the live -long day ,
adjournment had come and gone and
of
the usual hour
,
the prisoner himself was feeling parched and weary and
,
,
exhausted Observing that the lights were being now
.
renewed and that their lordships appeared satisfied
to
,
out the night anxiously inquired

be he
sit
the proceed
. if
to ,
till
ings were not adjourned morning Proceed
,
"
sir
was the stern reply the judge who knew that

of
, "
,
of
the physical powers the prisoner could not hold out

much longer regular Norbury gasped O'Donovan
,
A
“
.
, .
It's like '98 trial You had better proceed
sir
a
“
."
,
“
the
judge
do
with propriety exclaimed When you
“
,”
propose stopping my lord again inquired the prisoner

",
.
?
"
it sir
Proceed was the reiterated reply O'Donovan

,
,
*
.
no
could stand longer He had been reading and

.
speaking for eight hours and half With one final

a
.
by
protest against the arrangement which Judge Keogh

try the cases men who had written and
of
to
was sent
published such articles against him
he
sat down ex
,
,
its
claiming that English law might now take course

,
“
. .”
Next day the jury handed down their verdict guilty

of
The Attorney General then addressed the court and

,
-
to
referred the previous conviction against the prisoner

.
O'Donovan was asked what he had

in
say reference
to
,
that part the case and his reply was that

of
to
the
?
to “
government might add they pleased

as
as
much the
on
his sentence was any satis

of
term that account

it
if
,
them And when the like question was put

to
faction
.”
he
him regarding the present charge said

to
With the fact that the government seized papers connected

“
with my defence and examined them with the fact that they
—
packed the jury with the fact that the government stated they
-
would convict with the fact that they sent Judge Keogh second
--
a
,
M
Norbury, to try me - with these facts before me , it would be useless

to say anything ."
Judge Keogh proceeded to pass centence . The pri

soner , ” he said , “ had entertained those criminal designs
since the year 1859 ; " whereupon O'Donovan broke in
with the remark that he was “ an Irishman since he was
born .” The judge said , “ he would not waste words by
his
trying to bring him to a sense of guilt O'Donovan's
be to ”;
try
,
reply was
be
would useless for you The
It
it
“
in ."
his
judge told him kept
he
sentence was that penal
,
All right
of
servitude for the term his natural life
,
.
my lord exclaimed the unconquerable rebel and with
, ,
a
to ”,
he
smile the sympathising group around him walked
with light step from the dock
a
January
of
The court was then adjourned
to
the 5th
,
off
for
and next day the judges set Cork city
to
1866
,
;
dispose the Fenian prisoners there awaiting trial

of
.
BRYAN DILLON JOHN LYNCH
,
,
AND OTHERS
.
On
Wednesday December 16th the trial

of
O'Donovan
,
Next
to
Dublin
in
Rossa was brought conclusion

a
.
(
, , )
morning away went judges crown lawyers spies de

,
,
tectives and informers for the good city

of
Cork where
,
of
of
another batch men accused conspiring against Bri

of
tish rule Ireland— the old crime their race

in
".
were awaiting the pronouncement British law upon

of
their several cases Cork city these days was known

in
.
its
be
of
of
perhaps
to
one the foci disaffection was

it
;
chief stronghold The Metropolis may have given

an
abso
.
the
lutely larger number Fenian organiza

to
of
members
its
in
but proportion
to
population
of
tion the number

,
in
the Southern city was far more deeply involved the

In
of
Dublin the seat British rule Ireland

in
movement
,
,
.
many influences which are but faintly represented

rein
other parts the country are present and active

to
of
press the national ardour the people Those influen

of
.
1 SPEECHES FROM THE DOCK . 179
ces are scarcely felt in the city of Saint Finbar . Not in

Ireland is there a town in which the national sentiment is
stronger or more widely diffused than in Cork . The citi
zens are a warm -hearted, quick -witted and high - spirited
race , gifted with fine moral qualities, and profoundly at
tached to the national faith in religion and politics.
Merchants , traders , professional men , shopkeepers , arti
all
zans , and are comparatively free from the spells
of
,
Dublin Castle and the result visible their conduct
in
is
,
.
The crown looks dubiously and anxiously upon Cork
in a
jury the patriot when any work for Ireland hand
is
to ,
;
,
looks hopefully the Cork people
of
The leaders the
.
Fenian movement thoroughly understood these facts
,
the pro
of
their time and attention
to
and devoted much
. of
so
their society among men well inclined
to
pagation
be
Their labours labours they could cal
it
welcome
if
,
great measure
of
led were rewarded with success The
a
,
by.
young men Cork turned into the organization
of
hun
no
dreds There was denying the fact every one knew

;
.
all
be
sides The
of
on
to
evidences were
it
it
seen
;
.
hope that was filling their hearts revealed itself thou in
a
sand ways their marchings their meetings their
in
,
:
songs their music The loyal party the neighbour

in
.
,
hood grew alarmed and the government shared their ap

,
At
prehensions which we write the opinion

of
the time
,
.
Dub
a of
at
the local magistracy and that

linof
the authorities
full harged mine
of
Castle was that Cork was

-c
treason
"
."
Thither was the Commission now sped carry terror

to
,
,
law
strong arm
do
of
the the could into the

if
,
it
“
against the royal name

of
hearts those conspirators

As,
“
style and dignity her Majesty Queen Victoria

of
,
"
.
no
the Castle could say

in
one what desperate expe

to
dients those people might have recourse was thought

it
,
of to
advisable take extraordinary precautions

to
ensure
the safety the train which carried those important per
sonages her Majesty's judges lawyers witnesses and
in
,
,
,
on
formers through the Munster counties and

to
the
,
city by the Lee Never before writes the special

of .
correspondent the Nation had such sight been

a
,
“
:
witnessed on an Irish railway as that presented on Thurs

day along the line between Dublin and Cork . Armed
sentries paced each mile of the railway ; the platforms of
the various stations through which the trains passed were
lined with bodies of constabulary , and the bridges and
viaducts on the way were guarded by a force of military ,
whose crimson coats and bright accoutrements stood out
in bold relief from the dark ground on which they were
stationed , against the grey December sky . As a further
measure of precaution a pilot engine steamed in advance of
the train in which their lordships sat , one carriage of which
was filled with armed police . And so , in some such manner
as Grant or Sheridan might have journeyed along the
Petersburgh and Lynchburg railway while the flag of the
Confederacy floated in Richmond , the twojudges travelled
down in safety to the head - quarters of Fenianism in
Munster .”
Immediately on their arrival in Cork, the judges pro
ceeded to the court-house and formally opened the busi
ness of the Commission . Next day Charles Underwood
O'Connell and John M'Afferty were placed in the dock .
These two men belonged to a class which formed the hope
of the Fenian organization , and which the government
regarded as one of the most dangerous elements of the
conspiracy . They were Irish -American soldiers , trained
to war, and inured to the hardships of campaigning in
the great struggle which had but recently closed in
America . They were a sample of the thousands of Irish
men who had acquired in that practical school the mili
tary knowledge which they knew was needed for the effi
cient direction of an insurrectionary movement in Ireland,
and who were now burning for the time and opportunity
to turn that knowledge to account . It was known that
many of these men were , as quietly and secretly as might
be, dropping into Queenstown as steamer after steamer ar
1
rived from the Land of the West , and were moving about
through the Southern counties , inspiriting the hearts of
11
the Brotherhood by their presence and their promises , and

imparting to them as much military instruction as was possi
ble
under the circumstances To hunt down these foreign

“
.
"
emissaries as the crown lawyers and the loyal prints
were pleased to call them , and to deter others from fol
lowing in their footsteps , was naturally a great object
with the government , and when they placed Charles
Underwood O'Connell and John M'Afferty in the dock
felt
they they had made good beginning And these
in a
.
were representative men their way was strange
It
a
.
“
we
fate says the writer from whom have already quoted
,
",
which had brought these men together felon's
in
a
“
dock They had been born different lands they had
—
in
.
been reared thousands miles apart and they had

of
—
fought and won distinction under different flags and
of on
,
opposing sides the American war M'Afferty born
in
,
.
Ohio won his spurs
in
Irish parents
in
the Confederate
,
army O'Connell who emigrated from Cork little more

,
.
his family by
of
than two years ago after the ruin cruel
a
,
confiscation and eviction fought under the Stars

of
act
,
and Stripes and like M'Afferty obtained captain's

,
a
,
,
as
of
commission the reward his services Had they .

crossed each others path two years ago they would pro
bably have fought mort but the old traditions which
la
a
of
of
linger every circumstance

in
spite the hearts

in
Irishmen were strong in both and the cause

of
Ireland
,
united them only alas that they might each

of
them
,
,
op by
pay the cost imprudent enthusiasm
of
if
their honest
,
sharing the same prison Ireland and falling within the

in
,
the
on
grasp government which they looked

as
the
of
of
pressor their fatherland

.”
M'Afferty however was not fated

on
to
suffer that occa

his foreign birth having been adduced the
of
sion Proof
,
.
on
in
court held that his arrest board the steamer Queens

he
no
town harbour when had committed overt act evi

,
dencing treasonable intent was illegal and his trial was

,
a
,
of
abandoned The trial Underwood O'Connell was then

.
postponed for few days and two men reputed

to be
to
a
Cork were brought

of
the organization
To
in
centres
,
”
the bar
.
They were Bryan Dillon and John Lynch Physically

,
.
they presented the firm built and wiry sol

to
contrast
a
diers who had just quitted the dock Dillon was afflicted
.
with curvature of the spine , the result of an accident in

early life , and his companion was far gone in that blight
ing and fatal disease , consumption . But though they
were not men for the toils of campaigning , for the moun
tain march , and the bivouac , and the thundering charge
of battle , they had hearts full of enthusiasm for the
cause in which they were engaged , and heads that
could think , and plot , and plan , for
its
advancement
.
is go
We need not here through the sad details
of
their
trials Our purpose bring before our readers the
to
.
of
courage and the constancy the martyrs
in to
of
the cause
Irish nationality and record the words which they
to
,
gave expression the patriotic sentiments that inspired

to
It
recollected that many
of
be
however the
to
is
them
,
,
.
as
at
accused
as
these commissions men
of --
earnest honest
,
their country any that
as
to
and devoted the cause
as
ever lived made no such addresses from the dock as we
-
All men are not orators and

in
can include this volume
,
.
will often occur that one who has been tried for life and
it
liberty
on
spies
of
of
British court law
in
the evidence
a
and informers will have much press upon his mind

to
,
,
and many things more directly relevant the trial than
be to
say when
of
any profession political faith would

to
,
called upon show reason why sentence should not be

to
passed upon him The evidence adduced these cases

in
.
of
of
usually compound truth and falsehood Some

is
are simply blunders resulting from

to
the untruths sworn

,
the confused impressions and the defective memory

of
the
witnesses others are deliberate inventions made sworn
,
,
,up
in
and persevered for the purpose

to
of
backed
in
,
suring successful result for the prosecution Naturally

a
.
he
to
the first impulse the accused when

is of
allowed
is
,
these murderous filehcods

,
speak for himself

to
to
refer
;
those critical mo
of
in
and the excitement and trouble

all
to do
to
ments that some men can venture Such

it
a of is
,
criticisms the prosecution are often valuable the pri

moral point view but rarely have they any
of
soner from
,
influence upon the result of the trial All things con

.
do
be
sidered must allowed that they act best who not

to it
,
to
forget speak the words patriotism according

of
,
1
SPEECHES FROM THE DOCK . ; 183
the measure of their abilities, before the judge's fiat has

sealed their lips, and the hand of British law has swept
them away to the dungeon or the scaffold .
Guilty ” was the verdict returned by the jury against
“
Bryan Dillon and John Lynch . The evidence against
chief strength lay
its
them indeed was strong , but
in
the
an
approver named Warner
of
a
swearing callous and
con
of
unscrupulous wretch from whose mind the idea
If
have perished utterly there was
to
science seemed
.
any check upon the testimony this depraved creature
of
to ,
existed only some prudential instinct suggesting
in in
it
,
him that even witness might pos
as
such cases these
a
sibly overdo his work and perhaps two
in
caution
byor
a
,
given him private and confidentialmanner

in
some
a
the managers the prosecution Warner's evidence

to in of
of
of
all who chose
to
this case was conclusive the minds

believe and therefore was that those prisoners
it
of it
;
had not long been occupants the dock when the ques
tion was put them what they had say why sentence
be to
to
reply Bryan Dillon

on
In
should not passed them

.
said
:
Mylords
for
Warner's company
in
never was one minute

,
I
“
at .
What Warner swore about me was totally untrue never was
I
.
meeting Geary's house the Fenian organiza

at
of
The existence
a
tion has be proved sufficiently your lordships centre

to
was
a
I
I.
that organization does not follow that take the

in
to
but had
it it
;
as
was military organization

do
any meeting
to at
chair not
,
I
.
concea anything
no
want Warner had çonnexion with me

!
With respect the Attorney Gen

to
of
whatever the observation

-
.
me
eral which pained very much that

to
was intended seize

it
,
,
property does not follow because my social station that

in
of
it
,
seize the property My belief

to
of
tended others the ultimate

in
.
my religious belief
as
as
independence
of
Ireland fixed
is
by
At
this point
he
was interrupted Judge Keogh

in ,
he
who declared words that were

to
could not listen

,
the prisoner's offence But

of
fact repetition
it
was
a
,
only words this kind that Bryan Dillon cared say

; of
to
as
the time offering some

of
the privilege
at
ac re
and
his political opinions
to in
of
marks defence privilege

--
a
for
all
prisoners trials
in
corded treason and treason

felony up to that time — had been denied to him , he chose

to say no more . And then the judge pronounced the
for
his
penalty of offending which was penal servitude
,
of
term ten years
a
.
John Lynch's turn speak came next
he to
Interroga
.
in
ted the usual form stood forward raised his feeble
,
its
his to
frame full height and with proud grave smile
a
,
,
pallid features
he
upon
:
thus addressed the court
will say very few words my lords

,
, . do of be
know would
it
a
,
“
I
a I
.
only waste public time
of
entered into any explanations

if
I
my political opinions opinions which
by
know are shared the
I
-
vast majority
as
my fellow countrymen Standing here
of
I
-
.
to
will
be
them the surest proof my sincerity and honesty

ofof
all
With reference the statement
to
Warner say
, a to
have
is
,
I
and say honestly and solemnly that
it
never attended meet

I
I
ing
at
Geary's that never exercised with rifle there that

,
on a
I
never learned the use the rifle nor did any
of
the other things of

,
he
With respect my opinions

to
swore
to
in
British rule this
.
country
We
Mr. Justice Keogh— can't hear that

All
“
"
.
The Prisoner- say

to
have that was not Geary's at

is
or "
house for four five months before my arrest

so
that Warner's
,
statement untrue having my

If
country honestly and

be is
served
,
, .
sincerely
of
treason am not ashamed

it
am now prepared
I
I
.
receive any punishment British law can inflict

on
to
me
”
.
The punishment decreed

to
this pure minded and

-
brave spirited patriot was ten years

of
penal servitude
of
to -
But him was practically sentence

it
death The
a
rigours and horrors prison life were more than his fail
of
ing constitution could long endure and but few months

;
from the date

of
his conviction elapsed when his country

by
men were pained the intelligence that the faithful

hearted John Lynch filled nameless grave
in
an English
a
of He
prison yard the hospital

of
Woking prison
in
died
-
.
on
the 2nd day June 1866

,
When Bryan Dillon and John Lynch were removed

from the dock Tuesday December two men
(
19th
),
named Jeremiah Donovan and John Duggan

were put
forward the former charged with having been
,
centre
a
in
the Frenian organization and the latter with having

,
sworn some soldiers into the society Both were found

.
guilty Donovan made

1
no
remarks when called upon

.
:
for what he had to say . Duggan contradicted the evi .
dence of the witnesses on several points , and said
“ I
do not state those things in order to change the sentence I
am about to receive . I
know your lordships ' minds are made up
on that . I
state this merely to show what kind of tools the British
government employ to procure those convictions . have only to I
I
his
say , and appeal to any intelligent man for opinion that the
,
a for
manner which the jury list was made out these trials clearly
in
this country political trials are mere mockery

in
shows that
."
At
this point the judge cut short the prisoner's ad

dress and the two men were sentenced
to
Donovan
,
,
five years and Duggan ten years penal servitude

to
of
.
of
The trial Underwood O'Connell was then proceeded

to on
of
with December 21st with verdict
It
concluded
a
.
the question which was then ad

In
guilty response
.
he
him spoke considerable length detailing

to
, at
dressed
,
his arrest complaining
of
the manner the horrible

of
he
indignities which had been subjected prison and

in
to
,
fair and impartial
he
asserting that had not received

à
trial He spoke amidst running fire of interruptions

a
.
from the court and when he came his politi

to
refer
to
,
cal
opinions his discourse was peremptorily suppressed

.
he
The sentiments and hopes that animate me said

",
“
,
are well known Really we will not hear those ob
.”
servations interposed Mr. Justice Keogh has

It
",
“
.
been brought forward here said the prisoner that

,
,
”
the 99th regiment Colonel

in
held commission
I
in
a
-
am
O'Mahony's regiment having held

, of
Proud
as
a
.
am
the United States service

in
commission equally
I
proud holding command under Here his

of
man
"
a
.
.
speech was stopped by the judges and Mr. Justice

,
In
his
Keogh proceeded pass sentence

of
to
the course
.
address his lordship made the following observations

:
appears went you entered yourself

in
to
You America the

it
,
;
“
is to
American army thus violating certain extent your allegiance

,
,
,
a
as
British subject But that not the offence you are charged
.
a
with here day You say you swore allegiance the American
to
to
no .
-
by
Republic but
so
man doing can relieve himself from his

,
allegiance the British Crown

to
From the moment man born

is
a
.
he
he
this country owes allegiance subject

in
is
a
,
."
Hearing these words, and remembering the great

outcry that was being made by the friends of the govern
ment against the Irish -American Fenians on the ground
that they were “foreigners ," the prisoner interposed the
his
apt remark on lordship's legal theory
:
am
charged with bringing over foreigners
so
that why
If
is
,
“
I
John O'Mahony foreigner no
is
ņ
'
To
that remark Judge Keogh did not choose
to
make
any reply overturned him completely Nothing
It
.
.
could better exhibit the absurdity railing against those
of
Irishmen foreigners to in
the next
as
one breath and
in
,
“
"
declaring their allegiance the British Crown perpe

tual and inalienable His lordship may have winced as
.
the point was quickly and neatly brought home
to
so
all
on
he
him but with his address and

at
events went
;
be
to
informed the prisoner that his punishment was ten
Upon which the comment
of
years penal servitude
of
,
.
he
he
the prisoner quitted the dock was that hoped
as
,
an
prisoners before that

be
exchange
of
there would
time
In.
quick succession four men named Casey Regan

,
Hayes and Barry were tried convicted and sentenced ,

of ,
,
,
, in ,
.
Each turn impugned the evidence the informer
the juries
of
Warner protested against the constitution

,
of
and attempted say few words declaratory their

to
of a
Ireland But the judges were

to
devotion the cause

.
this kind and only

of
quick suppress every attempt

to
,
on
indicate
of
few fragments
to
sentences are record

a
the thoughts liberty would

of
which these soldiers

to
have given expression the opportunity had not been

if
to
denied them
.
John Kennealy was the next occupant

of
the dock
of .
young man high personal character and

of
He was
,
a
of
great intelligence and was most useful member the

a
,
organization his calling commercial traveller

of
that
,
enabling him agent and missionary the so

of
to
as
act
to
ciety without attracting himself the suspicion which

by
In
be
would
of
aroused the movements other men

.
his case also the verdict was given in the one fatal word .
And when asked what he had to say for himself his re ,
ply was in these few forcible and dignified sentences :
for
“ My lord , it is scarcely necessary me say anything
to
am
I
.
your lordship the jury could find
no
sure from the charge
of
other
,
verdict than has been found The verdict against me has been
.
in by
by
found the means which political convictions have always been
As
country have only
to
to
found this the informer Warner
,
.
I
say that directly indirectly the same room with
in
or
never was
I
any means knowing my political opinions
he
As
of
him nor had
,
am
.
my connexion with Mr. Luby proud that connexion
to
of
I
,
I
.
neither regret nor anything have done politically
or
else
I
it,
,
otherwise
."
on
On the conclusion January
of
this trial Saturday
,
2nd 1866 two other cases were postponed without ,
,
option bail some other persons were allowed
to
of
stand
;
we
John McAfferty and

on
out sureties and read that

,
William Mackay being aliens were admitted
to
if on
bail
,
their own recognizance and Judge Keogh said that

,
up
be
they left the country they would not required for

in
trial when called We read also the newspapers
of
.”
that time that The prisoners McAfferty and Mackay

,
by
when leaving the courts were followed large crowds

who cheered them loudly through the streets
."
The Cork Commission was then formally closed and

,
set
off
next day the judges Dublin the work

in
to
resume
trying Irish conspirators against the rule England
of
of
over their native land

.
CHARLES JOSEPH KICKHAM

.
In
the year 1825 Mullinahone County

the village
of
in
,
,
Tipperary Charles Kickham first saw the light His

J.
,
John Kickham was proprietor

of
father the chief

,
drapery establishment that place and was held

in
,
by
high country
in
esteem the whole round about

for his integrity intelligence and patriotic spirit Dur
,
ing the boyhood young Kickham the Repeal agi

of
its
height and
he
tation was at soon became thoroughly
, ,
by
its
hein
inspired
its
versed arguments and principles
by,
which his father's shop and
in
often heard discussed
all
his hearth and amongst
, his friends and acquaintances
.
all
of
Like the young people the time and great many
a
,
the old ones his sympathies went with the Young
of
Ireland party
he of
the time their withdrawal from the
at
Repeal ranks In
was the leading spirit
of
1848 the
.
Confederation Club
at
Mullinahone which was mainly he
,
founding and after the fiasco Ballin
at
in
instrumental ;
he
garry was obliged conceal himself for some time

to
,
the part rousing the
tohe
of
consequence
in
had taken
in
people his native village When the excite

of
action
he .
of
that period had subsided
cato of in
ment again appeared
,
his father's house resumed his accustomed sports
, ,
fishing and fowling and devoted much

of
his time
literary pursuits for which
he
had great natural

,
all
he
pacity and towards which was the more inclined

,
by
the blight put upon his social powers
of
an
because
him when about
to
unfortunate accident which occurred

thirteen years He had brought
of
the age
of
flask
a
.
powder near the fire and was engaged either

in
the
it ,
operation drying casting some grains into the

of
or
coals for amusement when the whole quantity exploded

,
The shock and the injuries

he
sustained nearly proved

fatal him when he recovered
to
was with his hearing

it
,
;
nearly quite destroyed and his sight permanently

im
,
paired But Kickham had the poet's soul within him

,
it .
for
his
and was compensation the losses he had sus

tained He could still hold communion with nature and
.
his
with own mind and could give the national cause

to
,
finely cultivated intel

of
the service bold heart and

a
a
'48
Subsequent
of
the
to
lect the decadence movement

.
prose and verse and contributed

he
good deal
in
wrote
,
a
gratuitously various national publications His in

to
timate acquaintance with the character and habits

of
the
peasantry gave great charm his stories and sketches
to
a
rural life and his poems were always marked by

of
simplicity and tenderness Many

of
grace them have

,
,
large degree
his
popularity amongst country

of
attained
a
8
men in Ireland and elsewhere , and taken a permanent

place in the poetic literature of the Irish race . Amongst
these , his ballads entitled “ Patrick Sheehan ," " Rory of
the Hill , ” and “ The Irish Peasant Girl ” are deserving
of special mention . To these remarks it remains to be
added that as regards personal character , Charles J.
Kickham was one of the most amiable of men . He was
generous and kindly by nature, and was a pious member
of the Catholic Church , to which his family had given
priests and nuns .
Such was the man whom the myrmidons of the law
placed in the dock of Green - street court house , when on
January 5th , 1866 , after the return of the judges from
-
Cork , the Commission was re - opened in Dublin
pearance was somewhat peculiar . He was a tall, strong ,
His ap .
rough -bearded man , with that strained expression of face
which is often worn by people of dim sight. Around his
neck he wore an india - rubber tube , or ear trumpet , through
which any words that were necessary to be addressed to
him were shouted into his ear by some of his friends , or
by his solicitor. His trial did not occupy much time,
for on the refusal of the crown lawyers and judges to
produce the convict Thomas Clarke Luby , whom he con
ceived to be a material witness for his defence , he di
his
lawyers abandon the case and contented

to
rected
,
himself with reading

on
the
to
the court some remarks

evidence which had been offered against him The
.
all know
of
chief feature this address was his denial

in
of
ledge the executive document He had never seen

it “
in .”
up
or
of
heard until turned connexion with those

it
the
Referring
of
trials the articles with

to
one author
.
he
he
ship which he was charged wondered how

of
said
,
oc
any Irishman taking into consideration what had

,
Ireland during the last eighty four years could

in
curred
,
-
dous
say
to
the enemy— Give our country

to
to
hesitate
“
ourselves and let see what we can with Allud

us
it
”
.
ing report that the government contemplated mak

to
a
ing some concession

of
the claims the Catholic bishops

to
,
he
remarked that concessions Ireland had always been

to
one shape
of
Fenianism another and that

in
or
result
a
,
he believed the present manifestation of the national

spirit would have weight, as former ones had , with the
rulers of the country . As regards the landed class in
Ireland , the Irish People, he contended , had said nothing
more than was said by Thomas Davis, whose works every
one admired . That eminent Irishman , afflicted and
stung to the heart by witnessing the system of depopu
lation which was going on throughout the country , had
written these words :
“ God of Justice , Isighed , send your Spirit down

On those lords so cruel and proud ,
And soften their hearts , and relax their frown ,
I
Or else , cried aloud ,
"Vouchsafe Thy strength to the peasant's hand
To drive them at length from out the land . ”
He had not gone farther than the writer of these lines,

and now , he said , they might send him to a felon's doom
if they liked .
And they did send him to it . Judge Keogh, before
passing sentence , asked him if he had any further re
marks to make in reference to his case . Mr. Kickham
briefly replied -
“ I believe , my lords , I have said enough already . I
will only
add that I am convicted for doing nothing but my duty .
endeavoured to serve Ireland , and now I
I
have
am prepared to suffer for
Ireland .”
Then the judge , with many expressions of sympathy

for the prisoner , and many compliments in reference to
his intellectual 'attainments , sentenced him to kept in
penal servitude for fourteen years . His solicitor , Mr.
him
John Lawless, announced the fact to through his

ear trumpet Kickham bowed the judges
J.
Charles
to
,
.
an
on
and with expression perfect tranquility

. of
his
features went into captivity
,
1
}
ola
US
GENERAL THOMAS F. BURKE .

GENERAL THOMAS F. BURKE .
The year of grace , 1867 , dawned upon a cloudy and

troublous period in Irish politics . There was danger
brewing throughout the land ; under the crust of society
the long confined lava of Fenianism effervesced and
air
onthe
glowed . There were strange rumours in strange
;
night the hill sides
of
at
sounds were heard the death
-
and through the dim moonlight
in
and the meadows

;
secluded spots moving

in
of
masses men were seen
in
regular bodies and practising military evolutions From
.
castle and mansion and country seat the spectre
of of
alarm
fro
glided whispering with bloodless lips

to
and com
,
ing convulsions and slaughter the opening
of
of
the
,
of
war against property and

of
crater revolution and

a
,
Symptoms danger were everywhere seen and

of
class
.
felt ; the spirit

of
it
disaffection had not been crushed
;
the night wind and glistened against the rising
on
rode
sun filled rath and fort and crumbling ruin with
it
;
mysterious sounds the brightening eyes

in
was seen
it
;
and the bold demeanour the peasantry the signals

in
of
;
in
passing amongst the people their secret gatherings

;
and closely guarded conclaves For years and years

, .
Fenianism had been threatening boasting and promising

,
,
,up
and now the fury the storm long pent

of
was about
,
burst forth over the land — the hour for action was
to
at
hand
.
Luby O'Leary and Kick

of
Between the conviction

,
,
and the period which we are now arrived many

at
ham
,
,
in
changes importance had taken place the Fenian

of
organization In
America the society had been revolu
,
.
tionized had found new leaders new principles new

it
,
-
plans had passed through the ordeal

of
of
action war
it
;
,
its
and held ground amidst flashing swords and the

of
of
smoke battle had survived the shocks division

it
,
;
disappointment and failure treachery incapacity and

,
,
hostility had failed grew

it
and
to
open shatter apace

. it
;
At
strength home Fenian

in
influence and resources

,
,
N
ism , while losing little in numerical strength , had de

clined in effectiveness, in prestige , in discipline , and in
Its
organization . leaders had been swept into the prisons
,
and though men perhaps resolute stepped forward
to
as
fill
the vacant places there was point capa
of
in
loss
, ,
a
city and intelligence and
to
the keen observer became
it
apparent that the Fenian Society Ireland had attained
in
power its
the day that the Irish
of
on
the zenith
to
by
People office was sacked the police Never again did
.
whatever they might then
of
the prospects Fenianism

have been look equally bright and when the brother,
;
,
length sprang action they fought with

at
to
hood
a
to
sword already broken the hilt and under circumstances

,
the most ominous and inauspicious .
acso
The recent history
of
the Fenian movement
is
thoroughly understood that anything like detailed '
a
its
in
of
count changes and progress these pages
un
is
,
,
necessary We shall only say that when James Stephens

in .
May 1866 after escaping from

he in
arrived America
,
Richmond Prison found the society the States

in
,
up
vio
split into two opposing parties between whom
a
lent quarrel was raging John O'Mahony had been de
.
by
of all
an
of
posed from his position Head Centre but

"
“
unanimous vote the Senate governing body the

or
of
association who charged him and his officials with

a
,
reckless and corrupt expenditure

of
the society's funds

,
and these turn charged the Senate party with the

in
for
up
of
crime breaking the organization mere personal

and party purposes large section the society still
of
A
.
to
O'Mahony
of
his past ser

in
adhered consideration
,
.
but the greater portion

of
their cause
in
vices and
it
;
,
its
all
nearly oldest best known and most trusted leaders

,
its
gave their allegiance

to
to
the Senate and elected

R.
of
an
President William Roberts Irish merchant

,
,
of
large means talent and energy high character and

of
,
,
the cause of
his
unquestionable devotion country

to
Many friends of the brotherhood hoped that James

Stephens would seek
to
heal the breach between these

he
to
parties but the course took was not calculated

,
72
in
He
effect that purpose denounced the senators

“
.
ad de the most extravagant terms and invited both branches
,
and
in
of
the organization supreme
to
unite under himself
as
and irresponsible leader and governor
of
the entire move
,
prisons
The O'Mahony section did not answer very
to
vard ment
.
heartily the Senate party indignantly
, to
of
capa this invitation
;
rejected occupy themselves with
to
became and commenced
it
for
an
attained preparations immediate grapple with British power
Those men were thoroughly
in
, in
ne
Irish Canada earnest and
,
.
did
the fact became plain every intelligence
in
to
gain when the
then
ght
latter part May 1866 the Fenian contingents from

of
of on
the Union began
of
the varicus States
to
brother concentrate
of
with the Canadian border On the morning the 1st
a
.
mstances June some hundreds them crossed the Niagara river
of
,
on
the village
of
and took possession Fort Erie the
of
They were soon confronted with detach

de
Canadian
un ac so
int
is
.
of
ments the volunteer force which had been collected
to
ailed
Limestone Ridge they were
at
resist the invasion and

,
,
inges
by
Queen's Own regiment
of
met the volunteers from
“
"
Stephens
A
of of
Toronto under the command Colonel Booker
,
.
oing from
smart battle ensued the result which was that the
,
he
States
by
Queen's Own were utterly routed the Irish under
a the butde vio
”
a
om
Colonel John O'Neill and forced run wild confu
in
to
,
been
on
sion for town some miles distant Colonel Booker
of all
,
an
upall
his charger leading the way and distancing competi
ody
Had the Irish been allowed follow this vic
to
tors
with
.
Is
tory not unlikely that they would have swept Ca

is
it
V's funds
of
nada clear the British forces according

the
and then to
,
with their programme made that country their base opera

of
,
persona
tions against British power Ireland But the Ameri
in
3
andser sta
an .
ociety can government interfered and put effectual stopper

past
on
their progress they seized the arms the Irish

of
;
it,
its ted of
up
on
the frontier they sent large parties

of
soldiers the
,
leaders
States soldiery prevent the crossing hostile parties
of
to
elected
in
into British territory and stationed war.vessels the

,
andof
erchant river for the same purpose Reinforcements being thus

.
off
from them the victors Limestone Ridge found

of
aracter cut
,
:
Country themselves under the necessity crossing the river

re
of
s
on
James
the night
to
the American shore which they did

of
hat
,
these
June bringing with them the flags and other
of
reen the 2nd

,
in to
culated trophies which they had captured from the royal troops
.
dators
The first brush between the Fenian forces and the

Queen's troops inspired the former with high hopes , and
with great confidence in their capacity to humble “ the
English red below the Irish green , ” only they couldif
start on anything like fair terms . But now that the
American government had forbidden the fight in Canada ,
what was to be done ? James Stephens answered that
question . He would have a fight in Ireland — the right
place, he contended , in which to fight for Ireland . The
home organization was subject to his control and would
spring to arms at his bidding . He would not only bid
them fight , but would lead them to battle , and that at
no distant day . The few remaining months of 1866
would not pass away without witnessing the commence
ment of the struggle . So he said , and so he swore in
the most solemn manner at various public meetings which
he had called for the purpose of obtaining funds where
with to carry on the conflict . The prudence of thus
publishing the date which he had fixed for the outbreak
of the insurrection was very generally questioned , but
however great might be his error in this respect , many
believed that he would endeavour to make good his
words . The British government believed it , and pre
pared for the threatened rising by hurrying troops and
munitions of war across to Ireland , and putting the va
rious forts and barracks in a state of thorough defence .
and
As the last days nights

of
1866 wore away both

,
the government and the people expected every moment

the struggle
to
of
hear the first crash But came not

it
all.
The year 1867 came and still was quiet What

in
James Stephens
of of
had become The astonished and

?
irate Fenians New York investigated the matter and

,
he
was peacefully and very privately living

at
found that
he of
lodgings some part that city afraid face the

to
in
egregiously deceived
of
wrath
so
the men whom had

.
of
We need not describe the outburst rage and indigna

on
tion which followed the discovery say

to
it
suffice
;
"
that the once popular and powerful Fenian leader soon

no up
prudent quit the United States and take

to
it
found
part
of
his abode
in
the world where there were

a
Fenian circles and no settlements of the swarming Irish

race .
Amongst the men who had rallied round James Stephens
in America there were many whose honesty was untainted ,
and who had responded to his call with the full inten
tion of committing themselves , without regard to conse
quences , to the struggle which he promised to initiate .
his
They believed representations respecting the pros
an
pects Ireland and they pledged
in
of
insurrection
,
by
his
fight
to
themselves side and perish necessary
if
,
,
the good old cause which their fathers
in
in
of
defence
,
had bled They scorned violate their engagements

to
;
.
shrinking from the difficulty

of
they spurned the idea

they had pledged themselves face and resolved that
of to
,
come what may the reproach cowardice and bad faith
uttered against them Accordingly
be
, at in
should never
,
.
²67
January they began scattered parties

in
to
land
,
,
Queenstown and spread themselves through the country

,
taking every precaution escape the suspicion the
of
to
They set work diligently and energetically
to
police
to
.
organize insurrectionary
an
outbreak they found
in
; ;
their path they found the

in
numerable difficulties
people almost wholly unarmed they found the wisest
;
an
the Fenian leaders opposed out

of
to
immediate
break but still they persevered How ably they per
,
plenty
to
of
formed their work there

is
evidence show
,
’67
and the Irish outbreak was short lived and easily

of
if
-
far
suppressed was from contentptible the pre

in
it
,
concert and organization which evidenced

it
.
in
the accomplishment
of
One hitch did occur their

designs On Wednesday February 13th the exciting
,
,
.
news was flashed throughout the land that the Fenians

had broken into insurrection Kerry The news was
at
true The night February had been fixed

of
of
the 12th
a .
of in
for simultaneous rising Ireland but

of
the Fenians
;
the outbreak had been subsequently postponed and

,
all
emissaries were despatched parts the country

to
the
the
of
with intelligence change The change

of
date
to .
date was everywhere learned prevent pre

of
in
time
mature action except the west
in
of
at
Cahirciveen
,
Kerry , where the members of the Brotherhood , acting

upon the orders received , unearthed their arms , and
gaily proceeded towards Killarney to form a junction
with the insurgents whom they imagined had converged
from various parts of the county in that town . Before
many hours had elapsed they discovered their mistake
they heard before arriving at Killarney that they were
the only representatives of the Irish Republic that had
appeared in the field , and turning to the mountains they
broke up and disappeared .
-
Short lived as was their escapade, it filled the heart
of England with alarm . In hot haste the Habeas Corpus
Suspension Act , which had been permitted to lapse a
month before , was re - enacted ; the arrests and police '
raids was renewed , and from the Giant's Causeway to
Cape Clear the gaols were filled with political prisoners .
Still the Irish - Americans worked on ; some of them were
off
of
swept prison but the greater number them
,
to
the vigilance
of
escape detection and spite
to
managed
,
the authorities and the extraordinary power possessed

byof
officials they managed

its
to
the government and
,
the organization
on
to
of
carry the business mature

,
their plans and perfect their arrangements for the

to
,
fray
.
of
to
do
We not propose write here detailed account

a
the outbreaks which since the Anglo Norman

of
the last
,
invasion have periodically convulsed our country The

,
not yet come when the whole history

of
, of in itsex
time that
is
of
be
traordinary movement can revealed and such

,
are now available for publication are fresh

as
facts
,
On the night the 5th

of
of
the minds our readers

.
March the Fenian bands took the field Dublin Louth

in
,
,
Tipperary Cork Waterford Limerick and Clare They

, ,
,
.
,
,
in cases wretchedly armed their plans had

all
were
,
by ,
betrayed unprincipled associates and ruin

,
been
tracked their venture from the outset They were every
.
by
where confronted well armed disciplined men and

,
,
-
their reckless courage could not pluck success for the

that surrounded them
of
maze adverse circumstances

.
The elements too befriended England they had often

as
,
,
done before . Hardly had the insurgents left their homes

when the clear March weather gave place to the hail and
snow of mid - winter . The howling storm , edged by the
frost and hail, swept over mountain and valley , rendering
all
life in the open air but impossible man The
to
.
dispose
re of
to
weather
in
itself would have been sufficient
the Fenian insurgents Jaded and exhausted they
, .
their homes and twenty four hours after the
to
turned
-
flag revolt had been unfurled the Fenian insurrection
at of
an
was end
.
Amongst the Irish oflicers who left America
to
share
the expected battle for Irish rights conspicuous
in
,
a
place must assigned Thomas Burke He was born
F.
be
.
Fethard county Tipperary on
of
at
the 10th December

,
,
,
1840 and twelve years later sailed away towards the

,
his
on
setting sun parents having resolved seeking
in
a
,
In
home the far West New York young Burke

,
.
the late Archbishop

by
attended the seminary established

an
he
Hughes where received excellent education after

,
,
up
he
was brought
at of
which his father's trade
to
that
For many years —
he
house painter worked steadily

.
his trade contributing largely

to
the support his in of

,
family The outbreak

of
the war however acted the

,
,
.
on
Burke's temperament
on
as
same manner thousands

his fellow countrymen He threw aside his peaceful
of
avocation and joined the Confederate army He served

.
under General Patrick Cleburne who died

in
his arms
,
,
by
another dis
he
of
and fought side side with the son

tinguished exile John Mitchel When the war had
,
.
he
closed returned Brevet General northwards with

,
,
-
In
impaired constitution June

an
shattered limb and

,
a
joined the Wolfe Tone Circle

he
of
1865 the Fenian

,
New York and was appointed soon after

in
Brotherhood
,
organizer the Brotherhood for the

as
to
wards act
in
of
district Manhattan He filled this post with great

.
to
labour
to
satisfaction his associates and continued

,
for
his
energetically this capacity until departure

in
of
Ireland
at
the close 1866

,
to .
of
Tipperary was assigned Burke his

as
the scene
revolutionary labours
in
Ireland He arrived Clonmel

in
.
early in February, where he was arrested on suspicion ,
his
but was immediately discharged - worn appearance
and physical infirmity giving strong corroboration
of
his
he
Ireland for the benefit
of
assertion that had come
to
,
his
On
the night placed
of
he
health the insurrection
at .
the Fenian party that assembled
of
in
himself the head
Tipperary but quickly saw the
he
the neighbourhood
a of
,
folly attempting revolution with the scanty band
of
of
unarmed men that rallied round him On the evening
by
of of
the 6th his followers were attacked detachment
a
Ballyhurst Fort about three miles from
at
soldiers
,
the
Tipperary Burke saw resistance and
of
uselessness
;
,
advised his followers disperse injunction which
an
to
—
they appear have obeyed Burke himself was thrown
to
"
.
He
his
horse and captured was conveyed
to
from the
.
jail Tipperary and was brought trial the Green

to
of
in
,
April fol
on
, of
the 24th
in
street court house Dublin

,
,
-
lowing He was convicted of high treason and sen

.
The following speech

in
to
tenced death the usual form

.
by
him after conviction well worthy
of
delivered
is
a
place the Irish heart
:
in
My lords not my intention occupy much your time

-It
to
of
is
“
answering the question say why sentence should

---
to
in
what have
I
But may with your permission review

be
not passed upon me

,
?
,
I
the evidence that has been brought against me The first

of
little
a
would speak Sub Inspector Kelly who

. of
of
is
evidence that that

,
I
had conversation with me Clonmel He states that he asked

, in
a
my what about about my friend Mr.

or
me either how was friend

,
he
Stephens and that made answer and said that was the most
I
,
be
or
idolised man that ever had been that ever would America
in
,
.
,
of
on
standing the brink my grave presence the

in
, of
Here and the

,
Almighty and ever living God

as
brand that being the foulest

I
-
In
perjury that ever man gave utterance any conversation that

to
.
Stephens was not mentioned shall pass

of
occurred the name

I
.
on
of
from that and then touch the evidence Brett He states

,
distributing the bread the parties the fort

in
is in
or to
that assisted
I
and that stood with him the waggon cart This also false
in
.
I
in
at
was not the fort the time was not there when the bread
;
I
Both
in
of
was distributed came afterwards these assertions

I
.
whose hands my life

to
have been made and submitted the men

in
by
evidence made on oath

for as
rested these men made solely and

,
an -
purely the purpose giving my body untimely grave

to
of
to .
many points my lords that have been sworn

to
There are here

in ,
prove my complicity great many acts has been alleged

it
a
I
took part in . It is not my desire now , my lords , to give utterance

to one word against the verdict which has been pronounced upon
me , But fully conscious of my honour as a man , which has never
been impugned , fully conscious that I can go into my grave with a
name and character unsullied , I can only say that these parties ,
actuated by a desire either of their own aggrandisement , or to save
their paltry miserable lives , have pandered to the appetite , if may I
so speak, of justice , and my life shall pay the forfeit . Fully con
vinced and satisfied of the righteousness of my every act in con
nection with the late revolutionary movement in Ireland , have I
I
for
nothing to recall - nothing that would not do again , nothing
which should feel the blush shame mantling my brow my
a of
I
;
as
conduct and career both here private citizen and America
in
,
in
as
you like soldier are before you and even this my hour
if
;
,
,
an
having lived
trial of
of
feel the consciousness honest man and

I,
,
will die proudly believing that have given my life give
to
if
,
I
I
freedom and liberty the land my birth have done only that
to
of
,
I
which every Irishman and every man whose soul throbs with
a
do
feeling liberty should my lords shall scarcely

of
feel ,
I
I,
.
I I
-
all- mention the name Massey
at
of
should not feel should
I
.
not pollute my lips with the name illegiti
of
that traitor whose
,
macy has been proved here man whose name even not known
is
, --
,
a
in
and who deny point blank ever wore the star colonel the of
a
,
I
Confederate army Him shall let rest shall pass him wish
I
,
I
.
.
.
ing him the poet
in
of
the words
,
May the grass wither from his feet

;
The woods deny him shelter earth home

; a
;
The dust grave the sun his light

a
And heaven its God

!'
Let Massey remember from this day forth that

he
carries with him

,
,
as
my able and eloquent counsel Mr. Dowse has stated serpent

a
,
(
that will gnaw his conscience will carry about him

in
his breast
a
,
living helĩ from which my lords have

of he
be
can never separated

,
I,
.
for
of
no
desire the name martyr seek not the death martyr

a
a
;
;
I
but the will the Almighty and Omnipotent God that my

of
if
is
it
be
on
my birth shall
of
devotion for the land tested the scaffold am

,
I
willing there
of
offto
the right
of
free govern
to
die
in
defence men
the right
an
oppressed people the yoke

to
of anof
; of
ment throw
--
am
an by
by
an
thraldom Irishman birth American adoption

,
I
.
by
enemy the power that holds

to It to
nature lover freedom

a
so
ad
of
my native land tyranny

in
the bonds has often been

.
off
mitted that the oppressed have right the yoke

of
throw
a
by
, of do
English statesmen that

it
oppression even not deem neces

,
I
,
sary British court justice Ireland's

, to
, in
the fact
to
advert
a
willing
be
children are not never were and never will submis

or
long
so
as
England's flag covers one inch Irish

of
sive slaves and

so ;
just
be
long will they right conspire

to
to
soil believe divine

- it it
a
,
its ,
from power and

, in
imagine and devise means hurl

to
erect
to
,
,
stead the God like structure self government shall now my

of
I
.
-
=
lords , before I go any further , perform one important duty to my

learned , talented , ani eloquent counsel . I
offer them that which
is poor enough , the thanks , the sincere and heartfelt thanks of an
,
honest man . I offer them too , in the name of America , the thanks
of the Irish people. I
know that I am here without a relative
without a friend - in fact , 3,000 miles away from my family . But
I know that I am not forgotten there . The great and generous
for
Irish heart of America to- day feels day sympathises
to
me
-
-
with and does not forget the man who willing
- to
of is
tread the
aye defiantly proudly, conscious
. no
—
scaffold wrong defence
in
-
,
To
principles liberty
of
Messrs Butt
of
American defence
allin
,
-
.
Dowse O'Loghlen and the counsel for the prisoners for some
,
,
,
believe Mr. Curran will appear and my very able solici
of
whom
I
,
tor Mr. Lawless return individually and collectively my sincere
,
,
,
I
and heartfelt thanks

.
no
as
shall now my lords doubt you will suggest me think
to
,
of “
,
I
the propriety turning my attention the world beyond the

of
to
an
grave shall now look only
to
at
that home where sorrows are
I
.
end where joy eternal shall hope and pray that freedom may yet
is
I
,
- .
for, on
dawn this poor down trodden country my hope my

It
is
is
it
,
.
be
prayer and the last words that shall utter will prayer
to
. a
I
God forgiveness and prayer for poor old Ireland Now my

a
to ,
,
will make few re
in
lords relation the other man Corridon

I ,
a
,
I
ofgo
Perhaps say much has

to
marks before Corridon should

I
,
.
Kelly
on
spoken meetings
of
been that table Colonel and the

to ,
his lodgings
at
held London desire state never knew

in
,
I
I
.
he
where Colonel Kelly's lodgings were never knew where lived
I
.
in
on
London till heard the informer Massey announce the

it
,
I,
,
I
Colonel Kelly's
at
table never attended meeting and the

a
;
.
hundred other statements that have been made about him now
I
.
my honour
on
solemnly declare manas

as
dying man
a
these statements have been totally unfounded and false from

in
beginning paper that was

In
to
to
end relation the small

.
as
having been
as
troduced here and brought against me evidence

,
, ,
on
to
my person connexion with that oath say

in
found desire
I
no
my person
on
that that paper was not found knew person

.
I
on
that paper O'Beirne

or
of
whose name was Dublin those other

,
,
.
delegates you heard That paper has been

or
of
never saw met

,
I
put
in
positively
in
there for some purpose can swear not

is
it
I
.
my handwriting can also swear never saw yet used

Is is
it
? it
;
I
I
.
as evidence against me justice this right

Is
Is
this this
?
.
manly willing transgressed

to
am have the laws suffer the

if
?
I
no up
penalty but object this system trumping take

to
to
, of
case
,
a
I
for
away the life human being True ask mercy

of
feel
a
I
.
that with my present emaciated frame and somewhat shattered

,
it
be
an
my brought end
to
constitution better that life should

is
,
should drag out miserable existence the prison deng

in
than that
a
I
Portland Thus my lords accept the verdict

is
of
Of course
it
,
,
I
.
my acceptance unnecessary but am satisfied with

of
is
it
ac it
,
And now shall close True there are many feelings that
is
it
I
I
tuate me at this moment . In fact , these few disconnected remarks

can give no idea of what I desire to state to the court . have ties I
to bind me to life and society as strong as any man in this court
can have . I
have a family I
love as much as any man in this court
loves his family . But I
can remember the blessing I received from
an aged mother's lips as I left her the last tinie . She , speaking , as
the Spartan mother did , said “
Go, my boy , return either with your
shield or upon it . ' This reconciles me—this gives me heart : I
submit to my doom and I
; hope that God will forgive me my past
sins . I
hope also , that inasmuch as He has for seven hundred years
preserved Ireland , notwithstanding
all
the tyranny which she
to
He
as
has been subjected separate and distinct nationality will

,
,
a
her beauty
to
of to
—
also assist her retrieve her fallen fortunes rise
in
and majesty the Sister Columbia the peer any nation
in
of
the
,
,
world
.”
General Burke
as
our readers are well aware was not

,
,
executed The government shrank from carrying out
.
the barbarous sentence the law and his punishment

of
the still more painful less appalling

to
was changed
if
Of ,
for
penal servitude
of
fate life General Burke's

,
.
we
private character have said little but our readers

;
be
will
to
able understand from the subjoined brief

it
extracts from On the very night

of
two his letters

.
previous Kil
he
his trial
to
his mother from

to
wrote
mainham Prison
:
** On last Laster Sunday partook Holy Communion

of
at
I
a
"
time between this longitude

of
late mass calculated the difference

, I,
for
and yours knew that you and my dear sisters were partaking
I
on
early mass
of
as
the sacrament that day

at
was your wont

,
,
in
and felt that our souls were communion together

I
.”
We conclude with the following letter from General

Burke which has never before been published and which
,
,
deep interest
of
be
we are sure will

to
It
our readers
his is
.
the reverend gentleman

to
addressed who had been

in
father confessor Clonmel

:
KILMAINHAM GOAL
“
Mary
of
4th Month
,
DEAR REV FATHER

6
,
.
#
*
am perfectly
calm and resigned with my thoughts
I
firmly centered with hope

in
the goodness and mercy

of
that kind
for
my salvation
is as
Redeemer whose precious blood was shed also

,
;
in
the mediation and intercession His Blessed Mother who my

of
Hope and Consolation

of
Star know dear father need not ask

I
I
,
,
.
. 204 SPEECHES FROM THE DOCK .
your suppli
for
you to be remembered in your prayers ,
in
feel that *
I
Mercy have not been forgotten
of
to
the Throne
cation
.
I
have only one thought which causes me much sorrow and that
is
,
I
weight
that my good and loving mother will hreak down under the
who loved her more than the life
oh
her affliction and God
of
,
,
,
I
,
be
This
to
at of
which animates the hand that writes cause
it
the
!
·
the com
to
thought unmans and prostrates me wrote her
II
.
my trial and told her how thought would termi
it
of
mencement ,
an ; .
nate and spoke long and last farewell have not written since
a
I
.
,
as
would break my heart attempt but
to
would ask you
it
it
to ;
I
especial favour that you would write her and tell her am happy
I
and reconciled the will God who has given me this oppor
to
of
hear from you
be
tunity saving my immortal soul hope
to
of
I
.
fore leave this world
, .”
I
your minis
in
Good bye father and that God may bless you
,
is “
an
try the church

of
the prayer obedient child
of
F. .”
THOMAS BURKE
“
.”
CAPTAIN JOHN M'AFFERTY .
It
not Irish born men alone whose souls are filled with
is
of
chivalrous love for Ireland and stern hatred her
a
a
,
her patriots
of
oppressor There are amongst the ranks

.
in
her
or
none more generous more resolute more active

,
,
cause than the children born of Irish parents

in
various
London Liverpool Manchester
In
parts
of
the world
,
,
,
.
all
of
Birmingham Glasgow and the large towns Great

,
Britain throughout the United States and the British

in
,
colonies many the best known and most thorough

,
of
going are men whose place

of
Irishmen birth was not

“
beneath the Irish skies and amongst them are some

,
the Green Isle

of
who never saw the shores One of

.
these men was Captain John M'Afferty He was born

in .
Irish parents Ohio the year 1838

of
of
the State
in
of of ,
he
their knees the rights and wrongs

at
of
and heard
to to
Ireland learned sympathise with the sufferings

,
its
that country and regard the achievement

of
free
,
he
which part
in
to
as
dom task was bound bear

a
.
up
He grew adventurous and daring

be
to
of
man
a
habits better fitted for the camp than for the ordinary
,
ways peaceful life and when the civil war broke out
of
;
.he soon found his place in one of those regiments of the

Confederacy whose special duty lay in the accomplish
ment of the most hazardous enterprises . He belonged
to the celebrated troop of Morgan's guerillas , whose
dashing feats of valour so often filled the Federal forces
with astonishment and alarm . In the latter part of
1865 he crossed over to this country to assist in leading
the insurrection which was then being prepared by the
Fenian organization . He was arrested , as already stated
in these pages , on board the steamer at Queenstown
before he had set foot on Irish soil ; when brought to
trial at Cork , in the month of December , the lawyers
discovered that being an alien , and having committed
no overt act of treason within the Queen's dominions ,
there was no case against him , and he was consequently
discharged . He then went back to America , took an
active part in some Fenian meetings , made a speech at
one of them which was held at Jones's Wood , and when
the report of the proceedings appeared in print , he , with
a sense of grim humour ,
posted a copy containing his
oration to the governor of Mountjoy Prison, Dublin . In
the latter part of 1866 , when James Stephens was pro
off
mising to bring immediately the long threatened

-
insurrection M'Afferty again crossed the ocean and

,
,
he
landed England There was mainly instrumental

in
planning and organizing that extraordinary move

in
Monday
, on
on
ment the raid Chester which took place

by ,
,
It
February
of
11th 1867. now confessed even

is
the British authorities themselves that but for the

,
by
timely intimation the design given

of
the informer
his
Corridon M'Afferty and party would probably have

,
capturing the old Castle and seizing the

in
succeeded
,
large store Finding their

of
arms therein contained

.
movements anticipated the Fenian party left Chester

of as
,
quietly they had come and the next that was heard
as
M‘Afferty was his arrest and that

of
his friend and com

on ,
panion John Flood the 23rd February

of
the
in
,
Dublin after they had got into small boat

of
harbour
a
,
New Draper which had just

of
from out the collier

",
“
arrived from Whitehaven M'Afferty was placed the

in
.
for
on
dock of Green - street court -house trial Wednesday
,
May 1st while the jury were absent considering their
, Burke and Doran On Monday
of
in
verdict the case
,
by.
May the 6th was declared guilty the jury
he
On
,
.
that day week Appeal consisting
of
of
Court
of
ten
, a
,
the Irish judges sat consider some legal points raised
to
by
the trial the most impor
of
in
Mr. Butt the course
,
which was the question whether the prisoner
of
tant
,
custody since February 23rd could
be
in
who had been
,
of
held legally responsible for the events the Fenian
rising which occurred the night
an on
of
of
the 5th March
.
Their lordships gave almost unanimous judgment
on
on
against the prisoner Saturday May 18th and the
,
for ,
up
Monday following
he
he on
was brought sentence
,
which occasion response question
in
to
the usual
,
,
spoke follows
as
My lords have nothing say that can this advanced , at

to
--
,
I
the trial ward off that sentence for
as
stage might
of
of
death
I
,
well hurl my complaint the orange trees the sun

at
had one of
if
I
(
)
to ny
of
as
the tall pine trees speak

or
south the bleak north now to

,
be ,
the question why sentence passed upon me

of
death should not

law
the
to
protest loudly against

do
according the land but

of
I
;
the injustice have been brought trial upon

to
of
that sentence
I
a
.
charge high treason against the government

of
of
Great Britain and

,
guilt has been brought home one wit

to
me upon the evidence

of
ness and that witness perjured informer deny distinctly that

a
I
,
prove the overt act

to
of
there have been two witnesses treason

against me deny distinctly that you have brought two indepen
I
.
prove
to
dent witnesses two overt acts There

to
but one witness

is
.
treason against me grant that there has been

of
the overt act

a
I
.
circumstantial evidence shuw my connection

to
of
cloud
if
(
may please with the Irish people

to
an in
use that word

I
their attempt for Irish independence

as
and claim that

,
I
an
have reason and right

as
American and alien sympathise

to
a
I
a
,
with the Irish people any other people who may please
or
to
re
'
of
by
volt against that form government which they believe they

are governed tyrannically England sympathised with America
.
of , .
She not only sympathised but she gave her support both par
to
by
ties but who ever heard

an
Englishman having been arrested

;
the United States government for having given his support

to
the
of
Confederate States America and placed on his trial for high trea
do
son against the government No such case ever has been

-I .
I
?
not deny that have sympathised with the Irish people love
I
Ireland love the Irish people

to
And were free

if
morrow
I
-
I
,
.
,
-
my
the
for
and the Irish people were to take field independence
,
would join them
be
sympathy would with them they had any
if
;
I
prospect whatever independence but would not give my sanc
of
I
state dis
of
to
tion the useless effusion blood however done and
;
,
or I
tinctly that had nothing whatever
do
directly indirectly
to
,
I
with the movement that took place county
in
of
the Dublin make
.
I I
on
my grave Again
of
that statement the brink claim that have
me ,
I
.
by
right
be
discharged charge against language

to
of
of
the the
a
by
the law which have been tried That law states that you must
.
I
have two independent prove the overt act against the
to
witnesses
prisoner That the only complaint
to
have make and make
is
I
I
.
fault with the jury

no
. no
that aloud find complaint against the
,
I
I.
judges have been tried and found guilty am perfectly satis
I
.
go
go
fied that will
to
my grave will my grave like gentleman
to
a
I
I
.
be
Christian although regret that cut off this
at
and should
- ,
a
in
an
stage my life still many
of
noble Irishman fell defence the
of
do
my southern clime make any flowery
to of
to
rights not wish
I
.
speech win sympathy justice Without any fur

in
of
the court
.
will now accept the sentence
of
ther remarks the court
.”
I
Mr. Justice Fitzgerald then
of
in
the solemn tone

“
adopted such occasions proceeded

on
pass sen
to
voice
”
the usual form fixing the 12th day June

in
as
tence of
,
thedate
on
which the execution should take place .

The prisoner heard the sentence without giving the
-
slightest symptoms and then spoke fol
of
as
emotion
,
lows
:
to as
will accept my sentence becomes gentleman and Chris

a
a
“
. I
have but one request the tribunal and that

of
tian ask
is
,
I
be
the sentence my remains shall

be of
that after the execution turned

by
Mr. Lawless consecrated ground

in
to
to
over him interred

have now previous leaving the
he
to
as
as
quietly possibly can

,
I
.
return my grateful and sincere thanks Mr.

to
to
dock once more

,
re on
,
Butt the star

of
the Irish bar for his able and devoted defence

,
me and my friends
I
behalf Mr. Butt thank you

of
also
,
I
.
Mr. Dowse for the kind and

to
of
turn the same token esteem

,
he
feeling manner my
to
which alluded the scenes former life

in
in
Those kind allusions recall my mind many moments

to
some
bright beautiful and glorious and yet some sad recollections arise
—
,
me
generous hopes that floated o'er and now sink beyond the
of
sin
grave Mr. Butt please convey Mr. Dowse my grateful and

to
,
.
Mr. Lawless
for
cere thanks also return you my thanks your

I ,
of .
I
do
no
many acts kindness- can more

.
of
He was not executed however The commutation

.
all
Burke's sentence necessitated the like course in the
other capital cases and M‘Afferty's doom was changed
to
,
-
penal servitude for life
.
EDWARD DUFFY
.
on
On the day following that which M'Afferty's sen
of
tence was pronounced the trial three men named
,
,
John Flood Edward Duffy and John Cody was brought

,
,
When they were asked what they had

to to
conclusion
a
say why sentence should not passed on them Cody

be
,
anall
possible earnestness the charge being
of
denied with
president assassination committee which had been
of
,
him
young man
—
of
brought against Flood remarkably
a
.
handsome exterior declared that the evidence adduced

-
al
against himself was untrue many particulars He
in
the Attorney General's having spoken .

of
to
luded
а if as
him
-
My lords said
he
that wretched man Flood
,
“
",
,
"
"
"
.
love my country more than my life makes me

to
wretched man very wretched man indeed

then am
be a
I
,
”
.
by
Edward Duffy might

supposed anyone looking
it
;
by
at
his emaciated frame wasted consumption and with

,
,
to set
death plainly
be
of
on
the seal his brow would not

,
he
offer any remarks

to
able the court but roused

;
himself The noble hearted young fellow

to
the effort
-
.
had been previously

in
of
the clutches the government for

the same offence He was arrested with James Stephens
.
Fairfield House
at
and others 1865 but

in
November
,
after brief imprisonment was released

in
consideration
a
his health which seemed such

of
of
would
or as
the state
,
not leave him many days But few

to
live many
,
,
.
Duffy could not do otherwise than devote them

to
the
he
Boyle
on
He was
at
re
at
cause had heart arrested

.
-
of
the 11th March and this time the government took

,
care they would not quit their hold The follow

of
him
.
by
ing
de
the speech which great physical effort

he
is
livered from the dock his dark eyes brightening and his
,
,
pallid features lighting up with the glow of an earnest

and lofty enthusiasm while he spoke :
“ The Attorney -General has made a wanton attack on me , but I
leave my countrymen to judge between us . There is no political
act of mine that I
in the least regret . have laboured earnestly I
, and I have been actuated
and sincerely in my country's cause
throughout by a strong sense of duty .
believe that a man's duty I
He
his
his
for
to
country part duty who implants
of
to God
is
, is
by it
,
the feeling patriotism He the great searcher
in
of
the human breast
no
hearts knows that
or
paltry
of
have been actuated mean

,
ambition that have never worked for any selfish end For the
I am
.
pre
It of weall
not responsible
to
late outbreak my power
I
in
did
I
;
It for
be
a
as
knew that circumstanced
. it
it
vent then were would
,
,
,
I
those trials that Ste

in
failure has been stated the course

may
gofor
be
phens was peace This well that
it
. is
mistake
a
.
.
but too well known Ireland
to in
It
is
should not uncontradicted
be
he
that sent numbers fight promising

of
to
men over here with
,
them when the time would come The time did come but not Mr.
,
.
He remained visit the Paris Exhibition

in
to
Stephens France
.
his
be .
be
very pleasant sight but would not place
in
It
may
I
,
a
now . He lost man- lost country

to
to
honour lost There
is
a
.
few things say relative the evidence given
to
to
are would wish

a
me
against me my trial but would ask your lordships give
to at
to
,
for
permission say them after sentence have reason asking
a
I
.
be allowed say
to
them after sentence has has been passed

to
The Chief Justice That not the usual practice Not being .'
=
to to is
"
tried for life doubtful me whether you have right speak

to
is
it
,
why pas
be
all What you are asked say

at
sentence should not

is
.
.” .
sed upon you and whatever you have to say you must say now
I ,
Then must say now declare before my God that

it
if
it
,
,
“
what Kelly swore against me

on
saw him
in
the table not true

is
I
.
any political sub

on
Ennisgroven but that ever spoke

to
him
I
,
ject declare knew him from child

to at ? be in
to
heaven never did

Is a
I
I
that little town herding with the lowest and vilest

to
it
,
supposed I'd put my liberty into the hands

of
such character
a
never did The next witness Corridon He swore that

it
is
I
go
to
Kerry
he
to
the meeting gave him directions

to
referred
I
find O'Connor and put himself

in
communication with him

,
I
.
my God every word

to
he of
declare that false Whether O'Connor

is
I as
the country had made his escape know just

in
or
was whether
,
I
the Kerry rising until

as
little your lordships

of
and never heard

I
;
my giving the American officers

As
the public papers

in
, to
saw
it
money that night before my God on the verge my grave where

of
,
my sentence will send me say that also false As the writing

to
is
,
I
of
to
policeman
in
that the swore that book and which not

byis
a
,
me
to
prayer book but the Imitation Christ given lady

I,
',
a
-
my time what was written that book was writ

in
to
whom served
,
by
hiswriting
in
ten another young man her employment That

is
.
not mine . · It is the writing of a young man in the house , and I

never wrote a line of it . ”
The Lord Chief Justice— “ It was not sworn to be in your hand
writing .'
66
Yes , my lord , it was .
The policeman swore it was in my
hand -writing ."
The Lord Chief Justice— “ That is a mistake . It was said to be
like yours .
" The dream of my life has been that I
might be fighting for
Ireland . The jury have doomed me to a more painful, but not
I Low bid farewell to my friends and
all
less glorious death .
to
who are dear me

.
There world where souls are free

is
a
,
Where tyrants taint not nature's bliss
;
death that bright world's opening
for ' be
If
,
this
in
Oh who would live slave
a
,
,
thought worthy my country

be in be
am proud suffering
of
to
I
;
when am lying my lonely cell will not forget Ireland and my
,
I
last prayer will
to
liberty may give her strength
of
that the God

shake off her chains
."
John Flood and Edward Duffy were then sentenced

years penal servitude and Cody
of
to
to
each fifteen
,
penal servitude for life

.
Edward Duffy's term suffering did not last

of
long merciful Providence gave his noble spirit release

itsA
.
from earthly tenement before one year from the date

his sentence had passed away May
of
On the 21st
of
,
.
January 1868
on
of
1867 his trial concluded the 17th

,
, ,
the patriot lay dead Millbank Prison Lon

in
in
his cell
.
; his
don The government permitted

to
friends remove
.
his remains Ireland for interment and they now rest

to
Glasnevin Cemetery Dublin where friendly hands

in
,
on
oft renew the flowers his grave and many heart

,
felt prayer uttered that God would give the patriot's

is
soul eternal rest and let perpetual light shine unto

,
"
him
."
STEPHEN JOSEPH MEANY

.
Stephen Joseph Meany with Irish

to of
The connexion
he
an
politics dates back

im
1848 when underwent

,
prisonment Carrickfergus Castle under

in
of
some months
,
the provisions of the Habeas Corpus Suspension Act . He

had been a writer on one of the national newspapers of
that period , and was previously a reporter for a Dublin
daily paper. He joined the Fenian movement in America ;
and was one of the “ Senators " in O'Mahony's organi
zation . In December , 1866 , he crossed over to England,
and in the following month he was arrested in London,
and was brought in custody across to Ireland . His trial
took place in Dublin on the 16th of February, 1867 ,
when the legality of the mode of his arrest was denied
by his counsel , and as it was a very doubtful question ,
the point was reserved to be considered by a Court of
Appeal. This tribunal sat on May the 13th , 1867, and
on May the 18th , their decision confirming the convic
tion was pronounced . It was not until the 21st of the
following month , at the Commission of Oyer and Termi
He then de
:
ner that he was brought up for sentence .
livered the following able address to show “why sen
tence should not be passed on him ”
“ My lords — There are many reasons I

could offer why sentence
should not - could not - be pronounced upon me according to law ,
if seven months of absolute solitary imprisonment , and the almost
total disuse of speech during that period , had left me energy
enough , or even language sufficient to
address the court . But
yielding obedience to a suggestion coming from a quarter which I
am bound to respect , as well indeed as in accordance with my own
I
feelings , avoid everything like speech -making
for
outside effect
.
ably represented me
so
Besides the learned counsel who

in
the
,
bein
Court Appeal and the eminent judges who that court gave
of
Of ,
law
all
on
judgment for me have exhausted that could said the

,
of the case their arguments and opinions your lordships have

.
con
judicial knowledge
as
need not say that both

in
in
interest
I
.
viction am agreement with the constitutional principles laid

in
byI
the minority the judges

of
in
down that court and have

,
I
for
sufficient respect the dignity sufficient regard

to
of
the court
-
concede fully and frankly

to
myself the majority

to
to
—
what due
is
be
conscientious view may difficult ques

of
novel and
it
a
,
a
a
,
tion
.
too
asking that before your lordships

do
But
in
not ask much

“
which
in
proceed pass any sentence you will consider the manner

to
to
in
on
the court was divided that question bear mind that the
minority declaring against the legality and the validity
of
the con
viction was composed the ablest and most experienced
of
of
some
mind that one
in
any bench
to
judges the Irish bench

or
bear
of
-
of these learned judges who had presided at the Commission Court

was one of the most emphatic in the Court of Criminal Appeal in
declaring against my liability to be tried ; and moreover —and he
ought to know —that there was not a particle of evidence to sustain
the cause set up at the last moment , and relied upon by the crown ,
that Iwas an accessory before the fact'to that famous Dublin overt
act , for which , as an afterthought of the crown , was in fact tried . I
I
And ask you further to bear in mind that the affirmance of the
of an a for
conviction was not had on fixed principles of law — the question
of
was unprecedented on
speculative view suppositious
—
but
a
of
case and must say strained application already over
a
I
,
strained and dangerous doctrine the doctrine constructive
-
making man
at
criminality three
of
--
distance
of
the doctrine
a
a
more legally responsible for the words and acts
heor
thousand miles
,
he
of
of
others whom had never seen and whom had never heard
,
,
he
co
the supposition conspirator
or
under the fiction that was

,',
it a
,
.
The word supposition not mine my lords the word put
is
is
;
"
'
by
the learned judges presiding
at
forward descriptive the point
in of
my
by
for
for
trial the case prepared these judges the
;
find
I
of
Court Criminal Appeal the following paragraph

:
of
on
Sufficient evidence was given the part
inof
the crown acts
“
of
in
of
members the said association Ireland not named the

promotion objects
in
of
indictment the several aforesaid and done ,

within the county the city sustain some of the
to
of
of
Dublin
,
be
overt acts charged the indictment supposing them
to
the acts
in
of
the defendant himself

.'
by
so
Fortified divided and with

—
such facts with court

a
,
“
act
so
opinions expressed submit that neither according

to
—
of
,
I
parliament nor conformity with the practice

in
at
common law
,
,
of
pursuance the principles that apocryphal

of
any way
in
in
nor
the
am
abstraction that magnificent myth British constitution

,
any court this

in
or
, to
of
amenable the sentence this court

1
am
be
country the toils and may vain

to
in
True discuss
it
,
I
.
how was brought into them True my long and dreary im

,
I
all.
hu
or
prisonment shut away from converse association with

a -
by
six
manity the humiliations prison

— in
of
cell twelve feet

,
the
discipline the hardships prison fare

of
handcuffs and the

—
heartburnings this court and its surroundings power and autho

—
of
in
no
rity
all
hard practical facts which

—
of
these are amount

',
‘
the wrong refine

no
dignant protests can negative

of
denunciation
-
be
as
away and may have said worse than useless vain and
it
,
I
,
;
question the right where might predominant But

to
absurd
is
-
.
by
the invitation just extended

of
the officer
to
me the court means

,
solemn mockery
be
means anything not like the rest

if
do it
it
to if
a
,
-
that there still left me the poor privilege complaint And of

is
complain complain that law and justice have been alike

I
I
.
violated my regard complain that the much belauded attri

in
-
' I
for
me
bute British fair play has been nullity complain

a
·
-
I
that the pleasant fiction described

as
personal free
in
the books
.
dom has had most unpleasant illustration my person and

in
a
'
I
furthermore and particularly complain that by the design and con.

trivance of what are called the authorities , ' I have been brought
for
for
for
to this country , not trial but justice
—
condemnation not
but for judgment
.
will not tire the patience my
or
of
the court exhaust own
,
“
I
strength by going over the history this painful case the kid
—
of
,
on
napping the belief police that
in
c onstable
of
London mere
-I
a
-
in
New York the illegal transportation
to
a —
was Fenian Ireland
a
for
on
the committal trial specific charge whilst special mes
a
up
senger was despatched New York hunt justify
to
to to
to
informers
for
the illegality and the outrage and get foundation any
a
,
on
charge will not dwell the conspicuous absence fair play
of
,
'
I
.
'
the trial having closed their cases without any
at
the crown
in
an
in as
the Dublin transaction but
to
reference afterthought sug
,
,
;
by
gested their discovered failure giving evidence the facts and

,
that case and thus succeeding making the jury
to anof
in
circumstances
,
up
for
offence with which that moment the crown
to
convict me
did not intend charge me will not say think
of
I
what the
I
.
putting me trial the Commission Court

on
Dublin
in
in
mockery
of
alleged New York and though

in
for words and acts the evidence

,
was without notice and the alleged overt acts without date taunt
,
,
ing me with not proving
an
alibi and sending that important

,
an
ingredient jury already ripe for conviction Prove alibi
to
in a
a
.
in
day respect meetings held Clinton Hall New York the

to
of
,
,
-
allegations relating which only came my knowledge yesterday

to
toto
!
will not refer with any bitter feeling the fact that whilst the
I
of
in
validity obtained was still pending the
so
the conviction
Criminal Appeal the Right Hon and Noble the Chief
of
Court
,
.
for
Secretary Commons that that

in
of
Ireland declared the House

conviction was the most important
at
'—
one the Commission thus

say
the
prejudicing my case will not willingly but observation

;
,
I
was at least inopportune and for me unfortunate

,
,
.
,
will not speak my feeling

on
I
the fact that the arguments

in
in "
the Court for Reserved Cases the Right Hon the

in
the case
,
Attorney General appealed passions judges

in
to
, —
the such can exist

if
-
of
..and not the judgment for gather from the

of to
the court
I
judgment Mr. Justice O'Hagan that the right hon gentleman

,
: be
an
earnest appeal that such crimes mine should not

as
made
'
go
will not say designedly for

to
allowed unpunished forgetful

,
--
I
'
of
he
in
getful that was addressing the judges the land the highest
,
,
law
pliant
of
on
court the land and not speaking

- to
in of
matters
,
a
a ,
Dublin jury
on
treason trial
of
the court house Green street

, .
-
proceed further my lords there

as
Before matter which

is
,
a
I
“
myself should not mind but which

as
simply personal involv

to
,
I
ing high interests the community and serious consequences

of to
to
individuals demand special notice the system

to
allude
,
I
to
.
if
manufacturing informers want know the court can inform

of ,
.
I
me by what right responsible officer the crown entered my

a
,
on
at
solitary cell Kilmainham prison Monday last unbidden and

-
unexpected justi
to
uninvited and undesired want know what

I
-
.
me
his
for
coming insult mysolitude and my
to in
in
to
fication there was
to up
be
sorrow ostensibly informing me that was brought for sen
I
-
tence on Thursday but the same breath adroitly putting
of in
me the
ofthe
question if knew any men recently arrested near Dungarvan
,
I in
and now the prison Kilmainham Coming thus with
a
,
.
detective dexterity carrying
as in
of
one hand threat sentence and
,
an
punishment the other counterpoise and suppose
in
,
I
a -
he
to
alternative temptation treachery Did suppose that seven
of ,
.
broken my spirit well as my
so
as
months imprisonment had
,
his
be
he
an
easy prey Did
to
health that would blandishments
?
,
dream that the prospect

of
liberty which newspaper rumour and
bybe
semi official information held out
to
to
me was too dear forfeited
-
for
trifling forfeiture
he
an
Did act
of
of
honour believe that
a
?
secret turpitude would open my prison doors only close them
to
I
on
may may my
or
or
the faster others who not have been friends
-
he
he
be
imagine Massey
of in
a to
did had found me moulded and
a
to
manipulated into the service
or
the crown Corridon have
to ,
cowardice and cupidity made the incentives his baseness only
I
.
as
wonder how the interview ended did but knew was

it
, his a
I
I
;
prisoner and self respect preserved my patience and secured

,
have been my humiliation

of as as
safety Great my lords prison
in
,
,
.
hard and heart breaking have been the ordeals through which
I
-
have passed since the 1st incident no
or or
December last there was
,
on
that period fraught with more pain the one hand

of
event
,
the other than this sly and secret attempt
on
more suggestiveness
,
of
an
improvising can forget the pain in'view

at
informer the
I
.
my position here
as
suggestiveness and unpleasant ay

to
am
is
I
of ;
,
-d
almost glad the opportunity which may end putting some

in
How many men have been

to
the spy system prisons

in
check
.
by
won from honour and honesty the stealthy visit the cell
to
is
say how many have had their weakness

of
more course than can

I
by
upon their wickness fanned into flame

or
acted which means

I
,
no
how many frailty and folly

of
have opportunity knowing

in
-
may have blossomed into falsehood

to
for those concerned

is
, it
one thing however certain operating this

; in
estimate There
is
to to -
.
way more degrading the tempter than the tempted

toto
and
is
put
an
the government owes itself

to
its of
end course tactics

it
a
'
its
pursued name which the results can only bring humi

in
in
,
the public are bound

to
self protection
—
Îiation protect the

in
prisoner from the prowling visits

of
too zealous official

a
.
all
pass over these things my lords and ask your atten

I
,
,
"
I
.
to
on
tion the evidence which alone my conviction

of
the character
an
special subsidized spy and

all . of
of
was obtained The evidence

,
a
,
.
infamous and ingrate informer

all
ages and amongst peoples the spy has been held

in
In
of ,
,
"
marked abhorrence In the amnesties war there for him alone

is
.
no
no
quarter his self

in
of
the estimate social life toleration

;
;
his
abasement excites contempt not compassion patrons despise

;
,
while they encourage they stoop enlist the services

to
and who
;
shrink with disgust from the moral leprosy covering the servitor
.
Of such was the witness put forward to corroborate the informer ,

and still not corroborating him . Of such was that phenomenon , a
befor
police spy , who declared himself an unwilling witness the
reason why my regard un
he
no
There was
. in
crown should
!
willing he knew me not previously
no
desire speak
to
have
I
-
he
Inspector Doyle
harshly
of presence the Crown So
in
of
said
by
he
licitor and was not contradicted that was compelled threats
,
,
may have had cogent reasons for
he
to
ascend the witness table
;
his reluctance in
his own conscience God will judge him
.
But how shall speak the informer Mr. John Devany
of
,
“
of of?
be
What language should employed describing the character
to in
'
the guilt perfidy

to
of
one who adds his associates the crime
perjury his God the man who eating your bread sharing
to
of
and--
,
!
your confidence
as
holding were your very purse strings
it
,
,
its-
all the time meditates your overthrow and pursues to accom
it
plishment How paint the wretch who under pretence agree
of
,
?
your opinions worms himself into your secrets only
histo
ment
in
, ,
betray them and who upon the same altar with you pledges
;
,
faith and fealty the same principles
to
and then sells faith and
,
,
for
fealty and principles and you alike the unhallowed Judas
,
,
,
Of
on
guerdon such his own confession was that distinguished

,
?
upholder the British crown and government Mr. Devany

of
, .
an
With affrontery that did not falter and knew not how
to
blush
,
he
he
detailed his own participation
in
the acts for which was pro

of
man like
as
secuting me participator And the evidence

is
a
a
conviction obtained upon such evidence auy warrant for

—
that
a
sentence depriving me all that make life desirable enjoyable

or
of
a
?
for
He was first spy the crown the pay the crown under
of
in
,
“
he
the crown and think you had any other object

of
the control
,
He to
than do the behests

of
the crown
?
was next the traitor spy who had taken that one fatal step ,
“
,
no
in
retrogression
is
from which this life there that one plunge

—
forin
infamy from which there no receding that one treachery

is
, -
no
which there earthly forgiveness and think you he hesitated

is
secure present pay and future pa

or
to
about prejury more less

a
to
no
tronage Here was one whom existence offers now prospect

?
profession and think you he was de

in
save making his perfidy

a
,
by
conscience from recommending himself his patrons

to
terred
?
Think you that when

at
of
distance three thousand miles from the

a
in
to
with impunity and

he
he
lie
scenes professed describe could

,
doing his
he
was particular
in
to
vent without detection shade

to a
,
part most filthy bargain

It
It
of
of
needless describe wretch

is
a
a
that kind his own actions speak his character were super
-
a .
living
be
curse him his whole existence will conti

to
fluous
a
of ,
,
nuing curse No necessity use the burning words the poet

to
.
and say
:
May life's unblessed cup for him

•
to
Be drugged with treacheries the brim

.'
his
Every sentiment
he
regard the country

in
of
has dishonoured
,
fication there wasfor his coming to insult me in mysolitude and in my

I
for
sorrow - ostensibly informing me that was to be brought up sen
tence on Thursday but the same breath adroitly putting
of in
to
me the
,
question knew any the men recently arrested near Dungarvan
if
,
inI
and now the prison of Kilmainham Coming thus with
a
,
.
detective dexterity carrying
of
as in
one hand threat sentence and
,
a
punishment
an
- in
the other counterpoise and suppose
,
I
he
to
alternative temptation treachery Did suppose that seven
a
of ,
.
my spirit well as my
so
as
months imprisonment had broken
,
be
he
an
easy prey his blandishments Did
to
health that would
?
,
dream that the prospect liberty

of
which newspaper rumour and
by be
semi official information held out
to
to
me was too dear forfeited
-
trifling forfeiture
of
he
an
Did act
of
for honour believe that
a
?
secret turpitude would open my prison doors only close them
to
I
on
others who may may not have been my friends

or
or
the faster
-
be
he
he
imagine had found Massey

of in
a to
did me moulded and
a
or
to
manipulated into the service the crown Corridon have
to ,
cowardice and cupidity made the incentives his baseness only
I
I.
as
wonder how the interview ended did but knew was

it
, hisa
I
;
prisoner and self espect preserved my patience and secured

,
-r
of as as
safety Great my lords have been my humiliation prison
in
,
,
.
hard and heart breaking have been the ordeals through which
I
-
have passed since the 1st incident no
or or
December last there was
,
on
that period fraught with more pain the one hand

of
event
,
on
more suggestiveness the other than this sly and secret attempt
,
of
an
improvising can forget the pain in'view

at
informer the
I
.
my position here
as
suggestiveness and unpleasant day

to
am
is
,
I
of ;
almost glad opportunity may putting

in
the which end some

many
to
spy system prisons How

in
check the men have been

.
by
to
won from honour and honesty the stealthy visit the cell
is
can say how many have had their weakness

of
more course than

I
by
acted upon their wickness fanned into flame

or
which means
I
,
no
how many frailty and folly

of
have opportunity knowing

in
-
may have blossomed into falsehood

to
for those concerned

is
, it
one thing however certain operating this

; in
estimate There
is
to to --
,
.
way more degrading the tempter than the tempted

toto
and
is
an
the government owes itself put

to
itsof
end course tactics

it
the results can only bring humi

its
pursued name which

in
in
,
the public are bound self protection

—
Iiation protect the

to
in
prisoner from the prowling visits

of
too zealous official

a
.
all
pass over these things my lords and ask your atten

I
,
,
"
.
I
on
to
tion the character which alone my conviction

of
the evidence
an
was obtained The evidence special subsidized spy and

all. of
of
,
a
,
.
infamous and ingrate informer

In
all
ages and amongst peoples the spy has been held

in
of ,
,
"
In
marked abhorrence the amnesties war there for him alone

is
.
no
no
quarter his self

in
of
the estimate social life toleration

;
;
his
abasement excites contempt not compassion patrons despise

;
,
while they encourage and they who stoop enlist the services
to
;
shrink with disgust from the moral leprosy covering the servitor
.
Of
such was the witness put forward
to
ny corroborate the informer
,
him
sen and still not corroborating Of such was that phenomenon
,
a
.
in an
befor
the police spy who declared himself unwilling witness the
,
reason why my regard
he
no
SAM,
crown There was should un
!
willing he knew me not previously
no
have desire speak
to
th a
I
.
-
of
he
harshly Inspector Doyle presence the Crown So
in
of
said
;
e and
by
he
licitor and was not contradicted that was compelled threats
,
,
se an
he
may have had cogent reasons for
to
ascend the witness table
;
seren
his reluctance God will judge him
in
his own conscience
.
asmy
.
speak the informer Mr. John Devany
of
But how shall
I
“
of of ?
Did he
and
be
toin
ur What language should employed describing the character
the guilt
to perfidy his associates the crime
of
one who adds
rfeited
his
perjury God —the man who eating your bread sharing

to
of
act
?
of
,
your confidence and holding
e 2
as
were your very purse strings
it
,
,
,
its-
them all the time meditates your overthrow and pursues to accom
it
or
nds agree
and
plishment How paint the wretch who under pretence

-
of
,
?
ded your opinions worms himself into your secrets only
to
ment
in
, ,
have
to
betray them and who upon the same altar with you pledges his
;
,
only faith and fealty the same principles
to
and then sells faith and

I
,
, ,
was fealty and principles and you alike for the unhallowed Judas
I , hisa
,
I
Of
on
cured guerdon such his own confession was that distinguished

,
?
prison upholder the British crown and government Mr. Devany

of
,
-
,.
an
which With affrontery that did not falter and knew not how
to
blush
,
or or
detailed his own participation

he
he
cident the acts for which was pro
in
hand participator And man like

as
secuting me
of
the evidence
,
is
a
a
attempt that conviction obtained upon such evidence auy warrant for
amthe
of
a
-
sentence depriving me enjoyable -

of
all that make life desirable
or
w
?
for
He was first spy the crown the pay

I,
of
the crown under
in
laf some
,
“
the crown and think you

he
had any other object

of
the control
,
cing
do
to
of
jave been than the behests the crown

?
cell
is
He was next the traitor spy who had taken that one fatal step
he
forin ,
“
,
no
this life there retrogression that one plunge

in
is
weakness from which

-
infamy from which there no receding that one treachery

I
means
is
h
, -
he
no
which there earthly forgiveness and think you

andfoly hesitated
is
,
;
secure present pay and future pa

or
to
prejury more
andthisto
about less
a
acerned
to
no
tronage Here was one whom existence offers now prospect

ng
in
? de
profession and think you

he
in
save making his perfidy was

;
pted
by
conscience from recommending himself his patrons

of
to
tactis terred
Think you three thousand miles from the
at
of
that when distance

its humi
a
the
lie
in
with impunity and

he
he
professed
to
scenes describe could

,
Totect doing his

he
to
was particular
in
vent without detection shade

to a
,
most filthy bargain

It
It
of
part wretch
of
needless describe
is
our atten
a
?
his
that kind own actions speak his character were super

-
a .
conviction living
an
be
curse him his whole existence will conti

to
fluous
of
of ,
a
,
and nuing curse

,
No necessity use the burning the poet

to
words
.
and say
in
held
:
en
May life's unblessed cup for him

himalone
the brim
to
his self Be drugged with treacheries

.'
;
zens
despise
he
Every sentiment his regard the country

of
in
has dishonoured
,
services
.
servitor
e
and the people he has humbled , will be one of horror and hate .
Every sigh sent up from the hearts he has crushed and the homes pain
he has made desolate, will be mingled with execrations on the
fulfille
Naas
name of the informer . Every heart -throb in the prison cells of this
land where his victims count time by corroding his thought -pass
every grief that finds utterance from these victims in the quarries was, a
of Portland will go up to heaven freighted with curses on the Nagles , mercy
the Devanys , the Masseys , the Gillespies , the Corridons , and the cal cor
whole host of mercenary miscreants , who , faithless to their friends watch
and recreant to their professions , have , paraphrasing the words of consig
Moore , taken their perfidy to heaven seeking to make an accomplice of Godha
their God - wretches who have embalmed their memories in imperish may G
able infamy , and given their accursed names to an inglorious immor follow .
tality . Nor will I speculate on their career in the future . We 16Paro
have it on the best existing authority that a distinguished informer to the o
,
of antiquity seized with remorse threw away his blood -money , I woul
•went forth and hanged himself .' We know that in times within evenin
the memory of living men a government actually set the edifying
:
senten
and praiseworthy example of hanging an informer when they had no "On
further use of his valuable services - thus dropping his acquaintance offeredto
I
with effect. have no wish for such a fate to any of the informers who mysolic
have cropped out so luxuriantly in these latter days —a long life and through
a troubled conscience would , perhaps , be their correct ;punishment
Iif
plead
though certainly there would be a consistent compensation months
, '
a poetic justice - in a termination so exalted to a career so politica
brilliant .
liberty
“ I leave these fellows and turn for a moment to their victims. And ,
I tudebut
-
would here , without any reference to my own case, earnestly im then
plore that sympathy with political sufferers should not be merely gare
Lotfor
a
its
telescopic in distance lending enchantment

to
character the
,
renderfait
view and that when your statesmen sentimentalize upon and your
';
children
,
the
journalists denounce far away tyrannies Neapolitan

—
of
horrors
-
the
coward
of
dungeons abridgement personal freedom Continental

in
——
-I
could
by
countries the exercise arbitrary power irresponsible authori

of
were
.
ty
they would turn their eyes homeward and ex disti

in
other lands
theDotof
,
those
amine the treatment and the sufferings their own political pri
of
.
all
sincerity suggest that humane and well conse

in
soners would
,
Even
I
.
meaning men who exert themselves for the remission crown

of
the death
,
penalty thoug
as
mercy would rather implore that the doors solitary

of
of
,
a
venal
va
be
and silent captivity remitted the more merciful

to
should
by
medium
an
of
doom immediate relief from suffering immediate exe

the
inmost
hea
the
an
cution opportunity immediate appeal from man's cruelty

of
-
God's justice speak strongly on this point because

to
feel traitor
it
I
I
.
"
At
deeply speak not without example the Commission Had

at
I
I,
which was tried was tried also and sentenced wouldhay

young man
a
named Stowell well remember that raw and dreary morning nothing
to to
I
.
the 12th March when handcuffed was sent from Kil nothing
to
Stowell
,
mainham Prison the County Gaol Chief

so to
of
Kildare well remember Baro

I
of
.
our traversing handcuffed from the town

to
Sallins the
, ,
thinking
town Naas ancle deep
of
in
snow and mud and recall now with indictme

I
,
could
not
sa
distan
pain our sad foreboding of that morning. These in part have been
fulfilled . Sunday after Sunday 'I saw poor Stowell at chapel in
the
Naas Gaol drooping and dying . One such Sunday — 12th May
of he
-passed and saw him no more On Wednesday the 15th
,
.
they say mercifully released from prison but the fiat
as
was
,
,
the
mercy had previously gone forth from higher power politi
-
cal
his
convict simply reached die with loving eyes
, to
,
own home
to by
On Sunday the 19th May
he
watching his death bed was
.
-
,
consigned another prison home Glasnevin Cemetery May
in
.
on
God have niercy his soul may God forgive his persecutors
,
-
to
may God give peace and patience those who are doomed
to
follow
.
Pardon this digression my lords could not avoid Returning
it
,
,
to “
.
the
question why sentence should not
be
pronounced upon me
, ,
,
would ask your lordships the fact showing
to
attention
I
'
not one for
. in
even the estimate

of
the crown the case
is
,
sentence
On the morning my trial and before the trial terms were
of
“
,
by
the crown The direct proposition was made through

to
offered me
.
so
my solicitor through the learned counsel who ably defended me
,
,
by
all
through the Governor three- that
of
Kilmainham Prison -
in six
off
pleaded guilty the indictment should get with
to
if
I
,
I
months imprisonment Knowing the pliancy Dublin juries

of
.
'
political cases the offer was doubtless tempting one Valuing

,
,
a
,
liberty possible penal servi .

of
was almost resistless view

in
it
,
a
-
but having regard principle spurned the compromise

to
—
tude
,
I
I
.
as
then gave unhesitatingly would now give the answer that ,

,
sur
for
the punishment
I of
not six hours would

to
reduction
I
a
or
render faith that need never look and could never look wife
of a ,
,
-
or
family capable
of
in
if
children friends the face such selfish

,
by to ,
-I
cowardice could not save myself imperil the safety others
I
.
guilty
an
plead which six others

to
could not indictment

in
were distinctly charged

co
as
name conspirators with memone

-
of
to
those six since tried convicted and sentenced death could

,
obtain my own pardon

to
not consent their expense furnish

at
point for future convictions and become

in
the crown with case

,
a
even though indirectly worthy rank with that brazen battalion

to
,
venal vagabonds who have made the Holy Gospel

of
of
God the
,
barter for their unholy gain and obtained access

of
medium
to
the
,
its
to
inmost heart their selected victim only throbbing into

of
coin
its
on
the traitor's gold and traffic very life blood

,
-
Had been charged simply with my own words and deeds

“
I
I
no
in
would have hesitation making acknowledgement have

I
.
nothing repent and nothing nothing retract and

to to
to
to
—
conceal
of
nothing countermand but the language the learned Lord

in
;
Chief Baron this case could not admit the preposterous idea
byin
,
I
deputy''any more than guilty

an
thinking plead
of
to
could
I
indictment which charge others with crime Further my lords

,
,
I
.
could not acknowledge culpability for the acts and words

of
others
at
of
distance three thousand miles others whom had never

a
I
seen, of whom I had never heard , and with whom I never had had
communication . I could not admit that the demoniac atrocities ,
described as Fenian principles by the constabulary -spy Talbot , ever
had my sanction or approval or the sanction or approval of any
man in America .
“ If , my lords , six months ' imprisonment was the admeasurement
to for
of the law officers of the crown as an adequate punishment my
alleged offence assuming that the court had jurisdiction try
-
punish my discharge independent
to
—
and then am now entitled

,
I
for
all
other grounds discharge have gone through seven
I
of
of
by
be
an imprisonment which could not excelled demon
of
months
in
ingenuity horror and hardship silence and

in
in
in
—
solitude
in
,
suspense Your lordships will not only render further litigation
.
to for
by
passing sentence the perhaps high crime but still
—
necessary
the crown's pro
to
the untried crime refusing yield obedience
of
-
for
position my self abasement You will not am sure visit upon
,
-
—I
my rejection Mr. Anderson's delicate overture you will not surely
of
permit the events occurring unhappily occurring since my trial
as to
,
,
, do
influence your judgments And not implore you accept

I
,
,
.
ob
truth influencing that judgement
of
Talbot's definition the
of ,
a
jects Fenianism Hear what Devany the American informer

.
of by ,
to to
describes them be The members he says were pledged

',
.
,
'
to.' all
promote love and harmony amongst
of
word honour classes

for
Talbot
of
independence
to
Irishmen and labour the Ireland

by
says that seize the

in
Ireland the members are bound oath

·
all
the property the country and murder opposed Can

to
of
them .
a be
any two principles more distinct from each other Could there
?
by
of Tobe
conspiracy for common object such antagonistic means

a
?
an
all
effectual way
be
to
murder opposed your principles may

producing unanimity but the quality love and harmony en
of
,
by
, be
gendered such patent process would extremely equivocal

,
a
.
for
Mr. Talbot the purposes of_his evidence must have borrowed

,
to as
leaf from the History and adopted

of
the French Revolution

,
a
singularly telling and appropriate for effect the saying attributed

us
Robespiere Let cut everybody's throat but our own and then
,
:
to '
we are sure be masters

."
No
of
affirm ever heard

in
to
one America venture such

,
,
“
designs connexion with the Fenian Brotherhood No one

in
in
.
are
America would countenance such designs Revolutionists not

.
or
rapparees judge from the bench

at
ruffians Cork and noble

a
A
,
in .
to
lord place parliament testimony

in
in
his bore that fact

,
and ask you my lords would

to
reference the late movement

;
,
I
I
for
ask the country from this court

of
the character
of
the sake
-
your countrymento believe Devany's interpretation

of
Fenianism
he
rather than believe that the kindly

be
tainted traitor though

--
-
of
in im
at
instincts Irishmen home and abroad their generous

,
-
all
pulses their human affections

—
their tender sensibilities

a
,
as
could degenerate into the attributes

of
word the assassin stated

,
-
by
that hog armour that crime reating Constable Talbot

-in
,
-
.
, -c
Taking other ground my lords object any sentence upon

to
,
I
me. I
stand at this bar a declared citizen of the United States of
America , entitled to the protection of such citizenship ; and pro I
, , for
test against the right to pass any sentence in any British court
or
be
words spoken alleged spoken
or
or
of to
acts done done
,
,
on
American soil within the shades the American flag
of
and under the sanction American institutions protest
I
.
against the assumption that would this country limit the right
in
in
control the liberty
an
thought or speech assemblage
ofof
of
,
an
American city
in
American citizens The United States
.
will doubtless respect and protect her neutrality laws and
,
,
observe the comity nations whatever they may mean practice

of
in
,
,
but protest against the monstrous fiction the transparent fraud
—
I
ninety years New York of

in
that would seek after the evacuation

by
of
the British bring the people New York within the vision
to
jury ninety years after the last

of
and venue British that
in
a
in
American sunlight after the
an
British bayonet had glistened
,
the English fleet ploughed
of its
last furrow
in
of
of
last keel the last

the Hudson after ninety years
or
the Delaware republican
in
-
restore that city
of
its
dependence would seek New York and
to
—
institutions the dominion

to
the crown and government

of
of
Great
Britain This the meaning and disguise
as
you may
in , of so
of
it
it
is
,
.
,
be
will interpreted beyond the Atlantic Not that the people

it
care one jot whether Meany were hanged drawn

S.
America
J.
,
and quartered great principle
to
morrow but that there

is
,
; a
-
of
no
volved Personally am consequence politically repre

,
,
I
in .
I
for
this court the adopted as
of
sent citizen America the ſNew

,
-
York Herald referring this case observed
in
to
the acts done

if
,
my regard are justifiable there

to
nothing prevent the extension

is
,
justice any
of
the States visit

of
other adopted citizen

to
the same
in
ing Great Britain the injustice

of
therefore the case the

It
in is,
,
.
influence lies and not importance the individual

.' of
the
,
Law called the perfection there not danger

of
Is
reason
is
of “
its
as
being regarded the very climax absurdity

to . of
fictions
of
if
be
on
this kind can the mere caprice

of
turned into realities power

byin
As distinguished English journalist has suggested reference

a
be
the case though the law may doubtless satisfied the majority
,
Appeal yet common sense and common law would

of
the Court
be in
if ,
ob
so
widely antagonistic follow judgment

to
sentence were
a
tained
On .'
all
grounds then
in
is
submit conclusion this not case

a
,
,
for “
sentence Waving for the purpose the international objection

,
.
to
and appealing British practice itself say

is
not fair case

it
,
a
I
for sentence The professed policy that practice has ever been
of
.
give the benefit the prisoner Judges their charges

to to
to
of
doubt
in
.
If
on
juries have ever theorized this principle and surely judges

,
themselves will not refuse give practical effect the theory

to
to
case which more than another was suggestive

of
ever there was

a
it
so
surely one many judges have pronounced

in
doubt which
is
,
against the legality the trial and the validity the conviction
of
of of
be
on
which you are about pass sentence Each these judges

to
,
.
it remembered , held competent in his individuality to administer

the criminal law of the country - each of whom , in fact , in his in
dividuality does so administer it unchallenged and unquestioned .
“ A sentence under such circumstances , be it for a long period or
a short , would be wanting in the element of moral effect effect the
of example - which could alone give value, and which is pro
it
of be all
fessedly the aim of legal punishment sentence under such
A
.
as
far from reassuring the public mind
to
circumstances would
to
the law and would fail
to
the certainties commend the
,
'
within the realm
or
win the respect any man
of
approval with
or
out While the prisoner would only
in
to
to
the sufferer chief
it
,
,
.
bring the bitter and certainly not the repentant feeling that
he
,
he
an
the wrong injustice based
in
of
suffered that was the victim
on
an
inference which not even the tyrant's plea necessity can
at of
he hehe
namely that particular
in of
distance
at
sustain time was
a
,
a
-
three thousand miles from the place where then actuallyistood

bodily presence and that actually thought the
at
that distance
,
to
him even
of
thoughts and acted the acts men unknown

repeat the feeling
It
by
will bring the prisoner

to
name
,
,
onI
.
an
he
the bitter feeling that unindicted charge

—
was condemned
pressed suddenly into the service and for constructive crime
a
,
the law have declared not
to
in
which some the best authorities

of
“ be
crime cognizable any your courts

in
of
a
Let the crown put forward any supposition they please indulge
-
what special pleadings they will sugar over the bitter pill
of
in
this complexion must come

as
constructive conspiracy they can

to
-
the triangular injustice this case the illegal and unconstitutional

—
— of
kidnapping England the unfair and invalid trial and conviction

in
for
I in
the alleged offence another hemisphere and under

in
Ireland
another sovereignty My lords have done
."
,
.
CAPTAIN JOHN M'CLURE

.
Captain John M'Clure like Captain M'Afferty was

on at an
,
,
He was born
of
American born but Irish parentage

, ,
Dobb's Ferry twenty two miles from New York

,
he -
July 17th 1846 and was therefore mere youth when

, ,
in a
,
,
serving with distinguished gallantry the Federal ranks

he
attained the rank He took part

in
captain
of
the
, .
Fenian rising
of
the 5th March and was prominently

capture
in
of
concerned Knockadoon
the attack and
coast.guard station He and
his companion Edward
,
.
by
Kelly were captured military party Kilclooney

, at
a
,
on
March 31st after smart skirmish which

in
Wood
,
a
,
their compatriot the heroic and saintly Peter Crowley
his
lost life His trial took place before the Special Com
.
May 22nd and 23rd 1867.
on
The
at
mission Cork
,
are
following
he
the spirited and eloquent terms
in
which
addressed the court previous pro
to
sentence being
nounced on him
My : why the sentence
as
the question
of to of
to
to
—
lords
In
answer
“
be
the court should not now passed upon me would desire
I,
to
my late exertions
of in
in
make few remarks relation behalf
a
the suffering people this country aiding them
in
in
their earnest
,
Al
to
attain the independence their native land
of
endeavours
.
, ·
though not born upon the soil Ireland my parents were and
of
,
from history and tradition and fireside relations became con
,
,
I
versant with the country's history from my earliest childhood and
,
as
the human race will ever possess these God like qualities which
-
for
inspire mankind with sympathy the suffering aid
to
desire
a
,
poor Ireland rise from her moral degradation took possession
to
of
do
of forof
me say assign the failure that
to
to
not now wish what

.
I
I
enterprise with which are associated my well meant acts this

-
persecuted land feel fully satisfied the righteousness my

of
I
.
every act connexion with the late revolutionary

in
in
movement
by
this country being holy the eman in

to
actuated desire assist

,
derive more plea

an
cipation enslaved and generous people

of
I
.
sure from having done the act than from any other event that has
me during my eventful but youthful life
to
to
occurred wish it
I
.
as
distinctly understood here standing

be
do
on
perhaps the
I ,
I
an
no
brink early grave that

or
of
am fillibuster freebooter and

,
,
no
that had personal object inclination gain anything

in
or
to
I
coming this country came solely through love and

of
Ireland
to
. .
I
sympathy for her people have forfeited my life am ready

If
to
I
I,
on
my exertions distressed people

of
If
abide the issue behalf

a
.
pay the penalty knowing

do
crime am willing
as
be
that
to
,
,
I
a
,
I
what have done was behalf people whose cause just

in
—
of
he is
a
a
I
people who will appreciate and honour man although may not
,
a
to
willing
inbe
of
countryman their own still man who suffer

—
is
a
a
principles ght
of
of
defence that divine that American

,
elo
to
self government would wish my learned and

to
tender
.
I
-
to
quent counsel Mr. Heron and Mr. Waters and my solicitor Mr.
,
,
for
in
Collins my sincere and heartfelt thanks the able manner

,
which they have conducted my defence And now my lords

,
,
I
.
.
trust will meet becoming manner the penalty which now

in
is
it
a
I
have nothing
I
the duty your lordship pronounce upon me

of
to
say
to
more
".
EDWARD KELLY .
On the same occasion the prisoner Edward Kelly

livered the following soul - stirring address : de
“ My lords — The novelty of my situation will plead
for
any want
of
my part
on
fluency beg your lordships indulgence
if
and am
I
;
'
unnecessarily tedious
I
thank the gentlemen the jury
of
I to
have
, I
.
for their recommendation which know was well meant but know
;
ing
be
do
what that mercy will

as
heartily wish that recom
,
I
,
I
Why should feel regret
of be
mendation will not received What
no . ?
.
death The act passing from this life into the next trust
is
I
my
to
that God will pardon me sins and that will have cause
,
I
fear entering into the presence iving and Most Mercifnl
of
the ever
Father my life ever having done anything -l
in
don't recollect
I
.
I In
do
with deliberately bad intention my late conduct not see
a
I
, .
anything for regret Why then say should feel regret
I
I
?
,
.
Massey
as
leave the dread

to
of
death such wretches Corridon and

so
suggestive sweetness and peace now the

of
Corridon name once

a
,
,
representative anything that of be
If
of
loathsome monster there

a
can sink that man Corridon degradation

in
lower the scales
,
,
,
it
is
We cannot listen per

on
The Chief Justice— any imputation
to
“
of as
sons who were examined witnesses Strictly speaking you are

.
only say why sentence death should not be passed upon you
to
the same time we are very unwilling very strict hand , ;

at
to
hold
a
be
but we cannot allow imputations made on third persons

to
others who have come forward this trial

in
or
witnesses
,
as .”
Well my lord will answer

as
Prisoner— well can the

,
,
I
I
“
question put The Irish people through every generation

to
me
.
ever since England has obtained footing Ireland have protested

in
,
a
inof by
against the occupation of our native soil the English Sure

.
ly
, be
that answer enough why sentence death should not

is
In
passed upon me the part have taken the late insurrection

I
.
was doing right Next serving his Crea

to
feel conscious that

I
, to .
tor believe man's solemn duty serve his country Here the
is
it
to a
I,
prisoner paused suppress his emotion which rendered his utter

.
ance very feeble and continued —my lords have nothing more
,
,
I
]
quote the words the sacred psalmist

of of
say except which

in
to
to
,
,
of
as
you will understand that speak my country he speaks

I
my right hand
let
be
his forget thee for

—
Jerusalem
O
If
,
I
,
:
'
do
to
gotten Let my tongue cleave my jaws

if
not remember
I
.
make not Jerusalem the beginning my joy Re

of
thee
, if
I
:
.
in
of
Lord the children the day

of
member Edom Jerusalem

O
who say raze raze the foundation thereof daughter

to
even
it
O
,
,
who shall repay thee thy

be
he
Babylon miserable
of
blessed
,
:
payment which thou hast paid us.' In conclusion , my lords , I

wish to give my thanks to my attorney , Mr. Collins,
for
un
his
.
for
tiring exertions and also my counsel Mr. Heron his able
to
,
,
Mr. Waters
to
defence and
,
.
CAPTAIN WILLIAM MACKAY
.
In
of
the Cork Summer Assizes
at
the evidence adduced
on
persons charged with participation

of of
1867 the trials
,
the Fenian rising
it of
in
March 5th the name Captain
,
.up
Mackay frequently turned The captain would
,
influence and importance
in
person
. of
appear was the

a
,
He had taken part
in
insurrectionary_army many he
was trusted implicitly
of
councils the Fenian leaders

,
by
his political friends and much deference was paid
to
,
, all
his opinion But more than this had taken the he

,
.
his
on
the night the rising led men gallantly
to
of
field
Ballyknockane police barrack and
of
to
the attack the
,
,
all
great horror loyal subjects committed the enormous

of
This and the similar successes

of
capturing
it
offence
,
by
at .
achieved Lennon Stepaside and Glencullen county

,
the attempted
of
of
Wicklow were some the incidents

,
rebellion which most annoyed the government who well

,
knew the influence which such events occurring

at
the
,
to
revolutionary movement are apt

of
outset exercise
a
the popular mind Captain Mackay therefore was

on
,
.
by
badly wanted the authorities after the Fenian

“
for
be
rising there was any money given information

of to
;
concerning the whereabouts Captain Mackay but

, , it
,
came not Every loyal minded policeman Cork county

in
.
-
all
in
and the other Irish counties and every detective

in ,
and every spy and every traitor the pay

of
the govern
,
ment kept sharp look out for the audacious Captain

,
Mackay who had compelled the garrison

of
of
one her
,
Majesty's police barracks

to
him and hand

to
surrender
,
him up their arms the quietest and most polite manner

in
imaginable but they saw him not they saw they

or
if
;
did not recognise him

.
So
on
no
of
month after month rolled and trace

,
Captain Mackay could be had . The vigilant guardians

and servants of English law in Ireland , then began to
think he must have managed to get clear out of the
country , and rather expected that the next thing they
would hear of him would be that he was organizing and
lecturing amongst the Irish enemies of England in the
United States .
There , however , they were quite mis
taken , as they soon found out to their very great vexation
and alarm .
On the 27th day of December , 1867 , there was strange
,
for
news in Cork and strange news over the country all
,
the telegraph wires spread every direction The
in
it
.
on
the previous evening party
of
news was that Fenians a
on
had entered the Martello tower Foaty the north
at
of ,
of
side the Cork river made prisoners the gunners

,
who were charge and hadthen taken possession

in
and
of
,
,
all
borne away the arms and ammunition they could find

the place Startling news this was undoubtedly
in
.
!
Loyal men stopped each other

in
the streets and asked

,
anything like had ever been heard They wanted

of
if
it
know things were not coming pretty pass and

to
if
to
a
did not hesitate say they would feel greatly obliged

to
to
anyone who could answer for them the question What

“
of
next For this sack the Martello tower was not the
??
first successful raid for arms which the Fenians had made
that neighbourhood the
on
About month before

in
to -
.·
night they had contrived get into

of
November 28th
-
the shop Mr. Richardson gunmaker Patrick street

of
,
,
-
no
and abstract from the premises fewer than 120 revol

so
vers and eight Snider rifles accomplishing the feat

,
skilfully that no trace either the weapons the de

of
or
,
predators had since been discovered This was what

.
might
of
shrunk
be
smart stroke work but

it
called
,
a
of
into insignificance compared with the audacious act

plundering one her Majesty's fortifiea stations
of
.
of
The details the affair which were soon known were

,
,
by
the public with mingled feelings

of
received amuse
The Fenian party
it
ment and amazement was learned

,
,
.
to by
had got into the tower entrance

is of
the usual means

at
step ladder reaching the door which situate

,
,
a
-
some height from the ground . One party of the invaders

remained in the apartment just inside the entrance door ,
while another numbering five persons , proceeded to an
inner room , where they found two of the gunners , with
their families , just in the act of sitting down to tea . In
an instant revolvers were placed at the heads of the men ,
who were told not to stir on peril of their lives . At the
same time assurances were given to them , and to the
affrighted women , that if they only kept quiet and com
plied with the demands of the party no harm whatever
should befal them . The garrison saw that resistance was
useless, and promptly acceded to those terms. The in
vaders then asked for and got the keys of the magazine ,
which they handed out to their friends , who forthwith
set to work to remove the ammunition which they found
stored in the vaults. They seized about 300lbs , of gun
powder , made up in 8lb . cartridges , a quantity of fuses,
and other military stores , and then proceeded to search
the entire building for arms. Of these, however , they
found very little - nothing more than the rifles and sword
bayonets of the two or three men who constituted the
garrison , a circumstance which seemed to occasion them
much disappointment . They were particularly earnest
for
and pressing in their inquiries hand grenades species

, a
-
missile which they had supposed was always kept

of
in
"
such places They could scarcely believe that

in
stock
be.
"
Some charges grape shot

of
to
there were none had

, -
on .
be
which they laid hands might they thought the

,
weapon they were quest and they proceeded

of
of
sort
in
dissect and analyse one of them

to
Grape shot we
of is ,
-
.
in to
may explain the unlearned an

in
these matters
, ,
assemblage cylindrical column

of
the form nine

a
,
on
balls resting circular plate through which passes

,
an a
a a
pin serving axis The balls are contained

in
as
the ex
on
strong canvas bag and are bound together

,
by
cord disposed about the column

of
terior the latter

a
thing
of
of
net This was not the sort

in
the manner
a
.”
the Fenian party wanted

be
no
grape shot could

of
use
;
its
for the Fenian organization

to
great sorrow
to
them
,
artillery they resolved therefore

no
was possessed
of
,
P
to
the
leave those ingeniously constructed packages behind by
-
retire with the more serviceable spoils they
to
them and
,
hope
at
had gathered While the search was proceeding the
,
the adve
.
Fenian sentries with revolvers ready their hands
in
,
,
and one
stood guard over the gunners and prevented anyone
,
Fenians
allold
young from quitting the room They spoke
to or
so
unlaw
.
kindly however chatted with the women and
,
Four
by
won the affectionate regards the youngsters distri
of
in
Cork
buting money among them
.
these strange visitors
of of
One
.
haul
familiar tell one the women that
to
!
so
as
became
if
theirpret
know who he
to
she wished was his naine was Captain
,
nineo'clo
piece
of
Mac information which did not strike her

a
-
eight
being any peculiar value
of
the time When the

at
as
.
entered
party had got their booty safely removed from the build
ing this chivalrous captain and his four assistant sentries Patrick
st
-
,
covered
prepared leave they cautioned the gunners
of
to
whom
,
at ;
tim
same
there were three this time the building one having
—
in
outcry
entered while the search was proceeding against quitting
,
—
till
morning stating that men would be mained
on
the fort the
,
to
they should attempt
to
watch outside shoot them collect

if
it
and
.
So
much being said and done they bade polite good place
a
,
for
evening her Majesty's gunners and their interesting the pu
to
families and withdrew seventy

,
-
did
The heroic garrison hadbeen

not venture out immediately
after they had been relieved the presence
of
of
the Fenian having

party but finding that
, of
few charges powder were somecont

;
the fort they hurried

of
still stowed away

in
corner ceiveand
a
to
the building and commenced

of
to
with them the top tridges
w
blaze away from the big gun which was there
in
situ "loot ha
”
.
This performance they meant signal Mr.Allpo

of
but
as
distress
a
though the sounds were heard and the flashes seen far after
cau
no
and wide one divined the object

to
of
what appeared
,
quitted
|
t
bit
nothing more than artillery

be
an
of
oddly timed down ont

-
practice Next morning the whole story was every

in
collect
, ,I h
.
one's mouth Vast was the amusement which afforded

it
.
nearest
the Corkonians generally and many were the enco
to
on ,
occurred
miums which they passed the dashing Irish Americans
-
exploit
1
and smart youths Cork's own town who had accom

of
could say
Proportionally great
so
plished daring and clever feat

a
Needi
of
by
was the irritation felt the sprinkling loyalists and

perplexit
parts
of
by the paid servants of the crown in that quarter . One
all
hope at events the latter party had that the leader
, in
,
in
be
the adventure would soon justice
of
the hands
"
and one comforting assurance that never again would the
,
be
replenish their armoury
to
Fenians able easy and
in
so
so
unlawful manner
a
.
Four days afterwards there was another sensation
"
The Fenian collectors
in
of
Cork arms had made another
.
haul
, Atall
And this time their mode action surpassed
of
!
their previous performances coolness and daring
in
.
on
the morning
of
nine o'clock the 30th December
in
no
eight men who had assumed disguise suddenly
,
,
entered the shop Mr. Henry Allport gunmaker

of
of
,
,
Patrick street and producing revolvers from their pockets
,
,
-
his
covered him and two assistants telling them
at
the
same time that they ventured ,
raise any
or
to
stir
if
,
outcry they were dead men While the shopmen re
,
the party proceeded

to
of
mained thus bound silence five
,
all
to
collect the rifles and revolvers the establishment

in
,
and place them canvas sack which had been brought
a
in
for the purpose This sack into which few guns and
a
,
.
seventy two splendid revolvers

of
the newest construction

-
by
had been put was then carried

off
two men who

,
of ,
,
to
having transferred the contents the safe keeping

-
very quickly re
to
some confederates returned with

it
,
ceive and bear away large quantity revolver car

of
a
tridges which had been found This second

in
the shop
.
loot having been effected the guards who stood over

,
“
inallhis
Mr. Allport and men lowered their weapons and

,
,
after cautioning follow them

to
three not dare

to
quitted the shop leisurely manner and disappeared

a
,
-by
he
As soon
of
was able
to
as
down one the streets

.
collect his scattered wits Mr. Allport rushed

to
the
,
nearest police station and gave information

of
what had
,
The police hastened this daring

of
to
occurred the scene

.
exploit but
no
of
course the birds were flown and one

,
,
“
could say whither

.
say how this occurrence intensified the

to
Needless
of
all
perplexity and the rage the government party

in
parts the country There was surely some fierce

of
.
i
swearing in Dublin Castle on the day that news arrived ,

and perhaps many a passionate query blurted out as to
whether police , detectives , magistrates , and
all
that
in
southern district were not secretly league with the
in
In
rebels fact surmise actually got into the papers
a
,
.
that the proprietors the gunshops knew more about
of
the disappearance the arms and were less aggrieved
of
,
by
seizure than they cared acknowledge How
to
the
.
"
ever this might the popular party enjoyed the whole

be
,
thing immensely laughed over heartily and expressed
it
,
,
strong terms their admiration the skill and daring
of
in
by
displayed the operators The following squib which
,
.
appeared the time over the initials

at
the Nation
in
,
T.D.S. affords
an
the feelings excited

of
indication
"
,
by
among Irish nationalists those extraordinary occur
.
rences
:
THE CORK MEN AND NEW YORK MEN

.
Oh the gallant Cork men

,
Mixed with New York men

,
be
I'm sure their equals they can't found

,
For persevering
In
daring
of
deeds
,
They set men staring the world around But
C
.
No spies can match them was

tras
,
No sentries watch them
On
,
No specials catch them mar their play

or
into the
,
While the clever Cork men

And cute New York men street
for
by
night and day
he
Work.new surprises
.
well kn
Sedate and steady dangero
,
Calm quick and ready afford

,
,
din
They boldly enter and make

no
and
let
,
Where'er such trifles

As Spider rifles lemona
shop
six
And bright shooters are stored within

-
The Queen's round towers them

.
Can't baulk their powers Only

,
go
by
Off the weapons sea and shore

,
To where the Cork men elapset

And smart New York men their
Are daily piling their precious store the do
.
The
, John Bull
in
-s arrived wonder
,
out asto With voice like thunder
,
he
Declares such plunder must dislike
ll
,
in that They next may rowl
, in
the
with And sack Haulbowline
Or
on
sudden run off with Spike
he
papers
.
His peace vanished
is
, ,
horeabout
His joys are banished
happy
be
aggrieved
no
And gay
or
more he'll
,
Until those Cork men
ge
How
.
And wild New York men

the whole
Are sunk together beneath the sea
.
expressed
and daring
Oh bold New York men
,
g's he uib
which
,
And daring Cork men
,
all
initials We own your pleasures should grow dim
,
excited On thus discerning
And plainly learning
ary occur That your amusement gives pain
to
him
.
Yet from the nation
,
,
This salutation
Leaps forth and echoes with thunderous sound
,
all Cork men

to
Here's
“
, ,
Likewise New York men
Who stand for Ireland the world around
,
”
!
he
But Captain Mackay skilful and lucky
as
was
,
,
“
"
at
was trapped last

of .
On the evening February 1868

of
in he
the 7th walked
,
into the grocery and spirit shop Mr. Cronin Market

of
street_not drink whiskey that sort

of
anything
a to
or
,
of
strictly temperate habits and

he
he
for was man
,
all
of
well knew that men those who are engaged

in
the
dangerous game conspiracy and revolution can least
of of
partake drinks that may unloose their tongues

to
afford
and let their wits run wild He called for glass
of
a
.
lemonade and recognising some persons who were

in
the
,
he
shop
,
the time conversation with

at
commenced
a
them
.
Only few minutes from the time

of
his entrance had

a
of
elapsed when party police wearing disguise over

a
a
their uniforms rushed into the shop and commanded

,
,
to
the door be shut

.
to
The men inside attempted separate and escape but

,
they were instantly grappled by the police . One of the

force seized Captain Mackay by the collar , and a vigorous
struggle between them at once commenced . The police .
man was much the larger man of the two , but the Fenian
Captain was wiry and muscular , and proved quite a
match for him . They fell, and rose , and fell, and rose
again , the policeman undermost sometimes , and at other
times the Fenian Captain . They struggled for nearly
twenty minutes .
"Dead or alive , I'll take you , " said the policeman , as
he drew his revolver from his pocket .
“ I have but one life to lose , and if it goes , so be it , ”
replied Mackay drawing a weapon of the same kind .
In another instant there was a clash as of striking
steel , and a discharge of one of the weapons .
I'm
“ Good God ! shot exclaimed Constable Casey

!”
he
fell upon the floor

of
from the end the room and

,
.
off
Captain Mackay's revolver had gone the struggle
in
,
leg
and the ball had struck the constable inflict
in
the
ing ,
on
him serious wound

a
By this time several parties
at in
of
police had arrived

the street and stationed themselves prevent the
to
so
as
crowd and deter the people from any

of
formation
a
tempt reinforcement having turned into the

in at
rescue
.
on
house which the struggle was going Captain

,
Mackay and others who had been his company were

in
off
made prisoners and marched custody

in
,
Some days afterwards the wounded constable who

,
,
amputation
of
to
to
had refused submit the wounded

limb died hospital
in
,
.
of
the Cork Assizes

at
On the 10th March 1868

,
Judge O'Hagan presiding Captain Mackay was put on

of ,
his trial for murder The evidence established proba

a
.
bility that the discharge the prisoner's revolver was

not intended effected by him but was
or
consequence
a
,
having been struck by the revolver

its
the police
of
of
of
man who was struggling with him The verdict the

.
jury therefore was one

of
acquittal
.
But then came the other charge against him the charge
,
of
treason felony for his connexion with the Fenian

,
-
Brotherhood , and his part in the recent “ rising ." For

this he was put on trial on the 20th day of March . He
was ably defended by Mr. Heron , Q.C. ; but the evidence
against him was conclusive . To say nothing of the tes
for
timony of the informers , which should never mo
a
trustworthy there was the evidence
be
regarded
as
ment
,
by
and the identification supplied the gunners
of
the
Martello tower and their wives and the policemen
of
,
Ballyknockane station and the wife
of
of
one them
.
This evidence while establishing the fact that the prisoner
the levying
in
had been concerned war against the
of
he
as
crown established also the fact that was man
a
,
was valorous and daring

he
chivalrous and gentle
as
.
the incidents proved have occurred during
of
Some to
of inon
the attack which was made under his leadership the
,
,
are worthy special mention any

of
police barrack
,
the life and adventures this

of
sketch however brief

,
,
his
ofhe
remarkable man After party had in of

at
the head
,
,
.
of
demanded the surrender the barrack the name
the Irish Republic the police fired and the fire was
set re
,
,
Then the insurgents broke the door and

in
turned
.
to
the lower part Still the police

of
fire the barrack

.
held out Surrender cried the insurgents You

;
“
"
!
“
.
we
want don't want commit murder

to
to
comunit'suicide but
,
his ."
the policemen then cried out that little girl
of
One
,
a
daughter was inside and asked the attacking party

if
,
course they
Of
be
would allow her

to
passed out
?
and the little girl was taken out

of
would gladly the

all ;
,
up
to
window with tenderness and given her mother

,
At be
outside the barrack when the

to
who had chanced

attack commenced this time Catholic clergyman
a
,
.
on
the Rev. Mr. Neville came the spot He asked the

,
insurgent leader whether the police surrendered any

if
,
,
be
my revolver
to
harm would done them Here

is
,
?
"
"
be
put
. of
said Captain Mackay let the contents

it
,
“
be
injured Well did

of
through me one them should

in if
Mr. Heron his able speech referring these facts

to
,
say Though they were rebels who acted that heroic

,
“
part who could say their hearts were not animated

,
with the courage Leonidas and the chivalry Bayard

of
of
."
the trial the jury brought
in
On the second day
of
thatsom
the
their verdict declaring the prisoner guilty but
at
the
,
hum
,
same time recommending him the merciful considera
to
livered
the humanity which
he
of
tion
of
the court because
he
in
had displayed towards the men whom had his Myld
"
by
no
power The finding took one surprise and did planatio
.
.
wasa
not it
the faintest degree
in
not seem trouble the prisoner
to
.
conside
it
During the former trial some shades
of
anxiety might
in
a0c
mur
his
thethe
on
of
have been detected features the charge with
. law
him
but when that was happily
to
der was grievous
,
It
,
"
disposed brighten before him that

the world seemed
to
of
,
Ih
which
,
he
took his treason elony trial cheerily He knew
now andme
and
.
anda
-f
,
he
on
be
what the verdict the evidence would and was
feel
painfu
the
on
conscious that the penalty imposed
be
him would
to
I
was hard to part from
be
he
no
, in
trivial one felt that tha
notGod
it
;
faithful comrades and dear friends and above all from and
,
,
,
remai
had married only
he
the young wife whom few short

a
decree TL
.
he
Ireland's cause
in
months before but then was was

it
Four
lordsh
;
all
he
suffer and for that

to
about could endure ability

,
,
my
.
his
And yet Ireland was not native land He was couns

,
,
born Cincinnatti Ohio the year 1841. But his therefore
in
of in
,
for
useless
parents who were natives Castle Lyons near Fermoy pour
,
,
,
lordsh
the County Cork
of
were true children Erin and

in
have
,
seen
,
so a o
he
to
they did them
as
they taught their son

to
love even vou

,
selves that green isle far away from which hard fate clinging
a
,
pleasant
. to
had compelled them roam Patriotism indeed was

,
of of ,
.
is
hereditary seldom
the family The great grandfather our
in
complain
-
.
hero suffered death for his fidelity the cause Ire
to
impulses
land the memorable year 1798 and still more re w
in
kindfrie
a
;
markable fact that Captain Mackay William Francis

or
devotedl
is
period
by
of
Lomasney his real name leaving
to
call him
me
in
To
,
and
,
how
America for Ireland take part
in
the contem
in
to
1865
consid
plated rising merely took the place which his father being
,
dism
in
wished and intended occupy rather

to
The young man

a
sou
.
be
home and claimed for himself

to
at
duced him remain sought

,
many
the post Well may that patriotic father
be
danger reaso
of
thought
.
) to
proud
of
in
it
such son
a
that
.
When called upon for such remarks

, he
might have
as
feeling
the
prou
on
of to
offer his own behalf Captain Mackay without any

,
goodsincerit
oldра
of
the airs practised speaker but yet with

and
manner
,
years
a
and
intensi
that somehow touched every heart and visibly affected

the humane and upright judge who sat on the bench , de
livered the following address :
“ My lord —What I said last evening I
for
think calls little ex
a
planation then said was fully satisfied with the verdict that
I
I
.
just
so
s ay still
to
but wish state that
I
was fair and one
it
I
,
a
I
law
.
and that
so
only accordance with British
in
it
consider
it
is
,
not accordance with my ideas right and justice feel that
of
in
I
.
. to
with the strong evidence there was against me according British
,
law the jury could not
do
as
conscientious men otherwise feel
I
,
that thank them again for their recommendation mercy
to
I
,
.
by
which have no doubt was prompted good intention towards
,
a
I
,
mitigate what they considered would
be
to
me and desire long

a
a
,
all
and painful imprisonment Still will say with respect that
I ,
. ,
I
,
.
do
so
to
feel the utmost indifference for this reason am

it
,
I
I
that position that must rely entirely upon the goodness
of
in
now
I
God and feel confident that He will dispose events that will so
I
I
,
to
be
so
as
not remain prisoner long your lordship may pleased

a
decree The jury having guilty only remains for

it
now found me ,
.
your lordship give effect their verdict eloquence the

to
The
to
,
.
ability the clear reasoning and the really splendid arguments
, of
,
,
as
jury
to
my counsel failed knew they would affect the feel

,
,
I
I
.
utterly vain and
be
therefore that with my poor talents would

it
,
useless for me attempt stay the sentence which

to
to
now becomes
of , it
your lordship’s duty pronounce believe my lord from what

to
I
,
I
.
of
have seen your lordship and what have heard you will
it
,
inflict that sentence upon me To one

be
you painful duty

to
to
so a
.
its
joys
do its
clinging
to
to
—
much the world and fond ties and

naturally
as
pleasant associations retirement into banishment

,
,
do
very seldom welcome Of that however not

is
seldom
I
,
,
.
-
-
complain But any man whose heart glows with the warmest
to
.
the
impulses and freedom strongly attached

of
most intense love

;
kind friends affectionate parents loving brother and sisters and

to
,
,
devotedly fond and loving wife the contemplation long

of
a
a
,
period imprisonment must appear most terrible and appalling

of
,.
far of
To
me however viewing from purely personal point view

it
',
a
,
am
for
and considering the cause suffer

, a — to
which about from

,
I
far
its
being dismayed discouraging proves

to
to of —
from me me
it
joy
it
True position
to
rather source and comfort not

is
,
a
.
is be
for
be
sought not looked one which for many very

is
it
,
-
be
no
many reasons there occasion for me now explain may

so to
thought involve disgrace But far from viewing

or
to
discredit
,
.
that light do not shrink from but accept readily

it
in
it
it
,
,
I
an ,
feeling proud and glad that opportunity proving

of
affords me
it
of
the sincerity those soul elevating principles freedom which

of
a
-
good old patriotic father instilled into my mind from my earliest

years and which still entertain with strong love whose fervour
a
,
,
we
and intensity are second only the sacred homage which

to
owe
II
to God . If, having lost that freedom , am to be deprived of I
all
those blessings those glad and joyous years should have spent
I I
amongst loving friends shall not complain shall not murmur
,
I
but with calm resignation and cheerful expectation shall joyfully
,
I
God's blessed will feeling confident that He will open
to
submit
,
strongly British prisons Till
of
the locked and barred doors that
for
glad time arrives consolation and reward enough
it
me
to
is
,
know that have the fervent prayers the sympathy and loving
I
gofar
blessings Ireland's truly noble and generous people and
of
it ,
to
be
easier more soothing comforting me will
to
and more
,
be
my cheerless cell than
in
to
to
back would live slavish ease
it
,
and luxury the cruel sufferings and terrible miseries
to
—
witness
a
this down trodden people Condemn me then my lord

of
con
—
,
,
to-
night
To
will sleep prison cell
it in
demn me felon's doom
;
a
a
-
I
.
be
will wear convict's dress but will
to
to
morrow me far
a
a
I
;
-
nobler garb than the richest dress slavery Coward slaves they
of
of
be
who think the countless sufferings and degradation prison life
to
It
disgraces man feel otherwise impossible be as
is
subdue
a
it .
I
.
for
as
the soul animated with freedom will England
to
crush
is
be
as
the resolute will
or
to
of
this nation determined free

, it
,
,
I to
in
perish the attempt According British law those acts proved

.
be
against me fairly proved against me acknowledge may
—
crimes
,
of -
but morally eyes freemen and the sight God they are
in
of
the
,
more ennobling than disgraceful Shame only connexion with ,

is
a
.
guilt surely not obey God's law

It
or
to
no to
crime assist our
is
,
a
.
no
acquire given rights which
to
fellow men those God men

—-
a -
can justly deprive them de
of
if of
If
nation love freedom and

.
- all
, its
unspeakable blessings God's creatures irres

to
to
sire extend
,
be
pective race creed

to
or
colour crime devotion Ireland

of
, ,
, ,
a
,
allallI its
its
its
faithful kindly people be

, of
and love honest crime

Ifa
,
then say proudly and gladly acknowledge my guilt

it
; is
I
disgrace can say glory in

such shame and dishonour
is
a
I
for
and with respect the court hold thorough and utmost

in
,
I
,
be
; meso
contempt the worst punishment that can inflicted upon me

,
me
in far
as
deprive this feeling and degrade

to
of
intended
it
is
impossible my lord
no
the eyes my fellow men Oh

of
is
it
,
,
,
-
.
England will most

be
the freeman's soul can never dismayed

'
out
by
to
miserably fail she expects force and oppression crush

as if
stamp out this glorious longing for na

to
the Times exclaimed

,
tional life and independence which now fills the breasts millions
of
and which only requires little patience and the op

of
Irishmen
to ,
a
its
portunity
on
effect purpose Much has been said these trials

,
.
feel confidently my
on
the objects and intentions

of
Fenianism
,
I
. be.
guilty
as
my own motives the egotism

of
to
lord shall not

I
,
.
to
to
say whether they are pure

or
otherwise shåll leave that

Î
am
, in to
to
others judge not qualified judge that myself but

I
;
I
.
know my soul that the motives which prompted me were pure

,
patriotic and unselfish know the motives that actuate the most
I
.
active members the Fenian organization and know that very

of
I
as
few persons except such contemptible wretches Corridon have

,
0
}
profited by their connexion with Fenianism . My best friends lost
by
all
they ever possessed Talbot and Corridon believe have
it
of ,
I
,
.
on
it
previous trials that
to
sworn was the intention the Fenians
Ireland amongst themselves
of
have divided the lands the event
in
an
Though humble member the organization
of
of
success have
,
I
.
the honour and satisfaction being acquainted with the great ma
of
jority
on
of
the leaders the Atlantic
of
of
Fenianism both sides
,
and never knew one
of to
of
them have exhibited desire other than
, a
I
to
have the proud satisfaction freeing Ireland which was the

only reward they ever yearned for the only object that ever ani
-
mated them As myself can truly say that entered into this
to
,
.
I
movement without any idea personal aggrandisement
of
When
,
in .
bade my loving friends and parents good ye
in
1865 America
,
I
,
the-b
Ireland was fully satisfied with thought that
to
and came
,
I
in I
an
was coming
to
of
assist the liberation enslaved nation and
I
;
be
on
be
knew that the greatest sacrifices must endured our parts
fore the country could
be
to
so
raised that proud position which
is
by
beautifully described the national poet as–
Great glorious and free

,
,
First flower the earth first gem
of
of the sea
,
'.
Well was with that only wish and that only desire
to
came
, it
it ,
,
I
an
feeling that greater

to
Ireland
to
realize were honest man
a
reward than all the honours and riches and power this world could
learning my lord have not had much
I;
of
bestow cannot boast

I
,
.
opportunity cultivating those talents with which Providence

of
may have blessed me Still

of
have read sufficient the world's

I
.
no
history know that people ever acquired their liberty without

to
without losing always may say some

of
—
enormous sacrifices
,
,
, ,
I
Liberty
if
the purest bravest and best

of
their children worth

,
,
for
possessing surely worth struggling and fighting

of is
in
and this
,
struggle which although the crown lawyers and the govern

,
ment England think they which tell

of
of
have seen the end but

I
,
them they have not yet seen the commencement- feel that enor
I
be
mous sacrifices must made Therefore my lord looking straight

,
,
.
sa
say was determined and was quite ready

to
before me now
I,
crifice my life necessary acquire that liberty am not

to
and
be if
or ;
I
. so
so
so
now going mean spirited cowardly contemptible

to
,
-
as
my portion general suffering am ready

, to
of
shrink from the

, .. , ,
I
have acted right

of
then for the sentence the court satisfied that

no ,
wrong outrage
or
confident that have committed crime what

II
,
no
ever and that have cast disgrace upon my parents my friends

,
,
upon my devoted wife upon myself am with God's assist

or
I
,
,
in .
the calm resignation

to
ance ready meet my fate rest

of
, a
,
I
.
man whose only ambition through life has been

to
benefit and free

injure his fellow men and whose only desire this moment
to
not
;
,
obtain their prayers and blessings With the approval my

to
of
is
.
for
all
hoping the forgiveness God for

of
own conscience above

,
anything may have done displease Him and relying upon His
to
I
,
self - sustaining grace to enable me to bear any punishment , no

matter how severe , so long as it is for glorious old Ireland .
I had intended , my lord , to refer to my notes which I took at
the tria ) ; but I
feel that was so ably done by my counsel , it would
be a mere waste of time for me to do so , but just wish to make an I
Sir
explanation . O'Loghlen made statement unintentionally
C.
a
He
on
part may may
or
am sure was his which not affect me
it
I
. to.
re
be
the Lord Lieutenant praying
to
said sent memorial
a
I
such thing
in no
leased from custody say
to
wish sent The
I
I
.
the matter are these

of
facts was liberated this court because
I
:-
reality the crown could not make out against
in
at
case me the
be a
I, as
the same time kept prison until the

at
time and could
in
,
;
,
I
next assizes on consultation with my friends and with my fellow

,
captive Captain M‘Afferty consented
as
as
soon should receive
,
,
I
,
in
remittance from my friends On
to
America return there
a
.
set
liberty understanding
at
at
these conditionis was the same
,
,
I
by
be
the country next ágsizes would brought
in
if
time that found

,
I
anas go up
for
trial did not want give annoyance and

to
said would
I
I
I
up .
do
honestly intended so
to
to
—
America then not however
of ,
I
.
no
giving my principles but because saw there was hope
,
immediate rising
, in
While agreeing those condi

to
Ireland
.
to
it
on
tions went Dublin and there met Afferty and was
M
I,
,
°
made the acquaintance

of
that occasion Corridon met him

I
I
he .
He
anme
purely accidentally
in
afterwards stated that saw
.
Liverpool but
he
did not see me there went over with ob

,
I
.
by
,
ject and while there was arrested anticipation before the

,
I
Habeas Corpus Act was really suspended defy the government

I
.
to
prove had any connexion with Fenianism from the time was
I
I
released from Cork jail until February 1867. was afterwards

I
,
Mountjoy prison and while there Mr. West came

to
to
,
,
,
removed
he
an
me and said understood was American citizen and asked

I
why did not make that known said had double reason
a
I
I see
I
so .
first because expected the crown would they had broken their
,
pledge with me having been

in
soon arrested and also that

I
;
for
all
; its
expected my government would make general demand

a
By Mr. West's desire put that statement writing

in
citizens
I
do.
be
not think that there

in
and word that can construed

is
it
a
I
into memorial the Lord Lieutenant

to to
of
of
One the directors

a
to
the prison came me and asked me was content comply with

I
the former conditions and said was was liberated upon

I
I
,
to ; .
no
those conditions and complied with them but there was con
,
to
to
dition whatever named that was never return Ireland nor

I
At that time would sooner have

for
fight Irish independence

I
(
.
prison than enter into any such compact Now with

to in
remained
,
he.
in
reference Corridon's information He states met me

.
Liverpool after the rising and somebody

to
stated him that sold

to
I
,
use the Irish phrase

us
the pass upon Now strange

is
it
,
a
.
he
thing my lord that got some information that was true and
,
,
,
, I
really was Liverpool but not with the informer

in
is
The fact
,
did M'Afferty that

so
the month previous

to
that knew and

,
,
I
Corridon had sold us . We left instructions at Liverpool to have

him watched , but owing to circumstances , it is needless now to
refer to , that was not attended to , and he came afterwards to Ireland
and passed as a Fenian , and the parties here, not knowing he had
betrayed them , still believed in him . But knew very well that I
Corridon had betrayed that Chester affair , and so did Captain
I
M‘Afferty ; and if had met him at that time in Liverpool I don't
think it would be him I would inform of our plans . only want I
to show , my lord , how easily an informer can concoct a scene. I
never in my life attended that meeting that Corridon swore to . All
his depositions with respect to me is false . I did meet him twice in
Dublin , but not on the occasions he states . wish to show how I
an informer can concoct a story that it will be entirely out of the
power of the prisoner to contradict . With reference to the witness
Curtin , whom I
asked to have produced —and the crown did pro
all
for
be
to
duce the witnesses asked your lordship seemed under
I
might not
he
to , be
the impression that did not produce him because
I
to
say was not his house that night

in
able Now the fact that
is
,
I
.
my attorney learned the moment Mr. Curtin was brought
as
he
he
as
town knew nothing whatever about the circumstance was
in ,
,
That was why did not
at
not his own tavern that night all
I
.
produce the evidence But solemnly declare
in . in in
never was
I
I
.
my life till last summer when

in or in
Curtin's public house went
I
,
on-
with friend two three occasions and then for the first time
a
July
or
That must have been June after the trials were over
,
So
Dublin that everything Corridon said connection with my

I in
.
being there that night was absolutely false solemnly declare
I
.
till
, in
was never there some time last summer when went under
,
I
In
the circumstances have stated conclusion my lord though

I
,
.
may not
be
exactly accordance with the rules

of
in
the court
I,
it
for
wish return your lordship my most sincere thanks your fair

to
and impartial conduct during this trial there was anything

I If
.
all
at
in
that was not impartial was only my

in
consider
it
of it
I
,
in
favour and not favour the crown This consider the duty
is
,
do
judge and what every judge should because the prisoner

is of
—
a
on ,
he
always the weak side and cannot say many things would
,
all
on
wish while the crown the other hand have the power and
,
influence that the law and full exchequer can give them must
a
I
.
also return my sincere and heartfelt thanks my able and distin

in to
for .
As
my favour
so
guished counsel who spoke eloquently

,
Mr. Collins feel can never sufficiently thank him He served

I
I
,
.
on
me my trial great time and money with noble

, at
be of
sacrifice
a
might
as
zeal and devotion such more readily expected from

to a
friend than solicitor There are many more would like

a
I
.
individually
as
thank but this may not be the proper time and

,
. do
can only thank all my friends from the bottom

so
place
in of
to
,
I
my heart may mention the name Mr. Joyce who

at
of
least
,
I
the jail showed great deal kind feeling and attention And
of
as a
,
.
for
now my lord have already stated am ready my sentence

,
,
I
,
place this dock the prisoner here smiled

in
of
feel rather out

I
[
gently ). It is a place a man is

very seldom placed in , and even if
he is a good speaker he might be put out by the circumstance of
at all
having to utter his remarks from this place . But speaking at
not my forte and there are such emotions filling my breast
is
for
all
be
this moment that may pardoned not saying would
I
My heart filled with thoughts kind friends near
at
of
wish
— is
-
.
hand and far away
of
father and mother brothers and sisters and
,
my dear wife Thoughts these fill my breast
at
this moment
of
,
.
and check my utterance But will say am firmly
to
them that
I
I
.
see
be
will yet live graciously
to
convinced and that God will
,
I
to
pleased His own good time order the prosperity and freedom
in
,
this glorious country would only repeat the powerful touch
of
,
I
of .
ing and simple words Michael Larkin the martyr
of
Manchester
,
,
parting from his friends said God with you Irishmen
be
in
who
,
,
'
and the burning words my old friend Edward
of
and Irishwomen
, ',
O’Mara Condon which are now known throughout Ireland and the
; be
world God save Ireland And too would say God with
,
I,
,
,
'
!
'
; '
you Irishmen and women God save you God bless Ireland and
;
,
for
my
as
God grant me strength task
to
bear Ireland becomes
a
man Farewell sound of some females sobbing was here
A
.
,
. (
!
the gallery court too visibly yielded

in
heard Several ladies
to
in
, :-)
if at
emotion this point Perceiving this the prisoner continued

.
My lord will
at
display any emotion this moment trust
it
,
,
; . for
be
anything resembling feeling despair

of
not construed into
Ia
,
no
as
such feeling animates me feel have already said confi

I
,
,
.
be
imprisonment
in
dence God will not long

as in
feel that
I
I
am.
just meet my fate now

as
ready was six weeks

to
therefore
I
I
was six months ago feel confident that there

as
ago
is
or
, a
, I
,
.
for
glorious future Ireland and that with little patience

in
store
a
,
the part
of
on
little organization and full trust

in
God the
a
a
be
no
Irish people they will

to
at
enabled obtain distant date

it
,
”
.
During the concluding passages this address many

of
of
in
persons sobbed and wept various parts the court

.
its
At close the learned judge language that was really

in
gentle considerate and even complimentary towards

in ,
,
the prisoner and voice shaken by sincere emotion

,
to ,
he
his duty
be
declared the sentence which felt

to
it
impose was penal servitude for

of
term twelve
It
a
.
years
.
DOC
THE
TH]
00
The Erin's Hope ” Saluting the Flag .
Green
" God Save . Zreland ."
THE
DOCK AND THE SCAFFOLD :
THE MANCHESTER TRAGEDY :
AND
THE CRUISE OF THE JACKMEL .
" Far dearer the grave and the prison

Illumed by one patriot'sname,
Than the trophies of all who have risen,
On liberty's ruins to fame."
MOORR
.
THE DOCK AND THE SCAFFOLD .
THE 23rd day of November , 1867 , witnessed a strange and

memorable scene in the great English city of Manchester .
Long ere the grey winter's morning struggled in through
the crisp frosty air -- long ere the first glearn of the coming
day dulled the glare of the flaming gas jets , the streets of the
all
Lancashire capital were astir with bustling crowds and
,
by
the night was broken
of
the silence the ceaseless foot

falls and the voices hurrying throngs Through the long
of
,
dim streets and past tall rows silent houses the full tide
of
,
,
life eddied and poured rapid current
of
stout burghers
in in
,
;
closely muffled and staff hand children grown prema
;
turely old with the hard marks
on
vice already branded
of
,
their features young girls with flaunting ribbons and bold

;
,
flushed faces pale operatives and strong men whose brawny
,
of ;
the foundry
of
limbs told the Titanic labours the clerk

;
his
from his desk the shopkeeper from store the withered

;
crone and the careless navvy swayed and struggled through

,
,
the living mass and with them trooped the legions

of
want
;
and vice and ignorance that burrow and fester

in
the fætid
,
,
lanes and purlieus the large British cities from the dark
of
alleys where misery and degradation for ever dwell and from
,
reeking cellars and nameless haunts where the twin demons

,
gin
alcohol and crime rule supreme from the

of
palace and
,
;
the beer shop and the midnight haunts the tramp and the
of
,
-
all
burglar they came their repulsiveness and debasement

in
,
,
with the rags wretchedness upon their backs and the cries
of
profanity and obscenity upon their lips Forward they

of
.
in
rushed surging flood through many street and byway

a
,
a
until where the narrowing thoroughfares open into the space

surrounding the New Bailey Prison that suburb of the
in
,
the Borough Salford they found their

of
great city known

as
,
6 THE DOCK AND THE SCAFFOLD .
further progress arrested . Between them and the massive

prison walls rose piles of heavy barricading , and the inter
all
of
vening space was black with a dense body of men ,
whom faced the gloomy building beyond and each
of
whom
in ,
carried special constable's baton his hand The
a
.
by .
by
long railway bridge running close was occupied de
a
infantry and from the parapet the frowning
of
of
tachment
, the space below might
on
of
walls the muzzle cannon trained
,
dimly discerned But the crowd paid
be
the darkness in
.
to
little attention these extraordinary appearances their
;
the black projection which jutted from
on
eyes were riveted

the prison wall and which shrouded dark drapery
in
,
,
,
loomed with ghastly significance through the haze Rising
.
above the scaffold which replaced portion the prison
of
,
a
gibbet were descried and from the
of
wall the outlines
;
a
,
cross beam there hung three ropes terminating just
in
nooses
,
,
-
ex
of
perceptible above the upper edge the curtain which

thence The grim excrescence seemed
the ground
to
tended
.
horrible fascination for the multitude Those

in to
possess
a
.
position best stirred not from their post but
to
see
it
,
faced the fatal cross tree the motionless ropes the empty
,
,
-
untiring
an
an
platform with insatiable gaze that seemed

,
pregnant with some terrible meaning while the mob behind

,
them struggled and pushed and raved and fought and the
;
,
,
,
haggard hundreds gaunt diseased stricken wretches that

of
,
,
vainly contested with the stronger types ruffianism for

of
place loaded the air with their blasphemies and impreca

. ,
tions The day broke slowly and doubtfully upon the

scene dense yellow murky fog floated round the spot
a
,
;
its ,
wrapping opaque folds the hideous gallows and the

in
frowning mass masonry behind An hour passed and

of
,
.
then hoarse murmur swelled upwards from the glistening

of a
no
rows upturned faces The platform was loager empty

;
.
three pinioned men with white caps drawn closely over

,
their faces were standing upon the drop For moment

,
a
a.
moment the re
for
the crowd was awed into stillness

;
66
Christ have mercy on

"
sponses Christ have mercy

us
“
,
,
,
of "
the doomed men to

us
were heard from the lips

on
, ”
,
of
wards whom the sea faces were turned Then came

a
.
for
an
dull crash and the mob swayed backwards instant

,
.
THE DOCK AND THE SCAFFOLD . 7
The drop had fallen , and the victims were struggling in the
throes of a horrible death . The ropes jerked and swayed
with the convulsive movements of the dying men . A
minute later , and the vibrations ceased — the end had come ,
the swaying limbs fell rigid and stark , and the souls of the
strangled men had floated upwards from the cursed spot
up from the hateful crowds and the sin -laden atmosphere
to the throne of the God who made them .
So perished , in the bloom of manhood , and the flower of.
their strength , three gallant sons of Ireland — so passed away
the last of the martyred band whose blood has sanctified the
cause of Irish freedom . Far from the friends whom they
loved , far from the land for which they suffered , with the
scarlet -clad hirelings of England around them , and watched
by the wolfish eyes of a brutal mob , who thirsted to see them
die , the dauntless patriots , who , in our own day, have
rivalled the heroism and shared the fate of Tone , Emmet ,
and Fitzgerald , looked their last upon the world . No prayer
was breathed for their parting souls - no eye was moistened
with regret amongst the multitude that stretched away in
compact bodies from the foot of the gallows ; the ribald laugh
and the blasphemous oath united with their dying breath ;
and , callously as the Roman mob from the blood -stained
amphitheatre , the English masses turned homewards from
the fatal spot . But they did not fall unhonoured or unwept .
In the churches of the faithful in that same city , the sobs of
mournful lamentation were mingled with the solemn prayers
for their eternal rest , and , from thousands of wailing women
for
and stricken - hearted men , the prayers mercy peace and

,
,
pardon for the souls

of
MICHAEL O'BRIEN WILLIAM PHILIP

, ,
ALLEN and MICHAEL LARKIN rose upwards the avenging

to
,
at
God Still less were they forgotten home Throughout

.
the Irish land from Antrim's rocky coast

to
the foam beaten

,
con
headlands their countrymen were

of
Cork the hearts

of
,
vulsed with passionate grief and indignation and blended

,
with the sharp cry agony that broke from the nation's
of
lips came the murmurs

of
defiant hatred and the pledges

,
,
for
bitter vengeance generations had the minds

of of
Never
,
a
,
.
the Irish people been more profoundly agitated never

-
had they writhed such bitterness and agony soul With

in
of
.
knitted brows and burning cheeks , the tidings of the bloody

deed were listened to . The names of the martyred men
,lip
were upon every and the story their heroism and
of
tragic death was read with throbbing pulse and kindling 2
perpe
by
to
in
It
every fireside the land
in
assist
foris
eyes
.
tuating that story and recording future generations
is of in
,
the narrative which tells how Allen O'Brien and Larkin
,
died that this narrative written and few outside the
,
,
nation whose hands are red with their blood will deny that
,
much recognition due their courage their
at
to
so
least Inis
be
patriotism and their fidelity Ireland we know will
it
,
whom chivalry and pa

by
welcomed amongst people
a a
;
story touching and enobling will

so
so
triotism are honoured
,
be
not dispised and the race which guards with reverence

;
of
and devotion the memories Tone and Emmet and

,
,
oblivion the memory
of
Shearses will not soon surrender
to
,
the three true hearted patriots who heedless the scowling

of
,
,
-
by
mob unawed the hangman's grasp died bravely that

,
Saturday morning Manchester for the good old cause
of
at
Ireland
.
Early before daybreak

on
the morning
of
November 11th
,
on
1867 the policemen duty Oak street Manchester

in
,
,
noticed four broad shouldered muscular men loitering

in
,
a
-
in
of
suispicious manner about the shop clothes dealer the

a
by
neighbourhood Some remarks dropped the party

of
one
.
reaching the ears strengthened their im

of
the policemen
,
on
an
pression that illegal enterprise was foot and the arrest

,
on
the supposed burglars was resolved struggle en

of
A
.
sued during which two the suspects succeeded escaping

in
of
, ,
,
but the remaining pair after offering determined resistance

,
a
off
to
were overpowered and carried the police station The

.
onon
prisoners who being searched possess

to
were found
,
,
,
their persons gave their names

as
loaded revolvers Martin

,
Williams and John Whyte and were charged under the

,
Vagrancy Act before one the city magistrates They

of
declared themselves American citizens and claimed their

,
as he
discharge
of
Williams said was bookbinder out work

a
;
.
Whyte described himself hatter living

on
the means
a
brought with him from America The magistrate was about

.
by
to
disposing summarily sentencing the men

of
the case
,
'THE DOCK AND THE SCAFFOLD . 9
a few days ' imprisonment , when a detective officer applied

for a remand , on the ground that he had reason to believe
the prisoners were connected with the Fenian conspiracy .
The application was granted , and before many hours had
elapsed it was ascertained that Martin Williams was no other
than Colonel Thomas J. Kelly , one of the most prominent of
the ( O'Mahony - Stephens ) Fenian leaders , and that John
Whyte was a brother officer and conspirator known to the ,
circles of the Fenian Brotherhood as Captain Deasey .
Of the men who had thus fallen into the clutches of the
British government the public had already heard much , and
for
one of them was widely known the persistency with
of
as
an
organiser
he
which laboured Fenianism and the
,
he
daring and skill which the pursnit
of
in
exhibited his
dangerous undertaking Long before the escape
of
James
.
Stephens from Richmond Bridewell startled the government

its
security and swelled the breasts

of
their
of
from visions
,
disaffected subjects Ireland with rekindled hopes Colonel

in
,
Kelly was known
an
in
as
the Fenian ranks intimate associate

the revolutionary
of
chief When the arrest

at
Fairfield
.
.
its
house deprived the organization crafty leader Kelly

of
the vacant post and ,

he
to allto
was elected threw himself into the

,
If
work with the reckless energy he could
of
his nature
.
possess the mental ability

be
or
not said administrative

he
capacity essential least gifted with

to
at
the office was a

,
variety other qualifications well calculated recommend

of
to
of he
him popularity amongst the desperate men with whom

to
he
was associated Nor did prove altogether unworthy

.
in
the confidence reposed now pretty well known

It
him
is
.
for
that the successful plot the liberation James Stephens

of
was executed under the personal supervision Colonel Kelly

of
,
he
the group friends who grasped the

of
and that
of
was one
of
the Head Centre within the gates

of
hand Richmond
²65
that night
on
to of
Prison
in
November when the doors

,
his dungeon were thrown open Kelly fled with Stephens

.
he
Paris and thence

to
America where remained attached

,
the Brotherhood which recognised the

of
to
the section
of
authority and obeyed the mandates the C.O.I.R. But

”
“
the time came when even Colonel Kelly and his party lost con
the leadership James Stephens
of
The chief
in
fidence
.
10 THE DOCK AND THE SOAFFOLD .
whom they had so long trusted but who had disappointed

them by the non - fulfilment of his engagenient to fight on
Irish soil before January, '67 , was deposed by the last section
of his adherents , and Colonel Kelly was elected “ Deputy
Central Organiser of the Irish Republic ," on the distinct
understanding that he was to follow out the policy which
Stephens had shrunk from pursuing . Kelly accepted the
post , and devoted himself earnestly to the work . In America
he met with comparatively little co -operation ; the bulk of
the Irish Nationalists in that country had long ranged them
selves under the leadership of Colonel W. R. Roberts , an
Irish gentleman of character and integrity , who became the
President of the reconstituted organization ; and the plans
and promises of " the Chatham - street wing ,” as the branch
of the Brotherhood which ratified Colonel Kelly's election
was termed , were regarded , for the most part , with suspicion
and disfavour . But from Ireland there came evidences of
a different state of feeling . Breathless envoys arrived
almost weekly in New York , declaring that the Fenian
Brotherhood in Ireland were burning for the fray — that
they awaited the landing of Colonel Kelly with feverish
impatience - that it would be impossible to restrain them
much longer from fighting — and that the arrival of the
military leaders, whom America was expected to supply , by
for
would be the signal general uprising Encouraged

a
representations like these Colonel Kelly and chosen body

,
Irish American officers departed for Ireland January

of
in
to ,
-
on
and set themselves their arrival the old country

in
,
of ,
arrange the plans the impending outbreak How their

.
of
labours eventuated and how the Fenian insurrection

,
March '67 resulted unnecessary explain enough

to
is
it
it
is
,
,
for our purpose state that for several months after that
to
starred movement was crushed Colonel Kelly continued

to ill
,
-
an
Dublin moving about with dis

a in
of
reside absence
,
guise and disregard for concealment which astonished his

.
slight
no
confederates but which perhaps contributed

in
,
he ,
,
degree the success with which

to
eluded the efforts directed

At
in
towards his capture length the Fenian organisation

.
Ireland began pass through the same changes that had

to
given new leaders and fresh vitality The

in
America
it
.
for
members of the organisation at home began to long union
with the Irish Nationalists who formed the branch
of
the
confederacy regenerated under Colonel Roberts and Kelly
,
who for various reasons was unwilling accept the new
to
,
he in he
regime saw his adherents dwindle away until
at
length
,
,
to by
all
found himself but discarded the Fenian circles
he
Dublin Then crossed over Manchester where
.
,
few weeks previous
of
arrived but
to
the date his accidental
a
arrest Oak street

in
his
de
Colonel Kelly and camp the
as
of
The arrest aide
,
-
-
English papers soon learned describe Deasey was hailed
to
,
by
the government with the deepest satisfaction For years
.
they had seen their hosts spies detectives and informers
of
,
by
foiled and outwitted this daring conspirator whose posi
,
tion the Fenian ranks they perfectly understood
in
they
;
had seen their traps evaded their bribes spurned and their
,
,
plans defeated every turn they knew too that Kelly's
at
,
;
,
success escaping capture was filling his associates with
in
last they found the man

at
pride and exultation and now

;
whose apprehension they anxiously desired captive

so
in
in a
their grasp On the other hand the arrests Oak street
,
-
by
crushing blow failing cause
be
to
to
were felt the

a
Fenian circles They saw that Kelly's capture

in
Manchester
.
would dishearten every section

of
the organisation they

;
knew that the broad meaning the occurrence was that

of
another Irish rebel had fallen into the clutches the British
of
of
the long list

be
to
to
government and was about added

,
by
their political victims the Irish

It
was felt Manchester

in
be ,
.
abandon the prisoners helplessly their fate would

to
to
an
regarded
to
the laws which rendered

of
submission
a as
act
an
patriotism acceptance the policy which

of
as
crime and
,
left Ireland trampled bleeding and impoverished There

,
,
were hot spirits amongst the Irish colony that dwelt the
in
great industrial capital which revolted from such conclu

a
,
sion and there were warm impulsive hearts which swelled

,
,
with firm resolution change the triumph their British

to
of
a
adversaries into disappointment and consternation The

.
time has not yet come when anything like description

of
a
the midnight meetings and secret councils which followed

Colonel Kelly
be
of
in
the arrest Manchester can written

;
.12 THE DOCK AND THE SCAFFOLD .
enough may be gathered , however , from the result , to show

that the plans of the conspirators were cleverly conceived
and ably digested .
On Wednesday , September 18th , Colonel Kelly and his
companion were a second time placed in the dock of the Man
chester Police Office . There is reason to believe that means
had previously been found of acquainting them with the plans
of their friends outside , but this hypothesis is not nccessary
to explain the coolness and sang froid with which they
listened to the proceedings before the magistrate . Hardly
had the prisoners been putforward , when the Chief Inspector
of the Manchester Detective Force interposed . They are
both , he said , connected with the Fenian rising , and warrants
66
were out against them for treason - felony. Williams ,” he
air
added , with a triumphant Colonel Kelly and Whyte

is
,
,
“
his confederate Captain Deasey He asked that they

is
,
."
might again
an
application which was imme

be
remanded
,
diately granted The prisoners who imperturbably bowed

,
.
identified them smilingly quitted

he
the detective
to
as
,
and were given charge Police Sergeant

in
to
the dock
,
Charles Brett whose duty

to
convey them the

to
was
it
,
borough gaol
.
of
for
The van used the conveyance prisoners between the

police office and the gaol was one the ordinary long black
of
by
in
wheels dimly
on
lit
boxes grating the door and

a
. a
,
couple was divided interiorily

in
of
It
ventilators the roof

of
into row
at
small cells either side and passage run

a
a
,
ning the length the van between and the practice was
of
in ,
lock each prisoner into separate cell Brett sitting

to
,
a
byon
charge seat the passage near the door The van was
in
no ; a a
driven policeman another usually sat beside the driver

;
on
the box the whole escort thus consisting

of
three men
,
carrying other arms than their staves but was felt

it
;
the present occasion stronger escort might ne

be
on
that
a
cessary The magistrates well knew that Kelly and Deasey

.
in
had numerous sympathisers amongst the Irish residents

by
Manchester and their apprehensions were quickened the

,
receipt telegram from Dublin Castle and another from

of
a
on
the Home Office London warning them that plot was

in
foot for the liberation

of
the prisoners The magistrates

.
THE DOCK AYD THE SCAFFOLD . 13
doubted the truth of the information , but they took precau

tions , nevertheless , for the frustration of any such enterprise .
Kelly and Deasey were both handcuffed , and locked in sepg - a
rate compartments of the van ; and , instead of three police
men , not less than twelve were entrusted with its defence.
Of this body , five sat on the box - seat , two were stationed on
the step behind , four followed the van in a cab , and one
( Sergeant Brett ) sat within the van , the keys of which were
handed into him through the grating , after the door had
been locked by one of the policemen outside . There were ,
all
six
in persons boy aged
to of
the van one these was
in
,
; ,
a
twelve who was being conveyed reformatory three
a
,
and the two

of
were women convicted misdemeanours
;
Irish Americans completed the number Only the last
-
.
mentioned pair were handcuffed and they were the only per
,
sons whom the constables thought necessary lock up
to
,
the compartments which the other persons sat being left
in
open
.
At half past three o'clock the van drove closely fol

off
,
-
Its
by
of
lowed the cab containing the balance the escort
.
route lay through some the principle streets then through
of
the south side into the borough

of
on
the suburbs Salford
,
,
where the county jail situated In all about two miles

is
.
be
this distance the first half was

to
of
had traversed and

,
accomplished without anything calculated excite suspicion

to
for
all
being observed but there was inischief brewing that

;
Just the van passed

at
as
and the crisis was close hand

.
under the railway arch that spans the Hyde road Bellevue
at
,
-
point midway between the city police office and the Sal
a
by
ford Gaol the driver was suddenly startled the appara

,
tion man standing the road with

, in
of
of
the middle
a
a
pistol aimed his head and immediately the astonished

at
policeman heard himself called upon loud sharp voice

in
,
a
,
the spot where this unwelcome interrup

up
At
pull
to
"
"
.
tion occurred there are but few houses brick fields and
;
-
.
clay pits stretch away either side and the neighbourhood

at
,
-
thinly inhabited
its
But comparative quiet now gave

is
strange that
of
way
so
scene bustle and excitement

it
to
to a
seems have almost paralized the spectators with amaze

of
The peremptory command levelled

at
ment the driver

.
the van was hardly uttered , when a body of men , number of

ing about thirty, swarmed over the wall which lined the road ,
is ce
and, surrounding the van , began to take effectual measures pose
for stopping it . The majority of them were well -dressed
take
men , of powerful appearance ; a
few
re
carried pistols
or
Case
their hands and all seemed
in
of in
to
volvers act accordance
Wh
,
with preconcerted plan The first impulse the police
ina
.
to .
scer
front appears drive through the
to
men have been
of
of
his head brought
in
crowd but shot aimed the direction
a
,
,
the driver tumbling from his seat terror stricken but unhurt
divi
;
,
its
-
the same time the further progress
at
of
and almost , the van
was effectually prevented shooting one of by sho
of
the horses
through the neck indescribable panic and con
the
A
to
scene
.
fusionensued the policemen scrambled hastily the ground inta

;
of ,
"T ing
to
and betook themselves flight almost without thought
a
" grat
the cab behind got out not resist
in
in to
resistance Those
,
key
.
the attack but help the running away and

to
few
;
,
a
and
by
minutes the strangers whose object had this time become
,
perfectly apparent were undisputed masters the situation ette

of
, ,
Pickaxes hatchets hammers and crowbars were instantly sho

,
its by
produced and the van was besieged score stout pairs nex
a
,
sides groaned and Pel

of
arms under the blows from which ,

,
the door cracked and splintered Some clambered upon the the
it .
roof and attempted with heavy stones others

in
to
smash
;
,
opening through the side while the door lift

;
an
to
tried force
by
was sturdily belaboured voi

of
another division the band
th
Seeing the Fenians they once considered them thus
at
as
,
busily engaged the policemen who had toc

in
the first instance

,
,
retreated to safe distance and who were now reinforced ha

by
a
by
large mob attracted the spot the report un

to
of
firearms
a
advanced towards the van with the intention

of
offering
,
some resistance but the storming party immediately met fac

;
ther with counter movement Whilst the attempt ta

-
to
a
smash through the van was continued without pause ring

a
,
‫مو‬pa
by
was formed round the men thus engaged their confede

,
‫ا‬
rates who pointing their pistols the advancing crowd
at
,
,
Gaining
off
they valued their lives keep

to
as
warned them
,
courage from their rapidly swelling numbers the mob how

,
,
-
round the van whereupon several

byin
to
ever continued close

,
shots were discharged the Fenians which had the effect

,
of making the Englishmen again fall back in confusion . It

is certain that these shots were discharged for no other pur
pose than that of frightening the crowd ; one of them did
take effect in the heel of a bystander, but in every other
case the shots were fired high over the heads of the crowd .
While this had been passing around the van , a more tragic
scene was passing inside it . From the moment the report
of the first shot reached him , Sergeant Brett seems to have
divined the nature and object of the attack . “ My God !
its
he
these Fenians The noise
of
exclaimed the blows
",
of .
by
on
showered the roof and sides the van was increased

the female prisoners who rushed frantically
of
the shrieks
,
into the passage and made the van resound with their wail
,
ings the midst

, In
the tumult face appeared
upat
of
the
a
.
grating and Brett heard himself summoned give
to
the
keys The assailants had discovered where they were kept
,
.
on
obtaining them
upas
and resolved the speediest way
of
effecting their purpose Give the keys they will
or
,
.
“
shoot you exclaimed the women but Brett refused The

;
”,
.
he
next instant fell heavily backwards with the hot blood

,
welling from shot fired into

in
bullet wound the head

A
a
the keyhole for the purpose blowing the lock pieces to

of
,
,
his temple The terror stricken women
in
had taken effect

As-
.
,up
lifted him screaming they did

so
he's killed the

”
,
"
voice which had been heard before called out them through
to
up
the ventilator give the keys the women then

of
One
.
took them from the pocket the dying policeman

of
and
at ,
handed them out through the trap The door was once
.
unlocked the terrified women rushed out and Brett welter

,
ing blood rolled out heavily upon the road Then pale
in
a
,
a .
tie
faced young man wearing light overcoat blue and

a
,
a
,
,
tall brown hat who had been noticed taking prominent

a
,
part the affray entered the van and unlocked the com
in
partment which Kelly and Deasey were confined

A
in
hasty greeting passed between them and then the trio

,
hurriedly joined the band outside told you Kelly

I
.
“
,
I
would die before parted with you cried the young man
”,
I
by
who had nnlocked the doors then seizing Kelly the arm
,
;
,
he
helped him across the road and over the wall into the
,
,
by
he
brick fields beyond was taken charge

of
Here others
.
-
of the party , who hurried with him across the country ,
Colonel Kelly
,
while a similar office was performed for Deasey , who , like
found himself hampered to some extent by the
handcuffs on his wrists . The main body of those who had
shared in the assault occupied themselves with preventing the
fugitives from being pursued ; and not until Kelly , Deasey ,
far
and their conductors had passed sight did they
Atof
out
,
think consulting their own safety length
of
when
,
.
to
further resistance the mob seemed useless and impossible
,
they them occasionally checking the
of
broke and fled some
,
by
pursuit turning round and presenting pistols
at
those
Many the fugitives escaped but several
of
who followed
,
.
And
by
others were surrounded and overtaken the mob
its
now the " chivalry the English nature came out
of
in
”
real colours No sooner did the cowadly set whom the
,
.
bay while Kelly was being libe

at
sight revolver kept

of
a
the Irish party

to of
rated find themselves with some
in
their
,
set
power than they themselves beat them with savage

,
ferocity The young fellow who had opened the van door
,
,
by
and who had been overtaken the mob vas knocked down
,
by
brick and then brutally kicked and stoned

of
blow
a
,
,
cry out shame being

to
the only Englishman who ventured

himself assaulted for his display humanity
of
Several others
.
were similarly and not until the blood spouted

ill
treated
;
-
out from the bruised and mangled bodies

of
the prostrate
men did the valiant Englishmen consider they had suffi
,
ciently tortured their helpless prisoners Meanwhile large

,
.
reinforcements appeared on the spot police and military

;
were despatched eager haste pursuit the fugitives

of
in
;
in
the telegraph was called into requisition and description

,
a
of
the liberated Fenians flashed the neighbouring

to
towns
;
the whole detective force

of of
on
Manchester was placed their

trail and the course few hours thirty two Irishmen
in
a
,
custody charged with having assisted

in
in
were the attack

,
on the van Kelly

no
But Deasey trace was ever dis

or
of
.
covered they were seen

far
enter cottage not from the

to
a
;
all
Hyde road and leave with their hands unfettered but

it
,
,
-
attempts trace their movements beyond this utterly failed

to
.
in
While the authorities Manchester were excitedly discus

sing the means adopted
be
to
of
in
view the extraordinary

event , Brett lay expiring in the hospital to which he had

been conveyed . He never recovered consciousness after re
ceiving the wound , and he died in less than two hours after
the fatal shot had been fired .
Darkness had closed in around Manchester before the
startling occurrence that had taken place in their midst be
came known to the majority of Swiftly the
its
inhabitants
.
tidings flew throughout the city till the whisper
in
which
,
astonish
of
the rumour was first breathed swelled into roar
a
ment and rage Leaving their houses and leaving their work
,
.
the people rushed into the streets and trooped towards the
of
newspaper offices for informatiion The rescue Colonel
.
Kelly and death Sergeant Brett were described
of
thou
in
conflicting narratives until the facts almost disap
of
sands
,
peared beneath the mass inventions and exaggerations the

of
,
excitement and panic with which they were
of
creations
,
at by
overloaded Meanwhile the police maddened resentment
.
and agitation struck out wildly and blindly the Irish

,
,
They might not recapture the escaped Fenian lea
be
able
to
ders but they could load the gaols with their countrymen
,
religionists they might not apprehend the

be
to
co
and able
;
-
Colonel Kelly and Captain Deasey but they

of
liberators
,
the
could glut their fury same nationality

on
of
members
;
and this they did most effectually The whole night long the
.
raid upon the Irish quarter Manchester was continued

in
to ;
off
houses were broken into and their occupants dragged

,
prison and flung into cells chained though they were

as
,
raging beasts Mere Irish were set upon

in
the streets
.
,
off
to
the shops their homes and hurried prison

in
as in
,
on
the very existence the empire depended their

of
if
brutal violence and indig

of
being subjected every kind

to
air
for
for
nity The yell vengeaạce filled the the cry Irish

;
.
air
blood arose upon the night like demoniacal chorus

a
;
-
and before morning broke their fury was somewhat appeased

th by
of
the knowledge that sixty the proscribed race sixty

of
---
hated Irish were lying chained within the prison cells

-
of Manchester
.
Fifteen minutes was the time occupied setting Kelly

in
—
only fifteen minutes but during that short space

of
free
-
act was accomplished which shook the whole British

an
time
B
am to
all
be
having lost that freedom deprived
If
to
of
God profitedb
,
I
,
.
those blessings those glad and joyous years should have spent
all
they
I
amongst loving friends shall not complain shall not murmur Stormon
,
,
I
I
but with calm resignation and cheerful expectation shall joyfully havedivic
,
I
God's blessed will feeling confident that He will open
to
of
submit succe
,
the strongly locked and barred doors British prisons Till that
of
thehono
for
glad time arrives consolation and reward enough
it
me
to
jority
is
,
of
know that have the fervent prayers the sympathy and loving and ner
I
I
blessings truly noble and generous people
of
Ireland's and far
to
have
go
to
be
easier more soothing and more comforting me will
to
onlyrewa
it
,
be
my cheerless cell than slavish ease
in
to
to
back would live
it
mated the
to ,
and luxury the cruel sufferings and terrible miseries

—
witness
a - a
movem
this down trodden people Condemn me then my lord
of
con
in
,
-
1863
.
,
night
To
to
will sleep prison cell
it in
demn me felon's doom andcam
;
a
-
I
.
be
will wear convict's dress but will
to
to
morrow me far
;
a
a
I
wascomi
-
nobler garb than the richest dress slavery Coward slaves they
of
knewtha
fore
of
be
who think the countless sufferings and degradation prison life

the
to
It
disgraces man feel otherwise impossible be as
is
subdue
a
.
I
.
beautifu
for
as
the soul animated with freedom will England
to
crush
it
is
be
as
the resolute will
or
to
of
this nation determined free

, it
,
,
I to
in
perish the attempt According British law those acts proved

.
me
be
against fairly proved against me acknowledge may crimes
,
, -
of -
morally eyes freemen and the sight God they are
in
of
but the
,
Well
,
disgraceful
, it
more ennobling than only connexion with
is
Shame
a
.
guilt surely not crime obey God's law Ireland

It
or
to
no to
assist our
is
,
a
.
rights teward
no
acquire given which
to
fellow men those God men

-
a -
justly deprive de bestow
of
If
—
of
nation can them love freedom and
.
.
- all
opportu
, its
unspeakable blessings God's creatures irres

to
to
sire extend
,
mayba
be
pective race creed

or
to
of
colour crime devotion Ireland

, ,
, ,
if
a
,
. be
all its
its
its
faithful kindly people history

Ifa
of
and love honest crime

,
then say proudly and gladly acknowledge my guilt enorm

it
; is
the
I
pa
disgrace can say glory such shame and dishonour
, in
is
,
a
and with all respect for the court thorough and utmost posses
in
hold
I
,
be
strugg
so
contempt the worst punishment that can inflicted upon me

,
as
deprive me this feeling and degrade me

to
far
it
intended
of
is
,
no
the eyes my fellow men Oh impossible my lord them

in
of
is
it
;
,
,
-
.
be
the freeman's soul can never dismayed England will most mous
.
out
by
to
miserably fail she expects force and oppression crush befor

as if
stamp out this glorious longing for na crific

to
the Times exclaimed

,
independence now
of
tional life and which now fills the breasts millions

ast
, op
and which only requires little patience and the

of
Irishmen
to ,
a
its
on
portunity effect purpose Much has been said these trials ther
.
feel confidently my
on
the objects and intentions cont

of
Fenianism
,
I
. be .
guilty ere
of
as
my the egotism
to
lord own motives shall not

,
I
.
or
to
say whether they are pure upc

to
otherwise shall leave that

I
am
, in to
to
others judge not qualified judge that myself but anc

I
;
I
.
know my soul that the motives which prompted me were pure

,
patriotic and unselfish know the motives that actuate the most 1o
I
.
and know that very

is
active members the Fenian organization

of
as I
few persons except such contemptible wretches Corridon have

,
an
profited by their connexion with Fenianism . My best friends lost

all
they ever possessedby
it
Talbot and Corridon believe have
I,
,
.
on
previous trials that
it
to
of
sworn was the intention the Fenians
Ireland amongst themselves
of
have divided the lands the event
in
an
Though the organization 1
of
of
success humble member have
,
I
.
the honour and satisfaction being acquainted with the great ma
of
jority
on
of
the leaders the Atlantic
of
of
Fenianism both sides
,
and never knew one
of to
of
them have exhibited desire other than
I
a
have the proud satisfaction freeing Ireland
to
which was the
,
only reward they ever yearned for the only object that ever ani
-
mated them As myself can truly say that entered into this
to
,
.
I
movement without any idea personal aggrandisement
of
When
,
in .
bade my loving friends and parents good ye
in
1865 America
II ,
I
,
-b
Ireland was fully satisfied with the thought that
to
and came
in I
,
an
was coming
to
of
assist the liberation enslaved nation and
;
be
knew that the greatest sacrifices must
be
endured on our parts
fore the country could
be
to
so
raised that proud position which
is
by
beautifully described the national poet as
Great glorious and free

,
,
"
First flower the earth first gem

of
of the sea
,
.'
Well was with that only wish and that only desire
to
came
, it
,
it ,
I
an
feeling that greater

to
Ireland
to
realize were honest man
a
reward than all the honours and riches and power this world could
learning my lord
of
bestow cannot boast have not had much

I
;
,
I
.
opportunity cultivating those talents with which Providence

of
Still have read sufficient

of
may have blessed me the world's

I
.
no
history know that people ever acquired their liberty without

to
without losing always may say some of

—
enormous sacrifices
,
, ,
,
Liberty
if
the purest bravest and best

of
their children worth

,
,
possessing surely worth struggling and fighting for and

is
in
this
,
struggle which although the crown lawyers and the govern

—
of
ment England think they have seen the end but which tell
of
of
I
,
them they have not yet seen the commencement feel that enor
, -
I
mous sacrifices must be made Therefore my lord looking straight

,
.
sa
say was determined and was quite ready

to
before me now
I ,
my necessary acquire liberty am not

to
crifice life that and

be if
or ;
I
. so
so
so
now going mean spirited cowardly contemptible

to
,
-
am
as
shrink from my portion the general suffering ready

, to
of
, .. , ,
I
have acted right

of
then for the sentence the court satisfied that

I
no ,
confident that wrong outrage

or
have committed crime what

I
disgrace upon my parents my friends

no
ever and that have cast

,
,
am
I
upon ny devoted wife upon myself with God's assist

or
,
I
,
in .
to
ance ready meet my fate rest the calm resignation

of
, a
,
.
I
man whose only ambition through life has been

to
benefit and free

injure his fellow men and whose only desire this moment
to
not
;
,
obtain their prayers and blessings With the approval my

to
of
is
.
all
hoping for the forgiveness God for

of
own conscience above

,
anything may have done displease Him and relying upon His
to
I
,
it me
h
at . no
self sustaining grace bear any punishment
soto
to is to
enable Corridon
,
-
as
matter how severe long for glorious old Ireland himwatc
,
my lord my notes which took
to
had intended refer referto th
I
I
ably done by my counsel
so
the tria but feel that was
it
would
;
andpass
to ,
]
just wish
be
do
an
a so
of
to
mere waste time for me but make
I
betrave
a
,
explanation Sir O'Loghlen made statement unintentionally
C.
~
Corridon
it .
He
on
his part which may may not affect me
or
—
am sure was M'Affert
I
. to.
be
re
the Lord Lieutenant praying
to
said sent memorial thinkit v
I
a
such thing
I
in no
leased from custody say
to
wish sent The to show ,
I
I
.
the matter are these

of
facts was liberated this court because never
I
in
:-
reality the crown could not make out against
in
at
his
case me the
bea
kept depo
as
time and prison until the

at
could the same time
as in
;
,
Dublin
I
,
next assizes on consultation with my friends and with my fellow
an
,
I,
captive Captain M‘Afferty consented inform
as
soon should receive
,
,
I
,
power
of
remittance from my friends in On
to
America return there
a
.
Curtin
,
these conditions liberty understanding
at
was set
at
the same , duceall
,
I
by
be
if
time that the country next ássizes would brought
the
in
found
,
I
anas go up
for trial did not want give annoyance and impr

to
said would
1
,
I
I
I
able
.
to
I do
honestly intended not however so
to
to
America then
of ,
as
my
-
I
.
my at
up
no
giving principles but because saw there was hope
,
town
immediate rising
in
in ,
While agreeing those condi
to
Ireland
.
not
it
on
to
tions went Dublin and there met Afferty and was

M
,
,
I
that occasion made the acquaintance of Corridon met him he . produce

I
purely accidentally He afterwards stated that I Curtin
in
saw me
see
did.
me
Liverpool but with

he
an
went over with ob
a
not there
,
I
.
by
ject and while there was arrested anticipation before the That
,
,
I
Habeas Corpus Act was really suspended defy the government Dublin
I
.
prove had any connexion with Fenianism from the time was being
to
I
I
released from Cork jail until February 1867. was afterwards washe
,
I
to
Mountjoy prison and while there Mr. West came the cii
to
removed
I ,
,
it
he
an
me and said understood was American citizen and asked may

,
why did not make that known said had double reason wish
I
a
I
I
first because expected the crown would see they had broken their and
,
so
pledge with me having been

in
soon arrested and also that that

,
I
for
all
; its
expected my government would make general demand favor

a
By
Mr. West's desire put that statement writing
is of
in
citizens
a
I
.
in
and do not think that there word that can be construed

is
it
a
I
into memorial the Lord Lieutenant

to to
of
of
One the directors Wis

a
to
the prison came me and asked me was content comply with infii
I
the former conditions and said was was liberated upon also
I
,
to ; .
no
those conditions and complied with them but there was con gui
,
dition whatever named that Mi

to
was never
to
return Ireland nor

I
At fthat time would sooner have

for
fight Irish independence me

I
.
prison than enter into my such compact Now with

toin
remained
,
.
He states he met me
in
reference Corridon's information fri

.
Liverpool after the rising and him that somebody sold th

to
stated
to
,
the pass upon

us
use the Irish phrase Now strange

is
it
,
a
.
'
he
thing my lord that got some information that was true and
,
,
, I
really was Liverpool but not with the informer

in
is
The fact
,
the month previous did M'Afferty that

so
to
that knew and

,
,
I
Corridon had sold us . We left instructions at Liverpool to have

him watched , but owing to circumstances , it is needless now to
refer to , that was not attended to , and he came afterwards to Ireland
and passed as a Fenian , and the parties here , not knowing he had
betrayed them , still believed in him . But knew very well that I
Corridon had betrayed that Chester affair , and so did Captain
I
M'Afferty ; and if had met him at that time in Liverpool I don't
think it would be him I would inform of our plans .
to show , my lord , how easily an informer can concoct a scene.
only want I I
never in my life attended that meeting that Corridon swore to. All
his depositions with respect to me is false . I did meet him twice in
Dublin , but not on the occasions he states. wish to show how I
an informer can concoct a story that it will be entirely out of the
power of the prisoner to contradict . With reference to the witness
Curtin , whom I asked to have produced - and the crown did pro
for
to all
be
to
duce the witnesses asked your lordship seemed under
-
I
he
might not
to , be
the impression that did not produce him because
I
say was not his house that night

in
able Now the fact that
is
,
I
.
as
my attorney learned the moment Mr. Curtin was brought

he
he
as
town knew nothing whatever about the circumstance was
in ,
,
at
not his own tavern that night all That was why did not
I
.
produce the evidence But solemnly declare
in . in in
never was
I
I
.
Curtin's public house my life till last summer when

in or in
went
,
I
on-
with friend two three occasions and then for the first time
a
July
or
That must have been June after the trials were over
,
So
Dublin that everything Corridon said connection with my

I in
.
being there that night was absolutely false solemnly declare
I
.
was never there till some time last summer when

in
went under
,
I
In
the circumstances have stated conclusion my lord though

,
,
I
I, ·
be
may not exactly accordance with the rules the court

in
of
it
for
wish return your lordship my most sincere thanks your fair

to
and impartial conduct during this trial there was anything

If
.
all
at
that was not impartial was only my

in
consider
in
it
it
I
,
in
This consider the duty

of
favour and not favour the crown

is
I
,
do
judge and what every judge should because the prisoner

is of
—
a
on ,
he
always the weak side and cannot say many things would
,
all
on
wish while the crown the other hand have the power and
,
,
,
influence that the law and full exchequer can give them must
a
I
.
also return my sincere and heartfelt thanks my able and distin

in to
for.
As
my favour
so
guished counsel who spoke eloquently

,
Mr. Collins feel can never sufficiently thank him He served

I
,
I
.
beof
on
my trial great sacrifice time and money with noble

, at
me
a
,
as
zeal and devotion such might more readily expected from

to a
friend than solicitor There are many more would like

a
I
.
individually
as
thank but this may not be the proper time and

,
can only thank all my friends from the bottom

in of
do
so
place
to
,
I
Joyce
at
my heart may mention the name Mr.

of
least who
,
I
,
.
the jail showed great deal kind feeling and attention And
of
as a
,
m y
for
now lord have already stated am ready my sentence

,
I,
,
place this dock the prisoner here smiled

in
of
feel rather out

I
[
gently ]. It is a place a man is

very seldom placed in , and even if
he is a good speaker he might be put out by the circumstance of
at all
having to utter his remarks from this place . But speaking at
not my ferte and there are such emotions filling my breast
is
all
pardoned for not saying
be
this moment that may would
I
My heart filled with thoughts kind friends near
at
of
wish
— is
.
hand and far away
of
father and mother brothers and sisters and
,
my dear wife Thoughts these fill my breast
at
this moment
of
,
.
and check my utterance But will say am firmly
to
them that
I
.
see
be
will yet live and that God will graciously
to
convinced
,
I
to
pleased His own good time order the prosperity and freedom
in
,
this glorious country would only repeat the powerful touch
of
,
I
of .
ing and simple words Michael Larkin the martyr
of
Manchester
,
,
parting from his friends said God
be
with you Irishmen
in
who
,
,
'
old
burning my friend Edward
of
and Irishwomen and the words
',
O'Mara Condon which are now known throughout Ireland and the
,
; be
world God save Ireland And too would say God with
,
I,
,
,
!
'
'
; '
you Irishmen and women God save you God bless Ireland and
;
,
for
bear my task
as
God grant me strength
to
Ireland becomes
a
man Farewell sound of some females sobbing was here
A
.
. (
'!
court too visibly yielded

in
the gallery Several ladies

in
to
heard
,
, :-)
if at
emotion this point Perceiving this the prisoner continued

.
My lord display any emotion this moment will

at
trust
it
,
I
I
,
construed into anything resembling
for
be
not feeling despair

of
Ia
,
as
no
such feeling animates me have already said confi

I
feel
,
,
.
be
dence will not long imprisonment

in
as in
God feel that

I
I
;
am.
just meet my fate now

as
ready was six weeks

to
therefore
I
I
ago
as
ago feel confident that there

or
was six months

is
, a
,
, I
.
glorious future store for Ireland and that with little patience
in
a
,
of
on
little organization and full trust God the part

in
the
,
a
a
be
no
Irish people they will

to
at
enabled obtain distant date

it
,
”
.
During the concluding passages

of
this address many

of
in
persons sobbed and wept various parts the court

.
, its
At close the learned judge language that was really

in
gentle considerate and even complimentary towards

in ,
the prisoner and voice shaken by sincere emotion

,
to ,
he
his duty
be
declared the sentence which felt

a to
it
of
impose was penal servitude for term twelve

It
.
years
.
1
1
I
TH
The Erin's Hope ” Saluting the Green Flag.

" God Save . Zreland .”
THE
DOCK AND THE SCAFFOLD :
THE MANCHESTER TRAGEDY :
AND
" Far dearer the grave and the prison

Illumed by one patriot'sname,
all
Than the trophies of who have risen

,
On liberty's ruins
to
fame
."
MOOBE
.
1
THE 23rd day of November , 1867 , witnessed a strange and

memorable scene in the great English city of Manchester .
Long ere the grey winter's morning struggled in through
.
the crisp frosty air - long ere the first gleain of the coming
day dulled the glare of the flaming gas jets , the streets of the
all
Lancashire capital were astir with bustling crowds and
,
by
the night was broken
of
the silence the ceaseless foot

falls and the voices hurrying throngs Through the long
of
,
.
dim streets and past tall rows silent houses the full tide
of
,
,
life eddied and poured rapid current
in in
of
stout burghers
,
;
closely muffled and staff hand children grown prema
;
turely old with the hard marks vice already branded
on
of
,
their features young girls with flaunting ribbons and bold

;
,
flushed faces pale operatives and strong men whose brawny
,
of ;
limbs told
of
the Titanic labours the foundry the clerk

;
from his desk the shopkeeper from his store the withered
;
crone and the careless navvy swayed and struggled through

,
,
the living mass and with them trooped the legions

of
want
,
;
and vice and ignorance that burrow and fester

in
the foetid
,
lanes and purlieus the large British cities from the dark
of
;
for
alleys where misery and degradation ever dwell and from

,
reeking cellars and nameless haunts where the twin demons

,
gin
alcohol and crime rule supreme from the

of
palace and
,
;
the beer shop and the midnight haunts the tramp and the
of
,
-
all
burglar they came their repulsiveness and debasement

in
,
,
with the rags wretchedness upon their backs and the cries
of
profanity and obscenity upon their lips Forward they

of
surging flood through many street and byway

in
rushed
a
,
a
until where the narrowing thoroughfares open into the space

of
surrounding the New Bailey Prison that suburb the

in
,
great city known the Borough Salford they found their

of
as
,
further progress arrested . Between them and the massive

prison walls rose piles of heavy barricading , and the inter
all
vening space was black with a dense body of men ,
of
whom faced the gloomy building beyond and each
of
whom
,
carried special constable's baton his hand The
in
a
.
by
by
long railway bridge running close was occupied de
a
infantry and from the parapet the frowning
of
of
tachment
,
on
walls the muzzle the space below might
of
cannon trained
,
dimly discerned in But the crowd paid
be
the darkness
.
these extraordinary appearances their
to
little attention
;
the black projection which jutted from
on
eyes were riveted

dark drapery
in
the prison wall and which shrouded
,
,
,
loomed with ghastly significance through the haze Rising
.
which replaced portion the prison
of
above the scaffold
,
gibbet were descried a

and from the
of
wall the outlines
;
a
,
cross beam there hung three ropes terminating nooses just
in
,
-
,
perceptible above the upper edge the curtain which ex
of
the ground The'grim excrescence seemed

to
tended thence
.
horrible fascination for the multitude Those

in to
possess
a
.
position best stirred not from their post but
to
see
it
,
faced the fatal cross tree the motionless ropes the empty
,
,
-
untiring
an
an
platform with insatiable gaze that seemed

,
,
pregnant with some terrible meaning while the mob behind

,
them struggled and pushed and raved and fought and the
,
haggard hundreds gaunt diseased stricken wretches that

of
,
,
vainly contested with the stronger types

of
ruffianism for
a
place loaded the air with their blasphemies and impreca

,
tions The day broke slowly and doubtfully upon the

.
scene dense yellow murky fog floated round the spot

its ,
,
a
;
wrapping opaque folds the hideous gallows and the

in
An
frowning mass masonry behind

of
hour passed and

,
.
then hoarse murmur swelled upwards from the glistening

of a
no
rows upturned faces The platform was longer empty

;
.
three pinioned men with white caps drawn closely over

,
their faces were standing upon the drop For moment

,
a
a.
re
the crowd was awed into stillness for moment the

, ;
on
Christ have mercy

us
sponses Christ have mercy

,
,
,
of ”
“
on
us were heard from the lips the doomed men

to
”,
,
of
wards whom the sea faces were turned Then came

a
.
for
an
dull crash and the mob swayed backwards instant

,
.
The drop had fallen , and the victims were struggling in the
throes of a horrible death . The ropes jerked and swayed
with the convulsive movements of the dying men . A
minute later, and the vibrations ceased — the end had come ,
the swaying limbs fell rigid and stark , and the souls of the
strangled men had floated upwards from the cursed spot
laden atmosphere
sin
up from the hateful crowds and the
-
to
the throne of
the God who made them
.
So
perished
of
in
of
the bloom manhood and the flower
,
,
—
their strength three gallant sons Ireland passed away
so
of
,
the martyred band whose blood has sanctified the

of
the last
Far from the friends whoni they
of
cause Irish freedom

.
loved far from the land for which they suffered with the
,
,
scarlet clad hirelings England around them

of
and watched
,
-
by
of
brutal mob who thirsted
to
the wolfish eyes see them
a
,
die the dauntless patriots our own day have
in
who
,
,
,
of
rivalled the heroism and shared the fate Tone Emmet
,
No
and Fitzgerald looked their last upon the world prayer
,
.
was breathed for their parting souls
no
eye was moistened
—
with regret amongst the multitude that stretched away
in
compact bodies from the foot the gallows the ribald laugh
of
and the blasphemous oath united with their dying breath

as
and callously the Roman mob from the blood stained

,
-
amphitheatre the English masses turned homewards from
,
the fatal spot But they did not fall unhonoured unwept
or
of .
.
that same city the sobs

In
the faithful
of
the churches
in
mournful lamentation were mingled with the solemn prayers

for their eternal rest and from thousands wailing women
of
,
for
and stricken hearted men the prayers mercy peace and

,
,
,
-
pardon for the souls MICHAEL O'BRIEN WILLIAM PHILIP

of
,
,
ALLEN and MICHAEL LARKIN rose upwards the avenging

to
,
Still less were they forgotten home Throughout

at
God
.
.
the Irish land from Antrim's rocky coast

to
the foam beaten

,
their countrymen were con

of
headlands Cork the hearts

of
,
vulsed with passionate grief and indignation and blended

,
,
with the sharp cry agony that broke from the nation's
of
lips came the murmurs

of
defiant hatred and the pledges

,
,
for
bitter vengeance generations had the minds

of of
Never
,
,
a
the Irish people been more profoundly agitated never

-
had they writhed such bitterness and agony soul With

in
of
.
1
knitted brows and burning cheeks , the tidings of the bloody

deed were listened to . The names of the martyred men
lip
and the story their heroism and
of
were upon every
,
tragic death was read with throbbing pulse and kindling
perpe
by
to
in
It
every fireside the land
in
eyes assist
is
.
tuating that story and recording for future generations
is of in
,
the narrative which tells how Allen O'Brien and Larkin
,
died that this narrative written and few outside the
,
,
nation whose hands are red with their blood will deny that
,
much recognition their courage their
at
to
so
least due In is
be
we
patriotism and their fidelity Ireland know will
it
,
whom chivalry and pa

by
welcomed amongst people

;
a a
story touching and enopling will

so
so
triotism are honoured
,
dispised and the race which guards with reverence

be
not
;
of
and devotion the memories Tone and Emmet and
,
,
oblivion the memory
of
Shearses will not soon surrender
to
,
the three true hearted patriots who heedless the scowling

of
,
,
-
by
mob unawed the hangman's grasp died bravely that

,
of
Manchester for the good old cause
at
Saturday morning
,
Ireland
.
Early before daybreak

on
the morning
of
November 11th , ,
duty
on
1867 the policemen

in
Manchester Oak street

,
,
noticed four broad shouldered muscular men loitering

in
,
a
-
in
of
suspicious manner about the shop clothes dealer the

a
by
neighbourhood Some remarks dropped the party

of
one
.
reaching the ears the policemen strengthened their im

of
,
on
an
pression that illegal enterprise was foot and the arrest

,
the supposed burglars was resolved struggle en

of
on
A
.
sued during which two the suspects succeeded escaping

in
of
,
, ,
but the remaining pair after offering determined resistance

,
a
the
off
were overpowered and carried police station The

, to
.
on on
prisoners who being searched possess

to
were found
,
Martin
as
loaded revolvers their persons gave their names

,
Williams and John Whyte and were charged under the

,
Vagrancy Act before one the city magistrates They

of
declared themselves American citizens and claimed their

,
discharge
of
as he
Williams said was bookbinder out work

a
;
.
Whyte described himself hatter living

on
the means
a
hrought with him from America The magistrate was about

.
by
to
disposing summarily sentencing the men

of
the case
,
a few days ' imprisonment , when a detective officer applied

for a remand , on the ground that he had reason to believe
the prisoners were connected with the Fenian conspiracy .
The application was granted , and before many hours had
elapsed it was ascertained that Martin Williams was no other
than Colonel Thomas J. Kelly , one of the most prominent of
the ( O'Mahony - Stephens ) Fenian leaders , and that John
Whyte was a brother officer and conspirator known to the ,
circles of the Fenian Brotherhood as Captain Deasey .
Of the men who had thus fallen into the clutches of the
British government the public had already heard much , and
one of them was widely known for the persistency with
which he laboured as an organiser of Fenianism , and the
daring and skill which he exhibited in the pursnit of his
dangerous undertaking . Long before the escape of James
Stephens from Richmond Bridewell startled the government
its
security and swelled the breasts

of
their
of
from visions
,
disaffected subjects Ireland with rekindled hopes Colonel

in
,
Kelly was known
an
in
as
the Fenian ranks intimate associate

of
the revolutionary
at
chief When the arrest Fairfield
.
.
crafty leader Kelly
its
house deprived the organization

of
,
he
the vacant post and threw himself into the

to allto
was elected
,
If
work with the reckless energy he could
of
his nature
.
possess the mental ability

be
not
or
said administrative
he
capacity essential least gifted with

to
at
the office was a

,
variety other qualifications well calculated to recommend

of
of he
him popularity amongst the desperate men with whom

to
he
was associated Nor did prove altogether unworthy

.
in
the confidence reposed now pretty well known

It
him
is
.
that the successful plot for the liberation James Stephens

of
was executed under the personal supervision Colonel Kelly

of
,
he
and that the group friends who grasped the

of
of
was one
of
the Head Centre within the gates

of
hand Richmond
'65
that night
on
to of
Prison
,
November when the doors

in
his dungeon were thrown open Kelly fled with Stephens

.
he
Paris and thence

to
America where remained attached

,
,
to
which recognised the

of
the section the Brotherhood

authority and obeyed the mandates But
of
the C.O.I.R.
”
“
the time came when even Colonel Kelly and his party lost con
the leadership James Stephens
of
The chief
in
fidence
,
.
whom they had so long trusted but who had disappointed
on
fight
his
them by the non - fulfilment of
to
engagement
²67
by
Irish soil before January was deposed the last section
,
his adherents and Colonel Kelly was elected Deputy
of
“
the Irish Republic
on
Central Organiser the distinct
of
,”
understanding that follow out the policy which
he
to
was
Stephens had shrunk from pursuing Kelly accepted the
- to.
In
post and devoted himself earnestly the work America
,
.
he
of
met with comparatively little operation the bulk
co
;
the Irish Nationalists in
that country had long ranged them
, W.
Roberts an
R.
selves under the leadership
of
Colonel
,
Irish gentleman character and integrity
of
who became the

the reconstituted organization and the plans
of
President
;
the Chatham street wing
of
as
and promises the branch
",
-
"
the Brotherhood which ratified Colonel Kelly's election

of
was termed were regarded for the most part with suspicion
,
,
,
and disfavour But from Ireland there came evidences
of
.
feeling Breathless envoys arrived

of
different state
a
, .
almost weekly New York declaring that the Fenian

in
Ireland were burning for the fray

in
Brotherhood that
—
they awaited the landing Colonel Kelly with feverish
be of
impatience impossible
to
that would restrain them

—
it
much longer from fighting and that the arrival the of

-
military leaders whom America was expected supply

to
,
by ,
for
the signal general uprising

be
would Encouraged
a
representations like these Colonel Kelly and chosen body

,
Irish American officers departed for Ireland January

in
of
to ,
-
on
their arrival the old country

in
and set themselves

,
,
the impending outbreak How their

of
arrange the plans

.
of
labours eventuated and how the Fenian insurrection

, ,
unnecessary enough
to
March '67 resulted explain

it
is
is
it
,
for our purpose state that for several months after that
to
starred movement was crushed Colonel Kelly continued

to ill
,
-
dis
an
Dublin moving about with

in
of
reside absence
,
for
his
guise and disregard concealment which astonished

a
slight
no
confederates but which perhaps contributed

in
,
he,
,
degree the success with which

to
eluded the efforts directed

At
in
towards his capture length the Fenian organisation

.
Ireland began pass through the same changes that had

to
given new leaders and fresh vitality America The

in
it
for
members of the organisation at home began to long union
with the Irish Nationalists who formed the branch
of
the
confederacy regenerated under Colonel Roberts and Kelly
,
for
various reasons was unwilling accept the new
to
who
,
he in he
at
regime saw his adherents dwindle away until length
,
,
to by
all
found himself but discarded the Fenian circles
Dublin
he
Then crossed over Manchester where
.
,
arrived but few weeks previous
to
of
the date his accidental
a
in
arrest Oak street

-
Colonel Kelly and his aide
de
of
The arrest camp
as
the
,
-
-
English papers soon learned describe Deasey was hailed
to
,
by
the government with the deepest satisfaction For years
.
they had seen their hosts spies detectives and informers
of
,
by
foiled and outwitted this daring conspirator whose posi
,
tion the Fenian ranks they perfectly understood they
in
;
had seen their traps evaded their bribes spurned and their
,
,
plans defeated every turn they knew too that Kelly's

at
,
;
,
escaping capture was filling his associates with
in
success
pride and exultation last they found the man
at
and now
;
whose apprehension they anxiously desired captive
in
so
in a
their grasp On the other hand the arrests Oak street
,
-
.
by
crushing blow failing cause
in be
the
to
to
were felt
a
Fenian circles Manchester They saw that Kelly's capture

.
would dishearten every section

of
the organisation they

;
knew that the broad meaning the occurrence was that

of
another Irish rebel had fallen into the clutches the British
of
of
the long list

be
to
government and was about

to
added
,
by
their political victims the Irish

in
It
was felt Manchester

be ,
.
to
abandon the prisoners helplessly their fate would

to
an
regarded
to
the laws which rendered

of
as
act submission
an
patriotism crime and acceptance the policy which

of
as
a
left Ireland trampled bleeding and impoverished There

,
,
were hot spirits amongst the Irish colony that dwelt

in
the
great industrial capital which revolted from such conclu
a
,
sion and there were warm impulsive hearts which swelled

,
,
change the triumph their British

of
with firm resolution

to
a
adversaries into disappointment and consternation

The
.
time has not yet come when anything like description

of
a
the midnight meetings and secret councils which followed

Colonel Kelly
be
in
the arrest Manchester can written

of
;
.12 THE DOCK AND THE SCAFFOLD .
enough may be gathered , however , from the result, to show

that the plans of the conspirators were cleverly conceived
and ably digested .
On Wednesday , September 18th , Colonel Kelly and his
companion were a second time placed in the dock of the Man
chester Police Office . There is reason to believe that means
had previously been found of acquainting them with the plans
of their friends outside , but this hypothesis is not nccessary
to explain the coolness and sang froid with which they
listened to the proceedings before the magistrate . Hardly
had the prisoners been put forward , when the Chief Inspector
of the Manchester Detective Force interposed . They are
both , he said , connected with the Fenian rising , and warrants
were out against them for treason - felony. Williams ,”" he
air
added , with a triumphant Colonel Kelly and Whyte

is
,
,
“
his confederate Captain Deasey He asked that they

is
. be ,
."
might again
an
remanded application which was imme

,
diately granted The prisoners who imperturbably bowed

,
he
the detective identified them smilingly quitted

to
as
,
,
the dock and were given charge Police Sergeant

in
to
,
Charles Brett whose duty convey them

to
to
was the
it
,
borough gaol
.
The van used for the conveyance prisoners between the

of
police office and the gaol was one the ordinary long black
of
by
wheels dimly
of on
lit
grating
in
boxes the door and

a
a
,
couple was divided interiorily

It
ventilators the roof

in
.
of
into row
at
small cells either side and passage run

a
a
,
ning the length the van between and the practice was
of
lock each prisoner into separate cell Brett sitting

in
to
,
a
byon
charge the passage near the door The van was

in
seat
a a
driven policeman another usually sat beside the driver

;
on
the box the whole escort thus consisting

of
three men
;
,
no
carrying other arms than their staves but was felt

it
;
that on the present occasion stronger escort might ne

be
a
cessary The magistrates well knew that Kelly and Deasey

.
in
had numerous sympathisers amongst the Irish residents

by
Manchester and their apprehensions were quickened the

,
receipt telegram from Dublin Castle and another from

of
a
,
in
on
the Home Office London warning them that plot was

a
,
foot for the liberation

of
the prisoners The magistrates

.
doubted the truth of the information , but they took precau

tions, nevertheless ,
for
, of
the frustration any such enterprise
.
Kelly and Deasey were both handcuffed and locked sepga
in
rate compartments three police
of
of
the van and instead
,
men not less than twelve were entrusted with its defence
on .
,
Of
on
this body five sat the box seat two were stationed
,
,
-
the step behind four followed the van cab and one
in
,
,
Sergeant Brett sat within the van the keys
of
which were
(
,
)
handed into him through the grating after the door had
,
by
the policemen outside

of
been locked one There were
,
.
six
all
persons boy aged

in
in
of
the van one these was
,
a
;
,
twelve who was being conveyed reformatory
to
three
;
a
,
of
were women convicted

misdemeanours and the two
;
Irish Americans completed
the number Only the last
-
.
mentioned pair were handcuffed and they were the only per
,
up
sons whom the constables thought necessary
to
lock
,
the compartments which the other persons sat being left
in
open
At.
off
half past three o'clock the van drove closely fol
,
-
Its
by
the cab containing the balance

of
lowed the escort
.
route lay through some the principle streets then through
of
the south side into the borough

of
on
the suburbs Salford
,
,
where the county jail situated In all about two miles

is
.
be
this distance the first half was

to
of
had traversed and

,
accomplished without anything calculated excite suspicion

to
for
all
being observed but there was mischief brewing that

,
;
and the crisis was close Just

at
hand the van passed

as
.
under the railway arch that spans the Hyde road

at
Bellevue
,
-
point midway between the city police office and the Sal
a
by
ford Gaol the driver was suddenly startled the appara

,
man standing
of
tion the road with

, in
of
the middle
a
a
pistol aimed his head and immediately the astonished

at
policeman heard himself called upon loud sharp voice

in
,
a
,
,
.up
At
pull the spot where this unwelcome interrup

to
”
"
tion occurred there are but few houses brick fields and
;
-
.
clay pits stretch away either side and the neighbourhood

at
,
-
thinly inhabited
its
But comparative quiet now gave

is
.
to
way strange that

of
so
scene bustle and excitement

it
to a
seems have almost paralized the spectators with amaze

ment The peremptory command levelled
of
the driver
at
.
the van was hardly uttered , when a body of men , number

ing about thirty , swarmed over the wall which lined the road ,
and , surrounding the van , began to take effectual measures
for stopping it . The majority of them were well -dressed
men , of powerful appearance ; a few carried pistols or re
all
volvers in their hands , and
to
seemed act accordance
of in
with preconcerted plan The first impulse the police
a
to .
in front appears drive through the
to
men have been
his head brought
of
in
crowd but shot aimed the direction
,
a
,
the driver tumbling from his seat terror stricken but unhurt
;
,
-
the same time the further progress
at
and almost
of
, the van
was effectually prevented shooting one of by
of
the horses
through the neck indescribable panic and con
A
scene
.
fusionensued the policemen scrambled hastily the ground
a to
;
,
flight almost without thought
of
to
and betook themselves

resistance the cab behind got out not resist
in
in to
Those
.
,
the attack but help the running away and
to
few
,
a
by
minutes the strangers whose object had this time become
,
perfectly apparent were undisputed masters the situation

of
, ,
Pickaxes hatchets hammers and crowbars were instantly

,
,
its by
produced and the van was besieged score stout pairs

a
,
sides groaned and

of
arms under the blows from which ,

,
the door cracked and splintered Some clambered upon the

it .
roof and attempted with heavy stones others

to
smash
in
;
,
opening through the side while the door

an
tried
to
force
;
by
was sturdily belaboured

of
another division the band

Seeing the Fenians they
at
as
once considered them thus

,
busily engaged the policemen who had

in
the first instance

,
,
retreated to safe distance and who were now reinforced

by
,
a
by
large mob attracted the spot the report

to
of
firearms
,
a
of
advanced towards the van with the intention offering

,
some resistance but the storming party immediately met

;
them with Whilst the attempt

to
counter movement
a
.
-
smash through the van was continued without pause ring

a
,
by
was formed round the men thus engaged their confede

,
rates who pointing their pistols the advancing crowd

at
,
Gaining
off
they valued their lives keep

to
as
warned them
,
courage from their rapidly swelling numbers the mob how

,
,
-
round the van whereupon several

by in
to
ever continued close

,
shots were discharged the Fenians which had the effect

,
of making the Englishmen again fall back in confusion . It

is certain that these shots were discharged for no other pur
pose than that of frightening the crowd ; one of them did
take effect in the heel of a bystander , but in every other
case the shots were fired high over the heads of the crowd .
While this had been passing around the van , a vore tragic
scene was passing inside it . From the moment the report
of the first shot reached him , Sergeant Brett seems to have
divined the nature and object of the attack . “My God !
its these Fenians , " he exclaimed . The noise of the blows
showered on the roof and sides of the van was increased by
the shrieks of the female prisoners , who rushed frantically
into the passage, and made the van resound with their wail
ings . In the midst of the tumult a face appeared at the
grating , and Brett heard himself summoned to give up the
keys. The assailants had discovered where they were kept ,
and resolved on obtaining them as the speediest way of
effecting their purpose .“ Give up the keys , or they will
shoot you ,” exclaimed the women ; but Brett refused . The
next instant he fell heavily backwards , with the hot blood
welling from a bullet - wound in the head . A shot fired into
the keyhole , for the purpose of blowing the lock to pieces ,
had taken effect in his temple . The terror - stricken women
lifted him up , screaming " he's killed . " As they did so , the
voice which had been heard before called out to them through
the ventilator to give up the keys . One of the women then
took them from the pocket of the dying policeman , and
handed them out through the trap . The door was at once
unlocked , the terrified women rushed out , and Brett , welter
ing in blood , rolled out heavily upon the road . Then a pale
tie
faced young man , wearing a light overcoat , a blue and

a
,
tall brown hat who had been noticed taking prominent

a
,
part the affray entered the van and unlocked the com
in
which Kelly and Deasey were confined

A
partment
in
hasty greeting passed between them and then the trio

“ ,
hurriedly joined the band outside told you Kelly

,
I
I
.
would die before parted with you cried the young man
,
I
"
by
who had nnlocked the doors then seizing Kelly the arm
;
,
he
helped him across the road and over the wall into the
,
,
by
he
brick fields beyond was taken charge

of
Here others
.
-
the party who hurried with him across the country

of
, BI
,
,
event
while similar office was performed for Deasey who like beencon
a
,
,
Colonel Kelly found himself hampered some extent by the
to
ceivingt
handcuffs on his wrists The main body
of
those who had the fata
.
shared the assault occupied themselves with preventing the
in
Darko
fugitives from being pursued and not until Kelly Deasey
, ,
,
;
startling
and their conductors had passed far out sight did they
At of
camekn
consulting their own safety length
of
think when
,
tidingst
.
further resistance the mob seemed useless and impossible
, to
,
the rum
they broke and fled some them occasionally checking the
of mentan
by
pursuit turning round and presenting pistols
at
those
the
Many peot
the fugitives escaped
of
who followed but several
,
.
And
by
newspar
others were surrounded and overtaken the mob
.
Kelly
the English nature came out
its
now the chivalry
of
in
"
real colours sands

No sooner did the cowadly set whom the
.
,
peared
sight revolver kept bay while Kelly was being libe
at
of
a
creation
rated find themselves with some the Irish party
in
to of
their
,
power than they set themselves overload

beat them with savage
ders and
,
ferocity The young fellow who had opened the van door as
,
,
by
They
and who had been overtaken the mob was knocked down
,
by
,
brick and then brutally kicked and stoned bu
of
blow
a
,
and
co
cry out shame being
to
the only Englishman who ventured

himself assaulted for his display humanity liberato
of
Several others
.
were similarly and not until the blood spouted could

ill
treated
;
-
th
out from the bruised and mangled bodies and
of
the prostrate
men did the valiant Englishmen consider they had suffi raidu
,
ciently tortured their helpless prisoners Meanwhile large houses

,
.
reinforcements appeared on the spot police and military prison

;
were despatched eager haste pursuit the fugitives

of
in
in
raging
;
in
the telegraph was called into requisition description
th
and
a
if
,
as
of
the liberated Fenians flashed the neighbouring

to
towns
;
on
the whole detective force Manchester was placed being

a of
their
trail and few hours thirty two Irishmen nits
of
the course
in
,
custody charged with having assisted bloo

in
in
were the attack

,
on the van Kelly

no
But Deasey trace was ever dis and

or
of
.
they were seen cottage not far from the by

to
covered enter
a
;
all
Hyde road and leave with their hands unfettered but the
it
,
to ,
-
attempts trace their movements beyond this utterly failed

.
While the authorities Manchester were excitedly

in
discus
sing the means adopted
be
in
the extraordinary
to
of
view free
tin
event , Brett lay expiring in the hospital to which he had

been conveyed . He never recovered consciousness after re
ceiving the wound , and he died in less than two hours after
the fatal shot had been fired .
Darkness had closed in around Manchester before the
startling occurrence that had taken place in their midst be
came known to the majority of Swiftly the
its
inhabitants
.
tidings flew throughout the city till the whisper which
in
,
astonish
of
the rumour was first breathed swelled into roar
a
ment and rage Leaving their houses and leaving their work
,
.
the people rushed into the streets and trooped towards the
,
newspaper offices for informatiion The rescue
of
Colonel
.
Kelly and death Sergeant Brett were described thou
of
in
conflicting narratives until the facts almost disap
of
sands
,
peared beneath the mass inventions and exaggerations the

of
,
excitement and panic with which they were
of
creations
,
at by
overloaded Meanwhile the police maddened resentment
,
.
and agitation struck out wildly and blindly the Irish

,
.
They might not recapture the escaped Fenian lea
to
be
able
ders but they could load the gaols with their countrymen
,
religionists they might not apprehend the

be
to
co
and able
;
-
Colonel Kelly and Captain Deasey but they

of
liberators
,
could glut their fury

on
of
members the same nationality
;
and this they did most effectually The whole night long the
.
raid upon the Irish quarter Manchester was continued

in
to ;
off
houses were broken into and their occupants dragged

,
prison and flung into cells chained though they were

as
,
raging beasts Mere Irish were set upon the streets

in
.
,
off
to
the shops their homes and hurried prison

in
as in
,
on
the very existence the empire depended their

of
if
every kind brutal violence and indig

of
being subjected
to
for
nity The yell vengeance filled the air the cry for Irish
;
.
blood arose upon the night air like demoniacal chorus

;
a
-
and before morning broketheir fury was somewhat appeased

by
the knowledge that sixty the proscribed race sixty

of
of
the hated Irish were lying chained within the prison cells
-
of
Manchester
.
Fifteen minutes was the time occupied setting Kelly

in
—
only fifteen minutes but during that short space

of
free
-
act was accomplished which shook the whole British

an
time
B
Empire to From the conspiracy
its
to
foundation which
.
this daring deed was traceable the English people had already
received many startling surprises The liberation James
of
.
Stephens and the short lived insurrection that filled the
-
snow capped hills with hardy fugitives six months before
,
in ,
-
had both occasioned deep excitement England but noth
in ;
ing that Fenianism had yet accomplished acted the same
the English mind
In
on
of
bewildering manner the heart
.
their largest cities the broad daylight openly and
of
one
in
,
undisguisedly of ,
Irishmen had appeared arms
in
band
a
,
re
against the Queen's authority and set the power and
,
They had rescued
of
at
sources the law defiance con
co
.
an -
spirator from the grasp of
of
the Government and slain
,
the pursuit their object
of
Within
in
of
ficer the law few
a
.
barracks and military depots
-
sight
of
of
minutes walk
in
the royal ensign that waved over hundreds her Majesty's
of
defenders prison van had been stopped and broken open
,
a
,
and its defenders shot and put flight Never had the
at
to
English people heard proceeding

so
of
audacious never did

a
they feel more insulted From every corner -

of
the land the
.
cry swelled up for vengeance fierce and prompt Victims

.
—
be
there should blood Irish blood the people would

—
;
have nor were they willing might

for
wait long
to
It
it
;
that falling Justice might strike

be
of
hot haste the sword

in
,
the innocent and not the guilty might

be
that the
be in
it
;
,
humanity would for

of
thirst for vengeance the restraints

,
gotten but the English nature now thoroughly aroused

;
cared little for such considerations was Irishmen who

It
.
; on
had defied and trampled their power the whole Irish

;
mattered little who the

of
people approved the act and

it
their fury might

of
to
objects provided they belonged

be
,
the detested race The prisoners huddled together the in

,
.
Manchester prisons with chains round their limbs might

,
Colonel Kelly
be
of
not the liberators the slayers Brett

of
—
at
might not amongst them but they were Irishmen

be
any rate and they would answer the purpose Short

so
,
shrift was the cry The ordinary forms of law the maxims
,
.
judicial procedure the

of
the rules
of
the Constitution
,
be ,
proprieties might out

of
social order and civilization

,
all
raged and discarded but speedy vengeance should

at
,
,
hazards , be obtained , the hangman could not wait
for
his
fee nor the people for their carnival
so
at of
blood and
it
;
,
was settled that instead being tried the ordinary Com
of
,
be
Special Commission should
in
mission December issued
a
,
,
on
the spot for the trial
of
the accused
.
On
Thursday October the prisoners were
of
the 25th
,
up
brought for
committal before Mr. Fowler R.M. and
a
,
,
brother magistrates
of
of
bench Some the Irishmen arrested
.
one
no
not that
in
the first instance had been discharged
( —
swear against them difficulty which
be
to
could found
a
these cases but that the num
to
never seems have arisen
in
)
their innocence was
to
so
of
ber witnesses who could swear

an
great that attempt press for convictions
in
to
their cases
,
jeopardize the whole proceedings

be
The
to
would certain
.
following the prisoners put forward the names
of
list
is
,
a
being afterwards appeared many cases fictitious

in
--
as
:
William O'Mara Allen Edward Shore Henry Wilson William
,
,
,
Gould Michael Larkin Patrick Kelly Charles Moorhouse John
,
,
,
, ,
John Bacon William Martin John Nugent James

F.
Brennan
,
,
Sherry Robert M‘Williams Michael Maguire Thomas Maguire
,
, ,
,
Michael Morris Michael Bryan Michael Corcoran Thomas Ryan

,
,
,
John Carroll John Gleeson Michael Kennedy John Morris Pat

,
,
rick Kelly Hugh Foley Patrick Coffey Thomas Kelly and Thomas
,
Scally
.
no
part our purpose follow out the his

to
It
of
forms
on
tory the proceedings the Manchester court the 25th

in
of
September and the following days but there are some

of
circumstances connection with that investigation which

in
impossible
be
to
It
would pass over without comment

it
of .
on
was this occasion that the extraordinary sight men

being tried
in
chains was witnessed and that the represen

,
the English Crown came

on
sit
judgment
in
to
of
tatives
men still innocent the law yet manacled like
in
the eyes
of
convicted felons With the blistering irons clasped tight

.
round their wrists the Irish prisoners stood forward that

,
justice such justice tortures men first and tries them

as
-
might The police

be
to
afterwards administered them

—
“
.
considered the precaution necessary urged the magistrate

,
",
reply the scathing denunciation the unprecedented

to
of
in
outrage which fell from the lips Mr. Ernest Jones one
of
of
,
the prisoners counsel The police considered necessary

it
,
'
.
though within the courthouse no friend of the accused could

dare to show his face - though the whole building bristled
with military and with policemen , with their revolvers osten
tatiously displayed ; necessary, though every approach to the
courthouse was held by an armed guard , and though every
soldier in the whole city was standing to arms ;—necessary
there , in the heart of an English city , with a dense popula
for
tion thirsting
of
the blood the accused and when the
,
danger seemed not that they might escape from cus
be
to
tody flight equally practicable
be
to
the moon would

—
a
by
in
but that they might the angry
be
butchered cold blood

English mob that scowled
on
them from the galleries
of
the
court house and howled round the building
in
which they
In ,
-
vain did Mr. Jones protest
in
stood scornful words
.
,
be
against the brutal indignity vain did appeal
to
the
in
-
spirit British justice ancient precedent and modern

to
of
,
he
practice vain did inveigh against proceeding which

in
a
-
forbad the intercourse necessary between him and his

he
in
point out that the prisoners
in
clients vain did

—
and
the dock were guiltless and innocent men according
to
the
of
theory the law

no
No arguments expostulations would

.
of
change the magistrate's decision Amidst the applause
.
set
the cowardly that represented the British public within

he
the courthouse insisted that the handcuffs should remain

,
of on
and then Mr. Jones taking the only course left

to
màn
a
;
spirit under the circumstances threw down his brief and

,
indignantly quitted the desecrated justice hall Fearing the

.
consequences leaving the prisoners utterly undefended

of
Mr. Cottingbam the junior counsel for the defence refrained

,
from following Mr. Jones's example but too protested

he
,
loudly boldly and indignantly against the cowardly out

,
,
rage worthy the worst days the French monarchy

of
of
,
which his clients were being subjected The whole

to
.
by
investigation was keeping with the spirit evinced

in
the bench The witnesses seemed come for the spe

to
.
cial purpose swearing point blank against the hapless

of
-
in
no
the dock truth and

at
to
to
men matter what cost

,
fiendish pleasure assisting securing their con

in
take
in
a
of
demnation One the witnesses was sure the whole lot

"
.
to
them wanted murder everyone who had any property

of
"
;
his
interrogator
he
another assured the dock that would
in
“
go
no
see him hanged third had
by in
to and hesitation
";
a
acknowledging the attractions which the reward offered
the government possessed for his mind Men and women
,
.
all
young and old
to as of
be
to
seemed possessed but the one
,the blood money possible and
to
as
secure
of
much
do --
idea
,
Of to
their best bring the hated Irish the gallows

to
to , .
course an investigation under these circumstances
,
,
no
could have but one ending and one was surprised
,
the resolute body
its
of
- at
learn conclusion that the whole

,
,
stern faced men who manacled and suffering
of
confronted
,
,
their malignant accusers had been committed stand their
to
,
of
trial wilful murder
in
hot haste for the crime

"
."
Of the men thus dealt with there were four with whose
fate this narrative closely connected and whose names are
is
long remembered They have won ,

, be
to
destined Ireland
in
for themselves by their courage constancy and patriotism .

,
,
,
all
fame that will never die and though future time they
a
will rank beside the dauntless spirits that days dark
of
in
for
ness and disaster perished

of
the sacred cause Ireland
.
Great men learned men prominent men they were not
,
they were poor they were humble they were unknown
;
,
,
'
they had
no
to
the reputation
of
claim the warrior the

,
the statesman but they laboured

or
as
scholar the believed

,
,
for the redemption their country from bondage they
a of
risked their lives chivalrous attempt

to
in
rescue from
captivity two men whom they regarded innocent patriots
as
and when the forfeit was claimed they bore themselves with
,
the unwavering courage and single heartedness

of
Christian
-
heroes Their short and simple annals are easily written

.
,
on
but their names are graven the Irish heart and their
,
be
names and actions will Ireland when the

in
cherished
monumental piles that mark the resting places the wealthy
of
-
and the proud have returned like the bodies laid beneath
,
dust
to
them
,
William Philip Allen was born near the town Tippe

of
, he
rary April was quite three years old

1848
in
Before
,
.
,
his parents removed

to
Bandon County Cork where the

,
father who professed the Protestant religion received the

,
appointment of bridewell keeper

As
yonng Allen grew

.
-
for
up , he evinced a remarkable aptitude the acquirement
knowledge and his studious habits were well known
to
of
,
his playmates and companions He was regular atten
a
.
for
the local training school
at
dant
of
the education teachers
he
the parish but
of
for the Protestant schools also received
,
the morning and evening schools conducted
at
instruction
under Catholic auspices He was not
in
the same town
a
- .
he
wild boy but was quick and impulsive ready
to
resent
, ,
wrong but equally ready forgive one and his na
to
;
a
tural independence spirit and manly disposition rendered

of
all
him favourite with his acquaintances The influence

a
.
and example his father did not prevent him from casting
of
a
wistful eye towards the ancient faith His mother good
a
,
.
see
pious Catholic whose warmest aspiration was her
to
,
the fold the true Church encouraged this

of
in
children
,
by
all
disposition the means her power and the result

in
,
her pious care shortly became apparent
of
mission
,
of .
by
opened priests com

in
the town some Catholic order
,
pleted the good work which the prayers and the example
of
,
an
affectionate mother had commenced and young Allen

;
,
after regularly attending the religious services and exercises
much impressed with the truth
of
so
of
the mission became

,
he
formally
byhe
that
to
the lectures and sermons had listened

,
re
renounced the alien religion and was received the
,
of
spected parish priest the town into the bosom the

of
Catholic Church His only sister followed his example

,
.
while his brothers four number remained the Protes

in
in
,
,
tant communion The subject

of
our sketch was apprenticed

.
in
respectable master carpenter and timber merchant

to
a
Bandon but circumstances highly creditable the young

to
,
of
convert induced the severance the connection before his

we
period apprenticeship was expired and

of
next find him

,
he
working
in
at
his trade Cork where remained for some

,
he
He next
to
six months after which returned Bandon

,
the request
to
at
crossed over Manchester

he in re
a of
some near
,
latives living there Subsequently he spent few weeks

.
as
and finally
he
Dublin where worked builder's clerk

;
,
he
revisited Manchester where had made himself numerous

in ,
friends '67 that Allen last

of
It
was the summer

.
journeyed He was then little more than nine

to
Manchester
.
teen years old , but there is reason to believe that he had

long before become connected with the Fenian conspiracy .
In his ardent temperament the seeds of patriotism took deep
and firin root , and the dangers of the enterprise to which
the Fenians were committed served only to give it a fresh
claim upon bis enthusiastic nature . When Colonel Kelly
quitted Dublin , and took up his quarters in Manchester ,
Allen was one of his most trusted and intimate associates ;
and when the prison door grated behind the Fenian leader ,
it was Allen who roused his countrymen to the task of effecting
his liberation . Allen had by this time grown into a comely
young man of prepossessing appearance ; he was a little over
the middle height , well shaped , without presenting the ap
pearance of unusual strength , and was always seen neatly
and respectably dressed . His face was pale , and wore a
thoughtful expression , his features , when in repose, wearing
an appearance of pensiveness approaching to melancholy .
His eyes were small , the eyelids slightly marked ; a mass of
dark hair clustered gracefully over a broad pale forehead ,
while the absence of any beard gave him a peculiarly boyish
appearance . Gentle and docile in his calmer inoments ,
all
when roused to action he was fire and energy We have

on .
bore himself during the attack

it he
seen how the prison

he
many witnesses identified

as
the
so
van for was whom

,
pale faced young fellow who led the attack and whose pro
,
-
he
phetic assurance that would die for him greeted Colonel

in
his
the
Kelly During magisterial

on
regaining freedom
.
as
bore himself firmly proudly and the Eng

he
vestigation
,
lish papers would have defiantly His glance never

it
,
,
quailed during the trying ordeal

, of
The marks the bruta

.
lity his cowardly captors were still upon him

of
and the
galling irons that bound his hands out into his wrists but
to ;
he
Allen never winced for moment and listened the

a
barter away his

to
of
evidence the sordid crew who came

,
young life with resolute mien The triumph was with him
,
he .
the jaws
of
Out had rescued the leader whose

of
death
he
patriotic
of
to
freedom considered essential the success

a
sethe
undertaking and pay the cost

to
, of
was satisfied the

He,
venture had his foot upon the ploughshare and

.
he
would not shrink from the ordeal which had challenged

.
Amongst the crowd of manacled men committed for trial

by the Manchester magistrates , not one presented a finer or
more impressive exterior than Michael O'Brien , set down in
the list above given as Michael Gould . Standing in the dock ,
he seemed the impersonation of vigorous manhood . Frank ,
fearless , and resolute , with courage and truth imprinted on
every feature , he presented to the eye a perfect type of the
brave soldier . He was tall and well-proportioned , and his
broad shoulders and well-developed limbs told of physical
strength in keeping with the firmness reflected in his face .
His gaze , when it rested on the unfriendly countenances
before him , was firm and undrooping , but a kindly light
lit
his hazel eyes and his features relaxed into sympathising
,
at
glanced
he
and encouraging expression
as
Allen
as
often
,
,
bent his gaze upon any

or
of
who stood behind him his other
,
fellow risoners O'Brien was born near Ballymacoda County
,
.
-p
Cork the birthplace fated and heroic Peter Crowley

ill
of
the
,
.
-
His father rented large farm the same parish but the
in
,
a
blight the bad laws which are the curse Ireland fell of
of
upon him and in

the year 1856 the O'Briens were flung
,
upon the world dispossessed lands and home though they

of
Michael O'Brien was

no
penny
at
owed man the time

to a
apprenticed draper Youghal and earned during the

in
,
a
all
of
period his apprenticeship the respect and esteem
of
who knew him He was quiet and gentlemanly

in
manners
.
and his character for morality and good conduct was irre
Having served out his time Youghal
he
proachable
in
in ,
.
he
an
spent some time

to
of as
went Cork and assistant one

,
the leading drapery establishments that city He after

of
wards emigrated
to
of
America where some his relatives were

,
comfortably settled Like many

of
his fellow
of
the bravest
.
countrymen the outbreak the civil war kindled military

of
,
ardour within his bosom and O'Brien found himself unable

,
to
resist the attractions which the soldier's career possessed

for him His record throughout the war was highly honour
.
able his bravery and good conduct won him speedy promo
;
tion and long before the termination

he
of
the conflict had

,
,
to
risen the rank When his regiment was dis

of
lieutenant
.
he
banded recossed the Atlantic and returned Cork where

to
,
,
he
again obtained employment

as
the large
of
assistant
in
one
commercial establishments . Here , he remained until the

night before the Fenian rising , when he suddenly disappeared ,
and all
further trace was lost him until arrested for par
of
,
ticipation the attack upon the prison van Manchester
in
in
in.
by
an
the dock stood Michael Larkin
in
Close his side
,
telligent looking man older looking than most his fellow
of
,
-
prisoners The following are few facts relating
to
his
a
.
humble history
:
He
was writes correspondent who knew him

,
a
“
,
“
the parish Lusmagh
of
in
of
native the south western corner
-
the King's County where for many generations his ances
of
on
tors have been residents the Cloghan Castle estate then
(
possession the O'Moore family
in
of
, of
and where several
),
his relatives still reside and was grandson James Quirke
to
;
in
farmer who was flogged and transported
do
well '98
to
,
a
-
-
for complicity
of
tne rebellion that time and whose name

in
,
this part the country remembered with pleasure and ,
of
in
is
,
affection for his indomitable courage and perseverance
in
re
by
sisting the repeated allurements held out the corrupt
to
traitor
to
to
of
minions the crown induce him become

a
his
all
his companions and country But their importuni

.
Quirke steadily persevered the principles

in
ties were vain

;
his gallant leader Robert Emmett Larkin's father

of
.
on
was respectable tradesman carrying his business for

a
he
to
many years his native parish Parsons

in
removed
;
he
to
impart
to
town where contrived his son Michael

,
good English education and then taught him his own

,
profession When Michael had attained thorough

a
.
hisat
he
knowledge was employed till '58

of
his business
,
,
he
to
England improve
to
Parsonstown then went

;
, ,
he
condition and after some time married and continued

,
his business till May '67

on
to
industriously
at
work
,
,
he
visited his native country

to
when receive the last

his dying father He again returned
to
of
benediction
.
England with his wife and family employ

his
to
resume
,
- he
ment After some time was arrested for assisting

to
.
his fellow countrymen from bondage

of
release two
I
.
cannot attempt enumerate the many good qualities

of
to
the deceased patriot the paternal affection exhibited

,
;
the mildness and affability

of
from the earliest age

;
=
manner , good temper , affectionate and inoffensive

dispo
sition ; his sobriety and good moral conduct - endeared
. all
who had the pleasure and honour his ac
of
him to
he
quaintance Throughout his whole life was remark
of
for
country and expressions
of
able his love sincere
,
for
regret many his country
of
of
the miserable condition
of
his lips
on He was the true sense
in
men were ever
,
.
the idea good son an affectionate husband and father
a
,
,
,
and sincere friend
a
.”
On Monday October 28th the three Irishmen whose

,
,
we
have glanced were placed the bar

, at
at
lives the
of
on
Manchester Assize Court and formally placed their
trial for wilful murder With them were arraigned
.
Thomas Magnire private belonging the Royal Marines

to
,
a
,
who was on furlough Liverpool at the time Kelly's
of
in
he
liberation and who was arrested merely because happened
,
an
Irishman and who though perfectly innocent
of
be
to
the
,
by
whole transaction had been sworn against numerous
,
as
ringleader and Edward

in
witnesses the attack

a
O'Meagher Condon alias Shore fine looking Irish

),
a
(
Ohio against whom like his

of
of
American citizen the State

,
a
,
,
the Grand Jury

by
four companions true bills had been found

,
, .
would take long describe the paroxysnis
It
to
of
excitement
panic and agitation that raged the English mind when
in
,
of
the period that intervened between the committal the

are now arrived Nothing
we
prisoners and the date

at
which
.
nothing was talked

of
of
was heard but the Fenians but the

;
diabolical plots and murderous designs they were said

to
preparing
to be
be
The Queen was

to
at
shot Balmoral was

;
.
be
burned down the armouries had been attacked the

be ;
;
barracks were undermined the gas works were ex

to
;
,up
ploded the Bank blown the water poisoned Nothing

,
.
or
was too infernal too wicked for the Fenians and every
,
hour brought some addition ca

of
to
the monstrous stock

nards North and south east and west the English people
,
,
.
Fe
of
in
were ferment anxious alarm and everywhere

a
unholy thing
an
be
as
nianism was cursed cut from society

to
an
be
as
pesti
as
ulcerous sore banned and loathed

to
-a
a
-
its
lence- foul creation with murder glare and the torch

in
,
its
the incendiary burning gory hand Under these

in
of
.
circumstances , there was little chance that an unpre

judiced jury could be empanelled
for
the trial the
of
Irish prisoners and their counsel seeing the danger sought
by ;
,
,
motion for the postponement
of
the trials
to
avert
it
.
on
The Home Secretary was memorialed the subject and the
, ,
application was renewed before the judges court but the
in
The blood
of
obtain justice were fruitless the
to
efforts
.
up
British lion was with bloodshot eyes and bristling mane
;
he
stood awaiting his prey and there was danger trifling
in
,
with his rage Even Special Commissions were voted slow
,
.
cry arose for martial law Lynch law any law that
or
and
a
,
,
would give the blood the victims without hindrance
or
of
delay the appeal for time was spurned the Government

to So
;
.
all
was deaf remonstrance British bloodthirstiness carried

;
the day and the trials proceeded without interruption

,
.
We have not patience rehearse calmly the story
of of
to
these trials which will long remain the reproach

,
British lawyers We shall not probe the motives which

.
of
as
the appointment two such men Justice
to
led
Mellor and Justice Blackburne Judges the Com of
as
be
no
mission but history will

at
to
loss connect the

,
selection with their peculiar character

on
the bench Nor .

we
analyze the speeches the Attorney General and

of
shall
-
his colleagues which the passions and prejudices

in
of of
the
,
jury were The character the

so
dexterously appealed
to
.
evidence demands more study The witnesses consisted

of
.
at
the policemen present the attack the prisoners who were

,
locked with Kelly and Deasy the van and the by standers
in in
who saw the affray stoning the prisoners before

or
assisted
and after they were captured They swore with the utmost
.
composure against the four prisoners Allen was identified

.
the wit
he
of
was whom most

as
of
one the leaders and

it
,
have fired through the door On this

on to
nesses declared
.
point indeed many others there was confusion and

in as
,
,
of
contradiction the evidence some the witnesses were

:
sure was O'Brien fired through the door others were

it
assign the leading part but before

to
to
inclined Condon
;
understood that Allen

be
the trial had gone far

of to
seemed
it
,
be
Brett was
to
to
was the man whom the death attributed

,
of
and that the business the witnesses was connect the

to
other prisoners as closely as possible with his act. On one
all
point nearly the witnesses were agreed
of
whoever there
-
might any doubt about there could be none concerning
be
,
Maguire Seven witnesses swore positively having seen
to
.
him assisting
in
breaking open the van and some
of
them
he
even repeated the words which they said
to
addressed
them while thus engaged On the evening Friday
of
,
.
November 1st the trials terminated was past five o'clock
It
,
.
when Judge Mellor concluded his charge The court was
.
densely crowded and every eye was strained
to
mark the
,
the judge's words upon the countenances

of
of
effect the
prisoners but they poor fellows quailed not they heard
as
,
,
;
the words which they knew would shortly followed by
be
a
Throughout the
to
verdict consigning them the scaffold
.
long trial their courage had never flagged their spirits had
, ,
an
no
never failed them for instant Maguire who had real
.
connection with the other four and who knew that the charge
,
against him was baseless concoction did indeed betray

,
a
,
as
anxiety and bewilderment the trial progressed

of
traces
;
but Allen O'Brien Larkin and Condon went through the
,
,
,
frightful ordeal with

to
heroic display courage which
of
a
even the most malignant their enemies have paid tribute

of
.
The judge has done and now the jury turned from the
,
box consider their verdict An hour and twenty

to
."
minutes they remained absent then their returning tread

;
was heard The prisoners turned their eyes upwards

;
.
Maguire looked towards them half hopefully half appeal

,
,
be
ingly from Allen's glance nothing but defiance could

; ;
on
read Larkin fixed his gaze the foreman who held the
,
fatal record his hand with calm resolution quiet

in
while
a
,
smile played round O'Brien's lips

he
as
to
turned hear the

,
expected words
.
up
Guilty from the lips

of
The word the

is
snatched
“
!”
the jury and whispered through the court They

of
foreman
,
.
all
said the jury

So
guilty
of
were and murmur

a
;
“
.”
applause came rolling back response the verdict

in in
to
Guilty few there were that court upon whom the

A
"
!
fatal words fell with the bitterness death but the English
of
at at
men who filled the crowded gallery and passages exulted

for
the sound the vengeance which they longed was

.
:
hand
.
The murmur died away ; the sobs that rose from the dark
recesses where a few strcken - hearted women had been per
mitted to stand were stifled ; and then , amidst breathless
silence , the voice of the Crown Clerk was heard demanding
“ if the prisoners had anything to say why sentence of death
should not be pronounced on them .”
The first to respond was Allen . A slight flush reddened
up
lit
his cheeks , and his eyes with the fire
of of
enthusiasm
as he
advancing the front
to
as
and determination the dock
,
,
,
1
confronted the Court and spoke
in
resolute tones
,
follows
:
My Lords and Gentlemen not my intention
to
occupy
is
It
“
your time answering your question

in
of
much Your question
is
.
be
an
one that can easily asked but requires answer which am
,
I
ignorant Abler and more eloquent men could not answer
of
, it
.
.
Where were the men who have stood in the doch Burke Emmet
,
e -
the dock their country
in
? of
and others who have stood defen
in
,
?
When the question was put what was their answer Their answer
, ,
was null and void Now with your permission will review
.
a
,
portion the evidence that has been brought against me
I
of
It .
Here Mr. Justice Blackburne interrupted was too
"
.
he
late said criticise the evidence and the Court had

to
”,
,
,
“
neither the right nor the power
If
or
to
alter review it
”,
.
you have any reason
he
give why either upon

to
added
,
or “
to be
technical moral grounds the sentence should not passed

,
we
upon you will hear but too late for you review
is
it
it
,
,
to
the evidence show that was wrong

in it
, .”
Sir
the morning
be
Cannot that done asked Allen

,
he ,
“
"
on
his heart how easily the evidence

in
who felt which

But the Judge
be
had been convicted might

to
torn shreds
.
he
No one could alter

or
said not said review the

,
“
,
“
.
by
any way after the verdict had been passed the

in
evidence
take the ver
he
jury We can only

in
said conclusion
6
,
,
”
.
for
dict right and the only question you why judgment

as
is
;
should not follow

.”
his observations the young

of
Thus restricted
in
the scope
,
felon proceeded deliver the following patriotic and spirited

to
address
:
No man this court regrets the death Sergeant Brett more

of
in
“
positively say the presence of the Almighty

-l do
than
in
and
I
,
I
and ever iving God that any

as
as
am innocent aye innocent

,
,
I
,
this court don't say this for the sake mercy want
in
of
man would
I I
:
.
I'll
as
no
no
mercy I'll have mercy die many thousands have
,
.
-
of the
died for the sake their beloved land and will
in
of
of
defence
it
,
.
die proudly and triumphantly republioan principles Mict
in
of
defence
and the liberty
an
oppressed and enslaved people possible
Is
of
it
on the
.
we are asked why sentence should not be passed upon
on
us
,
express
-- off
of
prostitutes fellows
of
the evidence the streets Manchester
,
glance
be
an
out convicted felons aye Irishman sentenced
to
of
work
,
,
English dog would have got words,
off
say positively and
an
hung when
I I
.
me
If
defiantly justice has not been done since was arrested
,
Th
at .
"
justice had been done me would not have been handcuffed
, the
in I Asmy
preliminary investigation Bridge street this court justice
I in
and
as I do
up
-
has not been done me
or
any shape
in
form was brought

t
.
by
my side were allowed using
all
here and the prisoners wear over
to
, ,
off
the principle revolve
to
of
was told What
is
coats and take mine
I
of a chi
.
that There was something that principle say positively
in
and
I
?
that justice has not been done me As for the other prisoners they away.
,
.
can speak for themselves with regard that matter And now give aic
by to
.
with regard the way have been identified say that in that
to
in to
have
I
I
.
my clothes were kept
for
four hours the policemen Fairfield power

identify me take
to
to
station and shown parties being one the as
of
,
Hyde road lif

on
Also Albert station was

in
perpetrators this outrage
of
-
.
-
handkerchief kept my head the whole night and tt

on
so
there was that
by,
a
in
the wit
be
could identified the next morning the corridor scene

J
nesses ing by
on
the handkerchief for the purpose

to
was ordered leave

.
that the witnesses could more plainly see was one the parties but
of
I I
As
who committed the outrage for myself feel the righteousness nesses
.
my every act with regard what my of

in
to
of
have done defence make

I
country the punishment

of
fear not am fearless fearless and

I
.
beI
be -
.
on
that can inflicted me and with that my have done

;
lords condi
I
,
After moment's pause —I beg One remark more coun

to
excused
a
(
return Mr. Seymour and Mr. Jones my sincere and heartfelt like
I
on
for
their able eloquence and advocacy my part this

in
thanks
I
bel
affray wish also return Mr. Roberts the very same My
to
beto
the
I
.
.
might
is
be
not William O'Meara

sir
It
to
name wished known

fair
. ,
,
Allen My name William Philip Allen was born and reared God
is
I
.
the county Cork and from that place take my

in
in
of
Bandon
II ,
I
,
name and am proud my country and proud my parentage

of
for
of
,
;
My lords
.
have done
,
."
mingled applause and admiration rose faintly

on
sigh
of
A
the air the gallant young Irishman inclining his head

to as
,
slightly make way

of
the Court retired

in to
at
the front the

,
for
his companions But his chival

of
bar one misfortune

.
no
rous bearing and noble words woke response within the

prejudice hardened hearts the majority
of
of
his auditors
;
-
they felt that the fearless words the fearless youth would
of
all
overbear that his accusers had uttered and the world

,
would read in them the condemnation of the government and

of the people whose power he so bravely defied .
Michael Larkin spoke next. He looked a shade paler than
on the first day of the trial , but no want of resolution was
set
his
an
expressed in firm face He gazed with unquailing
.
glance round the faces eagerly bent forward
: to
catch his
words and then spoke
in
as
distinct tones follows
,
have only got
to
two say concerning Sergeant Brett
word
or
a
I
“
.
As my friend here said no
as
one could regret the man's death much
as I do. With regard
,
pistols and revolvers and my

to
the charge
of
,
using them call my God witness that
as
neither used pistols
,
a
I
,
revolvers nor any instrument that day that would deprive the life
on
,
Nor
go
child let alone man
on
did
of
there purpose take life
to
a
a
,
I
.
go
do
to
deny that did
aid...
not want
to
away Certainly my lords
,
,
I
I
give heroes that were confined

to
and assistance those two poble

go
in
as
that van Kelly and Deasy lay my
do
as
did
in
to
much
I
of .
-
go
power
, to
to
extricatethem out their bondage but did not
;
I
take life nor my lord did anyone else misfortune there It
is
a
it ,
,
was life taken but was taken was not done intentionally
if
it
;
,
and the man who has taken life we have not got him
at
was the
I
.
action when there were over dare say 150 people stand
of
scene
,
,
I
,
, .
by
ing there when was am very sorry have say my lord to

I
,
I
I
.
come up wit
as
to
but thought had some respectable people

I
I
to
will
as
nesses against me but am sorry say my friend said
I
I
;
.
make no more remarks concerning say my All
lords
to
that have
I
,
.
so
my trial went and the way

as
and gentlemen that

is
far was it
,
my noble
So
have got
as
conducted believe fair trial far

a
,
.
I
counsel went they done their utmost the protection my life

in
of
,
;
likewise my worthy solicitor Mr. Roberts has done his best but
;
,
,
,
of as
the old saying true one what

of a in
believe decreed man

,a
is
is
a
,
I
he
the gallows drowning

on
to
the page life has fulfil either

,
,
on
So
the mercy
or
fair death the battlefield look

in
to
bed
I
,
May God forgive all who have sworn my life away As am

I
God
.
dying mad forgive them from the bottom my heart God

of
I
a
forgive them
.”
As
Larkin ceased speaking O'Brien who stood the right

to
,
by
him moved slightly

of
slight
in
advance and intimated

,
a
,
the Court his intention addressing them

to
of
inclination
.
His stalwart form seemed dilate with proud defiance and

to
he
faced the ermine clad dignitaries who were about

as
scorn
-
the gibbet He spoke with emphasis and

in to
consign him
to
,
.
tones which seemed something

to
of
borrow the fire and

a
spirit He said
of
his words
:
.
shall commence by saying that every witness who has sworn

“
I
me
anything against my
in
has sworn falsely have not had stone

a
I
.
possession since I
was a boy .. I
bad no pistol in my possession on
the day when it is alleged this outrage was committed . Youcall it
an outrage ; I
don't . say I
further , my name is Michael O'Brien .
I was born in the county of Cork , and have the honour to be a
fellow - parishioner of Peter O'Neal Crowley , who was fighting against
the British troops at Mitchelstown last March , and who fell fighting
against British tyranny in Ireland . I
am a citizen of the United
States of America, and if Charles Francis Adams had done his duty
towards me , as he ought to do in this country , would not be in I
this dock answering your questions now . Mr. Adams did not come ,
though I
wrote to him . He did not come to see if could not find I
evidence to disprove the charge , which I positively could , if he had
taken the trouble of sending or coming to see what could do.
people will notice that part of the business .
I I
hope the American
[The prisoner here con menced reading from a paper he held in his
hand .] The right of man freedom . is
The great God has en .
dowed him with affections that he may use , not smother them ,
and a world that may be enjoyed . Once a man is satisfied he is.
doing right , and attempts to do anything with that conviction , he
must be willing to face all the consequences . Ireland , with its
beautiful scenery ,
its
its
delightful climate rich and productive
,
in
its
lands capable supporting more than treble population
of
is
,
paid official
of
no
ease and comfort Yet man except the British

,
a
.
of
Government can say there shadow liberty that there

is
is
. a
a
,
spark glad life amongst its plundered and persecuted inhabitants

of
, its
imbecile and tyrannical rulers will
be
be hoped that
It
for
to
is
How
of
ever driven from her soil amidst the execration the world
.
beautifully the aristocrats
on
England moralise the despotism

of
of
Italy and Dahomey_in the case Naples with what
of
of
the rulers
indignation did they speak of the ruin families by the detention
a of
Who have not

its
some loved member prison

in
or
of
head
.
the tyranny that would compel

ho
heard their condemnations

of
nourable and good men spend their useful lives hopeless banish
in
to
ment
?
"
The taunt went home

to
the hearts
of
his accusers and

,
,
writhing under the lash thus boldly applied Judge Black

,
on
stay
to
burne bastened legal grounds

to
intervene Unable
,
,
.
by
the torrent scathing invective which O'Brien was driving

of
the blood from the cheeks his British listeners the judge
of
device which Mr. Justice Keogh had practised

to
resorted
a
at
very adroitly and with much success

of
various the State

,
trials
in
Ireland He appealed the prisoner entirely

to
.
,
“
for his own sake cease his remarks The only possible
to
”,
*
.
your observations
he
tell against
be
. to
of
effect said must

of to ”,
,
“
you with those who have consider the sentence advise

I
do
you say nothing more that sort entirely for

so
to
I
.
your own sake.” But O'Brien was not the man to be cowed
into submission by this artful representation . Possibly he
discerned the motive of the interruption , and estimated at
its
true value the disinterestedness Judge Blackburne's
of
Mr. Ernest Jones
to
advice vain used his influence
in
"
."
accomplish the judge's object O'Brien spurned the treache
.
rous bait and resolutely proceeded
:
,
They cannot find words express their horror
to
of
the cruelties
“
he
the King Dahomey because sacrificed 2,000 human beings
of
of
yearly but why don't those persons who pretend such virtuous
in
,
.
dignation the misgovernment other countries look
at
at
of
home and
,
greater crimes than those they charge against other govern
of
see
ments are not committed by themselves
.
by their sanction
or
Let
?
them look and see the thousands that want bread there
at
London
to ,
,
while those aristocrats are rioting Look

in
luxuries and crimes
.
Ireland see the hundreds its people misery and
in
of
of
thousands
;
want See the virtuous beautiful and industrious women who

.
aye
,
,
few
are
only years ago and yet obliged their
to
at
—
look
,
--
a
at
dying Look called the majesty

of
what
is
children for want food
.
misery
. on
long deep people

of
of
the law one side and the noble
to a
,
on the other Which are the young men Ireland respect

, of
the
law that murders banishes their people
or
or
to
the means resist
relentless tyranny and ending their miseries for ever under home
am a
government need not answer that question here trust the
I
I
?
Irish people will answer not

to
their satisfaction soon

. it
I
.
my conviction The government this country have

of at
of
astonished
the power convicting any person They
appoint the judge they
( ;
by
choose the jury what they call patronage which

of
and means
;
corruption they have the power making the laws

of
of
the means
tois
I)
a .
suit their purposes am confident that my blood will rise
.
hundredfold against the tyrants who think proper

to
commit such
In
an outrage the first place say was identified improperly

I
,
, ,
I
by
having chains
on
my hands and feet

at
of
the time identification

and thus the witnesses who have sworn my throwing stones and
, to
firing pistol have sworn

I to
as
what false for was those ladies

is
at a
,
I
said the jail gates thank my counsel for their able defence
,
99
,
, .
and also Mr. Roberts for his attention my case

to
Edward Maguire spoke next He might well have felt

.
he
found himself but

in
at
bewildered the situation which

,
he
spoke earnestly and collectedly nevertheless He had

,
not without pre

, an
experience British law which

of
had
if
to ,
cedent was still extraordinary enough create amazement

.
he
he
He knew that had never been Fenian knew that

a
never saw Colonel Kelly_never heard him until ar

he
of
for
he
assisting kpew that while the

in
rested his liberation

;
van was being attacked at Bellevue , he was sitting in his

own home , miles away ; and he knew that he had never in
his life placed his foot in the scene of the rescue ; yet there
he found himself convicted by regular process of law , of the
murder of Constable Brett . He had seen witness after
witness enter the box , and deliberately swear they saw him
take a prominent part in the rescue . He saw policemen and
civilians coolly identify him as a ringleader in the affair ; he
had heard the Crown lawyers weave round him the subtle
meshes of their logic ; and now be found himself pronounced
guilty by the jury , in the teeth of the overwhelming array of
unimpeachable evidence brought forward in his defence.
What “ the safeguards of the Constitution " mean - what
“ the bulwark of English freedom ” and “ the Palladium of
British freedom ” are worth , when Englishmen the jury
fill
an
Irishman stands the dock Maguire had had

in
box and
a
,
he
fair opportunity judging Had been reflectively

of
in
.
might
he
to
clined have found himself compelled
too
,
the credibility English

of
adopt rather low estimate
of
a
an
witnesses when they get opportunity swearing away

of
,
an Irishman's life An impetuous man might have been

.
by
goaded the circumstances into cursing the atrocious

system under which
to
justice had been administered him

“
,
on
and calling down the vengeance

of
Heaven the whole

nation from which the perjured wretches who swore away
his life had been drawn But Maguire acted more discreetly
;
.
by
all
he
began indeed declaring that the witnesses who

,
by
swore against him were perjurers vehemently protesting

—
regarded him was one

byof
that the case mistaken iden

as
,
tity but
he
shortly took surer ground referring

to
his
,
;
his
unfailing loyalty
to
the navy and talking

of
services
in
his Queen and his country He went through the record

“
”
.
he
hisas
marine appealed
of
to
his services the character had

;
a
commanding officers his

in
of
obtained from confirmation

,
on by
words and concluded solemnly protesting his perfect

;
of
innocence the charge hich he had been convicted

.
While Maguire's impressive words were still ringing

in
the
his conscience stricken accusers Edward O'Meagher
of
ears
,
of to -
he an
Condon commenced speak He was evidently more

of
.
crator than either those who had preceded him and

,
in his
in spoke with remarkable fluency , grace , and vigour . The

nerer subjoined is a correct report of his spirited and able ad
ess , Jet
there dress :
him the
of
W
My Lords
by
This has come upon me somewhat surprise
, It
after
—
“
.
appeared me rather strange that upon any amount
to
of
evidence
saw
which wil
of
of
course was false man could have been convicted
a
he ,
.
and fully murdering others was put
he
emen
or
of
never saw heard before
he
prison detain your lordships

do
in
to
;
not care but cannot

I
affair
I
,
.
help remarking that Mr. Shaw who has come now gloat upon
to
the subtle
,
his victims after having sworn away their lives that man has
—
,
ronounced sworn what altogether false and there are contradictions
in
the
is
;
of
g
array depositions which have not been brought before your lordships
'
defence notice suppose the depositions being imperfect there was no
,
8
As
Mr. Batty
he
at
necessity for his first examination
to
swore
it
—
zan what
,
.
before the magistrates that large stone fell on me stone which

a
a
away to in a .juryof
an ,
lladium Mr. Roberts said the time would have killed elephant But
at
the
go
, on
if
slightest mark was found my
to
not the head and was
had
I
7
;
me
round the country and him with exhibiting the stone having
as
had
,
on
do
me and him
as
the man who would swear
to
fallen not
it
I
,
,
ectively
be
know which would looked for with the most earnestness How
.
by
the jury only thinks
he
it
mpelled ever has been accepted Now he says

,
80
to
English There another matter
to
consider have been sworn
of
is
I
.
-,I
,
.
by
the witnesses who have also sworn
to
of
believe some others

,
aring
though some them can prove they were another city altogether
in
of
havebeen Liverpool alibi and should by

an
in
Others have overwhelming

,
I
.
atrocious right have been tried with them but suppose your lordships
him
cannot help that We have for instance Thomas the policeman

.
to
,
red
,
.
who swore another prisoner He identified him on certain

to
the whole
.
for
day and the prisoner was not arrested As

two days afterwards
,
sworeamat
do
for Thomas not presume that any jury could have believed
,
"
I
;
him He had heard the blood money

who
course was pre

of
and
of
,
discreetly
.
.
e
pared bid pretty high My alibi has not been strong and
to
for
it
to ,
nesses
.
unfortunately was not strong pocket and was not able pro
in
I,
I
protesting duce more testimony prove where exactly that time

to
at
iden was
.
his
to
taken With regard the unfortunate man who has lost life sympa
,
to his
thise with him and his family deeply your lordships

to
as
as
or
rring the
jury
or
any one
in
the court deeply regret the unfortunate

,
I
.
loyalty
z
of
occurrence but his blood as any man

as
am perfectly innocent
,
therecord
I
never had the slightest intention taking life

of
2
have done
I
had
of he
do .
nothing all connection with that man and

in
at
to
cter not desire

I
his
,
to be
murder which have not committed With regard

of
accused
a
nation
no
perfat another matter my learned counsel has doubt for the best
his
,
,
,
on
expressed some opinions these matters and the misgovernment

.
which my country has been subjected am firmly convinced

to
the
onvicted
I
.
in
prejudice in
it
the minds the people has been

of
there and
is
nging
,
by
of by
the newspapers
or
increased and excited

of
Weigher some them and

10
,
,
be an
the jury
of
convict
to
a to
certain extent has influenced the minds

a
more
on
the men standing this dock charge

in
—
of
which learned
a
,
, him
and
gentleman remarked a few nights since - they would be acquitted
,
if they had been charged with murdering an old woman for the sake
of the money in her pocket , but a political offence of this kind they
with regard
sir
the opinions hold on national
to
could not . Now
,
I
with regard those men who have been released from
to
, —
matters
am
in
which unfortunately opinion that
of
that van life was lost
,
,
I
certainly
an
Perhaps was un
to
some extent there was excuse
it
.
thought but those men had been other countries occupying
in
if
,
in ,
other positions Jefferson Davis had been released
—
northern
if
a
city there would have been cry applause throughout all
of
a
,
England Garibaldi who saw before was shut out from the
If
I
.
world had been arrested was released something that kind

or
of
,
,
had taken place they would have applauded the bravery
of
the act
,
.
the captives King Theodore had been released that too would
of
If
,
have been applauded
be
as
But happened England
in
to
it
,
,
.
awful thing while yet

an
Ireland murders are

on is
in
of
course
it
the riotsin
in
as
perpetrated unoffending
of
men the case
,
no
Waterford where an unoffending man was murdered and one
,
,
do
was punished for not desire detain your lordships

to
it
I
I
.
.
can only say that leave this world without stain my con on
a
I
science that have been wilfully guilty anything

of
connexion
in
I
am
with the death Sergeant Brett totally guiltless

of
leave
I
I
.
.
do
this world without malice anyone not accuse the jury

to
. ,
I
.
they
of
but believe were prejudiced don't accuse them wil
I
I
.
fully wishing but prejudice has induced them

to
convict
to
convict
,
when they otherwise would not have done With reference the
to
.
them has sworn falsely never threw

of
witnesses every one

; a
,
I
.
pistol the place they have said

allor
as
I
at
stone fired was never

,
a
go
totally false But forgive

to as
before my God
, to
have
it
is
,
I
I
.
them They will be able meet me some day before that God
,
.
all
us
judge and then they and the people this Court

in
to
who
is
and everyone will know who tells the truth Had committed
,
I
.
anything against the Crown England would have scorned my

it of
,
I
deny but with regard those men they

to
attempted
to
self had
;
,
I
an
have sworn what altogether false Had Englishman

is
been
,
I
.
of
and arrested near the scene that disturbance would have been
I
,
identify
on an
as
brought but being Irishman

to
witness them
of it
a
,
;
, ,
was supposed my sympathy was with them and suspicion

sympathy consequence
of
that was arrested and the arrest and

in
,
,
I
do be
the rewards which were offered

It
was identified could not

,
I
said before my opinions

on
As
otherwise national matters

,
I
all.
the case before your lordships We have been

at
, to
not relate
.
. as
" as
found guilty and course we accept our death

of
matter
,
a
as ,
to
gracefully possible We are not afraid die least am not

at
—
I
up
Nor Nor Nor swelled from the lips

I,
I,
I”,
“
“
"
"
his companions with proud smile

of
and then Condon

a
;
continued
:
nae
sin
no
stain upon leave this world peace

or
at
have and
;
I
“
I
all
be
with With regard the other prisoners who are tried
to
to
.
for
hope our blood least will satisfy the craving
at
afterwards
,
I
be
hope our blood will enough and that those men who
it
I
I
.
honestly believe are guiltless the blood that man that the
of
of
-
other batches will get fair free and more impartial trial We
,
,
a
.
, in
different light from what the jury
do
view matters We have
.
imprisoned and have not had the advantage understanding
of
been
can only hope and pray
to
exactly what this excitement has led
I
.
that this prejudice will disappear that my poor country will right
far
so
herself some day and that her people from being looked upon
,
,
with scorn and aversion will receive what they are entitled the
to
,
,
respect pot only Englishmen
of
the civilised world but
of
too
I,
,
,
.
English territory have committed
an
on
am American citizen and
I
,
no
crime which makes me amenable England
to
of
the crown
I
.
did expect protec
as
have done nothing
of
and matter course
,
a
;
,
I
has said the protection
as
this gentleman ointing

to
—
tion Allen
,
)
(p
my government
of
of
am citizen
of
is of
the ambassador the State
I
a
.
My name
am
but sorry say my name

to
Ohio not Shore

is
;
.
Edward O'Meagher belong Ohio and there are loving
Condon to
,
I
.
have nothing but my best

be
hearts there that will sorry for this

.
I
and my best feelings
as to
wishes send them and assure them

,
I
an
can die Christian and Irishman and that am not ashamed

;
of a
anything have done

I
or or
of or
afraid the consequences before God

I
,
They would was in the slightest
be
man ashamed me
if
I
.
concealed my opinions The unfortunate

or
degree coward
a
our countrymen America have

in
to
of
divisions certain extent

in a
,
or ,
neutralised the efforts that we have made either one direction
our country All these things have
of
another for the liberation

.
course we must only submit

as
usto
of
been thwarted and matter our

a
,
only
be
trust again that those who are tried after will

to
fate
I
,
.
have fair trial and that our blood will satisfy the cravings which
a
I
You will soon send
us
understand exists before God and am

or ,
I
.
.go
perfectly prepared nothing regret

to
to
to
have retract
,
I
only
or
take back can say GOD SAVE İRELAND

I
.”
.
Again were the voices his companions raised

. in
of
unison
.
66
they cried defiantly God

in
God save Ireland chorus

,
“
”
!
save Ireland The cry rung through the packed justice

!"
. its
on
hall and fell the ears blood thirsty occupants like

of
,
God save Ireland they

an
accusing angel
of
the voice
“
!"
said and then the brave hearted fellows gazed fiercely

;
around the hostile gathering daring them

to
if
as
interfere
,
66
with the prayer God save Ireland from the few

!"
-
·
.
broken hearted relatives who listened the patriots prayer

to
-
'
the responsive was breathed back and the dicunt

,
Amen
“
less young Irishman continued

:
or
wish two There nothing

in
to
of
add word the close

is
a
I
“
.
my political career which I

regret . I
don't know of one act which
could bring the blush of shame to my face, or make me afraid to
meet my God or fellow -man. I
would be most happy , and nothing
would give me greater pleasure , than to die on the field for my
but can die on the scaffold ,

Christian .'
I I
country in defence of her liberty. As it is , cannot die on the field ,
I hope , as a soldier , a man , and a
And now the last was spoken . As true Irishmen and as.
true patriots they had borne themselves . No trace of finch
ing did they give for their enemies to gloat over - no sign of
weakness which could take from the effect of their deathless
words . With bold front and steady mien they stood forward
to listen to the fatal decree their Judges were ready to pro
nounce . The judges produced the black caps , with which
they had come provided , and then Justice Mellor proceeded
to pass sentence . No person , he said , who had witnessed
the proceedings could doubt the propriety of the verdiet ,
which , he insisted , was the result of “ a full , patient, and
impartial investigation . " He made no distinction . “ I am
perfectly convinced ,” he said , “ that
all
you had resolved

of
,
by
any risk and any amount dangerous violence and

of
at
accomplish your object and that

to in
outrage fact Charles

to
,
,
,
;
Brett was murdered because was essential the comple

it
The
be
he
your common design that

of
tion should
.”
stereotyped words repentance followed and

to
of
exhortation
,
then the judge concluded

:
be
The sentence that you and each you taken hence the
to
of
is
,
“
place execution and that

to
place whence you came and thence

of
, ,
a
by,
be
you there hanged the neck until you shall be dead and that
your bodies
be
afterwards buried within the precincts the prison

of
wherein you were last confined after your respective convictions and
;
may God His infinite mercy have mercy upon you

in
,
."
With quiet composure the doomed men heard the words

.
They warmly shook hands with their counsel thanked them

,
for their exertions and then looking towards the spot where
,
their weeping friends were seated they turned

to
leave the
,
dock with you Irishmen and Irish men they

G
C
.
"
!
,
they disappeared from the court their final

as
cried and
,
,
adieu was heard the same prayer that had swelled upwards
in
to
Heaven from them before

GOD SAVE IRELAND
"
!"
"
!"
Ereland Save God
Scarcely had the Manchester courthouse ceased to echo

those voices from the dock , when the glaring falseness of the
verdict became the theme of comment amongst even the
most thoroughgoing Englishmen who had been present
throughout the trial.
Without more ado , down sate some thirty or forty re
porters , who , as representatives of the English metropolitan
and provincial press, had attended the Commission , and ad
dressed a memorial to the Home Secretary , stating that they
had been long accused to attend at trials on capital charges ;
that they had extensive experience of such cases, from per
sonal observation of prisoners in the dock and witnesses
on the table ; and that they were solemnly convinced , the
swearing of the witnesses , and the verdict of the jury to the
contrary notwithstanding , that the man Maguire had neither
hand , act, nor part in the crime for which he had been
sentenced to death . The following is the petition referred
to :
We , the undersigned members of the metropolitan and provincial

Press , having had long experience in courts of justice , and full op
portunity of observing the demeanour of prisoners and witnesses in
cases of criminal procedure , beg humbly to submit that, having
heard the evidence adduced before the Special Commission , on the
capital charge preferred against Thomas Maguire, private in the
Royal Marines , we conscientiously believe that the said Thomas
Maguire is innocent of the crime of which he has been convicted ,
and that his conviction has resulted from mistaken identity . We,
therefore , pray that you will be pleased to advise her Majesty to
grant her most gracious pardon to the said Thomas Maguire .
This was a startling event ; it was a proceediny utterly
without precedent . Nothing but the most extraordinary
circumstances could have called it forth . The blunder of
the jury must have been open , glaring , painfully notorious ,
,
the
indeed when such an astonishing course was adopted by

the English Press
of
whole staff
.
was most embarrassing For what had those news

It
.
.
paper reporters seen heard that the jurors had not seen
or
and heard and yet the jurors said Maguire was guilty
.
What had those reporters seen heard that the judges had
or
not seen and heard and yet the judges said they fully con
"
the jury
in
of
curred the verdict The reporters were not

."
=
sworn on the Evangelists of God to give a true deliverance

but the jurors were . The reporters were not sworn to
administer justice —were not dressed in ermine - were not
bound to be men of legal ability , judicial calmness , wisdom ,
and impartiality — but the judges were . Yet the unsworn
reporters told the government Maguire was an innocent man ;
while judge and jury told the government – swore to it — that
he was a guilty murderer !
What was the government to do ? Was it to act on the
verdict of newspaper reporters who had happened to be
present at this trial, and not on the verdict of
the jury
who had been solemnly sworn in the case ? Behind the
reporters ' verdict lay the huge sustaining power of al
most universal conviction , mysteriously felt and owned ,
though as yet nowhere expressed . Everyone who had
calmly and dispassionately weighed the evidence arrived
at conclusions identical with those of the Press jury , and
utterly opposed to those of the sworn jury . The ministers
themselves — it was a terribly embarrassing truth to own
felt that the reporters were as surely right as the jurors were
surely wrong . But what were they to do ? What a frightful
imputation would public admission of that fact cast upon the
twelve sworn jurors — upon the two judges ? What a damn
ing imputation on their judgment or their impartiality !
Was it to be admitted that newspaper reporters could be
right in a case so awful, where twelve sworn jurors and two
judges were wrong ?
And then , look at the consequences . The five men were
convicted in the one verdict . There were not five separate
verdicts , but one indivisible verdict . If the ( jurors ') verdict
were publicly vitiated — if the government confessed or ad
mitted that verdict to be false —it was not one man , but
five men , who were affected by it . To be sure , the re
porters ' jury , in their verdict , did not include Allen , O'Brien ,
Larkin , and Shore ; but was it to be conveyed by implication
that omission from the reporters ' verdict of acquittal was more
fatal to a man than inclusion in the verdict of guilty by a
sworn jury ? Might not twenty , or thirty, or forty men , quite
as intelligent as the reporters , be soon forthcoming to testify
as forcibly of Allen , O'Brien , Larkin , and Shore , as the
Press -men had testified of Maguire ? Was it only reporters

whose judgment could set aside the verdict of sworn jurors ,
endorsed by ermined judges ? But , in any event , the five
men were convicted by the one verdict To cut that , loosed
all - not necessary in law , perhaps , but inevitably as re
garded public conscience and universal judgment ; for there
all
was not in the records English jurisprudence
of
pre
to a
for
on
cedent executing men verdict acknowledged have
. a
perjury
of
been one blunder Clearly or the jurors were
if
,
by
the government that

be
to
told case where life and
in
a
,
by
, on
death hung the issue they had been
so
blinded excite
,
prejudice that they declared guilty
be
or
to
ment passion
a
,
,
man whoseinnocence was patenteven
to
murderer unofficial
a
on
in
of
lookers court the moral value such verdict was
on a
,
-
gone ruined for ever hang anyone ver

to
and such
a
;
-
dict on that identical verdict thus blasted and abandoned

,
for
its
all
be
would was pointed out murder technical

; it
,
, ,
,
legality neither more nor less morally than cool delibe

,
,
rate cold blooded murder
,
.
-
Everybody saw this but everyone England saw also

in
;
the awkward difficulty For let Allen O'Brien

to
of
the case ,
,
,
.
go
their ad
of
of
Larkin and Shore free the face

in
death
,
mitted complicity
in
the rescue would baulk the national

,
demand for vengeance was necessary that some one

It
.
execnted Here were men though they almost

be
should
,
.
no
certainly had causing even accidentally the death

in
hand
,
,
Brett dared their participation the affray

in
to
in of
of
boast
,
oc
which that lamentable event unhappily

of
the course
painfully wounded and hu
so
curred that rescue which had

—
If
miliated English national pride these men were saved

.
from execution owing any foolish scruples about hanging

to
,
posssibly nay probably innocent man along with them

of —
,
,
a a
shout rage would ascend from that virtuous nation

amongst whom Charlotte Winsor the professional infant
,
murderess walks free woman notwithstanding jury's

,
a
,
of
judge's sentence
of
verdict wilful murder and death

a
.
So
for time seemed that notwithstanding the verdict

it
a
,
the reporters the government would act upon the verdict

of of
the jury and assume No doubt Maguire

be
to
correct
it it
,
.
be
be
to
might innocent but was his misfortune included

,
in an indivisible verdict with other men , who , though per

haps as guiltless as he of wilful murder , were surely guilty
of riot and rescue , aggravated by the utterance of the most
all
bitter reflections on the British Constitution , which men
be surrounding nations they were
If
to
envy
of
know the
.
“
”
not guilty
on
the crime laid against them
of of the trial they
were guilty something else they had outraged British
pride was necessary they should die Maguire's
as
and
It
.
die
he
verdict was not separate from theirs must too rather
,
than that they should escape
.
But after while the idea gained ground England that
in
be a
too
this would rather monstrous proceeding Maguire's
.
any participation whatsoever
of
in
utter innocence the rescue
of
was too notorious The character the witnesses on whose
.
he
evidence was convicted became known some were thieves
,
:
or
pickpockets gaol birds others

of
some other denomination
;
,
by
were persons palpably confused panic excitement passion
,
,
prejudice
or
True these same witnesses were those who

,
.
"
likewise swore against Allen Larkin O'Brien and Shore

,
,
.
Indeed greater number swore against Maguire than against
a
of of ,
some the others Nevertheless the overwhelming noto

,
.
riety the jury's blunder perjury least his case be

an or
at
to in
,
,
came daily more and more obstacle his execution and ;
on
eventually
of
the 21st November was announced that his

it
,
by ,
conviction had been cancelled the only means existing

,
16
under the perfect laws free

of
Great Britain namely

--
,
a
pardon for crime never committed The prison doors

a
”
.
for
were opened Maguire the sworn jurors were plainly told

;
effect that their blunder perjury had well nigh done the
in
or
-
at
of
murder least one innocent man The judges were

in
.
like manner told that short hand writers had been more
-
or
clear headed dispassionate weigh evidence and judge

to
-
guilt than they The indivisible verdict had been openly

.
proclaimed worthless
.
The news was received with relief Ireland

in
of
sense
a
and the
of
where the wholesale recklessness the swearir

transparent falseness
of
the verdict had from the first created

,
,
intense indignation and resentment Everyone knew and

.
saw that whatever might have been the participation

of
those
,
Col. Kelly they had not had fair trial

of
men the rescue

in
;
a
,
all
nay , that their so -called trial was an outrage on law and jus
tice that witnesses jurors and judges were the full fierce
in
,
;
)
excitement panic and passion much more ready
of
heat
to
,
,
-
pass sentences against
to
to
swear evidence find verdicts and
,
,
innocent men than they themselves were perhaps conscious
,
,
while labouring under such influences The public and
of
.
official recognition the falseness and injustice the Man
of
of
chester verdict was therefore hailed with intense satisfac
tion
.
Maguire was
at
once liberated Allen Larkin Shore and
,
;
were still detained custody
in
O'Brien was universally
It
.
, by
concluded that notwithstanding the abandonment the
,
on
of
Crown the verdict which they had been sentenced they
be ,
their admitted complicity
of
because
in
the rescue would
,
for
imprisonment probably penal servitude
to
held term
-
a
-
years
of
Considerable astonishment was excited some days
,
.
by
subsequently Maguire's pardon
in
to
statement that
,
,
the other prisoners included
of
the case the verdict the

in
,
“
law should take its course No one credited this declara
.
an
tion for instant and most persons felt that the Crown
,
officials were indulging indecent piece

an
mockery
in
of
.
Amidst this universal incredulity however this disdainful
—
,
and indignant disbelief the prisoners solicitor Mr. Roberts

to —
to ,
'
vigilant and untiring the last took the necessary steps

,
pray arrest execution pending decision the serious law

of
of
on
points raised the trial Some

of
the most eminent counsel

.
England certified solemnly that these points were

in
of
the
gravest nature and would their opinion fully esta
be
in
,
,
,
on
blished argument before the judges which event

in
;
legally quashed
be
the conviction would independently

,
as
byof
of
it
the substantial abandonment false and untenable

Maguire's case
in
the Crown
.
of
The first idea the merest possibility the faintest

—
the remaining four men being executed

on
chance the
—
of
vitiated verdict arose when became known that the judges

it
,
them had informally declared the government

or
to
of
some
,
on
without waiting hear any argument the subject that

to
(
)
by
the points raised the prisoners counsel were not tenable

,
'
of
force Mr. Roberts was officially informed

or
were not
.
that the sentence would infallibly By this

be
carried out
.
time barely a few days remained of the interval previous to

the date fixed for the execution , and the strangest sensations
swayed the public mind in Ireland . Even still , no one would
seriously credit that men would be put to death on a verdict
notoriously false . Some persons who proposed memorials to
the Queen were met on all hands with the answer that it
all
acting the part be on

the government
was that even
of
“
"
,
though at
of
should the foot the scaffold the men would
it
,
not
be
reprieved that the government would not dare
—
;
.
on
take away human life verdict already vitiated and aban
a
perjury
or
as
doned blunder
a
.
The day
a of
doom approached
as
and now came nearer
it
;
,
painful and sickening alternation incredulity
of
and nearer
,
and horror surged through every Irish heart Meanwhile
to a ,
.
up
on
the Channel kept

of
the Press England both sides

of
,
,
ceaseless cry for blood The Government were told that
.
let
off
guilty would
, be
or
these men innocent weakness

,
,
to “
, "
.
They were called upon hang first
be
firm —that
to
is
“
and reflect afterwards As the 23rd

of
November drew near
,
.
the opinion began gain ground even England that things

in
to
all
had been too hastily done that the whole trial bore the
—
panic few weeks were given for alarm

of
traces and that

—
, if
a
,
and passion voice would approve the

to
calm down not

a
Manchester verdict Perceiving this perceiving that time

-
.
for
opportunity for the subsidence panic

of
or
or
reflection
,
,
its
would almost certainly snatch prey from vengeance

a
-
deafening yell arose from the raving.creatures blood hunger

a of
,
, -
an
demanding that not day not hour not second should

,
a
,
be
granted
to
the condemned
.
Still the Irish people would not credit that far towards
,
an
the nineteenth century

so
of
the close act dreadful durst

,
be done
.
During
all
this time the condemned lay Salford gaol

byin
to re ,
tortured by the suspense inevitably created Maguire's

by
prieve Although every effort was made their friends

.
keep them from grasping indulging hope the all

in
or
at
significant fact imperatively forbid

of
to
that release seemed

on
their being executed

of
the idea verdict whose falseness

a
was thus confessed The moment however that the singular

,
,
.
the judges London defeated the application

of
of
conduct
in
all
Mr. Roberts , they , one and
to
resigned themselves the
,
and while their fellow countrymen home were still
at
worst ;
on
utterly and scornfully incredulous the subject devoted
,
their remaining hours exclusively spiritual preparation for
to
death upon the scaffold
It
to
rushed its index
It
was now that each character
.”
of "
the
was now within the very shadow most awful
—
death
in
crisis that can test the soul that these men rose into the
of —
grandeur and sublimity true heroism They looked
.
death
in
the face with serene and cheerful composure So
.
far from requiring consolation was they who strove most
it
earnestly ,
console the grieving friends they were leaving
to
behind imploring them exhibit resignation the will

to
to
of
, ;
of
God and assuring them that ignominious
as
was death as ,
upon the gallows and terrible suffering
of
was the idea
,
66
with clear
to
such fate unjustly not hard die
a
was
it
”
a
and tranquil conscience they were dying

as
of
for the cause
,
native land ,
.
may questioned whether the martyrology any
of
be
It
in
nation history can exhibit anything more noble more edi ,

fying more elevating and inspiring than the last hours
--
of
—
these doomed Irishmen Their every thought their every

,
.
of
of
utterance was full tenderness and holiness full firm

,
-
of
ness and cheerful acceptance God's will The farewell

.
by
their relatives and friends

to
letters addressed them

few
amply illustrate the truth

to of
from which we take the

a
is
foregoing observations Here O'Brien's last letter his

.
brother
:
New Bailey Prison Salford

,
Nov. 14th 1867

,
you for
to
MY DEAR BROTHER have been intending write

to
I
-
some time but having seen letter from Mr. Moore addressed
to
a
,
,
the governor this prison and knowing from that that you must
of
may therefore let you know

be
disagreeable state suspense

of
I ina
,
I
how am the trial and all connected

at
With reference
to
once
.
with was unfair from beginning

in
to
end and should die

it
it if
;
it,
consequence will injure my murderers more than will injure me

it
of a .
Why should
as
die innocent charge which

to
of
fear am the
,
I
I
prejudiced jury assisted by perjured witnesses found me guilty

,
will jury justice they believed me guilty

-- do
judge and saying

of
the
I
being liberty
a
the United States friend hater

to
of of
, of
citizen
a
a
,
,
no
relentless cruelty friend the British govern

to
and therefore
.
ment , as it exists in our beautiful island . I must say , though much

I would like to live, that I cannot regret dying in the cause of
Liberty and Ireland. It has been made dear to me by the sufferings
by
its
people the martyrdom and exile its best and noblest
of
of
sons . The priest ,
the scholar the soldier the saint have suffered
,
, ,
in
and died proudly nobly and why should shrink from death
a
I
;
by
? its
cause made holy and glorious the numbers martyrs and the
of
by
its
its
justice
as
as
supporters
, of
heroism well You don't and
,
never shall forget that Peter O'Neill Crowley died only short time
a
in
since this cause

3.
Far dearer the grave the prison
or
“
,
by
Illum'd one patriot name
,
Than the trophies all who have risen
of
On liberty's ruins fame to
.”
my manhood thought myself capable
to of
of
should feel ashamed toif
I
doing anything mean save my life get out I

for any
or
is of
here
,
,
no
other selfish purpose Let man think cause lost because some
a
.
suffer for only proof
to in
an It
that those who suffer are earnest

it
is
a
.
be
be
do
so
incentive equally their
to
to
—
and should others
duty with firmness justice and disinterestedness feel confident
I
,
,
of .
of
do
the Irish cause

as
my
of
the ultimate success own existence

I
,
.
His great mercy and goodness will strengthen the arm the
in
of
Göd
,
give him wisdom free

his
patriot and country Let hope that us

to
.
,
its
He His wisdom only trying our patience The greater suf
, in
is
,
.
.
ferings the more glorious will He make the future

of
our unfortunate
country and its people
.
the famine stricken mother and the helpless infant

of
The shriek ,
-
of
is as
as
well misery call Heaven for vengeance God

to
the centuries
,
, .
of
slow but just The blood Tone Fitzgerald Emmet and

of
,
,
!
done the tyrant and

-
others has been shed how much good has

it
the robber None Smith O'Brien M‘Manus and Mitchel suffered

, ?
, ,
,
.
for Ireland yet not their sufferings nor those

, of
O'Donovan Rossa
),
(
and his companions deterred Burke M'Afferty and their friends

,
doing duty sufferings my

of
from their Neither shall the com

.
panions nor mine hinder my countrymen from taking their part

in
,
struggle but rather nerve their arms strike

to
the inevitable
,
I
I.
on
would write this subject greater length but hope that

at
have
,
I
to
written enough show you that man dies for liberty his me
if
,
a
in
mory lives the good and virtuous You will also

of
the breasts
.
necessity for my father mother

no
see that there

re
( or
sisters
is
lations fretting about me When leave this world

of be
will with
it
I
.
go
to
God's help join the angels and saints God

to
to
better
,
a
,
)
all
and sing His praises for eternity suffering

of
leave world
I
a
. .
eternal joy and happiness Holy Com

of
for one have been

to
I
.
it am
munion and please God intend going shortly again sorry

,
,
I
.
the good priest say

in
to
we cannot hear Mass not allowed this

is
;
prison
.
Give my love to my father and mother , to Mary, Ellen , John

Philips , Tin , Catherine , uncles , aunts , and cousins .
Farewell .
From your affectionate brother ,
MICHAEL O'BRIEN (alias William Gould .)
The following is one of Allen's letters to his relatives ,
written the day before his execution :
Salford , New Bailey Prison , Nov. 23rd , 1867.
To you , MY LOVING AND SINCERE
I,DEAR UNCLE AND AUNT HOGAN ,

suppose this is my last letter to you at this side of the grave .
Oh dear uncle and aunt , if you reflect on it , it is nothing . am dying I
I
an honourable death :
-
am dying for Ireland — dying for the land
for
that gave me birth dying for the Island of Saints —and dying
Every generation
of
liberty our countrymen has suffered and
;
.
where the Irish heart could stand by unmoved should like

is
I
?
to
know what trouble what passion what mischief could separate

,
the true Irish heart from its own native isle Dear uncle and aunt
all ,
.
all
or be
parting you my early age but we must

it
to
at
sad
is
;
,
day will breathe my

A
die some another few hours more and
I
.
English soil be
on
Oh that Ireland
to in
last and could buried
!
,
I
,
onall
myself—
be
What happiness would my friends and

to
it
a
where my countrymen could kneel my grave cannot express

I
.
what joy afforded me when found Aunt Sarah and you were
it
was not very pleasant place

it
admitted Déar uncle am sure

I
a
,
to .
receive you and my aunt but we must put

up
had with all
;
I
trials until we depart this life am sure will grieve you very
it
I
.
on
in
place
of
the evidence
to
much leave me such such characters

a
,
as
the witnesses were that swore my life away But forgive them ,
I
.
an
and may God forgive them am dying thank God Irishman

,
.
I
!
all
and Christian Give my love same from your ever

to
friends
a
affectionate nephew
,
W. ALLEN
P. , , P
:
Pray for Good bye and remember me

.us
Good bye and may

,
.
ye
Heaven protect the last wish your dying nephew

of
is
,
W. ALLEN
.
Larkin was the only one

of
the condemned four who was

married weep his fall besides his aged
to
There were
.
all
parents devoted wife and three little children young

a
,
;
-
his honour that though flinching

to
and redounds rather

it
nowise lacking nought courageous firmness home ties

in
in
,
,
were painfully strong around his heart With him was

it
.
for
anguish indeed part ever the faithful wife and little ones
to
to
who used Ah He was never more

to to
nestle
in
his bosom
!
.
feel these little arms twining round his neck never more
D
see those infant faces gazing into his own - never more to part
the flaxen curls over each unfurrowed brow ! Henceforth
they would look for his coming and hearken for his footfall
in vain ! They would call upon him , and be answered only
by the convulsive sobs of their widowed mother . And who
fill
his place for them even
as
would now bread winner
?
,
-
Mayhap when lay he
the grave these cherished little ones
in
,
,
he
for whom would draw the life blood from his heart would
,
-
feel the hunger pangs orphanage squalid misery and ob
of
in
-
no
scurity But such thought approached Larkin's

If
a
.
!
he
heart Assuredly had more faith
at
was once repelled
,
it
,
his countrymen
.
the fidelity and generosity
of in
more faith
in
-
believe they would suffer one
he of
to
his race than those

-
As
orphans want loving helping guiding hands him
to
, ,
.
all
he
he
self said was not after leaving them fatherless
,
;
to
was bequeathing them Ireland and God
to
on .
of
And the Father the Fatherless even the instant

,
,
up
an
angel missioner
of of
raised friend for them sent
--
a
give poor Larkin even the brink on

to
blessed comfort
of ,
poverty should ever

no
the grave assurance that pang

,
wound those little ones thus awfully bereaved One day

.
the confessor met the prisoners with beaming face holding
of in
,
was from the Dowager Marchioness

It
his hand letter

a
Queensberry Salford gaol and

in
to
the condemned Irishmen

,
,
as
ran follows
MY DEAR FRIENDS
be
may that these few lines may minister some con

It
your approaching departure from this world

on
you
to
solation
I
.
by
send you the hands faithful messenger some help for your
of
, a
or
their approaching irreparable loss

in
wife wives and children

,
,
long live they shall

be
so
as
and with the assurance that cared for

I
to
the utmost
of
my power
.
for
me will bring me their

ad
Mr. M´Donnell the bearer this

of
,
.
of
dress and the address the priest who attends you

,
comfort for your precious souls

be
will also know that

It
to
a
we remember you here the altar God where the daily remem
at
of
,
all
all
on
that glorious sacrifice

. of
brance Calvary for you not

is
-
neglected
be
We have daily Mass for you here and so that please

it
if
it
to ;
Himself on Satur
be
to
the good God permit you thus

to
called
day morning the precious body and blood Our Lord and Saviour
of
,
and our Friend will

be
presented for you before God eight o'clock

at
,
. ,
sin
all
on
so
day that blood precious that cleanses from

—
that
,
May your last words and thoughts be Jesus . Rest on Him , who is
faithful, and willing and Rest on Him and
all
to
powerful save
,
-
.
on
on
that Cross for you instead you and hear Him
of
His sacrifice
,
Yet will we
be
in
say To ay thou shalt with me Paradise
.”
,
-d
remember your souls constantly after your
of
de
the altar
at
God
.
those whom you leave life
in
as
as
parture well
,
us
Farewell and may Jesus Christ the Saviour
of
sinners save
,
!
all
and give you His last blessing upon earth and
an
eternal con
,
,
in
of
heaven
it
tinuance
.
CAROLIXE QUEENSBERRY
.
This letter enclosed 100 On hearing poor
it
read
,
.
Larkin burst into tears the other prisoners were also deeply
;
affected Surely never was act more noble Never was

,
!
.
woman's sex more exalted never was woman's mission more

-
by
beautifully exemplified than this glorious act bravery
of
,
,
tenderness and generosity
,
Two days before the fatal 23rd the calm resignation which
,
by
the condemned this time enjoyed was once more cruelly

disturbed and almost destroyed Once again the govern
,
.
fill
their hearts with the torturing hope not

to
,
ment came
if
,
all
indeed the strong conviction that after even though
all it
,
,
the gallows they would one and

be
at
of
should the foot

,
the
be
of
reprieved Another man vitiated

in
the five included

.
have his sentence com

to
verdict was reprieved Shore was

—
muted
.
This second reprieve was the most refined and subtle tor
up
, byto
ture men who had made their minds for the worst and
,
as
who God's strengthening grace had already become

,
,
of
the
to
were dead the world rendered the execution

it
It
.
an
remaining men almost impossibility Maguire noto

.
riously was innocent even

—
complicity
of
the rescue the

. inin
by
the sworn jury concurred

a to of
verdict learned the

,
judge the contrary notwithstandingShore was But

,”
.
, the
avowedly full participator He was no more

in
rescue
he ,
.
no
if In
less guilty than Allen Larkin O'Brien the dock

,
proudly gloried the fact What wonder the hapless

in
.
as
yet unrespited found the wild hope life surging

of
three
,
irresistibly through heart and brain

!
of
be
To the eternal honour

of
the artisans London told

it
,
by
they signalised themselves this crisis humanity

At a
in
,
bya
generosity that will not soon forgotten

be
Irishmen
,
.
several crowded meetings they adopted memorials to the
men -
government , praying for the respite of the condemned Irish
or rather , protesting against their contemplated execu
tion . These memorials were pressed with a devoted zeal that
showed how deeply the honest hearts of English working men
were stirred ; but the newspaper press — the " high - class ” press
especially - the enlightened public instructors ” —howled at ,
reviled , and decried these demonstrations of humanity. The
Queen's officials treated the petitions and petitioners with cor
responding contempt ; and an endeavour to approach the
Sovereign herself , then at Windsor , resulted in the contu
melious rejection from the palace gate of the petitioners ,
who were mobbed and hooted by the tradesmen and flunkeys
of the royal household !
In Ireland , however , as might be supposed , the respite
of Shore was accepted as settling the question : there
would be no execution . On the 21st of November men
heard , indeed , that troops were being poured into Man
chester , that the streets were being barricaded , that the
public buildings were strongly guarded , and that special
constables were being sworn in by thousands . All this
was laughed at as absurd parade . Ready as wore Irish
men to credit England with revengeful severity , there
was , in their opinion , nevertheless , à limit even to that.
To hang Allen , O'Brien , and Larkiu now , on the broken
down verdict , would , it was judged , be a measure of out
rage which even the fiercest hater of England would frankly
declare too great for her .
A few there were , however , who did not view the situa
tion thus . They read in the respite of Shore , fear ; and
they gloomily reflected that justice or magnanimity towards
the weak seldom characterises those who exhibit cowardice
sim
towards the strong . Shore was an American . By this

ple sentence light thrown
on
respiting
of
flood the fact

of
is
a
him alone amongst the four men admittedly concerned

in
the rescue
an
Shore was American He had country

a
.
on .
avenge him legally slaughtered vitiated verdict To

to
if
hang him was dangerous but for Allen Larkin and

as
,
,
;
country
no
O'Brien they had avenge

If to
in
the same sense

,
them America was strong but Ireland was weak was

it
,
.
.
1
deemed dangerous to sport with the life of the American , it

was deeined safe to be brutal and merciless towards the
Irishmen . On these the full arrear of British vengeance
might be glutted .
ere
its
But were not many
in
of
to
discern the first flush
,
proclamation this sinister aspect Shore's respite
of
, The
.
on
news reached Ireland Friday 22nd November and was
,
,
,
we
have already said generally deemed conclusive evi

as
,
dence that the next day would bring like news
in
reference
Allen Larkin and O'Brien
to
.
,
Early next morning

-
Saturday 23rd November 1867—
,
men poured into the cities and towns Ireland reached
of
telegraphic communication to learn
by
the news from

,
“
Language literally fails convey
an
Manchester
to
idea
"
.
—
the stupefaction that ensued when that news

of
the horror
-
was read
:
the
This morning Fe
at
eight o'clock three condemned

,
“
of
nians Allen Larkin front
in
and O'Brien were executed
.” ,
,
,
,
Salford Gaol
-
Men gasped awe struck horror speech seemed denied
it in
reality
be
Could was this Had

or
them dream
a
a
be ?
,
.
see the day when such

to
men lived deed could done

a
?
For the reason that incredulity had been strong before
so
,
on
wild haggard horror now sat every countenance and froze

,
,
the life blood every heart Irishmen had lain quiescent

in
-
,
.
cen
of
persuaded that this seventh decade

in
the nineteenth
sway
be
tury some humanising influences would

so to
found
,
that power that the past merci

in
at
least had ever been

,
Alas
to
less Irish victims But now

!
!
.
readful hour the gulf between the two nations

In
that
d
seemed widened and deepened until gaped and yawned

it
,
on
wide deep and dark hell itself There was

as
scowl
a
,
every brow Men went about sullen moody silent mo

—
with
,
,
.
rose clenched teeth and darkened faces terrible pas

,
sions raging their bosoms For all knew that the sacrifice
in
those three Irish patriots was cold blooded and cowardly

of
judicial proceeding
an
English policy more than

of of
act
--
,
act English panic cowardice hate and terror All knew

,
,
,
that Allen Larkin and O'Brien would never have been banged
of ,
,
on
on
the evidence those forsworn witnesses and the ver

,
54 THE DOCK AND THE SCAFFOLD ,
dict of that jury whose perjury or blunder was openly con

fessed and proclaimed , but
for
the political aspirations and
an
which the rescue was judged illustration
be
to
designs
of
.
Had their offence been non political they would not have
,
-
verdict They were put
on
to
been held day such death
a
a
.
for their political opinions They were put death for po
to to
.
litical reasons Their execution was meant strike terror
.
into Irishmen daring liberty Had they been
of
mutter to
.
Americans like Shore they would have been respited but
,
;
,
they were Irishmen they were immolated

as
.
The full story how those patriots met their fate
at
the
of
last reached Ireland two days afterwards and intensified
a
,
thousandfold the national emotions Men were alternately .
maddened into passion they read that
or
as
melted into tears
sad chapter
of
Irish martydom
of .
Even before the respite Shore the government had

commenced the most formidable military preparations
in
the bloody act State policy designed for the 23rd
of
byof
view
.
all
Troops were hurried rail the English cities and

to
towns where an Irish element existed and Manchester
it
;
“
self resembled city besieged The authorities called for spe

a
"
.
by
and partly attracted the plenteous supply

of
cialconstables
”,
- by
drink and free feeding and partly impelled their savage

,
*
or
fury against the Hirish the Fenians suddenly be

“
come convertible terms with English writers and speakers

motley mass several thousands mainly belonging
of
to
the
, ,
a
most degraded the population All the

of
were enrolled
.
in
the neighbourhood the prison were closed against

of
streets
by by
public traffic were occupied police specials

or
and
",
,
"
ponderous wooden barriers

at
were crossed close intervals

.
of
Positions commanding the space front

in
the scaffold were

by
strategetically scanned strengthened

and occupied
,
”,
“
military The scaffold was erected gap made

in
or
space
a
.
the upper part boundary wall the prison

in in
or
of
of
the outer
New Bailey street
to
The masonry was removed the

-
The Manchester papers inform that the specials were plenti

us
*
to .
fully fed with hot pork pies and beer

ad
libitum which seemed

,
powerfull bringing
in
in
have effect volunteers from the lower

. a
classes
at for
width necessary the scaffold which was then projected
,
It was ap
of
over the street the outer side the wall
by
proached ascended from the prison yard below long
or
ona
stepladder close alongside the wall
or
wooden stair the
,
Against the wall on the inner side
on
inside either hand
,
.
the scaffold were erected platforms within about four feet

of
,
below the wall coping These platforms were filled with
.
crouching down the reporters described
as
soldiers
",
,
“
of ,
their rifles just resting
on
of
with the muzzles the top
s
the wall The space the street immediately beneath the

in
.”
by
off
scaffold was railed strong wooden barrier and out
a
,
police special
of
side this barrier were massed the thousands
,
constables and volunteers
,
On Friday the doomed men took leave for the last time
of
see them The parting Larkin
to
of
the few relatives allowed
.
his
family the most agonising

as
of
and described one
is
scenes ever witnessed Poor Allen although not quite

.
a ,
young girl whom
he
twenty years age was engaged
to
of
lored and who loved him most devotedly She was sternly
,
In
bidding him farewell
of
refused the sad consolation the

.
evening the prisoners occupied themselves for some time
, in
up
writing letters and each

of
them drew declaration

a
,
the
which they committed chaplain They then gave not

to
another thought this world From that moment until all

to
was over their whole thoughts were centered

in
the solemn
,
In
preparing meet their Creator these last

to
occupation
of
by
hours Father Gadd the prison chaplain was assisted the

,
Very Rev. Canon Cantwell and the Rev. Father Quick whose
,
attentions were unremitting From the first the

to
the end
.
prisoners exhibited deep fervid religious spirit which could

,
a
scarcely have been surpassed among the earliest Christian

martyrs They received Holy Communion every alternate
, .
morning and spent the greater part their time spiritual

. upin
of
On
devotion Friday evening they were locked for the

.
six
night
In
about half past their

at
the usual hour o'clock

-
-
in
cells they spent long interval prayer and meditation

,
a
by
brutal
of
disturbed ever and anon alas the shouts

,
of !
laughter and boisterous choruses the mob already assembled

At
outside the prison walls length the fated three sought

.
their dungeon pallets for the last time Strange may

as
it
“
.
56 TIIE DOCK AND THE SCAFFOLD .
appear , ” says one of the Manchester papers chronicling the

execution , “those three men , standing on the brink of the
grave , and about to suffer an ignominious death , slept as
soundly as had been their wont .” Very “ strange , " no doubt ,
it appeared to those accustomed to see criminals die ; but no
marvel to those who know how innocent men , at peace with w
God and man , can mount the scaffold , and offer their lives a
sacrifice for the cause of liberty .
Far differently that night was spent by the thronging
countrymen of Broadhead , who came as to a holiday to
see the “ Fenians ” die . Early on the preceding evening
crowds had taken up their places wherever the occupy
ing bodies of the military , police , or specials did not pre
vent ; and the pictures drawn of their conduct by the
all
newspaper reporters, one and are inexpressibly re
,
volting was the usual English crowd assembled
to
It
.
enjoy an execution They made the air resound with

.
laughter obscene jokes shouts cries and repartees and

in at
;
thousands beneath the gallows
ofof of
chorused snatches
)!
[
comic ballads and pot house songs varied verses by

,
-
“ "
Rule Britannia and God Save the Queen by way

”
,”
exultation over the Irish the early part

or
Once twice
in
.
the night the police had remove the mob from the por
of
to
,
tion the prison nearest the condemned cells

as
of
the shouts
,
and songs were painfully disturbing the hapless men engaged

at
that moment preparing for eternity

.
Saturday the 23rd November murky

,
dawned misty
,
,
,
'
dull and cold over Salford During the first hours after
,
the past midnight the weather had been clear and frosty
,
heavy hoar covered the ground

ap
and daylight
as
but
a
proached thick mist fog crept like pallid pall over the
or
,
a
. a
waking city
The condemned were roused from sound and tranquil
quarter Having dressed
to
slumbers about five o'clock

a
,
.
they attended Mass Rev. Canon Cantwell Rev. Mr. Gadd

,
and Rev. Mr. Quick officiating They heard this their last
,
.
no
Mass with fervour and solemnity which words could

a
,
describe The Holy Sacrifice having been offered the con

,
.
demned and the three priests remained prayer and spiritual

in
exercises until seven o'clock when the prisoners partook

of
,
breakfast . “ The last preparation ,” says an English eye

witness , were then begun . At - twelve minutes to eight
o'clock the executioner , Calcraft , and his assistant , were in
troduced into the cell in which the prisoners were placed ,
and the process of pinioning their arms was gone through .
The priests stood by the side of the unhappy men , adminis
tering the consolations of religion , and exhorting them to
firmness to meet the last dreadfnl ordeal . The convicts ,
at this time, " continues the English reporter , “ manifested
a remarkable fortitude. Not one of them flinched in the
least . ”
The same eye - witness describes as follows the last act of
the tragedy , with a brief general sketch of which we com
menced this narrative :
" At a quarter to eight o'clook the interior court of the
gaol presented a strange and striking spectacle. Behind the
wall in New Bailey - street was erected the long staircase lead
ing to the scaffold,
its
for
side were platforms
and by the
of
the military The fog was

dense that objects
a so
use
,
.
but faintly distinguished thirty

be
at
could
of
distance
yards Suddenly the words military command were
of
.
heard and company the 72nd Highlanders

of
marched
,
up
round the Roundhouse and took position line the at

in
a
,
Simultaneously
of
foot the staircase small detachments

,
.
the same regiment ascended the platform and crouched

to
of
there with their loaded rifles slightly projecting over the

,
At
prison wall
of
almost the same moment the heads line

a
.
soldiers arose above the parapet

of
the railway viaduct

on A of
line warders was formed the gaol court The sentries

in
of
duty ceased their walk magistrates and reporters stood

;
aside and dead silence prevailed for

as
few moments
a
a
,
Ata
,
signal was given from the corner the Roundhouse

of
three minntes past eight o'clock the solemn voice minis

of
a
ter repeating the litany

of
the Catholic Church was heard

a ,
and the head the procession became visible through

of
of
thick fog about thirty yards from the foot the staircase
,
.
by
The Rev. Canon Cantwell walked first

of
the side Allen

.
The convict was deadly pale his eyes wandered alternately

;
from the priest the individuals standing round and then

to
,
his
he
uplifted pierce the dense

to
gaze vain endeavour

in
a
,
58 TIIE DOCK AND THE SCAFFOLD .
canopy which hung above him . He walked with a tolerably

steady step , and uttered the response , ' Lord , have mercy
upon us , ' in a firm voice . ”
Next to him came Larkin , in whose appearance confine
ment and anxiety of mind had wrought striking change. a
His physical strength seemed skaken , and he required to be
assisted by one of the warders in ascending the long wooden
all
stair that led to the scaffold . Last of came O'Brien whose
,
noble firm and dignified bearing won the approbation
of of
,
everyone who beheld him partition running the line
an in
A
.
ner plat
an
the wall divided the scaffold into outer and
ir
form small door opening between them Allen and O'Brien
a
,
,
.
top
and theirattendants having reached the
of
the stair waited
,
,
on
the inner platform until Larkin and the rest the atten
of
.up
all
dant warders and officials came Then being ready
,
the door was flung open and the boy martyr was first led
,
-
His face which was deathly pale
ap
out upon the drop
,
,
.
peared working with the effects strong mental agony

of
, .
The high priest English rule over Irishmen Calcraft
of
,
came forward placed the treacherous noose around Allen's
,
neck pulled thin white cap over his ashen face and then
,
a
,
stooped and securely tied his feet together The pinioning

,
.
of
the arms which had been done the cell allowed his
in
,
clasp
to
hands from the elbows downward sufficient freedom

,
,
on
he
his breast spoke

as
crucifix which ever and anon

a
aloud the responses the litany the poor young fellow

of
press closer and closer

to
to
seemed his heart

.
Next O'Brien was led forth On his fine manly face the
.
closest scrutiny could not detect He

of
trace weakness
a
to .
up
looked calmly and sadly around then stepping where

onhe ,
;
by
Allen stood capped and pinioned clasped him the

,
hand and kissed him affectionately the cheek speaking

,
him word Then O'Brien himself

or
to
two not overheard

a
.
by
on
was placed Calcraft the drop the rope was fixed upon
,
on
his neck the cap was drawn his face and his feet were
,
,
securely bound
.
Larkin was now brought out and led directly his place
to
,
The
on
of
in
the left hand O'Brien who was the middle

,
.
his
of
sight two brother martyrs capped and pinioned and

-
with the fatal cord around each neck seemed

to
unman the
,
poor fellow utterly. He stumbled on touching an uneven

plank on the scaffold , so that many thought he had fainted ;
but it was not so , though he unquestionably was labouring
under intense agony of mind . O'Brien , firm and unshrinking
to the last , turned and looked at him encouragingly , and to
him also spoke a few words in a low tone .
Calcraft now disappeared from view , and the three men
moment before the multitude their voices ring
for
stood
a
" ,
ing out clearly the still morning air Lord Jesus have
in
,
,
mercy on us Suddenly the click
of
the bolts was heard
.
;
the three bodies sunk through the traps England's three
;
halters strained and tugged and twitched convulsively for
a
,
—
few moments and the deed was done her vengeance was
,
accomplished
.
That afternoon her functionaries bore three grave its
to
-p
the prison yard three lumps lifeless clay that few
in
of of
a
,
-
short hours before had been three God's noblest creatures
.
Like carrion they were flung into those unconsecrated pits
,
,
; law
and strewed with quicklime For this was British The
.
.
wolf and the tiger leave some vestiges but
of
their victims
of a
special ordinance English law required even the corpses
of
be
those martyred Irishmen

to
calcined
.
They had purposed addressing the crowd from the scaffold
,
by
but were prevented from doing the govern

of
so
order
ment They had each one however committed writing
to
,
,
!
as
already mentioned the world

to
last solemn message

,
a
the dying men were entrusted

to
of
These declarations the

up
their confessor who eventually gave them for pub

of
care
,
lication They created the most intense and painful sensa

.
They made more and more clear the dread

in
tion Ireland
.
ful fact that the hapless men had been cruelly sacrificed
.
Standing might the presence

of
be
their God
as
in
it
said
,
,
all
and Judge they one and protested their innocence and

,
,
on
which they had been

in of
declared the falseness the evidence

convicted But not querulous repining
or
denunciation
.
were these truths proclaimed but language and with sen

in
,
by
timents worthy men who professed the faith preached

of
the Crucified on Calvary Every line breathed the purest

.
humility the most perfect resignation and the most intense

,
,
God mingled with the most fervent love

to
of
devotion coun
,
of all
Those 'men were
in
try . life
of
humble circumstances
,
and with the exception
,
O'Brien had but slight literary
,
advantages yet the simple pathos beauty and eloquence
of
,
,
;
their dying messages moved every heart Poor Larkin was
,
.
all
three the least endowed with education yet his letter

of
,
has been aptly described perfect poem prose We
in
as
.”
here append those memorable documents
:
DECLARATION OF WILLIAM PHILIP ALLEN
.
say the charge for whichto
Into
wish few words relative am

I
I
few hours more will be going before my God
to
die
1
a
am
.
.
the presence that great God that not the man who
in
of
state
I
shot Serjeant Brett that man's wife
If
alive never let her
is
,
.
think that am the person who deprived her her husband
of
and
I of I
;
his family
de
alive let them never think am the man who
if
is
.
prived them their father
.
confess have committed other sins against my God and

I
II
hope He will accept
as
my death homage and adoration which

of
for
owe His Divine Majesty and my past transgressions
in
atonement
,
against Him
.
dwelling
on
in
There not much use this subject much longer

is
;
for by this time am sure plain that am not the man that
is
it
I
I
took away the life Serjeant Brett

of
to
state this put juries on their guard for the future and
to
I
have them inquire into the characters witnesses before they take ,
of
away the lives innocent men ought not

of
But then com to

,
.
I
,
.
for
plain Was not our Saviour sold money and His life sworn away
,
.
to by
am
With the help the great God only dying

of
false witnesses
,
?
world world joy Before the judgment

to
to
of
of
sorrow rise
a
a
.
be
God there will no false witnesses tolerated everyone must

of
seat
,
render an account for himself

.
all
forgive ever may have had this world May

in
the enemies
I
I
! .
God forgive them Forgive them sweet Jesus forgive them also
,
I
,
to all.
ask pardon have injured any way

of
, in
whom
I
I.
In
on
the attack the van nobly aided

is , is in
reference confess
I
the gallant Colonel Kelly and Captain Deasey

It
of
the rescue
to .
well known my poor country

to
the whole world what has suffer

and how her sons are exiles the world over then tell me where
;
on
the Irishman who could look unmoved and see his countrymen
,
taken prisoners and treated like murderers and robbers British

in
,
dungeons
?
on
May the Lord have mercy our souls and deliver Ireland from
,
her sufferings God save Ireland

!
.
WILLIAM PHILIP ALLEN

.
DECLARATION OF MICHAEL LARKIN

.
Men dying man going before my God

as
the World
of
a
I,
,
TIIE DOCK AND THE SCAFFOLD . 61
all
solemnly declare have never fired a shot in my life much less
,
the van nor did ever put
on
the day the attack was made hand
a
,
I
to the van The world will remember the widow's son's life that
,
by
he
wife and four
to
was sworn away which leaves children
a
,
mourn loss am not dying for shooting Brett but for mentioning
I
a
,
.
in pa
Colonel Kelly's and Deasey's names am dying
in
the court
a
.
be
triot for my God and my country and Larkin will remembered
,
by
the sons and daughters Erin
to
of
time come
, .
Farewell dear Ireland for must leave you and die martyr for
in , , a
,
I
your sake Farewell dear mother wife and children for I'must
,
,
.
all
leave you for poor Ireland's sake Farewell uncles aunts and
,
.
cousins likewise sons and daughters Erin hope
of
heaven we
,
I
.
be
will meet another day God with you Father for
in
heaven
,
.
. .
give those that have sworn my life away forgive them and the
I
world God bless Ireland
!
.
MICHAEL LAPKIN
.
DECLARATION OF MICHAEL O'BRIEN
.
have only did not use
to
make these few remarks revolver
a
I
I
:
the day that Colonel Kelly

on
or
any other firearm throw stones

or
,
gallantly
so
and Captain Deasey were rescued was not present it byI

.
say this not way reproach
of
too when the van was attacked
,
;I
,
say the hope that

or
give annoyance any person but in

to
to
more particular when identifying and that juries

be
witnesses may
,
closely to the character
to
may look more and
of
witnesses
their evidence before they convict person send him before
,
to
a
,
lis God trust that those who swore seeing me with re

to
a
I
.
throwing stones were nothing more than mistaken for

or
volver
I
,
.
all
give them from my heart and likewise forgive who have ever
. I,
,
do me any injury know have been guilty

or
to
done me intended
I
I
many sins against my God in

satisfaction for those sins have
I
of
;
to
do
tried what little penance could and having received the

,
I
have humbly begged that He would

of
sacraments the Church

,
I
to
be
accept my sufferings and death united the sufferings and

to
,
be
His innocent Son through my sufferings ren

of
death whom can

,
dered acceptable
.
My Redeemer died
as
as
more shameful death far man could

a
make that might receive pardon from Him and enjoy His glory
it
I
,
may earnestly beg my country

in
be
God grant
so
Heaven
it
.
.
America to heal their differences God's name for

in
in
to
men unite
,
the sake Ireland and liberty cannot see any reason even the
of
,
.
why John Savage should not have the entire confidence

of
slightest
,
all his countrymen With reference Colonel Kelly believe him

, to
I
,
.
good honourable man unselfish and entirely devoted

be
the
to
to
,
a
cause of Irish freedom

,
MICHAEL O'BRIEN
.
So
ends the story the memorable events which gave

of
Ireland's martyrs
of
three new names the list

to
so
closes
;
the sad and thrilling record which tells how Allen , Larkin ,
and O'Brien died . Over the neglected plot in which
their calcined remains are lying no stone stands inscribed
with their names - no emblem to symbolize their religion or
their nationality . But to that gloomy spot the hearts of the
Irish people will ever turn with affectionate remembrance ;
and the day will never come when , in this the land that
bore them , the brave men whose ashes repose within it will
be forgotten .
There was wild commotion among the Irish people in

America , when on the 6th of March , 1867 , the Atlantic cable
flashed across to them the news that on the previous night
the Fenian circles , from Louth to Kerry , had turned out in
arms, and commenced the long promised rebellion . It was
news to send a thrill of excitement through every Irish heart
--to fire the blood of the zealous men who for years had
been working to bring the Irish question to this issue ; and
news to cause profound and anxious thought to that large
class of Irishmen who , deeply occupied with commercial and
professional pursuits, are less energetic than the members of
the Fenian Brotherhood in their political action , but who
for
all
scarcely differ from them in principle . It was , who

had Irish blood their veins and Irish sympathies their
in
in
serious consideration that once again the banner

in of
hearts
a
,
insurrection against English rule had been unfurled

on
Ireland and that many spot Irish earth the organised

of
a
of ,
forces England were conflict with hastily collected

in
ill
,
of
supplied and almost unarmed levies Irish patriotism

,
The question whether the cause

be
advan
of
Ireland would
by
its
taged injured the struggle and

or
inevitable results
by
was differently answered

in
different minds Some saw

.
the country
for
the conflict nothing but defeat and suffering
for
—
more gyves and chains more sorrow and humiliation
,
,
her sons and , fresh triumph for the proud and boastful
a
power England Others while only too well convinced
of
,
.
that the suppression the insurrectionary
of
movement was
be
speedily accomplished viewed the position with

to
sure
a
,
certain fierce and stern satisfaction and discerned therein the
,
germ high hopes for the future
of
.
But the Fenian leaders and Fenian circles
in
to
of
certain
America the news came with pressing and peculiar interest
a
,
.
They were largely responsible
for
the outbreak the war was
,
manner their war
in
Their late head centre James

a
,
.
-
Stephens was chargeable with only certain degree
in
it
,
of .
He had promised initiate the struggle before the 1st
to
January that year Conscious that his veracity was regarded

of
by
in
dubious light
of
he
somewhat many
of
his followers
a
,
of all
reiterated the declaration with possible passion and vehe
by
mence and even went the length swearing
of to
invocations it
,
of the Most High before public assemblies his countrymen

,
.
he
his pledges
of
When the time came for the fulfilment failed

keep them and was immediately deposed from his posi
to
,
by
tion the disappointed and enraged circles which had ou

hitherto trusted him But the meantime relying his
in
,
off .
an
engagement Ireland those circles

to
in
lead insurrection
,
for
had made certain preparations the event and number

a
,
of
their members brave Irishmen who had had actual ex

,
perience
of
of
war the armies America had crossed the

in
Atlantic and landed England and Ireland give the

to
of in
,
movement the benefit their services To these men the

.
an
James Stephens was stunning blow

of
break down event

a
,
of -
full shame and horror they felt their bonour compro

;
by
his
mised conduct they considered that they could

;
America with their mission unattempted and

to
not return
,
at
they resolved establish their own honesty and sincerity

to
all events the courage and earnestness the

as
as
of
well
,
Fenian Brotherhood Ireland by taking the desperate

in
engaging forth with open insurrection It was

in
of
course
.
conformity with their arrangements and

in
of to
obedience
on in
,
their directions that the rising took place the night

,
the 5th
of
March 1867
,
.
success which attended the attempted insurrection
ill
The
was reported
in
, in
as
as
America almost soon was known
it
by
the agency the Atlantic telegraph But
of
Ireland ,
.
its
speedy and utter
of
whoever believed the statements
collapse which were forwarded through the cable the Fe
,
,
nian circles certainly did not They felt certain that the
.
truth was being withheld from them that the cable which
,
an
the British Government
of
was instrument the hands
in
,
was being employed
to
mislead them and that when
it
;
in
all
in no
reported quiet Ireland and movement afoot save
,
the British troops employed scouring the moun
of of
that
"
, “
tains Cork and Tipperary there was reality guerilla
of in
,
,
a
warfare being waged over great extent the country and
, ,
a
many tough fight was being fought pass and glen and
of in
a
,
wood amidst the picturesque scenery the Munster coun
,
ties Their incredulity was but natural They had no

.
.
rely
on
to of
the cable
to
reason whatever the truthfulness

there had been Fenian successes
If
messages report
it
,
.
very likely that

no
of
fair account them would have been

is
by
pass Still day after day went

to
as
allowed that route

,
.
,by
by
no
and brought any party

on or
of
news battles lost won
,
the conviction began force itself
to
of
the minds the
'
American Fenians that the movement Ireland was hanging

in
fire and that was going hard with the brave men who had
it
,
was necessary
at
committed themselves
It
the outset
to
be it
that something should

be
to
done those men were

if
,
sustained and the outbreak developed into struggle worthy

a
,
of
of
the cause and the long years preparation the bold

of
,
,
threats and the glowing promises

of
the Fenian Brotherhood

,
the risks they had incurred and the sacrifices they had
,
made
.
give force
be
What was What was needed

to
to
done
?
and power the insurrectionary uprising Ireland They

to
in
knew the answer Arms and officers were wanted To

.
.
supply them
at
least some measure was therefore the

in
,
,
,
great object that now presented itself their minds How

to
they sought accomplish the public

to
to
known the
is
it
of if
-
Attorney General and his witnesses the opening

at
the
,
-
Commission Dublin true story

in
in
November 1867 told

a
,
,
.
we
Any references that particular sub

to
shall here make

ject , that is , to the alleged voyage of a Fenian cruiser con

veying men and arms from New York to Ireland , shall be
derived entirely from the statements made in open court on
that occasion , with an extract or two from a docunient other
wise published . We shall add nothing to them , neither shall
for
for
all
the authenticity any
”, or
at
of
of
we vouch them
,
,
our writing
as
the time the Crown the Government
of
,
“
lawyers call themselves are not yet done with some
of
the
,
cases arising out this alleged expedition But taking the
of
,
.
we
the newspaper reports the trials

as
of
narrative find in
it
of
Colonel John Warren and Augustine
E.
in
Costello and
,
America under the auspices
of
byin
the lecture delivered the

,
Tresilian John Savage
R.
Fenian Brotherhood Colonel
S.
, ,
,
,
Esq C.E.F.B. the chair reported the Irish People
in in
in
.,
we
New York and other journals summarise briefly
as
,
,
its ,
follows chief particulars

,
we
appears then that
to
have referred
at
the time which

It
,
,
when the necessity quantity

of
transmitting
of
arms and
a
,
military leaders Ireland for the sus
to
sending
of
number
a
tainment the insurrectionary movement had impressed

of
on
of
itself they
in
the minds the Fenian leaders America

,
attempt
on
an
supply
to
to
resolved some extent those

,
,
requirements Two ways were open setting about
to
of
them
.
this difficult and hazardous undertaking

to
One was avail

.
the ordinary mail steamers and trading ships between the

of
two countries send the men across ordinary passengers

as
,
and ship the arms goods Much had

as
of
different kinds
.
that way during the previous three

or
been done four

it in
years but was plainly too slow and uncertain process

to to
a
,
adopt the present occasion

on
The other course was

.
procure vessel for this special purpose freight her with the
a
men and arms place her under the command skilful

of
a
,
of for
and experienced captain and trust his skill and luck

to
,
safety somewhere
on
landing the entire

in
the west coast

Ireland
.
This was the course adopted How was carried out

it
,
.
the Attorney General with whatever degree authority

of
,
to -
de
in
may attach his words such case has thus

,
a
scribed
:
April
On
party forty fifty men

or
of
of
the 12th 1867 almost

a
,
E ,
all
of
privates the service the Ame
in
or
of
whom had been officers
in .
went down from New York Sandyhook
to
rican Government
,
steamer distance of about eighteen miles There they found
a
a a
.
brigantine about 200 tons burden which had been purchased
of
,
for the expedition that brigantine these men embarked and
in
and
,
or . ,
sailed for Ireland She was called the Jackmel and she sailed
",
“
For the purpose keeping their move
of
without papers colours
.
.
as
these men embarked
as
ments free from observation possible
,
without luggage rather extraordinary thing men the great ma
in
--
a
jority the American service The com
in
of
whom had been officers
he
the expedition was named John Kavanagh
F.
of
mander and
,
had filled the office brigadier general the American army
in
of
and
,
-
the American Congress
on at
was one time member of These men

a
in .
very large quantity packed piano
of
had board arms cases
a
,
,
-
to
order
in
cases for sewing machines and wine barrels conceal
,
,
them effectually and the parcels were consigned
to
merchant
a
;
firm
, in
Cuba The ship steered for one day towards the West
.
Indies avoid suspicion and then shaped her course

in
to
order
,
towards Ireland Vessels occasionally came sight and when
in
,
.
they did English colours were hoisted Nothing remarkable oc

.
curred until Easter Sunday April 29th nearly nine days after they
,
had sailed from New York The parties determined
to
celebrate
.
that day festival and they hoisted the green flag with
as
sun
a
a
,
.
burst fired salute and changed the name the vessel calling
of
,
a
,
,
her Erin's Hope Kavanagh then produced Fenian commissions
,
“
"
.
and distributed them and also produced sealed orders from which
,
,
Sligo Bay and there land his men
to
appeared that he was

to
sail
it
to
he
he
and arms and found impracticable land them there
to if
it
;
,
proceed some other place Ireland Some days after this
in
to
was
,
.
they came sight the coast the county

of
in
of
of
Limerick and then

,
they sailed towards Sligo but they overshot the mark and arrived
,
;
off the coast They then turned back and arrived

at
Donegal
of
,
.
Sligo Bay May

on
the 20th
of
on
The learned gentleman then went

to
describe certain
occurrences alleged have taken place on board the vessel
in to
while she remained and about Sligo Bay He said that

.
on
one evening hooker came alongside from which man

,
toa
,
on
who appeared gentleman got

be
board the brigantine

a
This person went down into the cabin conversed with the
,
officers and told them the landing could not

be
effected
,
he
- on
Sligo after which

at
returned board the hooker and

,
,
for
sailed the shore The Attorney General said

:
.
About the 26th May the ship left the Sligo coast On the 1st
of
.
of
June she arrived Dungarvan

at
During the voyage councils

.
on
were held board Provisions were running short and they could
,
.
not remain much longer

at
sea These matters were made the sub

.
jects of discussion , Some were for going to America , and some for
landing ; and at last the conclusion was arrived at that the majority
of the officers should be landed , and that the others should go either
to America or to the Western Isles —the Hebrides. They hailed
a large fishing boat , and offered the man on board £ 2 to put two
men on shore . He went on board the brigantine , and when he did
so , twenty - eight men who were hitherto concealed , rushed on board
his ship . Heasked them if he would land them at Helwick Point ,
and they said no , because there was a coastguard station there .
They were eventually landed about two miles from that point, and
they were compelled to wade through water three -and - a-half feet
deep to the shore .
So far the learned gentleman , her Majesty's Attorney

General for Ireland . His statement was supported by the
informations and the evidence of an informer , Daniel J.
Buckley , the Judas of the expedition . He , however , repre
sented Kavanagh as the captain of the vessel, and General
James E. Kerrigan as chief of the military expedition . As
to the armament on board , they had , he said , “ some Spen
cer's repeating rifles, seven -shooters, and some Enfield rifles ,
Austrian rifles , Sharp's and Burnside's breech - loaders , and
some revolvers . There were about 5,000 stand of arms on
board , and three pieces of artillery , which would fire three
pound shot or shell . With these pieces the salute was fired
on the occasion of hoisting the sunburst on Easter Sunday .
As regards ammunition , there were about a million and a .
half rounds on board . ”
Colonel S. R. Tresilian , in the lecture already alluded to ,
gave the following facetious account of the warlike stores
which were on board the vessel :
We found the cargo to consist of 5,000 rat - tail files , of different
sizes and descriptions . Then there were several smaller files that
mechanics carry in their pockets ; then again there was the flat
file, in respectable numbers , that are used
for
cutting
on
either
to
edge and that are carried prevent the mechanics

in
sheathes
,
to
from cutting their neighours fingers These files were be dis

.
'
to .
to
tributed the paupers Ireland sharpen their

to
enable them
in
,
so
that they could masticate animal food the grand bar

at
teeth
,
becue that was be given on the landing Another

to
of
our vessel
.
portion the cargo was 200,000 puff balls and sugar plums for
of
,
-
gratuitous distribution among our English friends and brethren

in
Ireland
.
surely was daring venture run that craft freighted

to
It
,
as she was , across the ocean , and sail her for days along the
coast of Ireland . The lecturer gave the following account of
her voyagings :
The craft made three landings in Ireland, and one in England ,
and they were very near being captured several times . At no time
were they over twelve miles from a British man -of -war , a frigate ,
ram , or gun -boat, and were continually annoyed by pilots. They
sea
38
which
in
107 days days from America Ireland
of to
were at
,
; ; Ireland and Eng
24
they sailed 3,665 miles days round the coast
; .
days from Ireland
47
land 2,023 miles 3,577 miles
to
America
,
,
making grand total 9,265 miles
of
a
fol
As
regards the return voyage the lecturer gave the
,
lowing information
:
On the return trip they had starting from the coast

in
Ireland
of
,
,
one barrel sound bread one barrel mouldy bread one rice pork 6lbs
,
in of ,
of ,
.
beans two quarts
of
one box fish one barrel beef one bushel
,
,
,
lb.
molasses one half sugar tea and coffee sufficient quantities

,
,
,
They ran out everything except bread

of
one third rations
of
water
.
-
and water before reaching the Banks where they

of
Newfoundland
,
off
received assistance from fishing smack and again Boston from
,
,
a
They succeeded
to
vessel bound San Francisco landing the
of in
a
entire cargo safely America and the Fenian

in
in
now hands
it
is
,
Brotherhood
.
strange story altoyether The voyage

It
of
the vessel
is
a
.
fro
un
of
and along the well watched coast

to
and Ireland
,
,
by
no
challenged British ship small significance

of
fact
is
,
,
a
not quite conclusive

be
even regards theargumentof the

as
if
it
lecturer that the Fenian Brotherhood

of
America can when

,
they please land large supplies men and arms Ireland

in
,
re by .
greatly enhanced
of
Then the interest the narrative

is
by
its
of
some romantic incidents more especially the

,
have occurred on Easter Sunday

to
markable scene stated

morning
of
News the landing which had been effected near Dun

garvan was quickly spread amongst the coastguards and the
police and few hours afterwards some twenty seven men
,
were under arrest charged with having come into the coun
,
try under suspicious circumstances Amongst them were

.
an
two whose trials for having formed part

, of
armed expedi
tion destined
to
aid rebellion
in
Ireland have since been

a
at
on
had
in
the Commission which opened Dublin the 28th

of
November 1867 and whose spirited defence

of
them
,
,
selves in the dock it is our purpose to record in these pages .

They were Colonel John Warren , of the American army , and
Augustine E. Costello .
The trial of the first -named of those gentlemen is likely ,
owing to the spirited and statesmanlike course which he
all
adopted on the occasion , to become memorable for time
,
prominent place two great
of
and have the histories
in
to
England and America
of
nations One its results now
-
,
actually progress
of
an
alteration the law America
in
is
in
,
,
on
of
point great importance and this
to
both countries
;
a
alteration will necessitate corresponding change not
in
if
a
,
the practice the English courts From
in
at
of
the law least
,
.
these changes will ensue consequences the utmost gravity
of
England but unquestionable advantage
of
the Irish
to
to
,
in all
people and the cause which they have
at
heart for
;
,
will long
be
of
which the name Colonel Warren held

honour and grateful remembrance among his countrymen
in
.
Clona
of
of
Colonel Warren who native the town
is
a
,
kilty the county respectable parentage

of
Cork and
in
of
,
,
,
emigrated the United States some twelve years ago and
to
,
time like most his countrymen who
of
of
due course
in
to ,
transfer their domicile that free and great country took he

,
its
out papers adopted

of
of
naturalization and became one

,
of
citizens That act
of
naturalization the declaration

is
a
.
on
contract between the American government the one

,
on
hand and the new made citizen the other whereby the
,
,
-
to
latter formally and solemnly transfers his allegiance that

government and withdraws from any other which might
on it
,
previously have had claim and whereby the govern

it
a
for ;
on
to its
part exchange that allegiance engages

allin
ment
,
by
of its to
extend him the liberties and rights possessed

its
native born subjects

of
the benefit laws the full scope

—
,
-
In
its
its
franchises the protection flag this way

of
,
.
by
many hundreds British law

of
men hunted
of
thousands
,
and British policy out have during recent years

of
Ireland
,
to
of
been added the number brave and devoted citizens

by
possessed the United States But yet seems the law

it
,
,
.
this transfer
no
England affords recognition

to
of
alle
of
giance expressly denies the legality any such act and claims
of
,
the British crown not only

all
subjects persons born

as
of
,
within British jurisdiction , but also their sons and grandsons ,

wherever their domicile and their place of birth may be .
Colonel Narren .
Between the British law on the subject of allegiance and the

American system of naturalisation , there is , therefore , an
irreconcilable discrepancy ; and the course taken by Colonel
Warren , on his trial, was to bring this question of law
between the two governments to a direct issue . He took
his
be
American citizenship
he
his stand on
to to
claimed tried
;
an
on
as
the bench refusing

de
to
alien and accede his

;
,
all
mand , he abandoned legal defence directed his counsel
it ,
withdraw from the case and put upon his government
by to to
,
maintain the honour and vindicate the laws
of
America
,
affording him the protection
he
which
to
was entitled
.
Other Irishmen naturalized citizens
of
America had pre
,
viously been tried and sentenced for Fenian practices
in
,
by
cluding acts done and words spoken them America
in
,
which would not have come within the cognizance
of
the
as
court had they been tried otherwise than British subjects
, ;
and their addresses the court they had made reference
to
in
proudly and hopefully the fact that they were adopted

to
,
that great country

a of
of
sons but none them had struck
;
as
by
upon well calculated that taken
so
course Colonel
question and necessitate
to
Warren raise the international
,
distinct and speedy solution He had good case
to
of
it
a
a
before the jury had

he
go
legally de
be
to
allowed himself
,
he
he
was perfectly aware that fact but
of
fended and
;
,
by
clearly perceived that taking the other course whatever

,
,
be
he
the consequences
to
might
be
himself would able

to to
render better service both his adopted country and his

He took that course and therefore that
is
native land
it
,
,
,
.
British convict prison far away from his

he
day
in
to
is
,
-
home and friends from his wife and his children subject
to
,
,
by
all
England
on
the restraints and indignities imposed the
and with
of
of
vilest and meanest her criminals term

a
,
Let us be
to
at of
fifteen years such treatment decreed him

.
say least that his countrymen are not unmindful

to
able
,
,
of
the sacrifice
.
In
the trial which was had before Chief

of
the course
,
Baron Pigot and Mr. Justice Keogh

in
the Commission
,
of on
Court Dublin Colonel Warren offered some few remarks

,
,
the evidence and put some questions

all
onto
the witnesses
,
,
which showed considerable acumen his part and were

,
He complained particularly
ad
thoroughly
of
rem the
.
Gallagher
in
manner which his identification was obtained

,
.
who had piloted the Erin's Hope around the west coast
“
as”
his identity the party who

to
of
of
Ireland swore one

,
on
were board but the prisoner contended that Gallagher's

;
on
of
knowledge him was acquired not board that vessel

,
Kilmainham gaol where Gallagher had been his

in
but
,
72 THE DOCK AVD THE SCAFFOLD .
fellow - prisoner for some weeks , during which time he had

abundant opportunities of learning his , Colonel Warren's ,
name , and the charge against him . But it was a vain thing,
far
the jury were concerned indulge such criti
to
of as
as
in
,
in
Irish and
in
cisms the evidence There were times
.
English history when juries could rise above the panic
go of
,
of
the hour and refuse the passion
to
to
minister the
,
we
vernment but have fallen upon other times and now
a
,
-
be
days political crime means
be
con
to
to
of
accused
,
a
victed
.
guilty against Colonel Warren was
re
of
verdict
A
"
"
, as
tnrned matter
of
course On Saturday November the

a
,
.
up
with two other prisoners was brought
. he
16th for
,
,
On
sentence the usual interrogatory being put
to
him the
,
following proceedings took place
:
WARREN claim the privilege established precedent have by
I
-
I
.
opportunity making any remarks on my case and
no
of
had
I
,
would now wish say few words
to
THE CHIEF BARON Just state what you have say

to
we are
;
-
ready you
to
hear
.
WARREN the first place

my in
desire explain while ignoring

to
–
,
,
,
I
jurisdiction
of
this court sentence me and while

to
the
this
,
my
interfering
, for
commeumane
in
,
original position reasons

see
beyond my present position the importance

of
can this case

I
,
instruct the jury either directly indi
or
to
and was desirous

,
I
.
rectly the importance their decision while never for mo
of
of
a
,
ment deviating from the position which assumed submit that

.
I
effectually did that They incautiously and foolishly for them

,
I
they
be
the country subjects

to
to of
selves and which claim have

,
by
be
an
raised issue which has settled higher tribunal than this

a
court
.
to
CHIEF BARON cannot allow you continue these observations

-
.
I
propose show that the verdict contrary evi

to
to
—
PRISONER
is
.
I
dence
.
THE CHIEF BARON must again tell you that you are not
at
-
I
— do
liberty that
to
answer briefly the question why

to
PRISONER propose the sen

I
Do
be
tence under
of
the court should not pronounced upon me

I
.
stand you refuse me that privilege

to
; ?
THE CHIEF BARON Certainly not but point

—
in
am bound
is. of
I
I
law hear you upon any matter respecting the
to
to
refuse verdict
by
We are bound that verdict just That

as
as
much you are

the law
.
.
PRISONER have been indicted with number parties

of
one
. of
a
,
in
whom had been identified America have been tried and con
I
.
had THE DOCK AND THE SCAFFOLD . 73
do
on
timehe What position now Am
in
victed stand convicted the
I
I
.
Corydon belonged
of
el
who swears that the Fenian
to
Warren's evidence
,
,
I
vain
Does that prove that belonged
in
in
to
Brotherhood 1863
it
?
I
thing
in a
1867
?
suchcriti
and
he
The Chief Baron then explained that what
to
left the
. go ot in
Irish
on
jury was that they believed upon the evidence that
of the
panic
if
,
, on e
March the prisoner belonged the Fenian con

of
the 5th
to
the
for
now
federacy having its object the deposition
of
the Queen
,
,
con-4
and
,
by
he
for the
he be
s
would answerable acts done his confederates

be
,
to
s
was present
or
at
whether absent the time
.
thefor the re
rren was PRISONER You instructed the jury the same time that the
at
R
a ,
,
-
my holding the position '63 was sufficient
it in
of
of
ovember fact colonel
to
in
belonged
of
corroboration the evidence that 1867

himup
.
ught THE CHIEF BARON told the jury that holding the rank
of
colonel
I
-
upon
,
to
was evidence for their consideration which
to
determine
,
t
whether you previously belonged the Fenian confederacy told

to
I
.
them they were liberty to consider whether you would have got
at
have
that rank you then joined for the first time

if
to in .
and
,I
edent Precisely the same thing but

.
different phraseology
—
PRISONER
,
I
as .
have not liberty
\
case Am address the court

to
understand that
I
why sentence should not

are
to
be
pronounced upon me
Te
?
You are at
-
so
say THE CHIEF BARON You are not

;
to
consider
.
liberty but you are not liberty
to
at
to
address the court comment
,
ignoring
while upon the evidence show that the verdict was wrong
to
-hile assuming
I.
on
PRISONER What can speak To what can speak not
if
indi, all
,
? ?
at
I
.
case something connected with my case

is
to
to
to
am not here refer
a
I
thiscase any political question

of
or
church matter
.
a or
,
THE CHIEF BARON have informed you what we are bound
to
mo
ectly
-I
ver for that rule

.
state my lord that

an
as
submit American citizen

—
PRISONER Then
,
,
I
,
I
, for
hly them protest against the whole jurisdiction this court from the com
.
to of
bare
bjects this my arraignment down the end my trial pro .
of
of
mencement
I
.
nalthan test against being brought here forcibly and against my being
,
on
convicted the evidence man whom you yourselves designated

of
a
the jury
of
man the most odious character You instructed

a
observations
erz
.
:
on
no
to
trary pointedly one occasion and subsequently you said that respect
,
able jury could act calamity for

on
his evidence and that was

it
a
to ,
at
to
arenot any government

to
I
of
have resort the evidence such man

a
u
.
I do
not wish say anything disrespectful this court but think

to
to
sea
I
,
the
may say that

as
-hy stand here convicted felon the privilege

if
,
a
I
be
me that has been accorded every other per

to
should accorded
. to
I
under
Do por
son who stood here before me similar position
in
There
is
a
a
to
which particularly wish That

in
is . of
tion the trial

to
of
is
refer
,
I
point
dein
the oath which was stated the pilot was forced

to
to
reference take
it
renlict
on
Much importance was attached this matter

to
That board the vessel

,
.
ask you and others

.
wish this court

in
to
to
and therefore look and

I
of
inquire any man here who could suppose that

to
there am
if
is
one
es
I
,
and con
scoundrel enough and ignorant enough to take an ignorant man , put

a pistol to his face, and force him to take an oath ? ask you in I ,
the first place , not to believe that I am such a scoundrel , and , in
the second , that I
am not such an idiot . If were at this moment I
going to my grave , could say that I I
never saw that man Gallagher
till I saw him in Kilmainham prison . These men , although they
have been, day after day , studying lessons under able masters , con
tradicted each other on the trial , and have been perjuring them .
selves . Gallagher, in his evidence , swore that his first and second
informations were false , and that he knew them to be false . It is
all
on
contrary to precedent
of
to
convict man the evidence
. a
a
witness who admits that he swore what was false In Ame
.
rica have seen judges hundreds times sentencing men who were
of
,
,
I
to
off
the table put into the dock and sent
In
taken prison this
,
of , on
case this poor ignorant man was brought into Kilmainham gaol
,
,
July He knew my name heard

of
the 1st called several times
, it
,
.
on
was suspected and
of
knew the act which the 2nd

, of
he
August brought
, he
On the 12th
of
was taken away October
is
of .
fifty be identifies only three

, or
back and out party forty

of
,
he ,
a
ca.
that man came on board the vessel his ordinary
, so
did
in
If
His
his
pilot duty got his pay and left

as
pacity He did sub

a
,
.
. .
sequent evidence was additions With respect the vessel sub to
I
,
.
to
mit that there was not prove that there was

, of
shadow evidence
a
hostile landing and that the evidence
as
any intention the
to
of
a
identity the vessel would not stand for

of
moment where either

a
justice would the Flying Dutchman

be
as
law regarded Now

or
to
of ,
.
on
Sligo and
on
said appeared
diof
which the coast the coast
is
it
in
Dungarvan Gallagher's information nothing said about the

is
of ,
or
mensions the vessel Neither length breadth tonnage given

is
,
he ,
,
.
but making his second information revised the ffrst

in
The Prisoner then proceeded argue that there was

to
off
nothing show that the vessel which had appeared Sligo

to
harbour was the same that which appeared off Dungar

as
of
the informer Buckley

of
van except the testimony which

,
,
,
no
He also denied the truth

on of
there was corroboration

.
Corydon’s evidence several particulars and then went

in
,
,
say
to
to to :
law
by
am
As
the position which now placed British

I
I in
,
I
an
have repeat that am American citizen and owe allegiance

,
of
soldier and have

to
the government the United States am

if ,
a
I
.
belonged the National Militia Now war had

to
of
America
,
.
broken out between the two countries and that had been taken
I
,
prisoner the English government according English law would

be to
,
,
an
hold me guilty ordi

be
at as
high treason would not treated

of
I
.
be
nary prisoner strung up the yard

of
war but would liable

to
,
arm England towards the United States

See then the position
of
.
.
be
The Crown should not was hardly

in
such haste act thus

to
It
.
a judicious policy . Andrew Johnson was the grandson of an Irish

man ; Mr. Seward was the son of an Irishwoman ; General Jackson
was the son of an Irishman ; General Washington and Benjamin
Franklin lived and died British subjects , if this law be correct .
There is another point to which I wish to refer — it is to the manner
in which my government has acted in this matter
THE CHIEF BARON –We cannot allow you to enter into remarks
sit
on the conduct of any government . We have simply to
to
here
administer the law which we are called upon discharge
to
to .
THE PRISONER wish simply call your attention one point
to
—
I
.
On
August wrote
to
the 3rd my government
of
I
THE CHIEF BARON cannot allow you that
to
to
refer
-
.
I
on
THE PRISONER The President the United States report
—
of
a
,
him
to
submitted
re
THE CHIEF BARON cannot allow you proceed with any
to
-I
by
what has been done any government We have nothing

to
ference
.
We are only here
do
with the conduct any government ad

to
to
of
minister the laws which we are sworn .

to to
administer
.
was simply going state that while the vile
of
THE PRISONER
—
.
I
your government
of
ficials do
to
We have nothing with the conduct
, of
THE CHIEF BARON
–
dispense justice according
to
any government We are here law
to
.
or
and whatever the officials our government the American
of
government have done cannot have the slightest influence upon our
judgment favourably or unfavourably
us
It
can neither affect

.
the prisoner We stand indifferently between

or
to
to
the Crown
.
both
.
beg simply call your lordship's attention
to
THE PRISONER
to
I
-
the correspondence
We cannot
do
so
THE CHIEF BARON We cannot allow you

to
–
the correspondence between the officials

of
allow you one

to
to
refer
of
government and the officials another

.
THE PRISONER— America does not resent England's conduct

[f
towards me and protect that allegiance her government which

to
,
proudly own the only allegiance ever acknwledged shall

is
,
I
I
I
call on thirteen millions Irishmen

of
THE CHIEF BARON cannot allow you use the position

in
to
-
as I
which you stand there the arena for those observations

.
that while protest

in
PRISONER must then state conclusion

I
,
,
-
I
against the jurisdiction am confident that the position which

I
II
,
the jury will

be
be
take will know that the verdict

of
sustained
.
for
reversed and while returning you my lord thanks your kind

,
,
ness during the trial must say you have taken from me the pri
,
I
vilege get am sure that shall live longer than

to
am entitled
I
I
the British Constitution

.
AUGUSTINE E. COSTELLO .
After the verdict had been returned against Colonel
Warren , Augustine E. Costello was put on his trial , charged
with the same offence — that of having formed one of the
invading party who landed from the “ Erin's Hope , ” in the
neighbourhood of Dungarvan . He, too , was an adopted
citizen ' of the United States , and he declared that he was
anxious to follow the course that had been taken by his
friend , Colonel Warren , in reference to his trial ; but de
ferring to the strongly - expressed wish of his counsel , he
would leave his case in their hands . An able defence was
made for him by Messrs . Heron and Molloy , Q.C. , instructed
all
he
by Mr. Scallan , Solicitor ; but it was
in
vain When
be .
say why sentence should not pronounced
on
to
was called
he
delivered the following address

on
him
in
, of
loud tone
a
,
voice his fresh young face glowing with emotion
he
spoke
as
,
and his manner showing deep excitement but withal fear
a
,
less and noble spirit

:
by
to
the question put

, of
In
the Clerk the Court

to
answer me
,
will speak few words don't intend say much and will
to
a
I
I
I
.
trespass on forbidden ground but

as
as
little possible am per

I
.
fectly satisfied that there has not been one fact established .
or
proved
that would justify conscientious and impartial jury finding me
in
a
an
guilty treason felony extreme paucity

of
of
There evidence
is
-
against me that everyone who has been here while this case has
—
been proceeded with will admit frankly and candidly

, . no
We need
.
stronger proof this fact than that the first jury that was em
of
panelled try me had after long and patient hearing

to
of
the case
a
,
to
discharged without having found me guilty

! be
treason felony
of
jury They
on
Ah there were few honest men that knew that

a
Augustine Costello was not guilty the crime trumped up

. of
E.
against him They knew was not guilty Mr. Anderson sitting
,
I
.
there knows that am not felon but that am an honest man

I
I
a
,
in of , ;
,
as
that this dock where Robert Emmet stood

in
such stand here

,
I
where Robert Emmet spoke from and the actions and the words
;
he
that Emmet have immortalised him and now lies embalmed

,
of
the hearts the world

.
THE LORD CHIEF JUSTICE cannot allow you proceed that

to
in
–I
strain
.
can say those assembled here and who are now

to
—
COSTELLO
as,
am
I
to
listening me that stand here branded felon but

I
,
,
,
,
I
with clear conscience No one can point the finger

of
scorn
a
against me and say have sold my brother and committed perjury

,
.
AUGUSTINE E. COSTELLO .
After the verdict had been returned against Colonel
Warren , Augustine E. Costello was put on his trial , charged
with the same offence — that of having formed one of the
invading party who landed from the “ Erin's Hope , " in the
neighbourhood of Dungarvan . He, too , was an adopted
citizen ' of the United States , and he declared that he was
anxious to follow the course that had been taken by his
friend , Colonel Warren , in reference to his trial ; but de
ferring to the strongly - expressed wish of his counsel , he
would leave his case in their hands . An able defence was
made for him by Messrs . Heron and Molloy , Q.C. , instructed
by Mr. Scallan , Solicitor ; but it was
all
he
in
vain When
be .
say why sentence should not
on
pronounced
to
was called
him he delivered the following address
on
in
, of
loud tone
a
,
he
voice his fresh young face glowing with emotion
as
spoke
,
and his manner showing deep excitement but withal fear

,
a
less and noble spirit
:
by
to
to
the question put

, of
the Clerk the Court

In
answer me
,
will speak few words don't intend say much and will
to
a
I
I
I
.
trespass on forbidden ground but

as
as
little possible am per

I
.
fectly satisfied that there has not been one fact established proved .
or
that would justify conscientious and impartial jury finding me

in
a
an
guilty treason felony extreme paucity

of
of
There evidence
is
-
against me that everyone who has been here while this case has
—
been proceeded with will admit frankly and candidly

, . no
We need
.
stronger proof this fact than that the first jury that was em
of
panelled try me had after long and patient hearing

to
of
the case
a
,
to
discharged without having found me guilty

! be
treason felony
of
They
on
Ah there were few honest men that jury knew that

a
Augustine Costello was not guilty the crime trumped up

of
E.
him
against They knew was not guilty Mr. Anderson sitting

I
,
.
.
an
there knows that am not felon but that am honest man

,
in of , ;
a
I
,
I
as
that this dock where Robert Emmet stood

in
such stand here

I
where Robert Emmet spoke from and the actions and the words
;
he
that Emmet have immortalised him and now lies embalmed

,
the hearts
of
the world
.
THE LORD CHIEF JUSTICE cannot allow you proceed

to
that
in
–
I
strain
.
can say those assembled here and who are now

to
—
COSTELLO
as ,
I
listening me that
to
stand here branded am felon but

I
,
,
,
,
I
with clear conscience No one can point the finger

of
scorn
a
against me and say have sold my brother and committed perjury

,
.
Can every man in this courthouse lay bis hand on his heart and
say the same ? Answer me , Mr. Anderson . Answer me , Governor
Price .
THE LORD CHIEF BARON -- You are again transgressing . You had
better stop for a moment or two you seem to be excited . ;
COSTELLO —My lord , as you truly remark , have allowed my feel . I
ings to run away with my discretion ; but it is hard for a man to
stand here , satisfied as I
am of innocence , knowing full well that I
have committed no wrong ; it is hard for a man in the bloom of
youth , when the world looks fair and prosperous to him —when all
he loves is in that world - it is hard that a man should be torn from
it , and incarcerated in a living tomb . My lords, am an humble
individual ; I
claim no rights but the rights that emanated from a
Godhead —the rights that were given to me at the hour of my birth .
I
That right is my inalienable liberty , and that no government , no

people , has a right to take from me. I am perfectly satisfied o
stand before a British tribunal to answer for acts or words of mine,
if I break any of the laws of the country ; but, my lords, you must
admit that have transgressed no law . His lordship , Judg ?
Keogh - I must now candidly admit that have heard a great dealI
about that gentleman that was not at
all
,
complimentary
to
him
but say for myself that his lordship Judge Keogh has dealt with
,
I
have nothing
he
me
in
to
the fairest manner could have done
I
.
say against the administration laid down by you but

as
;
of
the law
,
up
say people who boast their freedom who hold their
of
I
a
-
for
to
magnanimous doings the world approval and praise say
to -
I
those people are the veriest slaves allow laws
of in
to
existence exist
·
for moment which deprive man liberty

a
..
THE LORD CHIEF BARON impossible for Court adminis

to It
is
a
-
tering the law allow you speak such terms against such
in
to
law
.
speak under correction my lord You must you

if
—
COSTELLO
,
,
I
.
far be
your lord
do
please not attribute any wrong

to
assured that
- ,
acknowledge and again reiterate that

be
ships from me
it
in .
I
;
So
far have had

as
the law concerned dose that has almost

is
a
be ,
I
killed me but there was little very little justice mixed

if
--
--
a
a
;
Of
that law would not now addressing your lordships the

I
,
law have had sufficient but the conclusion that

to
have come
I
,
I
justice My lords
be
to
British courthouse
is
not found inside

a
I
,
.
complain and grievously what my friend Colonel Warren and

of
,
,
my friend General Halpin complained being tried

—
this
in
of
of
British subject and think your lordships will not repri

as
court
I
a
mand me much for that expression left the shores my native

to of
I
.
land Ireland the land my birth and am proud cwn

of
is
it
,
I
I
proud
an
am say that am Irishman but am also proud and

to
I
I I
happy state that am an adopted the United States

to
of
citizen
;
my
be
and while true

to
the land
to
is of
birth can never false the

,
I
original phrase but

an
land my adoption That expresses

of
not
it
,
.
the idea which convey my lords my learned

to
mean Now
,
I
and very able counsel who have conducted my case with the
,
greatest ability and zeal , and of whom I

cannot speak in terms of
sufficient praise , demanded for me a
jury half alien . was refused I
it . I was born in this country , and I
was , while breath remained in
my body , a British subject . In God's name —if I may mention His
holy name without sufficient reasons —what affection should have I
for England ? You cannot stamp out the instincts that are in the
breast of man - man will be man to the end of time —the
very worm
you tread upon will turn upon your feet . remained in this If I
I would remain in I
country till descended
obscurity and poverty .
to the grave ,
I
left Ireland , not because disliked I
the country - I love Ireland as I
love myself — I left Ireland
for the very good and cogent reason that could not live in I
Ireland . But why could not live here ?I must not say ; that I
would be trespassing . I
must not mention why was forced to leave I
I
Ireland —why am now placed in this dock . Think
you , my lords,
I
that would injure a living being —that would , of my own free
any man ? No , my
I
accord , willingly touch a hair upon the head of
;
lords ; far would it be from me but the government which has left
our people in misery
THE LORD CHIEF BARON
political grievances .
-I
cannot allow you to trespass on
COSTELLO — I am afraid am occupyingI the time of the court too

much , but really a man placed in such a position as I now occupy
finds it necessary to make a few observations . I know it savours of
,
a great deal that is bad and foul to be mixed up with Fenian rebels
assassins , and cut -throats . It is very bad ; it is not a very good
recommendation for a young man . Even were that fact proved
home to me -- that I were a Fenian - no act of mine has ever thrown
dishonour on the name . I
know not what Fenian means . am an I
Irishman , and that is all -sufficient .
The prisoner then proceeded to criticise the evidence

against him at considerable length . He declared emphatically
that one of the documents sworn to be in his handwriting
was not written by him . He thus continued :
Your lordships are well aware that there are many contradictions
in the informers ' testimony , and now here is a matter which I am
going to mention for the first time. , Corydon , in his first informa
tion at Kilmainham , swears that he never knew me until he saw
by
nic
he
me at a Fenian pic - and this modifies afterwards the remark

,
allowed into these pic nics the payment

on
be
that any one would

-
did not pay much attention what the fellow

to
certain sum
of
a
I
.
thought
, in
did not affect me the least

as
was saying about me

, it
I
,
but this can distinctly remember that Mr. Anderson jun and
I
.
-
am saying anything false said that the evi

he
say
to
there
if
is
Corydon did not affect any one the prisoners put

of
this
in
of
dence
by
dock but another and myself very strange that was said
It
is
if
.
be
Mr. Anderson He knew that there was nothing more got out
to
.
70
of Corydon , the informer - that he had told everything he knew in

his information , but on pressure there was found to be a little left in
the sponge . They refreshed his memory a little , and he comes to
think that he saw Costello at a meeting in 814 Broadway, I think he
gives it . And here is a singular occurrence —that Devany , who
never swore an information against me , comes on the table and
swears that he also saw me at 814 Broadway . Here is one in
former striving to corroborate the other . It is a well -known
fact that these informers speak to each other , go over the
evidence , and what is more likely than that they should make
there evidence to agree - say , “ I will corroborate your story ,
you corroborate mine . " By this means was it that the overt
acts of the 5th of March , which took place at Stepaside , Glencullen ,
and Tallaght , were brought home to Costello - a man who was
4,000 miles away , and living —and I
say it on the word of a man ,
,
a Christian man - peaceably not belonging to that confederation .
Į did not belong to the Fenian Brotherhood for twelve months
I
left America , if I did belong to it any other time, so help
before
It is a painful position to be placed in .

I
me God ! God witnesses what say , and He records my words above.
know I am a little excited . I
Were I to speak of this matter under other circumstances , would I
be more cool and collected . Were I conscious of guilt - did know I
that I merited this punishment , I
would not speak a word , but say
that I
deserved and well merited the punishment about to be
inflicted upon me. But , my lords, there never was a man convicted
in this court more innocent of the charges made against him than
Costello . The overt acts committed in the county of Dublin ,
admitting that the law of England is as it was laid down by your
lordship ,
that a man , a member of this confederacy , if he lived
in China, was responsible
for
his confederates
of
the acts admitting

-
am still Admitting and

be
a an
that
to
law innocent man

,
I
conceding that England has right try me as British

to
a
am
Why do
an
subject still innocent man make these

I
I
,
assertions know full well they cannot have any effect

?
lessening the term my sentence speak for the

of
Can
in
I
.
an
having me Do speak
to
to
of
sake audience here listen

I
?
for the satisfaction hearing my own feeble voice

of
am
I
?
by
beto
not actuated such motives speak because wish let you

I
I
.
he
know that believe myself innocent and would hard

a
I
hearted man indeed who would grudge me those few sentences

,
, ,
Now my lord did not beloʻg the Fenian con

to
have observed
I
,
federacy this present year did not belong

to
of
March the
in
I
.
Fenian confederacy anterior the period thst Corydon and Devany

as to
cretary Fenian meet

or to
allege that they saw me act centre and

s
:
ings that anterior that period never took act part

to
the
in
I,
;
no to up
Fenian conspiracy the period my leaving America Does

to
of
as
do
me any good make these stater ents ask favours

it
,
?
Halpin said from man ask not ing but justice stern jus
IfI
--
,
)
. .
tice even handed guilty

to to
justice
I
am have striven
--
--
if
-
overthrow the government this antry

of
cr
have striven
if
,
F
revolutionise this country , I

consider myself enough of a soldier to
bare my breast to the consequences , no matter whether that con .
ville. I
sequence may reach me on the battle - field or in the cells of Penton .
am not afraid of punishment .
all
that can be heaped upon me
have moral courage to I
I or
Pentonville Portland
in
bear
. ,
,
designated by one
us
as
of
Kilmainham , the modern Bastile
There
be
cannot worse treated no matter where you send me
to
,
.
on
never was more infernal dungeon God's earth than Kilmainbam
a
.
the point my lord will not say another word
It
to
not much
is
in ,
I
of .
the weekly papers that
.it
about believe saw some would
it
I
I
inquire
to
be well appoint commission
to
a
to
THE LORD CHIEF BARON cannot allow you proceed with that
—
I
subject
.
will not say another word will conclude now
I
COSTELLO
-
.
I
.
There could say yet my position cannot help
in
much man a
,
. is
speaking There are thousand and one points affecting me here
, ,
a
. - as
affecting my character man affecting my life and well being

a
the -
he
be
and would hard hearted man who could blame me for

a
,
speaking strong terms feel that have within me
in
seeds I
I
disease that will soon put me into

of
early grave and have an
,
a
I
within my breast the seeds disease which will never allow me
of
a
my imprisonment my lord
to
see the expiration

It
of
disease is
a
,
,
,
.
and hope you will allow me

on
speak this subject which has

to
I
,
resulted from the treatment have been subjected will pass to
I
I
rapidly .
as
as
over can beccause nasty subject Kilmain

it
is
it
a
,
.
ham But the treatment that
at
have received Kilmainham

.
-
I
I
will not particularise any man any man has
fit or
of
the conduct
,
-
been most severe most harsh not for beast much less human
,
soa
a
as ,
being brought far without

to
was Kilmainham know

. ,
. on ,
I I I
I
.
any warrant from the Lord Lieutenant was brought charge

a
I
the most visionary and airy No man knew what was No one
.
on
.could tell me specify me the charge which

or
at to
was detained
.
asked the magistrates Dungarvan these charges

to
of
advise me
I
They would not tell me At last

.
drove them into such corner

I
a
, up
.
might
as
of
66 call that one them rose and said with much

it,
he a ,
I
force You are Fenian Now my lords that very accom

or If a
is
,
,
”.
. .
modating word man only breaks window now Fenian

, is
,
if a
a
.
could bring had only the means bringing

If
of
witnesses
,
I
I
from America would have established my innocence here without

to a
of ,
I
probability doubt would have brought host

of
witnesses
a
I
.
prove that Costello was not the centre would

in
of
circle 1866.
a
I
he
have brought host prove that was not the

to
of
witnesses
a
all
secretary his life My lords speak

in
of
circle never
--
a
,
I
.
calmly and weigh well and understand every word that say
,
I
I.
speak wrong time will bring the truth

to
If
the surface and

,
,
I
my
to
would sooner have fifteen years added sentence than that

any man might say spoke from this dock which
as
regard
of a
I
I
holy place where stood those whom do any

as
as
revere much
,
our saints
THE LORD CHIEF BARON cannot suffer you proceed thus
to
-I
.
THE DOCK AND THE SCAFFOLD
85
COSTELLO - I would not speak one word fro

knew to be other than truth . I admit there is
cion , but beyond that there are no facts prov
charge against me. What I have
stated are facts , eve
Now , my lords , is it any wonder
that should speak at rain I
I
appear a little bit excited ? am not excited in the least . woula I
I
excited in a degree were expressing myself on any ordinary topic to
any.ordinary audience . It is my manner , your lordships will admit ,
and you have instructed the jury not to find me guilty , but to dis
charge me from the dock , if they were not positive that was a I
Fenian on the 5th March . I
believe these are the instructions
his
as to
that lordship Justice Keogh gave the jury were not
,
if
a
I
-
acquittal
a on
an
Fenian the 5th March was entitled Well
to
I
I,
,
.
say
to
so
Fenian that time
at
to
was not have answer God
I
.
.
an
have not said much about being American
to
Now conclude
,
I I
.
on
For why am not permitted speak that subject
to
citizen
?
.
, .
am
an
as
Now Colonel Warren remarked American citizen
if
,
,
I
be
am not held responsible but

to
the American Government to
1
,
I
.
They extended
on
did not press myself that government
we to
me
those rights and those privileges
.
they said
to
me Come forward
,
“
. " ex ,
;
young man enrol yourself under our banner under our flag ,
;
;
we
to
you our rights and privileges admit you
to
tend the franchise
--
.
The invitation was extended
to
came not before was asked me
I I
, I
.
no
had love then and never will have towards England and
,
I
,
all
accepted the invitation did forswear allegiance foreign po to
I
.
all
tentates and more particularly allegiance

to
forswore the Crown
,
Great Britain Your lordships say that the law the land rules
of
of
.
right
no
do
anything question
of
that had That

to
the kind
is
a
I
for the governments America guilty great fraud

to
of
settle
if
is
a
.
am the wrong
in
I
THE LORD CHIEF BARON cannot allow you proceed that

in
to
–
I
line argument
of
is up
your time
no
will take
—
COSTELLO am still
of
more
If
3
I
, I
British subject America guilty

.
THE LORD CHIEF BARON cannot allow you

to
to
refer either the

-
I
to
American people the American government

or
.
to
COSTELLO Would you allow me state they enticed me from

—
my allegiance England therefore she America guilty high

to
of
is
;
treason
?
on
THE LORD CHIEF BARON We cannot allow you speak that

to
--
subject
.
will conclude then have nothing say further

to
—
COSTELLO
,
I
I
than thank your lordships for the latitude you have given me
in
to
these few remarks and also thank your lordships for your kind
to
,
ness during my trial know you have done me every justice you
;
I
.
did not strain the law against me you did everything that was con
;
of.
sistent with your duty complain

do
have nothing
to
to
and
I
,
there must again thank my learned and able counsel for the able
I
at ,
.
zealous and eloquent manner which they defended me am

in
I
,
express the gratitude each and every one

to
to
loss for words owe

a
I
revolutionise this country , I

consider myself enough of a soldier to
bare my breast to the consequences , no matter whether that con .
ville. I
sequence may reach me on the battle - field or in the cells of Penton .
am not afraid of punishment.
all
have moral courage to I
be
that can
I or
heaped upon me Pentonville Portland
in
bear
. ,
,
designated by one
us
as
of
Kilmainham , the modern Bastile
There
be
cannot worse treated no matter where you send me
to
,
.
on
never was more infernal dungeon God's earth than Kilmainham
a
.
to
not much the point my lord will not say another word
It
is
in ,
I
of .
the weekly papers that
it
about believe saw some would
it
I
I
.
be
to
well appoint inquire
to
commission
a
to
THE LORD CHIEF BARON cannot allow you proceed with that
–
I
subject
.
will not say another word will conclude now

—
COSTELLO
I
II
.
There could say yet my position cannot help
in
much man a
is
speaking There are thousand and one points affecting me here
, ,
a
.
affecting my character
. - as
man affecting my life and well being

a
-
he
be
and would hard hearted man who could blame me for

a
speaking strong terms feel that have within me the seeds

in
I
me
disease that will soon put

of
into early grave and have an
,
a
I
of
within my breast the seeds disease which will never allow me

a
my imprisonment Itziś my lord

to
see the expiration

of
disease
,
a
,
,
.
and hope you will allow me to

on
speak this subject which has

I
,
resulted from the treatment have been subjected will pass to
I
I
rapidly .
as
as
over can beccause nasty subject Kilmain

it
is
it
a
,
.
-
But the treatment that
at
ham have received Kilmainham

I
-
.
I
will not particularise any man any man has
fit or
of
the conduct
,
-
been most severe most harsh not for beast much less human
,
soa
a
as ,
being was brought far know without

to
Kilmainham
. ,
. on ,
I
.
any warrant from the Lord Lieutenant was brought charge

a
I
the most visionary and airy No man knew what was No one
I
.
on
.could tell me specify me the charge which

or
at to
was detained
I
asked the magistrates Dungarvan these charges

to
of
advise me
me
I
At last
.
They would not tell drove them into such corner

.
a
, up
might call
as
that one and said with much

of
them rose
it
he a ,
a ,
I
You are Fenian

**
force Now my lords that very accom

is
."
,
. .
modating word man only breaks window now

If
Fenian
, is
a
a
, .
could bring had only the means bringing witnesses

or
If
of
if
I
I
from America would have established my innocencehere without

to a
I
of ,
probability would have brought host

of
doubt witnesses
a
I
.
prove that Costello was not the centre would

in
of
circle 1866.
a
have brought
he
host prove that was not the

to
of
witnesses
a
all
secretary his life My lords speak

in
of
circle never
a
,
I
-
calmly and weigh well and understand every word that say
,
I
I.
speak wrong time will bring the truth the surface and
to
If
,
I
my
to
would sooner have fifteen years added sentence than that

any man might say
as
spoke from this dock which regard

of a
I
I
holy place where stood those whom

as
as
revere much do any

,
our saints
THE LORD CHIEF BARON cannot suffer you proceed thus
to
-I
.
THE DOCK AND THE SCAFFOLD
85
84
COSTELLO - I would not speak one word fro

knew to be other than truth . I admit there is
cion , but beyond that there are no facts prov
charge against me. What I
have stated are facts , even
Now , my lords, is it any wonder that should speak at rain I
bit
appear a little woula
on in
excited am not excited the least
I
?
.
any ordinary topic
10
excited degree e xpressing myself
in
were
It I
a
any ordinary audience my manner your lordships will admit
is
,
.
.
and you have instructed the jury not find me guilty but dis
to
to
,
charge me from the dock they were not positive that was
if
I
a
,
Fenian on the 5th March believe these are the instructions
I
.
to
that his lordship Justice Keogb gave the jury were not
if
a
,
I
-
acquittal
a on
an
Fenian the 5th March was entitled Well
to
I
I
,
,
.
say
so
as
Fenian that time
at
to
to
was not have answer God
I
I
.
.
an
have not said much about being American
to
Now conclude
I I
,
For why that subject
on
citizen am not permitted speak
to
?
.
am
,.
an
as
Now Colonel Warren remarked American citizen
if
,
,
I
be
am not responsible but

to
to
held the American Government
1
I
.
They extended
on
did not press myself that government
to
me
.
rights privileges they Come forward
to
those and those said me
;
,
we
young man enrol yourself under our banner under our flag ex
,
;
;
we
to
you our rights and privileges admit you
to
tend the franchise
."
-
The invitation was extended
to
came not before was asked me
I I
, I
.
no
had love then and never will have towards England and
,
I
all
accepted the invitation did forswear allegiance foreign po to
I
.
all
tentates and more particularly allegiance the Crown

to
forswore
,
Great Britain Your lordships say that the law the land rules
of
of
.
right That question

no
do
anything
.
that had
is
to
of
the kind a
I
for the governments America guilty great fraud

to
of
settle
if
is
a
.
am the wrong
in
I
THE LORD CHIEF BARON cannot allow you proceed that

in
to
is up -
I
line argument
of
will take no more your time am still

If
—
of
COSTELLO
3
I
I
British subject America guilty

,
THE LORD CHIEF BARON- cannot allow you

to
to
refer either the

I
to
American people the American government

or
.
to
Would you allow me state they enticed me from

—
COSTELLO
my allegiance England therefore she America guilty high
to
of
is
;
treason
?
--
on
THE LORD CHIEF BARON We cannot allow you speak that

to
subject
.
will conclude then have nothing say further

to
—
COSTELLO
,
I
I
.
for
than thank your lordships the latitude you have given me

in
to
these few remarks and also thank your lordships for your kind
to
,
ness during my trial know you have done me every justice you
;
I
.
did not strain the law against me you did everything that was con
;
sistent with your duty complain

of
do
and have nothing

to
to
I
,
there must again tbank my learned and able counsel for the able
at ,
I
.
eloquent which they am

in
zealous and manner defended me

I
,
loss for words express the gratitude each and every one
to
to
owe
a
I
lords ,I
of those gentlemen who have so ably conducted my case. Now , my
will receive that sentence which is impending . I am pre
pared for the worst. I am prepared to be torn from my friends ,
from my relations, from my home. I
am prepared to spend the
bloom of my youth in a tomb more dark and horrible than the tomb
wherein the dead rest . But there is one consolation that I will bring
I
into exile , if may so call that house of misery - a clear conscience , a
heart whose still small voice tells me that have done no wrong to
upbraid myself with . This is the consolation that I have —that my
I
conscience is clear . I
know it appears somewhat égotistical for me
to speak thus , but it is a source of consolation for me that I have
I
nothing to upbraid myself with , and will now say in conclusion ,
that if my sufferings can ameliorate the wrongs or the sufferings of
Ireland ,
old Erin .
I
am willing to be offered up as a sacrifice for the good of
GENERAL W. HALPIN .
At the same Commission , before the same judges who

had tried the cases of Colonel Warren and Augustine E.
Costello , General William Halpin was put on his trial
for
was alleged that was one of the mili
he
treason elony
It
of.
-f
tary officers the Fenian organisation and

,
pointed the Dublin district the

in
to
on in
take command
,
,
rising which had taken place

of
the 5th March and this

;
by
was sought prove the informers

to
the evidence
it
of
Massey Corydon Devany and others

,
,
,
General Halpin employed

no
counsel and undertook the

,
his case himself The considerations that had

of
conduct
.
he
take this course thus explained

to
induced himi
to
the
jury
:
my mind and induced me

on
Two reasons operated forego the

to
,
advantage would derive from having some

of
the able and learned

I
at
counsel that plead this bar The first reason that you gen
is
if
,
,
.
jury selected by the Crown juries are known

be
as
to
tlemen are
,
if ,
political cases jury

in
selected heretofore you are fact

in
--
,
a
,
selected with the express purpose finding verdict for the Crown
of
-then gentlemen all the talent and ability that could emplo
,
,
I
by
on
would avail me nothing the other hand any chance the

,
If,
.
Attorney General permitted honest men find their way into the
to
an , -
box then gentlemen lawyers were equally unnecessary for me

,
Not
of
inaccurate view the case perhaps the expe

,
;
rience of the Fenian trials , from first to last, certainly goes

to support it .
The General set about his work of defending himself with
infinite coolness and self - possession . He was supplied with
a chair , a small table , and writing materials in the dock .
When he had any notes to make , he sat down , cleaned and
adjusted his spectacles, and wrote out what he wanted .
When he wished to cross - examine a witness , he removed his
glasses , came to the front of the dock , and put his questions
steadily and quietly , without a trace of excitement in his
manner , but always with a close application to the subject in
hand . One could almost refuse to believe , while listening
to him , that he had not been educated and trained for the
bar ; and undoubtedly many of those who wear wigs and
gowns in her Majesty's courts are far from exhibiting the
same degree of aptitude for the profession . But it was in
his address to the jury that the remarkable talents of the
man were most brilliantly revealed . It was an extraordinary
piece of argument and eloquence, seasoned occasionally with
much.quiet humour , and enriched with many passages that
showed a high and courageous spirit. His scathing denun
ciations of the system of brutality practised towards the
political prisoners in Kilmainham gaol, and his picture of
Mt. Governor Price as "the old gorilla ,” will long be
membered . One portion of his remarks ran as follows : re
The whole conduct of the Crown since my arrest has been such as
to warrant me in asserting that I
have been treated more like a
I
If had been permitted to
beast of prey than a human being ,
examine witnesses , I would have shown them how the case had been
got up by the Crown. I
would have shown them how the Crown
Solicitor , the jailers , the head jailer, and the deputy jailers of Kil .
mainham , and the Protestant chaplain of that institution , had gone
in , day and night, to
all
the prisoners—
byinto
—
. of
the witnesses the cells

with bribe halter would have
in
one hand and the other

a
shown how political cases were got up

I
the Crown
in
Ireland
of.
would have shown how there existed under the authority the
,
of
triumvirate the basest wretches that ever conspired

to
Castle
a
,
take away the lives and liberties these represented

of
One
of
men
.
the law another the gibbet front the jail and another was sup
in
of
to ,
posed represent the Church militant

.
Here the Chief Baron interposed but the prisoner soon

;
the subject and said that every opportu

to
after reverted
,
86 THE DOOK AND THE SCAFFOLD .
nity was taken in that jail to wrong and torture the men
incarcerated there on political charges . Every petty breach
of discipline was availed of to punish them , by sending
them down to work the crank , and reducing their scanty
rations . For the crime of not saluting Mr. Governor Price ,
they were placed upon a dietary of seven ounces of what was
called brown bread and a pint of Anna Liffey , in the twenty
four hours . Brown , indeed , the article was , but whether it
deserved the name of bread , was quite another question .
The turf -mould taken from the Bog of Allen was the nearest
resemblance to it that be could think of. For his own part ,
he did not mean to complain of his cations —he could take
either rough or smooth as well as most men ; but what he
in
the
would complain of was , system petty insults and of

by
be of
dignities offered Mr. Price and his warders
to
men
finer feelings than their own and whom they knew
to
,
their superiors He concluded his address the following in

.
terms
:
have not thoroughly and sufficiently explained away

I if
ask you
I
the terror may use the term these papers which were taken
of
if
,
,
me
to
be
from walls and other places brought against here ask

I
,
of .
be
as
you gentlemen reasonable men there shadow case

if
a
I ,
,
,
by
an
against me ask you have been connected untainted

if
I
?
witness with any act America Ireland that would warrant you
in
or
,
deciding that guilty the charge with which ac

in
of
was stand
I
I
act
or
there one single overt proved against me

Is
cused have
;
?
I
for
be
violated any law the violation which

of
can made amenable

I
this court ask you these letters which have been brought
of upin
in
I
?
if,
against me Thomas street another the pocket

& in
in
one found
,
-
-
fellow prisoner therei anything that can affect me Recol

--
a
?
-
the jury that speak

to
as
gentlemen you now

of
lect men imbued

,
to I
with spirit justice speak you gentlemen believing that

, of
a
,
I
,
.
you are honest recognising your intelligence and confident that you
,
will give verdict accordance with the dictates your con

in
of
Ifina
science you are the jury that the Attorney General hopes you
.
in
are gentlemen jury am wasting time speaking

to
of
the
, ,
I
,
you you are gentlemen that jury which the Attorney General
If
-
,
.
for
stepping
do
to
hopes the bench gentlemen

to
make the stone

,
,
-
I
-
not accuse the Attorney General wishing

allhe to
prosecute me for the

of
-
is
purpose having me punished above any paltry

of
believe
I
;
by
that sort but gentlemen men are influenced

—
of
consideration
,
- ,
and the Attorney General though

he
the
,
or
one motive another

is
,
first law officer the Crown

in
Ireland
is
of
human like ourselves

,
;
all
he
not above human frailty but like other men doubtless

is
,
,
,
'
likes office and likes the emoluments which office brings But
,
,
.
gentlemen of
the jury , it
will be your fault if you make your
for
shoulders the stepping - stone the Attorney General spring
to
-
say these words you
in
upon the bench
to
sober solemn
I
.
all ,
earnestness You are now trying man who has lived his life
a
.
country where freedom You
in
time venerated and adored
is
a
.
may believe gentlemen that you have the speech
of
freedom here
, ,
,
;
but gentlemen that the real spirit
of
claim freedom has fled
,
I
these shores many century ago has sped across the Atlantic and
a
— be ,
-
perched upon American soil gentlemen ought your
to
and
it
- is, ,
,
;
am
for
unwilling
- as
wish and desire
beto
am sure believe
it
I
I
allto
that you are the men the Attorney General deems you
do
to
prove that Dublin juries
do
on
me justice not
to
and occasions
,
bring verdict the Crown the

in
at
of
the dictation Gentlemen
,
a
is .
principle freedom stake Every man that born into this world
, at
of
is
.
right freedom unless he forfeits that right by his own
to
has
a
Perhaps you have read the Declaration Ame
of
wisdemeanour
.
.
up
by
In
rican Independence that declaration drawn one Thomas

,
.
stated that every man born into this world

it
Jefferson born
; is
is
,
has the right the inalienable right

he
free and equal that live
to
. -
-
liberty and the pursuit happiness These are the cardinal prin
by in
of
ciples liberty claim these rights

of
unles have forfeited them 1

,
"
I
.
my own misconduct not one particle

is
claim there one scin
,
I
.
. .
tilla warrant you finding
in
to
of
evidence verdict for the Crown

,
conspired with General Roberts any these other

or
of
have not
1
no
generals show you anything about any

to
There evidence
as is
.
as
such conspiracy far am concerned With these facts before

,
there one particle
to
as
you ask you

of
reasonable men evidence

is
,
,
,
I
show that am guilty the charges preferred against me shall

of
I
I
?
by
simply conclude repeating the words with which cominenced

I
that leave between your conscience and your God ver

to
find
it
a
I
dict according the evidence and the truth you

, in
to
to
leave
toit
I
.
or we
all
the name that sacred justice which profess

of
venerate
to
ask you not allow your passion your prejudices cloud

to
and
I
your judgments allow the country say that the Dublin

to
not
to
-
Attorney
in
juries are the breeches ocket the General Never

of
.
-
-p
prisoner forced into your country carried off

be
let said that

it
,
,
a
. his
from the steamer which was bearing him away from yours
to
own has been found guilty on the evidence perjured witnesses

of
,
as
Dublin jury are not any

as
Never let the world say that honest

a
other Do not allow those acrimonious feelings which unfortunately

.
do
this country difference have anything

in
sect engenders
to
, to
of
no
with your verdict

as
As far am concerned ask favour from

in I
I
.
you ask no favour from any man that lives the world have
I
.
I , I
.
do
my own principles and will

. so
always gentlemen adhered

to
,
,
send me for my life peni

to
you consent
to
while am able
If
a
.
on
tentiary you will not make the slightest impression am

I
me
.
pleading for life and liberty am pleading justice

in
of
the cause
,
I
. -
your hands demand that you should exercise

in
and leave
it
I
I
your best judgment verdict before the Omnipotent

, to
render
a
looking into your hearts

as
as
the universe who well

of
Creator
is
mine - to render a verdict for which you will not be sorry - to render
a verdict that your countrymen will cheer - to render a verdict that
will make yoù venerated and admired in the land of your birth
while you live on this earth .
for
for
The jury , however , found not the prisoner but the
,
Crown
.
When General Halpin took his place
in
the dock with his
Colonel Warren and Augustine
E.
fellow convicts Cos
,
to “
”
his
he
tello receive sentence appeared calm and unim
,
,
passioned The question why sentence should not
onas
ever
him having been put
.
passed
be
by
The Prisoner said that before spoke he
the question put him
to
he
on
the Clerk the Crown wished to say few words
of
another
a
,
, by
he
topic The day before yesterday
a of
was handed the Governor
.
Kilmainham letter which had come from America and enclosed

a
of up
to to
draft The draft the Governor refused give and also refused
.
,
he
state what disposition intended The Deputy

to
make
it
.
his and he requested that those
as
Governor had other moneys
of
,
,
in be
as
well the draft should

to
restored him
- ,
, .
The Attorney General

an
undertone having addressed some

,
observations to the Bench

,
con
The Lord Chief Baron said that the prisoner having been
,
.
felony his property was the disposal
to at
of
of
victed the authorities
be ,
,
he
on
and that any representation bad make the subject should

the Government
to
made
.
Halpin said wished that the money might

he
be
to
transferred
whatever jail
he
be
to
so
the governor imprisoned

of
was that
in
be ,
he
might have the use purchase necessaries should require

it
to
of
them
.
LORD CHIEF BARON you desire make any representation

to
If
it
-
through the government

be
must
.
to
to to
don't wish make any representation

—
PRISONER the govern

I
.
on
ment the subject will permit the government add robbery

I
.
perjury
to
by
reply question asked

of
The Prisoner
in
to
the Clerk
a
,
the Crown said that justice had not been dealt out him
to
,
He had been prevented

byas
thought might have been

he
it
for
the Crown from getting witnesses his defence

,
and from seeing his witnesses while the Crown had

,
get their witnesses properly trained

to
taken four months

,
to of all
the Orange lodges

to
of
and ransack Dublin for jurors

.
He complained the jail and the law that

, of
of
the rules
,
permitted them
be
in
force and said

:
deny the jurisdiction this court

in
with Colonel
of
common
I
Warren .
to -morrow
II
owe no allegiance to this country , and were
would sooner swear allegiance to the King of Abyssinia
a free man I
than give half -an -hour's allegiance to the government of this coun .
disgusted it all . I
try —a government that has blasted the hopes of half the world and
am not ,
verdict given against me by the jury.
I
suppose , permitted to speak of the
It was entirely unnecessary
The jury
for
the Crown to
produce one single witness against me
.
had their lesson before they came
to
the box
,
to
THE CHIEF BARON impossible for me allow you
is
proceed
It
to
–
with this line
of
observation
.
simply say that the jury exhibited
a an
to
HALPIN wish extreme

I
-
I to
anxiety verdict against me before word
to
find had even said
a
I
saw
them their anxiety knew from the moment they were

I
.
.
be
put into the box that verdict guilty would
of returned against
a
me . from looking the conduct the jury
in
at
of
knew the box
it
I
-
I
knew from the way the jury were empanelled and knew the
it
I
Attorney General relied upon the jury for
allhe
verdict when set
a
-
three citizens aside therefore conclude and rightly that the

,
,
I
.
be
at
eloquent talent that ever pleaded this bar would entirely useless
jury was
to
me whilst such The Crown order
in
to in
to
the box
a
,
.
give some colour proceedings thought proper produce

to
the
,
several witnesses against me Eleven witnesses were examined and
, ,
.
no
out less than nine committed absolute diabolical and

of
these ,
egregious perjury
.
THE CHIEF BARON You are transcending the limit within which
-
the law confines you

.
do not blame you for enforcing the law

as
HALPIN stands it
1
.
-
By no means thank your lordship for your kindness

to
have
I
.
is do
during the progress my trial not blame you because the

of
,
I.
law stands say that the law

as
does but what in

—
absurd
is
,
it
taking me and trying me British subject whilst am citizen

as
a
a
I
of
the United States without particle

of
show that
to
evidence
,
I
was born under the jurisdiction
of
the British Crown must say

I
.
that look place government and another people

to
another another
be ,
,
I
see that justice shall

to
done me
.
THE CHIEF BARON Here again you are transcending the limits
. -
which the law allows We could not deal with any consideration
do
connected with what any government will

.
to
HALPIN am aware that not within your province deal

it
is
I
-
be
with the acts

of
another government but may permitted say

to
,
this that the outrages offered me and those gentlemen who claim
—
,
be
be
like me citizens the United States will gladly submitted

to
of
,
they only have the effect making the sword of Brother

to
. of
if
Jonathan spring from its scabbard

THE CHIEF B.ARON cannot suffer you proceed with this line
to
-
I
make this
of
observation place appeal

to
cannot suffer
of
to
I
a
.
country America
in
persons this
or
in
HALPIN am not making any appeal any man Although

to
I
-
by
I
was found guilty jury this court deem my conduct above

of
a
,
I
reproach know how have been convicted and will still assert
I
,
I
.
that the first gun fired in anger between this country and America
will be a knell of comfort to my ears .
THE CHIEF BARON - I will be compelled to remove you from where
you are now if
you proceed with
this line of observation .
HALPIN – Well , then , if I am not permitted to say that
CHIEF BARON —You are not permitted to make any observation
upon what any government of any country may do .
HALPIN - I think the reference has not anything to do with any
government or any country . It refers to a fact that will come to
pass, and when I shall hear the death -knell of this infamous govern .
ment
THE CHIEF BARON - I will not allow you to proceed .
I
HALPIN – Well, cannot be prevented thinking it. Now , I will
refer to a subject which I
may be allowed to speak upon . You will
recollect that I had addressed a letter to Mr. Price, asking him to
furnish me , at my own expense , with two of the morning papers
the Irish Times and Freeman's Journal. I believe they are both
loyal papers ; at least they claim to be loyal, and I have no doubt
they are of the admitted character of loyalty registered in the
purlieus of Dublin Castle . The reason why I wanted these
papers was , that I
believed that the best reports of the trials
I
since the opening of the Commission would be found in them .
I
all
said to Mr. Price that it was important that should see the
by
evidence given
be
produced against
to
the informers who were

up
my defence
at
was denied even
to
to to
me enable me make
I
,
,
.
my own expense furnished with these papers and that

be
I
,
,
of
wanton outrage Perhaps Mr. Price was governed

as
complain
of a
.
by
some rule Kilmainham for appears that the rules Kil of

it
,
.
as
the country
as
Inof
mainham are often far outside the law have

I
by the Attorney General
be
fact Mr. Price stated

to
been said ,
,
-
by
when giving his testimony that

he
was not governed any law

,
by
was governed solely and entirely

he
rule but that his own

or
imperial will
.
be
ÕHIEF BARON said without allow

to
at
—
That cannot once

I
right
no
setting Mr. Price said such thing He said that with

it
.
.
respect one particular matter namely the reading prisoner's

to
of
,
to -
as
he
exercise his own discretion

to
corrrespondence was bound

,
the jail and what

he
he
what would hold This

of
would send out

,
.
he
the only matter which Mr. Price said would exercise his own
in
is
discretion
.
to
go
PRISONER think my lord you will allow your memory

,
,
I
Mr. Price and you will find that

to
of
back the cross examination

,
-
asked him by what authority he gave the letters

he
when sup
I
:
be
he
pressed into the hands

to
the Crown produced here

of
stated
,
other authority than his own will for

he
no
so
had doing
to .
CHIEF BARON You are quite right with respect

—
the corre
spondence
.
hehe
so
say violated the law the land doing

in
of
PRISONER–
,
I
right
no
claim that use those letters written

to
and had
I
by
me
for
my private capacity asking

in
to
friends America
in
,
advice and assistance , and the very first letter that he read was
a letter written to a man named Byrne. That , you may recollect ,
was put into the hands of the Attorney -General - kept by him for
I
its
four months. That was the first intimation had of suppression
by
its
Now the letter was ad

or
production here
of
the Crown
,
.
New York asking him look after my trunk
to
friend
in
to
dressed
,
a
,
by
which had been taken away without my consent the captain of
which Mr. Price never told me he
in
the vessel was arrested
.
suppressed that letter and was three months waiting for reply
a . a
,
,
I
Mr.
as
the letter never went
of
which course did not receive

,
,
I
It
Price suppressed another letter yesterday was written friend
to
in
.
Washington my trial and conviction
of
in
to
mine relation and
,
,
asking him present my case the United States
to
of
the President
to
,
in
Mr. Price thought
as
detailing the case proceeded this court

it
it he
be
compelled
in to
proper suppress that letter and ask that
it, to
be
your lordships think
so
fit
produce that may read
if
,
,
court
.
THE CHIEF BARON letter
of
cannot do that cannot have
a
-I
I
.
that character read open court

in
or
to
HALPIN Am entitled get the letter have destroyed in ? to
it
, I
,
-
I do
nobe
Price
as
with pleases
to
- to
is
have
it
it
THE CHIEF BARON can make order the matter
.
Then Price something like Robinson Crusoe
—
HALPIN
is
beall
he
Monarch surveys
to of
is of
monarch Kilmainham and when

“
";
;
he
no
law govern
in to
ask controlled find there him
if
is
I,
I
.
no
THE CHIEF BARON You have now property these letters

—
,
being convict
a
be
will very soon

no
THE PRISONER told have property
in
I
to I
-
on
myself claim have been arrested the high seas and there
,
upno I
.
case against me and the Crown had wait four months

to
was then
,
get
pick men from Stepaside and arrange plans

to
papers and
,
up
between Mr. Price and his warders fill any gap that might be
to
out corpus jurisdiction

of
wanted was arrested the habeas with

,
I
.
out authority and detained four months jail until the Crown
in
,
could trump up case against me Have not right complain

to
in a
I
a
.
be
that should consigned dungeon for life consequence

to
of
a
I
a
am
as up
trumped case satisfied that your lordships have stated

?
-
I
it
the case stands but am not satisfied that have been

I
I
,
convicted under any have been four months durance vile

us in
law
a ,
I
.
and vile durance has been hell

is
it
The preachers tell that

.
very bad place and the devil very bad boy but
he
could not hold

a
,
candle to old Price

&
THE CHIEF BARON You are tresspassing very much upon

—
very
a
large indulgence must adopt more decisive course you per

if
a
I
.
severe
.
—Well my lord will say

no
HALPIN laughing more about the

I ,
,
(
old gorilla The Crown officers have laid much stress upon the fact
.
that have travelled under different names and therefore was

it ,
I
in I
guilty great crime have precedent for the

of
when read
I
a
I
.
papers that some continental monarchs travel under an assumed

name , and I
hear that the Prince of Wales does so also when he
thinks proper to go to the London brothels .
At this point the Court cut short his address , and

Chief Baron Pigot proceeded to pass sentence on the three
prisoners .
THE SENTENCES .
After some share of preliminary remarks , the Chief Baron

announced the sentence of the court . It was for
John Warren , 15 years' penal servitude .
William Halpin , 15 years' penal servitude .
Augustine E. Costello , 12 years' penal servitude .
The prisoners heard the announcement without manifest
ing any emotion . General Halpin remarked that he would
take fifteen years more any day for Ireland . Colonel War
ren informed the Court that he did not think a lease of the
British Empire worth thirty - seven -and - a -half cents ; and then
by
all
posse disappeared
of
three followed warders from

a
,
the dock
.
And thus were three men education and ability added

of
the hundreds who are now rotting their lives away

to
in
British dungeons because the love they bore
of
their
to
,
of
country and their hatred the misrule which makes her

,
It
the most afflicted and miserable land on earth hard

is
.
for Ireland see such men stricken down and torn from ber
an to
upon such yet looking the noble bearing

at
accusation
;
,
that long list

of
devoted men when confronted with the

of
which their enemies could subject them

to
worst terrors
,
she has something which may well cause the light pride
of
love and pity

in
glisten her eyes even while the tears

of
to
are falling from them And we would say the

to
her
in
,
.
of
noble words French writer one the many generous

of
a
hearted foreigners whose affectionate admiration has been

,
by
won her sufferings and her constancy the Rev. Adolphe

,
Perraud Priest the Oratory Paris

of
:
,
Take heart your trials will not last for ever the works
;
“
iniquity are passing and perishable Vidi impium super

of
:
et
elevatum sicut cedros Libani

et
exaltamum ecce non erat

,
Do not imagine
Ps
xuxvi Patience then even still

,
!
(
.)
.
that you are forsaken : God forsakes not those that believe
in Him . The day of retribution will come -- to teach men
that no struggle against right is rightful , that probation is
not abandonment ; that God and conscience have unimagined
resources against brutal spoliation and the triumphs of in
justice ; and that if men are often immoral in their designs
and actions , there is still in the general course of history a
sovereign morality , and judgments the forerunners of the
infallible judgment of God .”
FINIS
THE
" WEARING OF THE GREEN ,"
OB
THE PROSECUTED FUNERAL PROCESSION ,
Let theechoesfallunbroken ;
Let ourtearsin silenceflow;
For eachwordthus noblyspoken ,
Let us yield a nation'swoe;
Yet, whileweeping , sternlykeeping
Wary watchupon the foe ."
Poem in the “ NATION. "
THE
PROSECUTED FUNERAL PROCESSION .
THE news of the Manchester executions on the morn

ing
Saturday 23rd November 1867 fell upon Ireland

of
,
with sudden and dismal disillusion
.
come when the generation now living shall
In
to
time
,
have passed away men will probably find difficult
it
or ,
fully realize stupor and
of
to
understand the state

amazement which ensued this country
on
the first
, in
tidings
be
as
that event seeing may

of
said that the

it
;
of ,
victims had lain for weeks under sentence
to
death
,
be
on
executed this date Yet surprise indubitably was

.
for
the first and most overpowering emotion
in
truth
,
,
;
up
that hour had really credited that England

no
one
to
on
of
would take the lives those three men verdict

a
already publicly admitted and proclaimed

to
have been
a
all
blunder Now however came the news that was

,
.
over that the deed was done and soon there was seen
-
-
an
of
upheaving
as
such national emotion had not been

, for
witnessed Ireland century The public con

in
science utterly shocked revolted against the dreadful

,
act perpetrated the outraged name justice great

of
A
in
grief rose and surged from end

of
of
billow
to
end the
land Political distinctions disappeared were forgotten
or
.
The Manchester Victims the Manchester Martyrs they

,
-
to
were already called belonged the Fenian organiza

—
tion conspiracy which the wisest and truest patriots

a
;
of
Ireland had condemned and resisted yet men who

;
on
had been prominent withstanding national grounds

in
that hopelesss and disastrous scheme priests and laymen

-
de
in
-were now amongst the foremost and the boldest

every peril the savage act vengeance per
of
nouncing
at
petrated The Catholic clergy were the

at
Manchester
.
4 THE WEARING OF THE GREEN .
first to give articulate expression to the national emo

tion . The executions took place on Saturday ; before
night the telegraph had spread the news through the
island ; and on the next morning , being Sunday , from a
thousand altars the sad event was announced to the as
sembled worshippers , and prayers were publicly offered
for the souls of the victims . When the news was an
nounced , a moan of sorrowful surprise burst from the con
gregation , followed by the wailing and sobbing of women ;
his
and when the priest , own voice broken with emotion
,
all
join with him

in
praying the Merciful God
to
asked
grant those young victims place beside His throne
to
,
a
the assemblage with one voice responded praying and
,
weeping aloud
!
The manner which the national feeling was de

in
was one peculiarly charac

on
monstrated this occasion

religion
of
of
which the sentiments
in
teristic nation
a
, No
, , in
and patriotism are closely blended stormy
so
"
.
no
dignation meetings were held no tumult violence
;
In
"
all
no cries for vengeance arose probability nay
-
.
all
certainty this would have happened and these

to
,
a
popular passion would have been heard

of
ebullitions
,
had the victims not passed into eternity But now
,
,
they were gone where prayer alone could follow and
;
of
the presence this solemn fact the religious senti

in
all
others with the Irish people

of
ment overbore Cries

, .
anger imprecations and threats vengeance could not

By of
,
,
avail the dead but happily religion gave vent

to
the
a
;
up
pent feelings the living prayer and mourning

, of
.
-
they could once most fitly and most sucessfully de

at
monstrate their horror the guilty deed and their sym

of
pathy with the innocent victims

.
Requiem Masses forthwith were announced and cele

by
in
brated several churches and were attended crowds

;
everywhere too vast for the sacred edifices contain The

to
, .
several instances were draped with black and

in
churches
the ceremonies conducted with more than ordinary
of
In
solemnity every case however the authorities the

,
,
.
ensure that the sacred

to
Catholic church were careful

for
functions were sought and attended spiritual considera

THE WEARING OF THE GREEN . 5
tions , not used merely for illegitimate political purposes ;

and wherever it was apprehended that the holy rites were
in danger of such use , the masses were said privately .
And soon public feeling found yet another vent ; a
mode of manifesting itself scarcely less edifying than the
Requiem Masses ; namely , funeral processions . The
brutal vengeance of the law consigned the bodies of
Allen , Larkin , and O'Brien to dishonoured graves ; and
forbade the presence of sympathising friend or sorrowing
relative who might drop a tear above their mutilated re
mains. Their countrymen now , however , determined
that ample atonement should be made to the memory of
the dead for this denial of the decencies of sepulture .
On Sunday , 1st December , in Cerk , Manchester , Mitchels
town , Middleton , Limerick , and Skibbereen , funeral pro
cessions , at which thousands of persons attended , were
held ; that in Cork being admittedly the most imposing ,
not only in point of numbers , but in the character of the
demonstration and the demeanour of the people .
For more than twenty years Cork city has held ar ad
vanced position in the Irish national struggle . In truth,
it has been one of the great strongholds of the national
cause since 1848 . Nowhere else did the national spirit
keep its hold so tenaciously and so extensively amidst the
people . In 1848 Cork city contained probably the most
formidable organization in the country ; formidable , not
merely in numbers , but in the superior intelligence , earnest
ness , and determination of the men ; and even in the Fe
nian conspiracy , it is unquestionable that the southern
capital contributed to that movement men - chiefly be
longing to the mercantile and commercial classes — who , in
personal worth and standing , as well as in courage , in
telligence , and patriotism , were the flower of the organi
zation . Finally , it must be said , that it was Cork city
its
by
of
funeral demonstration the 1st December that

,
struck the first great blow

at
the Manchester verdict and

,
set all Ireland

in
motion
*
.
1
all
It
truly said set the Irish race

in
be
may over the world

for
no
There probably parallel history the singular

in
motion
is
.
Meanwhile the Irish capital had moved , and was
all
organizing a demonstration destined to surpass that
had yet been witnessed Early the second week
ofof
in
.
for
December committee was formed the purpose
,
a a
Dublin worthy
of
organizing funeral procession the
in
,
national metropolis Dublin would have come forward
.
the legality the processions
of
sooner but the question
of
,
off
that were announced the previous week
in
, to
come
Cork and other places had been the subject
of
fierce
the government press and the national
in
discussion
;
avoid the slightest infringe
to
leaders were determined
the public peace
on
of
the law
or
ment the least inroad
, .
was only when
on
in of
December Lord Derby
It
the 3rd
,
,
the Prime Minister replying
of
to
the House Lords
,
of
Lord Dufferin declared the opinion the crown that
,
the projected processions were not illegal that the
na
,
tional party
to
Dublin decided form committee and

in
organize procession The following were Lord Derby's a

a
words
:to He
could assure the noble lord that the government would con
“
.
tinue carry out the law with firmness and impartiality The
.
in did
Party Processions Act however the funer.l

of
not meet the case

,
by
processions the parties engaged them having not displaying

,
other emblems kept within the law far his infor

as
as
or
banners
,
mation went
.”
Still morestrong assurance was contained the reply

in
question put
byof
the Irish Chief Secretary Lord Mayo

to
,
,
a
of
Sir O'Brien Lord

P.
in
the House Commons

.
Mayo publicly announced and promised that any new

if
in by
these funeral processions being held the dis

of
circumstance
in
the
lands remote apart old

, as
persed Irish role from pole

in—
,
,
hemisphere and Europe Australia

in
the new America

in
in
;
-
— by
of set
on
prosecutions being the English government punish

to
foot
Ireland and
in
at
them both ends the world New Zealand

in
!
In
patriotic
of
Hokatika the Irish settlers most Ireland's exiles

-
organized highly impressive funeral demonstration The government

a
.
. its
seized and prosecuted leaders the Rev. Father Larkin Catholic

,
a
,
clergyman and Mr. Wm Manning editor

of
the Hokatika Celt

,
.
by
jury terrified Fenian panic brought them guilty

to in
and the
,
,
a "
"
for
patriot priest and journalist were consigned dungeon the

mourning for the dead and protesting against judicial murder
of
crime
.
was opinion as to the legality of the processions should be

hat arrived at — that is , should the crown see in them any
of thing of illegality —due and timely notice would be given
by proclamation , so that no one might offend through
:
of
ignorance . Here are his words

“ It is the wish of the government to act strictly in accordance
with the law ; and of course ample notice will be given either by
proclamation or otherwise .”
:
The Dublin funeral committee thereupon at once issued
the following announcement , by placard and advertise
ment
GOD SAVE IRELAND !
A PUBLIC FUNERAL PROCESSION
In honour of the Irish Patriots
Executed at Manchester , 23rd November ,
Will take place in Dublin
On Sunday next , the 8th inst .
The procession will assemble in Beresford - place, near the Cu tom

House , and will start from thence at the hour of twelve
o'clock noon .
No flags, banners , or party emblems will be allowed .

. IRISHMEN
Assemble in your thousands , and show by your numbers and your
orderly demeanour your sympathy with the fate of the
executed patriots .
IRISHWOMEN
You are requested to lend the dignity of your presence to this
important National Demonstration .
By Order of the Committee .
JOAN MARTIN , Chairman .
J. C. WATERS ,
JAMES SCANLAN , Hon . Secretaries .
J. J.
LALOR , »
DONAL SULLIVAN , Up . Buckingham - street,
Treasurer .
The appearance of the " funeral procession placards ”

Thursday 5th December increased
all
over the city

on
,
,
the public excitement No other topic was discussed

in
.
any place of public resort , but the event forthcoming on

Sunday . The first evidence of what it was about to be ,
was the appearance of the drapery establishments in the
city on Saturday morning ; the windows, exteriorly and
interiorly, being one mass of crape and green ribbon
funeral knots, badges , scarfs , hat - bands , neckties , & c .,
exposed for sale. Before noon most of the retail, and
several of the wholesale houses had their entire stock of
green ribbon and crape exhausted , it being computed that
nearly one hundred thousand yards had been sold up to
midnight of Saturday ! Meantime the committee sat
en permanance, zealously pushing their arrangements for
the orderly and successful carrying out of their great
undertaking - appointing stewards , marshals , & c
.--
in
a
word completing the numerous details the perfection
on
,
of
to
which greatly depended whether Sunday was
it
of
or
witness successful demonstration scene disastrous

a
On this upon every occasion when na

as
disorder
a
,
.
be
organized the trades
of of
tional demonstration was
to
,
Dublin Kingstown and Dalkey exhibited that spirit
,
,
,
in
patriotism for which they have been proverbial our
generation From their ranks came the most efficient
.
the preparations On Satur

, of
every department
in
aids
.
day evening the carpenters body immediately after

in
a
of ,
their day's work was over instead seeking home and

,
toil
of
recreation after their week

or
rest refreshment
,
turned into the Nation office machine rooms which they

,
quickly improvised into

as
vast workshop and there

a
volunteers laboured away till near midnight manu

,
facturing next morning's

of
wands for the stewards

“
procession
, .
Sunday 8th December 1867 dawned through watery

,
From shortly after day break rain rather half

or
skies
,
,
; -
.
melted sleet continued fall and many persons con

to
,
attempt
be
no
cluded that there would hold the pro

to
cession under such inclement weather This circum

.
or
no
stance was doubt grievous discouragement

a
,
so ,
rather discomfort and an inconvenience but far

a
from preventing the procession

to
was destined add

it
a
,
to
hundred fold the significance and importance

of
the
-
demonstration . Had the day been fine, tens of thousands

of persons who eventually only lined the streets , wearing
the funeral emblems , would have marched in the proces
sion as they had originally intended ; but hostile critics
would in this case have said that the fineness of the day
and the excitement of the pageant had merely caused a
hundred thousand persons to come out for a holiday.
Now , however , the depth , reality , and intensity of the
popular feeling was about to be keenly tested . The sub
joined account of this memorable demonstration is sum
marised from the Dublin daily papers of the next ensuing
publication , the report of the Freeman's Journal being
chiefly used :
As early as ten o'clock crowds began to gather in Beresford -place,

and in an hour about ten thousand men were present . The morn
ing had succeeded to the hopeless , humidity of the night, and the
drizzling rain fell with almost dispiteous persistence . The early
trains from Kingstown and Dalkey , and
all
the citerior townlands
all. , ,
row
brought large numbers into Dublin and Westland Brunswick
,
;
-
humanity
- of
D'Olier and Sackville streets streamed with masses
,
,
-
great number the processionists met Earlsfort terrace

in
A
of
,
to at
round the Exhibition and twelve o'clock some thousands had

,
was not easy learn the object this gathering

It
it of
collected
;
.
they fell
as
may have been mistake and most probably was

in it
,
a
with the great body the course

an
The space
of
half
in
hour
.
of
quays including great sweep the

in
from the the front

,
Custom house was swarming with men and women and small
,
,
, -
and the big ungainly bulged out Gar

. in
children crowd
up
diner street and the broad space leading Talbot street The
,
-
-
be
began eleven o'clock amid ponr

to
at
of
ranks formed down

a
cold rain The mud was deep and aqueous and great pools ran
,
.
through the streets almost level with the paths

of
Some the more

.
prominent the committee rode about

of
the men and several

of
,
,
directing and organizing the crowd which presented most ex

a
of ,
A
traordinary appearance couple thousand young children stood

.
an
quietly the rain and slush for over hour while behind them
in
close packed numbers were over two thousand young women

in
,
-
.
be
Not the least blame can those who managed the

to
attached
far
as
the day inasmuch the throng must have

of
affairs exceeded
,
even their most sanguine expectations Every moment some over

,
.
or
whelming accession rolled down Abbey street Eden quay and

,
-
swelled the already surging multitude waiting for the stait Long
.
before twelve o'clock the streets converging

on
the square were

,
or
packed with spectators intending processionists Cabs struggled

.
up
hopelessly yield large highly respectable and

to
of
the number
well -attired ladies who had come to walk . Those who had hired
for
the day join the procession were convinced
to
of
vehicles the
of
impracticable character their intention and many delicate old
;
men who would not give up the design braved the terrors
of
- ,
asthma and bronchitis and joined the rain defying throng Right
.
across the spacious ground was one unmoving mass constantly
,
being enlarged by ever coming crowds All the windows Beres
in
-
.
ford place were filled with spectators and the rain and cold seemed
,
-
no
on
saddening
to
have effect the numerous multitude The various
.
the trade were being disposed their respective positions
of
bands
in
,
long way off and altogether the back
in
and the hearses were
a
ground when quarter twelve the first rank

at
to
of
men moved
a
,
an ,
forward Almost every one had umbrella but they were
,
.
thoroughly saturated with the never easing down pour As the
-
.
steady well ept twelve eep ranks moved slowly out some ease
-c
,
,
,
to -k
-d
those pent up behind
to
was given and was really wonderful
it
;
see the facility with which the people adapted themselves
, to
the
of
Every chance falling
in
of
orders their directors was seized and
.
soon the procession was motion The first five hundred men
in
They were dressed very respectably and

of
were the artisan class
on ,
.
each man wore upon his left shoulder green rosette and his
a
,
crape Numbers had hat bands depending
of
left arm band
to
a
-
.
the shoulder others had close crape intertwined carefully with

;
of
green ribbon around their hats and the great majority the
;
better sort adhered this plan which was executed with skill
to
a
unmistakably ap
at
feminine Here and there intervals man

a
.
peared with broad green scarf around his shoulders some em

a
broidered with shamrocks and others decorated with harps There

,
by
was not man throughout the procession but was conspicuous
a
Appointed officers walked

of
at
some emblem nationality the sides

.
with wands their hands and gently kept back the curious and
in
interested crowd whose sympathy was certainly demonstrative

.
Behind the five hundred men came couple thousand young

of
a
children These excited perhaps the most considerable interest

,
,
.
amongst the bystanders whether sympathetic neutral opposite

or
,
,
.
Of
on
tender ageand innocent opinions any subject they were

of
,
by
being marshalled their parents demonstration which will

in
a
to
probably give the

in
tone their career hereafter and seeds

;
a
juvenile mind ever bear fruit

of
in
due season The presence these

.
shivering little ones gave serious significance the procession

to
a
the party who had organized the demonstra

to
they were hostages

Earnestness must indeed have been strong
in
of
tion the mind

.
the parent who directed his little son daughter walk satu
in
or
to
rating rain and painful cold through five or six miles

of
mud and
all
this merely say and my children were there

to
water and
,
“
I
."
portends something more than sentiment

It
national educa
It
is
.
on
tion with vengeance Comment this remarkable constituent

a
was very frequent throughout the day and when toward evening
,
boys sang out with lusty unanimity popular Yankee

of
this band
a
air
spectators were satisfied their culture and training After

of
,
.
THE WEARING OF THE GREEN 11
the children came about one hundred young women who had been
unable to gain their proper position , and accepted the place which
chance assigned them. They were succeeded by a band dressed
very respectably , with crape and green ribbons round their caps .
These were followed by a number of rather elderly men , probably
the parents of the children far ahead. At this portion of the pro
cession, a mile from the point , they marched four deep, there hav
ing been a gradual decline from the front. Next came the brick
'
all
a in
layers band dressed green caps very superior ooking body
a
,
-l
of men Then followed very imposing well ept line composed
,
.
-k
young men the better class well attired and respectable look
of
of
,
ing These wore crape hat bands and green rosettes with harps
in
,
.
the centre -
Several had broad green body scarfs with gold tinsel
,
.
shamrocks and harps intertwined As this portion the procession
of
.
by
marched they attracted very considerable attention their orderly
,
measured tread and the almost soldierly precision with which they
,
maintained the line They numbered about four
or
five thousand
,
few
.
and there were who were not young sinewy stalwart fellows
,
.
When they had reached the further end Abbey street the ground
of
,
-
about Beresford place was gradually becoming clear and the spec
-
,
tator had some opportunity afforded
at
glancing more closely
of
the
component parts the great crowd All round the Custom house
of
-
.
was still packed dense throng and large streams were flowing
,
a
from the northern districts Clontarf the Strand and the quays
,
of ,
,
.
The shipping was gaily decorated and many the masts were
,
At
half
on
filled with young tars wearing green bands their hats

,
.
past twelve o'clock the most interesting portion the procession
of
,
left the Custom house About two thousand young women who ,
-
, .
demeanour and general appearance certainly justified

ral in
attire
,
,
be
to
their title six deep ranks The gene

a in
called ladies walked

. .
-
for
public kept pace with them great distance The green

was most demonstrative every lady having shawl bonnet veil
,
of ,
,
The mud made sad havoc

or
of
dress mantle the national hue

,
all .
their attire but notwithstanding mishaps they maintained good

,
order and regularity They stretched for over half mile and
,
a
.
added very notably the imposing appearance the procession

to
a of
,
.
for
So
great was the pressure Abbey street that very long time
in
,
-
-by
less than three processions walking side

no
there were side

-
.
to as
they were
at
These halted
of
the end the street and followed

,
afforded opportunity the bands was about play near

of
One
.
the Abbey street Wesleyan House but when policeman told them
a
,
-
the proximity the place worship they immediately de

of
of
of
sisted The first was very long way back the line and the
in
a
,
.
foremost men must have been near the Ormond uays when the
,
-q
four horses moved into Abbey street They were draped with black
.
-
plumes The hearse also had

at
cloths and white were their heads

,
white plumes and was covered with black palls On the side was
,
William
In P.
of
Allen number men followed and then came

A
a “
.”
the earlier portion the day there were seen but two
of
band
, .
It
hearses the second one bearing Larkin's name was succeeded

.
by four mourning coaches, drawn by two horses each. A large

number of young men from the monster houses followed in admi
rable order . In
this throng were very many men of business , large
employers , and members of the professions . Several of the trades
were in great force. It had been arranged to have the trade banners
carried in front of the artisans of every calling , but at the sugges
tion of the chairman this design was abandoned . The men walked ,
however , in considerable strength . They marched from their various
committee -rooms the Custom -house. The quay porters were
present to the number of 500. and presented a very orderly , cleanly
appearance . They were comfortably dressed , and walked close
after the hearse bearing Larkin's name . Around this bier were
a number ofmen bearing in their hands long and waving
palms - emblems of martyrdom . The trades came next , and
were led off by the various branches of the association known
as the Amalgamated Trades . The plasterers made about 300,
the painters 350 , the boot and shoemakers mustered 1,000 , the
bricklayers 500 , the carpenters 300 , the slaters 450 , the sawyers
200 , and the skinners , coopers , tailors , bakers , and the other
trades , made a very respectable show , both as to numbers and
appearance . Each of these had representatives in the front of the
procession , amongst the fine body of men who marched eight deep .
The whole ground near the starting place was clear at half -past one,
and by that time the demonstration was seen to a greater advantage
than previously . All down Abbey -streets, and in fact throughout
the procession , the pathways were crowded by persons who were
practically of it , though not in it . Very many young girls na
turally enough pieferred to
stand on the pathways rather than to be
saturated with mud and water . But it may truly be said that
every second man and woman of the crowds in almost every street
were of the procession . Cabs filled with ladies and gentlemen re
all
mained at the waysides day watching the march The horses

.
'
heads were gaily decorated with green ribbons while every Jehu
,
the city wore crape band Nothing special note

in
or
of
rosette
a
occurred until the procession turned into Dame street The ap

.
-
pearance the demonstration was here far greater than`at any

of
far
as
the city
as
other portion
of
of
Both sides the street and

,
.
Carlisle bridge were lined with cabs and carriages filled with spec
,
-
by
tators who were prevented the bitter inclemency the day from
of
taking active part

an
the proceedings The procession was here

in
less
.
no
grandiy imposing and after Larkin's hearse were than nine

,
carriages and several cabs stated that Mrs. Luby and Miss
It
is
,
of
Mulcahy occupied one

of
the vehicles and relatives others now

,
confinement were alleged have been present One circum

in
to
having
as
stance which was generally remarked great significance

,
. ,
in
was the presence the 86th Regiment

of
of
one line ten soldiers

They were dressed their great overcoats which they wore open
in
,
so
as
on
show the scarlet tunic These men may have been

to
leave
,
.
the great military force were confined

as
inasmuch
to
barracks and
,
six
képt under arms from o'clock a.m. The cavalry were readi
in
,
for
ness action necessary Mounted military and police order
if
,
.
various points the city convey any
, to at
lies were stationed
of
to
re
at
quisite intelligence the authorities and the constabulary the
,
depot Phænix Park were also prepared
if
their services should
,
,
At
be
required the police stations throughout the city large num

. pleasant
all
men were kept day under arms
It
to
state
noof
bers
is
.
the great demonstration ter
as
that interference was necessary
,
minated without the slightest disturbance The public houses ge
.
nerally remained closed until five o'clock and the sobriety
of
the
,
crowds was the subject the general comment
a in of
.
the
an
From early hour morning every possible position along

the quays that afforded good view the procession was taken
of
advantage and despite the inclemency the weather the pa
of
,
,
of
rapets the various bridges commencing Capel street were
at
of
,
,
-
crowded with adventurous youths who seemed think nothing
to
of
the risks they ran comparison with the ,
opportunities they had
in
its
all
seeing the great sight splendour From eleven until

in
of
.
twelve o'clock the greatest efforts were made secure good places
to
.
The side walks were crowded and impassable The lower windows
.
by
of
the houses were made the most
of
men who clutched the

shutters and bars whilst the upper windows were
as
general rule
a
,
,
is
to
filled with the fair sex and almost unnecessary add that
it
,
almost every man woman and child displayed some emblem

,
,
Indeed the originality the designs was

to
suitable the occasion

of
,
.
striking feature The women vore green ribbons and veils and
,
a
many entire dresses The numerous windows

of
the favourite colour

.
the Four Courts accommodated hundreds ladies and we may

of
of
mention that within the building were two pieces artillery

of
,
a
plentiful supply
in It
policemen
of
of
rockets and number was

,
arranged that the rockets should be fired from the roof case
military assistance was required Contrary general expecta
at to
the
.
of
tion the head the procession appeared Essex bridge shortly

,
As was expected leave Beresford place

to
before twelve o'clock

it
-
.
as
about that time and such gigantic arrangements are seldom

,
carried out punctually people who congregated

in
of
the thousands
,
this locality were pleasantly disappointed when society band

a
Mary street and came towards the quays with

of
turned the corner

,
-
the processionists marching slow and regular time The order

in
that prevailed was almost marvellous sound was heard but

a
not
-
the music and the prevalent feeling was

, byof
the mournful strains

,
the
said
no
Weor
expressed two processionists who

of
doubt one
,
They
be
an
inquiry will our own police day

in
to
to
answer
“
.”
-
certainly were their own police for those who carried white wands
,
in
to
did not spare their endeavours maintain order

in
themselves
we
have mentioned already the first part

, of
the ranks As the

,
.
procession reached Capel street shortly before twelve o'clock and

of -
a be
the demonstration may formed from

of
some idea the extent

view until quarter ast
in
the fact that the hearses did not come

-p
of
an
They appeared quarter hour

at
of
one o'clock intervals

of ,
a
.
and were received by general cry hush The number

of
a
."
mine —to render a verdict for which you will not be sorry —to render
a verdict that your countrymen will cheer - to render a verdict that
will make you venerated and admired in the land of your birth
while you live on this earth .
for
for
The jury , however , found not the prisoner but the
,
Crown
.
When General Halpin took his place
in
the dock with his
Colonel Warren and Augustine
E.
fellow convicts Cos
”,
to “
he
tello receive his sentence appeared calm and unim
,
,
passioned The question why sentence should not
on as
ever
.
passed him having been put

be
by
The Prisoner said that before spoke he
the question put him
to
to
he
on
the Crown say
of
the Clerk wished few words another
a
,
, by
he
The day before yesterday
a of
topic was handed the Governor
.
Kilmainham letter which had come from America and enclosed

a
of up
draft The draft the Governor refused give and also refused
to
.
,
The Deputy
he
state what disposition intended

to
to
make
it
.
his and he requested that those
as
Governor had other moneys
of
,
,
in be
as
well the draft should

to
restored him
- ,
The Attorney General

an
undertone having addressed some

,
,
to
observations the Bench

,
The Lord Chief Baron said that the prisoner having been con
,
.
felony his property was the disposal
to at
of
of
victed the authorities
be ,
,
he
on
and that any representation bad make the subject should

the Government
to
made
.
he
Halpin said wished that the money might

be
to
transferred
whatever jail
he
be
so
the governor imprisoned

of
that
to
was
in
he ,
require
he
might have the use purchase necessaries should

to
of
it
them
.
to
LORD CHIEF BARON you desire make any representation

it
If
-
through the government

be
must
.
PRISONER don't wish make any representation the govern

to
to to
-
I
.
on
ment the subject will permit the government add robbery

I
.
to
perjury
.
by
reply question asked

of
The Prisoner
in
to
the Clerk
a
,
the Crown said that justice had not been dealt out him
to
,
He had been prevented

byas
thought might have been

he
it
for
the Crown from getting witnesses his defence

,
and from seeing his witnesses while the Crown had

,
get their witnesses properly trained

to
taken four months

. ,
Dublin for jurors

to of all
the Orange lodges

to
of
and ransack
He
complained the jail and the law that

, of
of
the rules
,
permitted them
be
force and said

in
deny the jurisdiction this court

in
of
common with Colonel

I
Warren. II
owe no allegiance to this country , and were
to -morrow would sooner swear allegiance to the King of Abyssinia
a free man I
than give half- an - hour's allegiance to the government of this coun :
try —a government that has blasted the hopes of half the world and
all
disgusted it suppose permitted speak
to
of
am not the
I
by,
,
. the jury was entirely unnecessary
It
verdict given against me
to .
for
the Crown to
produce one single witness against me The jury
.
had their lesson before they came the box
.
to
THE CHIEF BARON impossible for me
is
— allow you proceed
It
to
with this line
of
observation
.
simply say that the jury exhibited
a an
to
HALPIN wish extreme

I
-
anxiety verdict against me before word

to
to
find had even said
a
I
them saw their anxiety knew from the moment they were
I
.
I
.
be
put into the box that verdict guilty would
of returned against
a
me . from looking the conduct the jury the box
in
at
of
knew
it
I
-
I
knew from the way the jury were empanelled and knew the
it
I
for
Attorney General relied upon the jury
he
verdict when set
a
-
three citizens aside therefore conclude and rightly that all the
,
,
I
.
be
eloquent talent that ever pleaded this bar would entirely
at
useless
jury was
to
to
me whilst such
in
The Crown order
to in
the box
a
,
.
give some colour proceedings thought proper produce

to
the
,
several witnesses against me Eleven witnesses were examined and
, ,
.
no
out less than nine committed absolute diabolical and

of
these ,
egregious perjury
.
THE CHIEF BARON You are transcending the limit within which
—
the law confines you

.
do not blame you for enforcing the law

as
HALPIN stands
it
1
.
-
for
By no means thank your lordship your kindness

to
have
I
.
is do
during the progress my trial not blame you because the

of
,
I
.
law stands say that the law

as
it
does but what in

I
—
is
absurd
,
taking me and trying me British subject whilst

as
am citizen
a
a
I
of
the United States without particle

of
show that
to
evidence
,
I
a
jurisdiction must say

of
was born under the the British Crown

I
.
that look another place another government and another people

to
,
be ,
I
see that justice shall

to
done me
.
THE CHIEF BARON Here again you are transcending the limits
. -
which the law allows We could not deal with any consideration
do
connected with what any government will

.
to
HALPIN not within your province

is
am aware that deal

it
I
-
with the acts

be
another government but may

of
permitted say
to
,
this that the outrages offered me and those gentlemen who claim
—
,
be
be
like me citizens the United States will gladly submitted

to
of
,
of
they only have the effect

to
making the sword Brother

. of
if
Jonathan spring from its scabbard

THE CHIEF BARON
to
cannot suffer you proceed with this line

-
I
make this
of
to
observation
to
cannot suffer place appeal

of
I
a
.
or
country America
in
persons this
in
.
am
not making any appeal any man Although

to
HALPIN
I
I
-
was found guilty by jury this court deem my conduct above

of
a
,
I
reproach know how have been convicted and will still assert
I
,
I
.
that the first gun fired in anger between this country and America
will be a knell of comfort to my ears .
THE CHIEF BARON - I will be compelled to remove you from where
you are now if you proceed with this line of observation .
HALPIN – Well , then, if I am not permitted to say that
CHIEF BARON —You are not permitted to make any observation
HALPIN -
upon what any government of any country may do .
I think the reference has not anything to do with any
government or any country . It refers to a fact that will come to
pass, and when I shall hear the death.knell of this infamous govern
ment
THE CHIEF BARON - I will not allow you to proceecio
HALPIN – Well, cannot be prevented thinking it. Now , I will
I
refer to a subject which I
may be allowed to speak upon . You will
recollect that I had addressed a letter to Mr. Price , asking him to
furnish me , at my own expense , with two of the morning papers
the Irish Times and Freeman's Journal . I believe they are both
loyal papers ; at least they claim to be loyal,and I have no doubt
they are of the admitted character of loyalty registered in the
purlieus of Dublin Castle . The reason why I wanted these
papers was , that I
believed that the best reports of the trials
I
since the opening of the Commission would be found in them .
said to Mr. Price that it was important that I should see all the
evidence given by the informers who were to be produced against
me , to enable me to make up my defence . I was denied , even at
my own expense , to be furnished with these papers , and that
Perhaps Mr. Price was governed
I
complain of as a wanton outrage .
by some rule of Kilmainham , for it appears that the rules of Kil :
mainham are often as far outside the law of the country as have I
been said to be by the Attorney -General . In fact , Mr. Price stated
,
when giving his testimony , that he was not governed by any law
or rule , but that he was governed solely and entirely by his own
imperial will.
OHIEF BARON_That I
cannot allow to be said without at once
setting it right. Mr. Price said no such thing. He said that with
respect to one particular matter - namely , the reading of prisoner's
corrrespondence , he was bound to exercise his own discretion as to
what he would send out of the jail, and what he would hold . This
is the only matter in which Mr. Price said he would exercise his own
discretion .
PRISONER I think , my lord, you will allow your memory goto
back to the cross -examination of Mr. Price, and you will find that
when I
asked him by what authority he gave the letters he sup ;
pressed into the hands of the Crown to be produced here , he stated
he had no other authority than his own will for so doing .
CHIEF BARON — You are quite right with respect to the corre .
spondence .
PRISONER - I say he violated the law of the land in so
doing,
and I claim that he had no right to use those letters written
for
by me in my private capacity to friends in America , asking

advice and assistance , and the very first letter that he read was
a letter written to a man named Byrne. That , you may recollect ,
for
was put into the hands of the Attorney -General - kept by him
its
of
four months That was the first intimation had suppression
.
I
by
its
the Crown Now the letter was ad

or
production here
of
, .
.
friend New York asking him look after my trunk
in
to
to
dressed
a
by
which had been taken away without my consent the captain of
which Mr. Price never told me he
in
the vessel was arrested
, I
to for
suppressed that letter and was three months waiting reply
,
a . a
I
as
the letter never went Mr.
of
which course did not receive

,
,
I
It
Price suppressed another letter yesterday was written friend
.
mine Washington my trial and conviction
in
in
to
of
relation and
,
,
asking him present my case to the President the United States
of
to
,
in
this court Mr. Price thought
as
detailing the case proceeded

it
it he
be
compelled
in to
proper suppress that letter and ask that
it, to
be
your lordships think
so
produce that may
fit
read
if
,
,
court
.
THE CHIEF BARON letter
of
cannot do that cannot have
a
-I
I
.
that character read open court

in
or
to
HALPIN Am entitled get the letter have destroyed in ? to
it
I
,
-
do
nobe
as
Price with pleases

to
to
is
have
it
it
,
THE CHIEF BARON can make order the matter

-I
.
HALPIN Then Price something like Robinson Crusoe
is
–
"
he
Monarch all surveys Kilmainbam and when

of
is of
monarch
I, ;
;
“
"
be
he
no
to
law govern
in to
ask controlled find there him
if
is
I
.
no
THE CHIEF BARON You have now property these letters

—
,
being convict
a
be
will very soon

no
THE PRISONER told have property
in
I
to I
-
on
myself claim have been arrested the high seas and there
,
I
.
no
case against me and the Crown had

to
was then wait four months

,
up
pick papers and get men from Stepaside and arrange plans
to
,
up
. be
between Mr. Price and his warders fill any gap that might
to
was arrested out the habeas corpus jurisdiction

of
wanted with
,
I
.
out authority and detained four months jail until the Crown
in
,
could trump up case against me Have not right complain

to
in a
a
I
,
be
that should consigned dungeon for life consequence

to
of
a
I
a
as up
am
trumped case satisfied that your lordships have stated

?
-
the case stands but am not satisfied that have been

it
I
,
any durance vile

us in
convicted under law have been four months

I
a ,
.
and vile durance The preachers tell that hell

is
has been
it
a .
very bad place and the devil very bad boy but
he
could not hold

,
candle to old Price

&
THE CHIEF BARON You are tresspassing very much upon

—
very
a
large indulgence must adopt more decisive course you per

if
a
I
.
severe
.
HALPIN aughing -Well my lord

no
will say more about the

I,
,
)
(l
old gorilla The Crown officers have laid much stress upon the fact
.
that have travelled under different names and therefore was

,
in I
I
guilty the
it
great crime have precedent for when read

of
I
a
I
.
papers that some continental monarchs travel under an assumed

name , and I
hear that the Prince of Wales does so also when he
thinks proper to go to the London brothels .
At this point the Court cut short his address , and

Chief Baron Pigot proceeded to pass sentence on the three
prisoners .
THE SENTENCES .
After some share of preliminary remarks , the Chief Baron

announced the sentence of the court . It was for
John Warren , 15 years ' penal servitude .
William Halpin , 15 years' penal servitude .
Augustine E. Costello , 12 years ' penal servitude .
The prisoners heard the announcement without manifest
ing any emotion . General Halpin remarked that he would
take fifteen years more any day for Ireland . Colonel War
ren informed the Court that he did not think a lease of the
British Empire worth thirty -seven - and -a -half cents ; and then
by
all
three followed posse disappeared

of
warders from
a
,
the dock
.
education and ability added

of
And thus were three men

the hundreds who are now rotting their lives away
to
in
British dungeons because the love they bore their
to
of
,
country and their hatred the misrule which makes her

of
,
on
It
the most afflicted and miserable land hard

is
earth
.
for Ireland see such men stricken down and torn from her
an to
upon such yet looking the noble bearing

at
accusation
;
,
that long list

of
of
devoted men when confronted with the

which their enemies could subject them
to
worst terrors
,
she has something which may well cause the light pride
of
glisten her eyes even while the tears love and pity
of
in
to
we
are falling from them And would say the

to
her
in
.
,
of
noble words French writer one the many generous

of
a
hearted foreigners whose affectionate admiration has been

,
by
won her sufferings and her constancy the Rev. Adolphe

,
Perraud Priest the Oratory Paris

of
-
,
the
for
Take heart your trials will not last ever works

;
“
iniquity are passing and perishable Vidi impium super

of
elevatum sicut cedros Libani

et
et
exaltamum ecce non erat

,
!'
Ps
xuxvi Patience then even still Do not imagine

,
!
(
.)
.
that you are forsaken : God forsakes not those that

in Him . believe
The day of retribution will come
that no struggle against right is rightful ,
-- to teach men
that probation is
not abandonment ; that God and
conscience have unimagined
resources against brutal spoliation and the triumphs
of in
justice ; and that if men are
often immoral in their designs
and actions , there is still in the general
course of history a
sovereign morality , and judyments the
forerunners of the
infallible judgment of God .”
FINIS
THE
" WEARING OF THE GREEN , "
ОВ
THE PROSECUTED FUNERAL PROCESSION .
Let theechoesfallunbroken ;
Let ourtearsin silenceflow;
For eachwordthus noblyspoken ,
Let us yield a nation'swoe;
Yet, whileweeping, sternlykeeping
Wary watchupon thefoe."
Poem in the “ NATION."
THE
PROSECUTED FUNERAL PROCESSION .
THE news of the Manchester executions on the morn

ing of Saturday , 23rd November , 1867 , fell upon Ireland
with sudden and dismal disillusion .
In time to come , when the generation now living shall
have passed away , men will probably find it difficult
to fully realize or understand the state of stupor and
amazement which ensued in this country on the first
tidings of that event ; seeing, as it may be said , that the
victims had lain for weeks under sentence of death , to
be executed on this date . Yet surprise indubitably was
for
the first and most overpowering emotion ;
in
truth
,
,
up
that hour had really credited that England

no
one
to
of
would take the lives those three men on verdict

a
already publicly admitted and proclaimed

to
have been
a
all
blunder Now however came the news that was

,
,
.
over that the deed was done and soon there was seen
-
-
an
of
upheaving
as
such national emotion had not been

witnessed century The public con
in
Ireland for
a
science utterly shocked revolted against the dreadful

,
,
aet perpetrated the outraged name justice great

of
A
in
grief rose and surged from end

of
billow
to
of
end the
land Political distinctions disappeared were forgotten
or
.
The Manchester Victims the Manchester Martyrs they

,
-
were already called belonged the Fenian organiza

to
—
tion conspiracy which the wisest and truest patriots

;
a
of
Ireland had condemned and resisted yet men who

;
had been prominent withstanding national grounds

on
in
- ,
that hopelesss and disastrous scheme priests and laymen

de
in
-were now amongst the foremost and the boldest

every peril the savage act vengeance per
of
nouncing
at
petrated The Catholic clergy were the

at
Manchester
.
THE WEARING OF THE GREEN .
first to give articulate expression to the national emo

tion . The executions took place on Saturday ; before
night the telegraph had spread the news through the
island ; and on the next morning , being Sunday , from a
thousand altars the sad event was announced to the as
sembled worshippers , and prayers were publicly offered
for the souls of the victims. When the news was an
nounced , a moan of sorrowful surprise burst from the con
gregation , followed by
the
wailing and sobbing
of
women
;
his
and when the priest own voice broken with emotion
,
,
all
join with him praying the Merciful God
in
to
asked
grant those young victims place beside His throne
to
,
the assemblage with one voice responded praying and
,
weeping aloud
!
The manner which the national feeling was de

in
this occasion was one peculiarly charac

on
monstrated
religion
of
of
which the sentiments
in
teristic nation
a
are
No
, , in
and patriotism closely blended stormy
so
"
.
no
no
dignation meetings were held tumult violence
;
,
"
In
all
no cries for vengeance arose probability nay
-
.
all
certainty this would have happened

to
and these
a
popular passion would have been heard

of
ebullitions
,
had the victims not passed into eternity But now
,
.
they were gone where prayer alone could follow and

;
of
the presence this solemn fact the religious senti

in
all
others with the Irish people

of
ment overbore Cries

.
anger imprecations and threats vengeance could not

By of
,
,
avail the dead but happily religion gave

to
vent the
;
pent the living

up
feelings prayer and mourning

of
.
-
they could once most fitly and most sucessfully de

at
,
,
the guilty deed and their sym

of
monstrate their horror

,
pathy with the innocent victims

.
Requiem Masses forthwith were announced and cele

several churches and were attended by crowds
in
brated
;
everywhere too vast for the sacred edifices contain The

to
several instances were draped with black and

in
churches
,
the ceremonies conducted with more than ordinary

of
In
solemnity every case however the authorities the

,
,
.
Catholic church were careful

to
ensure that the sacred

for
functions were sought and attended spiritual considera

tions , not used merely for illegitimate political purposes ;

and wherever it was apprehended that the holy rites were
in danger of such use , the masses were said privately .
And soon public feeling found yet another vent ; a
mode of manifesting itself scarcely less edifying than the
Requiem Masses ; namely , funeral processions . The
brutal vengeance of the law consigned the bodies of
Allen , Larkin , and O'Brien to dishonoured graves ; and
forbade the presence of sympathising friend or sorrowing
relative who might drop a tear above their mutilated re
mains. Their countrymen now , however , determined
that ample atonement should be made to the memory of
the dead for this denial of the decencies of sepulture .
On Sunday ,
1st
Cerk Manchester Mitchels

, in
December ,
,
,
town Middleton Limerick and Skibbereen funeral pro

,
,
,
of
which thousands persons attended were

at
cessions
,
,
that Cork being admittedly the most imposing
in
held
,
;
of in
not only point

of
in
numbers but the character the
of
,
demonstration and the demeanour the people

For more than twenty years Cork city has held ad .
ar
vanced position the Irish national struggle In
of in
truth
,
.
the great strongholds

of
has been one the national

it
cause since 1848. Nowhere else did the national spirit

its
keep hold tenaciously and extensively amidst the

so
so
the
In
people 1848 Cork city contained probably most

.
formidable organization the country formidable not

in
merely numbers but the superior intelligence earnest

in
in
,
the Fe
of
in
ness and determination the men and even

;
,
it
nian conspiracy unquestionable that the southern

to is
,
capital contributed that movement men chiefly be

-
to
longing the mercantile and commercial classes who

—
in in
,
personal worth and standing well as in courage

as
,
telligence and patriotism the organi

of
were the flower

,
zation Finally was Cork city

be
must said that

it
it
,
,
.
by
1st
its
of
funeral demonstration the December that

,
struck the first great

at
the Manchester verdict and

*
. w
set all Ireland motion

in
*
set
in
truly said
be
may the Irish race all over the world

It
*
for
There probably
no
parallel history the singular

in
motion
is
.
Meanwhile the Irish capital had moved , and was
all
organizing a demonstration destined to surpass that
had yet been witnessed Early the second week
of of
in
.
December committee was formed for the purpose
,
a a
organizing funeral procession Dublin worthy
of
in
the
,
national metropolis Dublin would have come forward
.
the processions
of
the legality
sooner but the question
of
,
off
that were announced the previous week
in
, to
come
Cork and other places had been the subject
of
fierce
the government press and the national
in
discussion
;
avoid the slightest infringe
to
leaders were determined

the publicpeace
on
of
or
ment the law the least inroad
, .
was only when
on
December Lord Derby

in of
It
the 3rd
,
,
the Prime Minister replying
of
Lords
to
the House
,
of
Lord Dufferin declared the opinion the crown that

,
the projected processions were not illegal that the na

,
tional party
to
Dublin decided
in
form committee and

a
organize procession The following were Lord Derby's

a
words
:
to He
could assure the noble lord that the government would con
“
.
tinue carry out the law with firmness and impartiality The
.
Party Processions Act however did not meet the case

of
the funer
,
I
.
by
processions the parties engaged them having not displaying

in
,
other emblems kept within the law far his infor

as
as
or
banners
,
mation went
”
.
Still morestrong assurance was contained the reply

in
the Irish Chief Secretary Lord Mayo question put

of
to
,
,
a
by Sir
of
O'Brien Lord
P.
in
the House Commons

.
Mayo publicly announced and promised that any new

if
by
the dis
these funeral processions being held
in
of
circumstance
the old
, as
persed Irish lands remote apart role from pole

in
—
- ,
hemisphere and Europe Australia

in
in
the new America

in
in
;
— by
set
on
prosecutions being the English government punish

to
foot
Ireland and
in
at
of
them both ends the world New Zealand

in
!
In
Hokatika the Irish settlers most patriotic

of
Ireland's exiles
-
organized highly impressive funeral demonstration The government

a
.
its
seized and prosecuted leaders the Rev. Father Larkin Catholic

,
a
,
of
clergyman and Mr. Wm Manning editor the Hokatika Celt

A
,
.
.
by
Fenian panic brought them

to in
jury terrified guilty and the

",
,
a "
,
patriot priest and journalist were consigned dungeon for the

mourning for the dead and protesting against judicial murder
of
crime
.
opinion as to the legality of the processions should be

arrived at — that is , should the crown see in them any
thing of illegality - due and timely notice would be given
by proclamation , so that no one might offend through
ignorance . Here are his words :
" It is the wish of the government to act strictly in accordance
with the law ; and of course ample notice will be given either by
proclamation or otherwise . "
The Dublin funeral committee thereupon at once issued

the following announcement , by placard and advertise
ment :
GOD SAVE IRELAND !
A PUBLIC FUNERAL PROCESSION
In honour of the Irish Patriots
Executed at Manchester , 23rd November ,
Will take place in Dublin
On Sunday next , the 8th inst .
The procession will assemble in Beresford - place, near the Cu tom

House , and will start from thence at the hour of twelve
o'clock noon .
No flags, banners , or party emblems will be allowed .
IRISIMEN
Assemble in your thousands , and show by your numbers and your
orderly demeanour your sympathy with the fate of the
executed patriots .
IRISHWOMEN
You are requested to lend the dignity of your presence to this
important National Demonstration .
By Order of the Committee .
JOAN MARTIN , Chairman .
J. C.
JAMESWATERS
,
SCANLAN , Hon . Secretaries .
J. J.
LALOR ,
DONAL SULLIVAN , Up . Buckingham - street,
Treasurer .
The appearance of the “ funeral procession placards "

Thursday 5th December increased
all
over the city

on
,
,
the public excitement No other topic was discussed

in
.
any place of public resort , but the event forthcoming on

Sunday . The first evidence of what it was about to be ,
was the appearance of the drapery establishments in the
city on Saturday morning ; the windows, exteriorly and
interiorly , being one mass of crape and green ribbon
funeral knots, badges , scarfs , hat-bands , neckties , & c .,
exposed for sale. Before noon most of the retail, and
several of the wholesale houses had their entire stock of
green ribbon and crape exhausted , it being computed that
nearly one hundred thousand yards had been sold up to
midnight of Saturday ! Meantime the committee sat
en permanance, zealously pushing their arrangements for
the orderly and successful carrying out of their great
undertaking - appointing stewards , marshals , & c. — in a
word , completing the numerous details on the perfection
of which it greatly depended whether Sunday was to
witness a successful demonstration or a scene of disastrous
disorder . On this , as upon every occasion when a na
tional demonstration was to be organized , the trades of
Dublin , Kingstown , and Dalkey , exhibited that spirit of
patriotism for which they have been proverbial in our
generation . From their ranks came the most efficient
aids in every department of the preparations . On Satur
day evening the carpenters , in a body, immediately after
their day's work was over , instead of seeking home and
rest , refreshment or recreation after their week of toil,
turned into the Nation office machine rooms , which they
quickly improvised into a vast workshop , and there , as
volunteers , laboured away till near midnight, manu
facturing “wands ” for the stewards of next morning's
procession .
Sunday , 8th December , 1867 , dawned through watery
skies . From shortly after day -break , rain , or rather half
melted sleet , continued to fall ; and many persons con
cluded that there would be no attempt to hold the pro
cession under such inclement weather . This circum
stance was , no doubt , a grievous discouragement , or
rather a discomfort and an inconvenience ; but so far
from preventing the procession , it was destined to add a
hundred -fold to the significance and importance of the
demonstration . Had the day been fine , tens of thousands

of persons who eventually only lined the streets , wearing
the funeral emblems , would have marched in the proces
sion as they had originally intended ; but hostile critics
would in this case have said that the fineness of the day
and the excitement of the pageant had merely caused a
hundred thousand persons to come out for a holiday .
Now , however , the depth , reality , and intensity of the
popular feeling was about to be keenly tested . The sub
joined account of this memorable demonstration is sum
marised from the Dublin daily papers of the next ensuing
publication , the report of the Freeman's Journul being
chiefly used :
As early as ten o'clock crowds began to gather in Beresford - place,
and in an hour about ten thousand men were present. The morn
ing had succeeded to the hopeless humidity of the night , and the
fell
drizzling rain with almost dispiteous persistence The early
.
all
trains from Kingstown and Dalkey and the citerior townlands

,
, ,
row
brought large numbers into Dublin and Westland Brunswick
,
;
D'olier and Sackville streets streamed with masses humanity

- of
,
,
-
all:
great number the processionists met
in
A
of
Earlsfort terrace
,
round the Exhibition and
to at
twelve o'clock some thousands had

,
was not easy learn the object this gathering

It
it of
collected
;
.
as
may have been mistake and most probably was they fell
in it
,
a
with the great body the course

an
The space
of
half
in
hour
.
of
quays including great sweep the

in
from the the front

,
Custom house was swarming with men and women and small
,
,
, -
and the big ungainly bulged Gar

. in
children crowd out

up
diner street and the broad space leading Talbot street The
,
-
-
be
began eleven o'clock amid our

to
at
of
ranks formed down

a
-p
cold rain The mud was deep and aqueous and great pools ran
,
.
through the streets almost level with the paths

of
Some the more

.
prominent the committee rode about

of
the men and several

of
,
,
directing and organizing the crowd which presented most ex

a
of ,
A
traordinary appearance couple thousand young children stood

.
an
quietly the rain and slush for over

in
hour while behind them

;
close packed numbers were over two thousand young women

in
,
-
.
be
Not the least blame can those who managed the

to
attached
far
as
the day inasmuch the throng must have

of
affairs exceeded
,
even their most sanguine expectations Every moment some over

.
whelming accession rolled down Abboy street

or
Eden quay and

,
-
swelled the already surging multitude waiting for the start Long
.
before twelve o'clock the streets converging

on
the square were

,
or
packed with spectators intending processionists Cabs struggled

.
up
hopelessly yield the large number highly respectable and

to
of
well -attired ladies who had come to walk . Those who had hired
for
the day join the procession were convinced
to
of
vehicles the
of old
of
impracticable character their intention and many delicate
;
men who would not give up the design braved the terrors
,
and joined the rain efying throng Right
,
asthma and bronchitis
.
-d
across the spacious ground was one unmoving mass constantly
,
being enlarged by ever oming crowds All the windows Beres
in
.
-c
ford place were filled with spectators and the rain and cold seemed
,
-
no
on
saddening
to
have effect the numerous multitude The various
.
the trade were being disposed their respective positions
of
bands
in
,
long way off and altogether the back
in
and the hearses were
a
ground when quarter

at
to
of
twelve the first rank men moved
a
,
an ,
forward Almost every one had umbrella but they were
,
, .
thoroughly saturated with the never easing down pour As the
.
-
steady well kept twelve eep ranks moved slowly out some ease
-c
,
,
to -
-d
those pent up behind
to
was given and was really wonderful
it
;
,
see the facility with which the people adapted themselves
, to
the
falling
of
in
Every chance
of
orders their directors was seized and
.
soon the procession was motion The first five hundred men
in
They were dressed very respectably and

of
were the artisan class
on ,
.
each man wore upon his left shoulder green rosette and his
a
,
crape Numbers had hat bands depending
of
left arm band
to
a
-
.
the shoulder others had close crape intertwined carefully with

;
of
green ribbon around their hats and the great majority the
;
better sort adhered this plan which was executed with skill
to
a
man ap
at
unmistakably feminine Here and there intervals

a
.
peared with broad green scarf around his shoulders some em

a
broidered with shamrocks and others decorated with harps There

,
was not man throughout the procession but was conspicuous by

a
Appointed officers walked

of
at
some emblem nationality the sides

.
with wands their hands and gently kept back the curious and
in
interested crowd whose sympathy was certainly demonstrative

.
Behind the five hundred men came couple thousand young

of
a
children These excited perhaps the most considerable interest

,
,
.
amongst the bystanders whether sympathetic neutral opposite

or
,
,
Of tender ageand innocent

on
opinions any subject they were

of
,
by
being marshalled their parents demonstration which will

in
a
to
probably give the

in
tone their career hereafter and seeds

;
a
juvenile mind ever bear fruit The presence

in
these
of
due season
.
shivering little ones gave serious significance the procession

to
a
the party who had organized the demonstra

to
they were hostages

tion Earnestness must indeed have been strong
in
. of
the mind
.
the parent who directed his little son daughter walk

in
or
to
satu
rating rain and painful cold through five or six miles
of
mud and
all
this merely say and my children were there

to
water and
,
“
I
.”
national educa
It
portends something more than sentiment

It
is
.
on
tion with vengeance Comment this remarkable constituent

a
was very frequent throughout the day and when toward evening
,
this band boys sang out with lusty unanimity popular Yankee
of
a
air
spectators were satisfied their culture and training After

of
,
.
the children came about one hundred young women who had been
unable to gain their proper position , and accepted the place which
chance assigned them . They were succeeded by a band dressed
very respectably , with crape and green ribbons round their caps .
These were followed by a number of rather elderly men , probably
pro
the
the
At
of
parents the children far ahead this portion
of
.
cession mile from the point they marched four deep there hav
,
a a
,
ing been gradual decline from the front Next came the brick
.
all
a in
layers band dressed green caps very superior ooking body
a
,
'
-l
of of
men Then followed very imposing well kept line composed
,
-
.
young men the better class well attired and respectable look
of
, ,
ing These wore crape hat bands and green rosettes with harps
in
.
-
the centre Several had broad green body scarfs with gold tinsel
,
.
shamrocks and harps intertwined As this portion the procession
of
.
by
marched they attracted very considerable attention their orderly
,
measured tread and the almost soldierly precision with which they
,
,
maintained the line They numbered about four
or
five thousand
few
.
and there were who were not young sinewy stalwart fellows
,
.
they Abbey street the ground
of
When had reached the further end
,
, -
about Beresford place was gradually becoming clear and the spec
-
tator had some opportunity afforded glancing more closely
at
of
the
All round the Custom house
of
component parts the great crowd
-
.
was still packed dense throng and large streams were flowing
,
a
from the northern districts Clontarf the Strand and the quays
,
,
of ,
.
The shipping was gaily decorated and many the masts were
,
on
At
filled with young tars wearing green bands their hats half
,
.
past twelve o'clock the most interesting portion the procession
of
,
left the Custom house About two thousand young women who ,
-
demeanour and general appearance certainly justified

in
attire
,
,
,
be
to
their title six deep ranks The gene

a in
called ladies walked

.
. .
-
for
ral
public kept pace with them great distance The green

was most demonstrative every lady having shawl bonnet veil
,
of ,
,
The mud made sad havoc

or
of
dress mantle the national hue

,
all .
their attire but notwithstanding mishaps they maintained good

,
order and regularity They stretched for over half mile and
,
a
-
to .
added very notably the imposing appearance the procession

a of
,
.
So
great was the pressure Abbey street that for very long time
in
,
-
by
less than three processions walking side

no
there were side

-
-
.
to as
they were
at
These halted
of
the end the street and followed

,
afforded opportunity play near

of
One the bands was about

.
the Abbey street Wesleyan House but when policeman told them
a
,
-
de
the proximity the place worship they immediately

of
of
of
sisted The first was very long way back the line and the
in
a
,
.
foremost men must have been near the Ormond quays when the
,
-
four horses moved into Abbey street They were draped with black
.
-
cloths and white plumes were The hearse also had

at
their heads
,
white plumes and was covered with black palls On the side was
P. ,
William
of
Allen number men followed and then came

A
a “
,
"
.
In
portion day
of
band the earlier the there were seen but two

, .
It
hearses the second one bearing Larkin's name was succeeded

.
by four mourning coaches , drawn by two horses each. A large

number of young men from the monster houses followed in admi
rable order . In
this throng were very many men of business , large
employers , and members of the professions . Several of the trades
were in great force . It had been arranged to have the trade banners
carried in front of the artisans of every calling , but at the sugges
tion of the chairman this design was abandoned . The men walked ,
however , in considerable strength . They marched from their various
committee -rooms to the Custom -house. The quay porters were
present to the number of 500. and presented a very orderly , cleanly
appearance . They were comfortably dressed , and walked close
after the hearse bearing Larkin's name. Around this bier were
a number of
men bearing in their hands long and waving
palms - emblems of martyrdom . The trades came next , and
by
off
of
were led the various branches the association known
the Amalgamated Trades
as
The plasterers made about 300
,
.
the painters 350 the boot and shoemakers mustered 1,000 the
,
,
bricklayers 500 the carpenters 300 the slaters 450 the sawyers
,
,
200 and the skinners coopers tailors baker and the other
,
,
,
in as
very respectable show
to
trades made both numbers and
a
,
,
these had representatives the front
of
appearance the
of
Each
.
procession amongst the fine body men who marched eight deep
of
,
.
The whole ground near the starting place was clear half past one at
,
-
by
and that time the demonstration was seen greater advantage

by to
in a
than previously All down Abbey streets and fact throughout

,
, .
the procession the pathways were crowded persons who were

Very many young girls
bena
practically though not
in
of
it
it,
turally enough pizferred stand on the pathways rather than to

to
be
saturated with mud and water But may truly said that
it
of .
in
every second man and woman the crowds almost every street
the procession Cabs filled with ladies and gentlemen re
of
were
.
all
the waysïdes day watching the march

at
mained The horses

.
'
heads were gaily decorated with green ribbons while every Jehu
,
the city wore crape band Nothing special note

in
or
of
rosette
a
The ap
.
occurred until the procession turned into Dame street

.
-
pearance the demonstration was here far greater than any

at
of
far
as
the city
as
other portion
of
, of
Both sides the street and

,
.
Carlisle ridge were lined with cabs and carriages filled with spec
-b
by
tators who were prevented the bitter inclemency the day from
of
active part
an
taking the proceedings The procession was here

in
.
,
no
grandly imposing and after Larkin's hearse were less than nine
carriages and several cabs stated that Mrs. Luby and Miss
is
It
,
Mulcahy occupied one

of
of
the vehicles and relatives others now

,
confinement were alleged have been present One circum

in
to
having
as
stance which was generally remarked great significance

,
. ,
in
was the presence the 86th Regiment

of
of
one line ten soldiers

They were dressed their great overcoats which they wore open
in
,
so
as
on
to
show the scarlet tunic These men may have been leave
,
.
the great military force were confined

as
inasmuch
to
barracks and
,
kept under arms from six o'clock a.m. The cavalry were
in
readi
,
for
ness action necessary Mounted military and police order
if
,
.
lies were stationed various points the city
, to at
convey any
of
to
re
at
quisite intelligence the authorities and the constabulary the
,
depot Phænix Park were also prepared
if
, their services should
,
At
be required the police stations throughout the city large num
.
all
men were kept day under arms pleasant
to
no of
It
bers state
is
.
as
that interference was necessary the great demonstration ter
ge
minated without the slightest disturbance The public houses
, .
nerally remained closed until five o'clock and the sobriety
of
the
crowds was the subject the general comment
a in of
.
an
From early hour the morning every possible position along

the quays that afforded good view the procession was taken
of
advantage and despite the inclemency the weather the pa
of
,
,
of
rapets
of
the various bridges commencing Capel street were
at
,
,
-
crowded with adventurous youths who seemed think nothing
to
of
,
ran
the risks they comparison with the opportunities they had

in
all
seeing the great sight its splendour From eleven until

in
of
.
twelve o'clock the greatest efforts were made secure good places
to
.
The side walks were crowded and impassable The lower windows
.
by
of
the houses were made the most

of
men who clutched the

shutters and bars whilst the upper windows were
as
general rule
,
a
,
,
is
filled with the fair sex and
to
almost unnecessary
it
add that
,
almost every man woman and child displayed some emblem

,
,
Indeed the originality

to
suitable the occasion the designs was

of
,
.
striking feature The women wore green ribbons and veils and
a
,
.
many entire dresses The numerous windows

of
the favourite colour

.
of
the Four Courts accommodated hundreds ladies and we may

of
mention that within the building were two pieces artillery

of
,
a
plentiful supply
in It
policemen
of
of
rockets and number was

,
.
be
arranged that the rockets should fired from the roof case
military assistance was required Contrary the general expecta
to at to
.
of
tion the head the procession appeared Essex bridge shortly

,
before twelve o'clock As was expected leave Beresford place

it
.
-
as
about that time and such gigantic arrangements are seldom

,
carried out punctually people who congregated

in
of
the thousands
,
this locality were pleasantly disappointed when society band

a
Mary street and came towards the quays with

of
turned the corner

,
-
the processionists marching slow and regular time The order

in
that prevailed was almost marvellous

--
not sound was heard but

a
the mournful strains the music and the prevalent feeling was
of
doubt by one
no
expressed two the processionists who said

or
of
,
They
be
an
to
inquiry We will our own police day

in
to
answer
,
“
-
."
certainly were their own police for those who carried white wands
,
in
in
did not spare themselves

to
their endeavours maintain order

we
As have mentioned already the first part

of
the ranks the

,
.
procession reached Capel street shortly before twelve o'clock and

,
of-
a be
may
of
some idea the extent the demonstration formed from

in
the fact that the hearses did not come view until quarter ast
-p
They
of
an
appeared quarter hour

at
of
one o'clock intervals

of ,
a
by
.
general cry The number

of
and were received hush

a
."
fine , well -dressed young women in the procession here was the sub
ject of general remark , whilst the assemblage of boys astonished
all who witnessed it on account of
its
The variety
of
extent the
.
too
ofmourning the women
of
tokens was remarkable Numbers
,
,
.
in to
green ribbons and veils and
as in
carried laurel branches addition
,
many their hats The procession
of
the men wore shamrocks
.
far
King's
as
passed along the quays ridge and there crossed
it
,
-b
all
up
en
passed
of
and Stevens lane The windows the houses
'-
.
chiefly with women and the railings
at
route were crowded the
,
at
Esplanade and King's bridge were crowded with spectators
,
-
.
About one o'clock the head the procession of
which had been
,
compressed into dense mass Stevens lane burst like confined
, in
a
,
'-
on
entering James's street where
of
water when relieved restraint
,
-
every window and doorstep was crowded Along the lines footway
of
.
up
at
extending either side from the old fountain James's gate
to
,
, -
were literally tented over with umbrellas every hue and shade held
of
up as protection against the cold rain that fell drizzling showers
in
on
and made the streetway which the vast numbers stood ankle
Dead March
in
in
The music the of

deep the slushy mud
“
.
in
Saul heard caused the people
to
the distance break from the
”,
of
lines which they had partially stood awaiting the arrival
in
the
procession which now for the first time began assume its full to
,
,
, As
proportions moved along the quays

at
a of
the north side the
its it
.
river every street bridge and laneway served

to
to
obstruct con
,
its
progress owing interruption

to
siderable extent and order

,
from carriage traffic and from the crowds that poured into and
it
In
its
the vast multitudes that lined

in
swelled onward course

it
this great western artery the city the greatest order and pro
of
,
all
be
priety were observed and impressed with the one

to
seemed
,
all
solemn and pervading idea that they were assembled express

to
-
their deep sympathy with the fate three men whom they believed
of
had been condemned and had suffered death unjustly Even

.
be
amongst the young there was not recognised the slightest

to
old
approach levity and the great Irish

to
of
characteristics
,
a
be
gathering were not perceived anywhere The wrong whether

to
,
.
imaginary done Allen O'Brien and Larkin made their

or
to
real
,
,
,
in
memory sacred with the thousands that stood for hours the
by
December wet and cold yesterday testify

of
their presence
to
,
their feelings and their synıpathies The horsemen wearing green

.
rosettes trimmed with crape who rode the procession

in
of
advance
,
,
,
on
kept back the crowds the space

at
in
either side that encroached

to
for
the street required the vast coming mass

of
the centre move

through On came the advance with measured tread
to
the
it
,
,
.
music the band front and notwithstanding the mire which

beof
in
on
waded through the line went quiet pace and with

to
had
at at
,
,
no
admirable order but there was effort anything like semi

,
military swagger pompous demonstration Every window along

or
the procession was fully occupied

by
of
the route male and female

in
all
spectators wearing green ribbons and crape and

of of
front
,
of ,
several the houses black drapery was suspended The tide

.
men , women , and children continued to roll on in the drenching

rain , but nearly all the fair processionists carried umbrellas . It
was not till the head of the vast moving throng had reached
James's -gate that anything like a just conception could be formed
its
as
magnitude was only noir that was beginning get
it
it
of
to
,
into regular shape and find room extend itself The persons
to
.
whose duty it keep the several parts the procession well
to
of
was
to
be
no
as
together had easy part play repeatedly
to
the line had
go
permit the ordinary carriage traffic
to
to
of
broken the streets
as
on
as
with little delay possible The cortege this point looked
at
.
grand and solemn in the extreme because its vastness and also
of
,
all
be
present appearing impressed with the one idea
to
of
because
.
The gloomy wet and cheerless weather was quite keeping with
in
,
,
35,000 people The bands were placed

of
at
the funeral march such
of .
proper distances that the playing one did not interfere with the
After passing James's gatethe band per
in
to
other front ceased
.
-
inon
form and passing the house 151 Thomas street every head was
,
-
Lord Edward Fitzgerald
of
uncovered honour who was arrested
,
by
and mortally wounded Major Sirr and his assistants the frout
in
that house Such was the length
of
of
of
bedroom the second floor
.
its
an
the procession that hour had elapsed from the time head
,
a of
entered James's street before the first hearse turned the corner
-
In
Stevens lane the neighbourhood

of
St. Catherine's church

-
spectators had settled down and every available

of
vast crowd
,
elevation was taken possession At this point large portion

.of
of
a
up
for
of
the streetway was broken the purpose laying down water

the lifting crane and the heaps
on
pipes and earth the people

at of
,
wedged and packed themselves which showed once that this was
,
great entre
of
wraction was for here was executed the

—
and
it
a
young and enthusiastic Robert Emmet sixty four years ago When
-
as.
O'Brien and Larkin were condemned political

into
Allen death
,
the highest and the noblest

to of
offenders some the land warned

,
pause before the extreme penalty pronounced

on
the government
all
be
the condemned men would carried into effect but remon

,
on
last Saturday fortnight three compara

in
strance was vain and

,
tively unknown men their death passed into the ranks

it in
of
heroes
and martyrs because was believed and believed generally that
,
,
,
their lives were sacrificed expediency and not satisfy justice

to
to
,
The spot where Robert Emmet closed his young life

on
bloody
a
by
scaffold was yesterday regarded thousands upon thousands his

of
all
holy place and looked upon his

as
countrymen and women

a
fate similar
as
the three men whose memory they had

to
of
that
, be
to
honour and whose death they pronounced

be to
assembled unjust
to ,
.
the
give just conception

as
It
, of
would hard scene here the

a
as
procession advanced and divided were into two great chan

it
,
.
up
nels owing the breaking the streetway On the advance

to
be of of
,
top
.
the cortege reaching the Bridgefoot street every head was

of
of
uncovered and nothing was

to
heard but the measured tread

,
by
if
as
the vast mass but some secret and uncontrollable impulse

,
mighty ringing and enthusiastic cheer broke from the moving

,
a
,
St.
throng as the angle of the footway at the eastern end of
on
Catherine's church where the scaffold which Emmet was exe
to
be
, no
In
cuted stood was passed that cheer there appeared
it ,
.
as evidently came straight from the hearts
of
fiction thousands
,
as
who waved their hats and handkerchiefs did also the groups
,
the neighbourhood
in
of in
of
that clustered the windows the houses
.
As
on
the procession moved from every part the cheers rose
it
up
again and again men holding their children and pointing out
,
,
the place where one who loved Ireland not wisely but too well
”,
“
up
rendered his life When the hearse with white plumes came
.
all up
on
P.
bearing the side draperies the words William Allen
',
“
the enthusiasm and excitement ceased and along the lines
of
,
the departed man
of
spectators prayers for the repose
of
the soul
passed from mouth and sense deep sadness seemed
to
of
mouth
;
a
. on
as
the swaying multitude the procession rolled
to
settle down
on
After this hearsecame large numbers

onits
along way
of
females
walking bravely apparently heedless the muddy streets and
of
,
the unceasing rain that came down without moment's intermis
.
sion When the second hearse bearing white plumes and the name
,
“ .
up
on
of
Michael O'Brien the side pendants came again all by ,

”
,
heads were uncovered and prayers recited the people for the
,
everlasting rest the departed Still onward rolled the mighty

of
be
mass young and old and the entire assemblage was not
in
to
,
single person under the influence requiring

of
or
observed drink
,
a
of
the slightest interference on the part the police whose exertions

,
were altogether confined keeping the general thoroughfare clear

to
Indeed justly speaking the people required
to no
of
obstruction
,
,
as .
supervision they seemed feel that they had solemn duty

be to
a
,
discharge seen bearing their arms children

in
to
Fathers were
, in .
white and decorated with green ribbons and here

as
dressed
,
the deep sym

of
elsewhere was observed unmistakable evidence

pathy the people with the executed men This was perhaps
up of
'; , ,
,
.
strikingly
as
more illustrated the third hearse with sable plumes

,
at
bearing Michael Larkin

of
came either side the name

"
his
for
prayers soul's welfare were mingled with expressions

of
com
miseration for his widow and children At the entrance
to
Corn
.
market where the streetway narrows the crushing became very

,
great but still the procession kept its onward course On passing
,
, .
be
the shop Hayburne who will

of
remembered was convicted

it
,
being connected with the Fenian conspiracy large number

of
, of of
, . a
persons the procession uncovered and cheered

In
the house
, in
High street who was also convicted

in
treason felony
of
Roantree
,
-
by-
harp was displayed the drawingroom windows lady

in
of
one
a
a
deep mourning and the procession loudly cheered

in
as
dressed
it
,
passed on its route

.
Standing lace
at
as of
the corner Christchurch fine view could

a
,
-p
be
the procession approached Winetavern street from

of
had
it
High street The compact mass moved on regular pace

at
.
a
-
while from the windows on either side

of
the streets the well

dressed citizens who preferred
to
witness the demonstration from

,
an elevated position rather than undergo the fatigues and unplea

santness of a walk through the city in such weather , eagerly watched
the approach of the procession . Under the guidance of thehorsemen
and those whose wands showed it was their duty to marshal the
immense throng , the procession moved at an orderly pace down
Winetavern - street, which , spacious as it
is , was in a few minutes
absolutely filled with the vast crowds . The procession again reached
the quays , and moved along Wood - quay and Essex - quay, and into
Parliament -street , which it
reached at twenty minutes to two
o'clock . Passing down Parliament -street , and approaching the
O'Connell statue , a number of persons began to cheer, but this was
promptly suppressed by the leaders , who galloped in advance for
some distance with a view to the preservation of the mournful
silence that had prevailed . This was strictly enjoined , and the in
struction was generally observed by the processionists . The reveren ,
tial manner in which the many thousands of the people passed
the statue of the Liberator was very observable . rather heavy A
rain was falling at the time , yet there were thousands who un
covered their heads as they looked up to the statue which expressed
the noble attitude and features of O'Connell . As the procession
moved along through Dame - street the footways became b.ocked up ,
and lines of cabs took up places the middle of the carriageway ,
in
and the police exercised a wise discretion in preventing vehicles
from the surrounding streets driving in amongst the crowds . By
this means the danger of serious accident was preven'ed without
any public inconvenience being occasioned , as a line parallel to
that which the procession was taking was kept clear for horse all
conveyances Owing the hour growing late and considerable
to
at a
,
.
of be
distance still gone over the procession moved quick pace

to
in a
,
its
the vicinity .
of In
anticipation arrival great crowds collected

Trinity College where the cortege was
of
the Bank Ireland and

,
kept well together notwithstanding the difficulty

at of
such vast
a
,
this point
on
mass passing through the heart the city filled

of
with immense masses spectators passing the old Parliament

of
On
.
at off
the procession took their hats but the

in
of
house numbers men

,
as
disposition suppressed several other points

it
to
cheer was was

,
along the route Turning down Westmoreland street the proces

.
,
-
sion marshalled by Dr. Waters

on
,
horseback passed slowly along

, ,
whom dis
of
on
between the thick files people each side most

of
played the mourning and national symbols black and green The
,
spacious thoroughfare was filled with the dense

in
few minutes
a
on
array which close compact ranks pressed the women youths

in
,
,,
and children bearing bravely the privations the day the bands
of
,
preceding and following the hearses playing the Dead March the
,
solemn notes filling the air with mournful cadence The windows
.
on
the street were filled with groups

of
of
the houses
of
each side
spectators the strange and significant spectacle below With
of
.
by
at
the groups
of
of
the dark masses men broken intervals

,
females and children still stretched lengthily the rere the first
, in
,
the procession crossed Carlisle bridge the footways and

of
section
-
2
parapets of which were thronged with people , nearly all of whom

wore the usual tokens of sympathy . Passing the bridge, a glance
to the right, down the river , revealed the fact that the ships ,
almost without exception , had their flags flying half mast high ,
and that the rigging of several were filled with seamen , who chose
this elevated position to get a glimpse of the procession as it
emerged into Sackville - street . Here the sight was imposing . A
throng of spectators lined each side of the magnificent thorough ,
fare, and the lofty houses had their windows on each side occupied
with spectators . Pressing onwards with measured , steady pace, re
gardless of the heavy rain ,
the
cold wind and the gloomy sky the
,
,
end with its
to
procession soon filled Sackville street from end
-
dense dark mass which stretching away over Carlisle ridge
,
,
-b
in
seemed motionless the distance The procession defiled
of to
the
left .
at
, of
of
the site the O'Connell monument the head the

street and the national associations connected with this spot was
acknowledged by the large numbers the processionists who
of
,
with uncovered heads marched past some expressing their feelings
. ,
with subdued cheer The foremost ranks were nearing Glasnevin

a
of
at
when the first the hearses entered Sackville street which
,
-
of
this moment held numberless throng people processionists
,
a
,
,
all
of
at
as
and spectators the latter the other points the route ex

,
,
,
hibiting prominently the sable and green emblems which cvi
denced their approval The hearses slowly ,
of
the demonstration
.
passed along followed by the mourning carriages the bands playing

,
alternately Adeste Fidelis and the Dead March and then fol
",
"
"
.
lowed the deep column the processionists still marching onwards
of
with unflagging spirit thousands seeming

be
thoroughly soaked
to
,
all
with the rain which was falling the morning Sackville street
,
was perhaps the best point from which get correct notion
to
of
a
of
the enormous length the procession and the great numbers

on of
,
its
that accompanied way without actually entering the ranks

it
the Nelson monument was covered with spectators and

of
The base
,
Earl street and Henry street there were stationary

at
of
the corners
-
crowds who chose these positions

to
get good view the great

of
row
a
,
Through this
as
display progressed towards Cavendish

it
comparatively narrow thoroughfare the procession passed along into

by
North Frederick street and Blessington street and thence Upper

,
-
Berkeley street the Circular road Along this part

to
of
the route
-
.
-
of
spectators
of
there were crowds male and female most whom

,
,
all
wore the crape and green ribbons hurrying forward

to
,
the ceme
tery the last stage the long and fatiguing journey
of
the proces
of
,
..
sion the array passed the Mater Misericordiæ

, As
the first part

of
.
Hospital and came sight the Mountjoy Prison they gave

byof
in
a
up
as
cheer which was caught those behind and file after file
,
passed the prison the cheers were repeated With unbroken and
.
on
undiminished ranks the procession pressed towards Glasnevin

;
but when the head had reached the cemetery the closing section
,
must have been far away the city The first part
in
the pro
of
.
cession Lalted outside the gate the cemetery the spacious area
of
n
,
TH ". WEAKING OF THE GREEN . 10
front of which was in a few moments completely filled by the dense

masses who came up . A move then became necessary , and accord
ingly the procession recommenced its journey by passing through
the open gates of the cemetery down the pathways leading to the
M‘Manus grave, followed by some of the bands playing the Adeste
Fidelis .” As fast as the files passed through others marched up ,
and when , after some time the carriage containing Mr. Joha
Martin arrived , the open ground fronting the cemetery was ou
enormous mass of
the processionists , while behind on the road
leading up to this point thousands were to be seen moving slowly
forward to the strains of the “ Dead March ,” given out by the bands
immediately in front of the hearses.
MR . MARTIN'S ADDRESS .
On the arrival of the procession at the cemeterv Mr. Martin was

hailed with loud applause . It
being understood he would make
him
some observations , the multitude gathered together to hear
.
He addressed the vast multitude from the window
of
house over
a
looking the great open space
in
the cemetery On present

of
front
.
ing himself he was received with enthusiastic cheering When
.
silence was obtained he said
:
ountrymen strange kind proces

of
—
Fellow This funeral

-d is
a
“
-c
we
vast multi
to
of in
sion which are engaged ay We are here

&
,
in .
men women and children very inclement season
of
tude the
a
,
year under rain and through mud We are here escorting three
,
empty hearses the consecrated last resting place

to
of
those who die

we
the Lord would tenderly

in
cheers The three bodies that

).
(
the churchyard and would bury consecrated ground with

in
to
bear
,
all religion They are away

of
are not here

in
the solemn rites

a
,
foreign and hostile land hear hear where they have been thrown
,
),
(
by
into unconsecrated ground branded the triumphant hatred

of
,
no
as
mur
of
of
our enemies the vile remains murderers cries

(
'
derers and cheers Those three men whose memories we are here
',
).
day honour Allen O'Brien and Larkin they were not

to
to
—
>
,
-
-
on
murderers great cheering Voice Lord have mercy them

A
-
(
.)
[
.]
Mr. Martin These men were pious men virtuous men they were
—
—
,
). for
men who feared God and loved their country They sorrowed
.
of
of
the sorrows the dear old native land their love hear hear
(
,
for
for
They wished possible that love and

to
save her and that

if
,
to ,
wish they were doomed

, an
at
ignominious death
of
the hands
as
the British hangman hear hear Irish patriots that

It
was
(
( ( .)
as
And Irish
to
these men were doomed death cheers was

it
in ). ).
'
patriots that they met their death cheers For these reasons my
,
countrymen ay joined procession

to
we here have this solemn

,
-d
to
honour their memories cheers For that reason we say from

(
).
,
May their souls rest peace

of
in
our hearts cries Amen and

,
"
we(
For that reason my countrymen

,'
join their last

in
cheers
' ,
).
prayer God save Worland enthusiastic cheering

of
The death
,
[ ).
(
'
English policy
an
these three men ww

of
act Here there was

.
some interruption caused by the fresh arrivals and the pushing for
I
all
beg of my voice
to
ward . ] end this demons
of
within reach
so ad
to
through the present time with
as
stration we have carried
it
,
spirit with respect silence and
in
mirable patience the best
I ,
,
we will say the
of
lemnity cheers and cries
to
the end
,
,
'
').
(
these men was legal murder and that legal murder was
of
death
,
English policy
an
of
cheers —of the policy that nation
of
act
by
which through jealousy and hatred our nation destroyed
of
,
,
fraud and force our just government sixty seven years ago cheers
of ).
of -
(
They have been sixty seven sad years insult and robbery
—
-
impoverishment extermination suffering beyond what any
of
of
-
other subject people but ours have ever endured from the malignity
all
foreign masters Nearly through these years the
of
cheers
(
).
of
na
Irish people continued pray for the restoration their Irish
to
tional rule They offered their forgiveness England They
to
.
.
she would only give
up
friendship England
if
to
offered even their in us
us
her usurped power tyrannise over live peace
to
to
and leave
in
,
,
as
and honourable neighbours But vain England felt herself

.
.
strong enough insult and rob us and she was too

to
to
continue
,
too
cease from robbing and insulting
us
greedy and
to
insolent
that malign
as
pass consequence
to
of
cheers Now has come
it
a
).
(
of for
so
ant policy pursued many long years pass
to
has come
of it
--
that the great body the Irish people despair obtaining peaceful
our national rights cheers
of
And
to
restitution has also come
it
).
(
pass that vast numbers whom the oppression Eng

of
of
Irishmen
,
Iish rule forbade live by honest industry their own country

to
( in
,
And those
to
have America learned become soldiers cheers

in
).
Irish soldiers seem resolved make war against England

in of to
cheers
(
).
England
in
And panic rage and fear

in
consequence this
of
is
loud cheers And being panic about Fenianism she hopes

,
a
).
(
by
legal
to
strike terror into her Irish malcontents murder loud

a
(
to
England wanted
of
cheers show that she was not afraid Fenian

A .
[ )
be
ism- Voice She will And she has only shown that she
to -
'
]
.'
do
not afraid injustice

is
in
of
of
the face Heaven and man

, .
she
Many wicked statute has framed many jury she has packed
a
a
dispose her Irish political

onof in
in
to
—
of
order offenders but the case

an
Allen O'Brien and Larkin she has commtted sueh outrage

,
,
,
to
justice and decency make even many Englishmen stand

as
aghast shall not detain you with entering into details with
I
.
all
as
which you are well acquainted

of
the
to
the shameful scenes

as
handcufting the untried prisoners

of
to
to of
the shameful scenes

-
up
the trial the last moment when the three men our dearly
,
up
-
to
beloved Irish brethren were forced give their innocent lives

,
as
sacrifice for the cause

of
Ireland loud cheers and fellow

a
,
(
countrymen these three humble Irishmen who represented Ireland

,
on
as
that sad occasion demeaned themselves

as
Christians patriots
). ,
modestly courageously piously nobly loud cheers We need

,
They bore themselves

all
not blush for them through with

a
.
courage worthy the greatest heroes that ever obtained glory upon
of
all
earth They behaved through trying

to
the scenes
.
referred
I
with Christian patience with resignation to the will of God -

( hear, hear ) —with modest , yet proud and firm adherence to prin
ciple (cheers ). They showed their love to Ireland and their fear of
God from the first to the last cheers). It is vain (
for
to
me attempt
detain you with many words upon this matter will say this
to
,
I
.
for
all
do
not approve
of
that who are here the schemes the relief
Ireland that these men were supposed have contemplated
of
to
, ;
all
all all
but who love Ireland generous Christian men and women
,
- ,
to ,
up
be
the children growing men and
of
and children Ireland
an
Ireland hear hear —all those feel intense sympathy
of
women
,
,
(
)
in for
an
these three men whom England
byof
intense love the memories
way striking terror into her
of
- to of
has murdered form law
for
Irish subjects countrymen per
to
Fellow idle almost me
it
is
,
.
for
addressing
to in
sist weak words you your presence

allof
mine
day your demeanour through
of
here the solemn conduct
-
the vast multitude assembled directly under the terrorism hos
of
a
tile government- say the the greatest orator
of
more than words
more than the words Meagher say for you
of
could cheers You

a
).
all
have behaved yourselves through this day with most admirable

spirit
as
as
good Irishmen and women good boys and girls holy
of
-
do
of to
so
Ireland ought am sure you will behave
to
cheers and
I
). ),
(
yes yes This demonstration mainly one

of
the end cries
is
,
(
for
of
mourning the fate these three good Irishmen cheers but
),
(
fellow countrymen and women and boys and girls also one
is
it
,
,
,
,
-
of
protest and indignation against the conduct

is of
our rulers hear
,
(
Your attendance here ay sufficient pro
to
hear and cheers

,
a
).
-d
all
test Your orderly behaviour your good temper through this

.
your attendance here

in
wretched weather such vast numbers for

-
avowedly and the face

of
purpose the terrorism the
of
—
in
such
a
government which falls most directly upon the metropolis –that

,
enough for protest You your men women and

in
multitudes
is
,
,
.
ay made that protest Your conduct has been

to
children have
,
,.
-d
for
for
admirable patience good nature for fine spirit for solemn

,
that great duty you were resolved You will return

do
to
of
sense
.
home with the same good order and inoffensiveness You will join
.
with me now repeating the prayer the three martyrs whom

in
of
God save Ireland

—
we mourn And all you men women

of
of ,
,
'
be !
,
'
and boys and girls that are holy Ireland

to
men and women

,
of
of
will ever keep the sentiment that prayer your heart

in
hearts
.
Mr. Martin concluded amid enthusiastic cheering

.
At
by
the conclusion his address Mr. Martin accompanied

of
,
,
large body the processionists proceeded the cemetery where

to
of
,
,
Mr. Martin visited the grave

of
Terence Bellew M‘Manus The

.
for
grave
as
crowds walked around the

of
mark respect the

a
memory Mr. Martin left the cemetery soon after

of
M‘Manus
,
.
his
and went carriage the people gathered about him and

, to
to dis
thanked him and cheered him loudly The vast assemblage

.
persed the most orderly and peaceful manner and returned

in
their homes They had suffered much from the severity

of
the
.
.22 THE WEARING OF THE GREEN .
day , but they exhibited to the end the most creditable endurance
and patience . In the course of an hour the roads were cleared and
the city soon resumed
its
wonted quiet aspect
.
An
Of
the procession Eye witness
in
the numbers
,
"
"
writing says
in
the Freeman
:
,
The procession pass the
and forty minutes
into
took one hour
us
as
Four Courts Let assume that the average time which
it
.
for
would pass any given point and deduct ten minutes delays
it ,
during that time the rate of two and
at
then moved half
a
,
If,
.
length with those suppositions
its
miles per hour we find that
a ,
,
would be three and three uarters miles From this deduct
.
-q
, we
or
quarter discrepancies for find the length
of
mile for breaks

a
be
- of
continuous line
in
to
the column moved three and
it
if
a
,
We may now suppose the ranks
be
to
half miles three feet
a
of
in
at
apart and consisting ten each an average The total ,
,
10. .
of
by
3
therefore easily obtained dividing the product
is
number
by
by
and 5,280 and multiplying the quotient This will
,
3
as
give result 61,600 which think fair approximation

is
to
,
,
a
a
,
the number people procession

in
of
the alone
.
letter ap
of
Even the Irish Times

in
the columns a
of
peared giving the numbers

an
honest estimate the

: in
'
G.
M.
T.
procession was signed and said

It
, "
“
.
believe there was not fewer than 60,000 persons taking part
I
My point
of
on
the procession Sunday

in
of
observation was one

, .
as
the city seeing could from the entrance

in
in to
the best the

,
to ,
Lower Castle Yard the College Gates was as careful my

I
.
quick
an
as
calculation almost march would allow There were

.
also few horsemen three hearses and sixty one hired carriages
, a
,
,
,
-
cabs and cars correspondent your columns this morning

A
in
.
speaks nine deep saw very many

of
of
to
rows from four

of
from
;
I
ten
sixteen deep especially among the boys The procession

to
took exactly eighty minutes to pass this There were several

.
thousand onlookers within my view

.
consequence some vile misstatements thegovernment press, which

of
In
in
*
10
representedthe crowd have not only behavedrecklessly, but

to
have done
considerabledamage the graves tombs shrubs. and fences the ceinetery
to
in
,
an,
Coyle, secretary Cemetery publislied

to
Mr. the Board the Freeman

ofin
,
officialcontradiction stating that not one sixpenceworth damagehad been

,
done furthermore worthy the city policeoffices next

of
at
note that
It
is
,
.
morning not onecasearising out the processionwas before the magistrates

of
and the charges for drunkenness were one fourth below the average on
-
Mondays
!
Of the ladies in the procession the Freeman's Journal

bore the following testimony , not more generous than
truthful :
The most important physical feature was not , however , the
respectable dress , the manly bearing , the order , discipline , and
solemnity of the men , but the large bodies of ladies who , in rich
and costly attire , marched the whole length of the long route , often
ankle deep in mud , utterly regardles of the incessant down - pour of
rain which deluged their silks and satins , and melted the mourning
crape till it seemed incorporated with the very substance of the
velvet mantles or rich shawls in which so many of the fair proces
sionists were enveloped , In vain did well - gloved hands hold
thousands of green parasols and umbrellas over their heads as they
walked four and five deep through the leading thoroughfares yes
terday . The bonnets with their green and crape ' were alone de
fensible , velvets and Paisleys , silks and satins , met one common
all
fate - thorough saturation . Yet this and more was borne with
out murmur These ladies and there were many hundreds
co of
a
them mingled with thousands less rich attire went out

in
to
,
,
operate with their fathers brothers and sweethearts honouring
in
,
three men who died upon the ignominious gallows and they never
,
an
swerved for
or
flinched before the torrents instant from the

,
ranks There must be some deep and powerful influence under

.
lying this movement that could induce thousands

of
matrons and
girls from eighteen two and twenty full of the blushing
to
of
,
-
lay aside their retiring

of of to
modesty that distinguishes Irishwomen

,
characteristics and march martial music through

to
the sound
in
every thoroughfare metropolis this country decked
in
the
green and crape
.
The Dublin correspondent the Tipperary Free Press

as of
to
referred the demonstration follows

:
a we
leave our cab

to
Arrived were obliged

in
Sackville street
-
on
way our destination This

to
to
and endeavour foot force

,
magnificent street was crowded repletion and the approaches

to
, to
,
Beresford place were black with people was found necessary

It
-
.'
owing the overwhelming numbers that assembled

to
to
start the
,
its
so
procession before the hour named for setting forth and

it
,
wonderful order considering the masses that

in
was commenced
,
on
on
be welded into shape foot and

to
had Marshals horseback

by
proceeded rank and file and they certainly

in
of
the side those

,
procedure Mourning
in
preserving regularity
of
were successful
.
coaches and cabs followed and after each was procession

of
women
,
all ,
a
Young and old were there

in
at
least thousand number

in a
some shape other with green many green dresses

or
decked
;
all
had green ribbons

in
some had green feathers their hats but

,
all
prominently displayed The girls bore the disagreeability

of
.
the long route with wonderful endurance ; it was bitterly cold - a

sleety rain fell during the entire day , and the roads were almost
ankle deep in mud - yet when they passed me on the return route
they were apparently as unwearied as when I saw them hours be
fore . As the procession trooped by —thousand after thousand
there was not a drunken man to be seen — were calm and orderly
-
all
to ,
soaked through
as
they were many them were wet
of
and
if
-
,
-
the skin they endured the discomfiture resolutely The numbers
.
-
procession variously estimated but my opinion

in
in
the have been
,
there could not have been less than 50,000 But the demonstra
.
to
tion was not confined the processionists alone they walked
;
through living walls for along the entire route people
of
mass
a
,
of
lined the way the great majority
of
whom wore some emblem
,
every house was thronged with

of of
mourning and every window
,
all
ladies and children nearly whom were decorated All sem
,
.
authority was withdrawn from sight but every prepara
of
blance
,
tion had been made under the personal direction Lord Strath
of
chief for the instant intervention
of
the
in
nairn the commander

,
,
-
-
military had any disturbances taken place The troops were con
,
.
to to
barracks since Saturday evening they were kept readi
in
fined
;
the cavalry were

of
moment's notice the horses
at
ness march
a
A
ofall
day long and those the artillery were
in
of
saddled harness
,
.
of
guns was the rere yard the Four Courts and

in
battery
,
arranged points . so
as
mounted orderlies were stationed convey
at
to , to
to
as
as
orders the different barracks speedily possible But thanks

all
off
to
Providence passed quietly the people seemed feel the

;
,
responsibility their position and accordingly not even angry an

of
for
throughout
be
the vast assemblage

to
word was heard that hours

surged through the highways the city
of
of
The Ulster Observer

in
the course beautiful and

a
,
on
sympathetic article touched great theme

as
the
,
follows
:
of
The main incidents the singular and impressive event are

worthy On cold December morning wet and
of
reflection
,
a
.
be
December might
as
dreary any morning

in
vast crowds assembled

,
in
the heart
of
to
ground
of to
Dublin follow consecrated the empty

hearses which bore the names the Irishmen whom England
as
the gallows
to
doomed murderers The air was piercingly chill

,
.
the rain poured down torrents the streets were almost impass
in
able from the accumulated pools mingled water and mud yet
of
80,000 people braved the inclemency the weather and unfalter

of
ingly carried out the programme Amongst

so
fervently adopted
, .
the vast multitude there were not only stalwart men capable
of
old
facing the difficulties the day but

; of
men who struggled

,
,
,
all
through and defied them and strangest young ladies

of
silk and velvet and women with tender children by

, in
clothed
',
all
their sides
of
whom continued part

to
to
the last form the

of
a
cortege, although the distance over which it passed must have

taxed the strongest physical energy. What a unanimity of feeling ,
or rather what a naturalness of sentiment does not this wonderful
demonstration exhibit ? It seems as if the ' God save Ireland ' of
the humble successors of Emmet awoke in even the breast of in .
fancy the thrill which must have vibrated sternly and strongly in
the heart of manhood . Without exalting into classical grandeur
the simple and affectionate devotion of a simple and unsophisti .
cated people, we might compare this spectacle to that which ancient
Rome witnessed , when the ashes of Germanicus were borne in
solemn state within her portals . There were there the attendant
crowd of female mourners , and the bowed heads and sorrowing
hearts of strong men . If the Irish throngs had no hero to lament ,
who sustained their glory in the field , and gained for them fresh
laurels of victory , theirs was at least a more disinterested tribute of
grief, since it was paid to the unpretending merit which laid down
all
life with the simple prayer of ' God save Ireland ! ' Amidst the
numerous thousands who proceeded Glasnevin there was not
to
,
probably one who would have sympathised with any criminal
,
offence much less with the hideous one And yet these
of
murder
,
.
thousands honoured and revered the memory the men condemned of
as
England assassins and ignominiously

in
in
buried felons
,
'
graves
.
so
This mighty demonstration unique
an so
once
at
,
-
so
impressive portentous
so
solemn was event which

of —
,
,
be
of
the rulers Ireland felt critical importance

to
.
Following upon the Requiem Masses and the other pro
it
to
cessions amounted great public verdict which

,
a
all
of
changed beyond resistance the moral character the

Manchester trial and execution the procession could
If
.
only have been called Fenian demonstration then

a
,
“
be co its
indeed the government might hope

to
detract from
significance and importance The sympathy
of
.
conspirators with fallen companions could not well

an "
index general public opinion

as
claimed
of
But here was

.
demonstration notoriously apart from Fenianism and

it a
showed that moral peaceable virtuous religi

,
a
a
a
,
by ,
ous people moved the most virtuous and religious

,
,
instincts felt themselves coerced cowardly

to
as
execrate
a
act
and revolting crime the state policy consummated

In of
in on
up
the Manchester gibbet fine the country was

,
to a .
moral revolt against deed which the perpetrators

be
themselves already felt evil character and one

of
,
=
which they fain would blot for ever from public recol
lection .
What was to be done ? For the next ensuing Sunday
similar demonstrations were announced in Killarney ,
Kilkenny , Drogheda , Ennis , Clonmel , Queenstown ,
Youghal , and Fermoy — the preparations in the first
named town being under the direction of, and the pro
cession about to be led by , a member of parliament, one of
the most distinguished and influential of the Irish popular
representatives — The O'Donoghue . What was to be
done ? Obviously , as the men had been hanged , there
could be no halting halfway now . Having gone so far,
the government seemed to feel that it must need go the
all
off
whole way , and choke hazards these incon

at
,
,
venient these damnatory public protests man must No

,
.
be
speak the Unutterable Words which like

to
allowed
,
,
on
of
the handwriting the wall the banquetting hall
be in
seemed ever appearing before the

to
Belshazzar
,
right
or
affrighted consciences Be
of
Ireland's rulers
it
.
justice murder the act must

be
wrong
be
be
or
by it
it
,
it
be
be be
There
to
upheld
in
now fact must not alluded

,
-
.
on
must silence law what had been done beneath

,
the Manchester gallows tree

-
But here there presented itself difficulty Before

a
the government had any idea that the public revulsion

would become alarmingly extensive the responsible
so
the crown specifically interrogated

on
of
ministers the
,
point had we have seen declared the funeral proces

as
,
illegal and how now could the govern

be
sions not
to
It ,
to
ment interpose prevent them certainly was

a
?
difficulty which there was way

no
of
surmounting save
by
in
proceeding which any country constitutionally

a
its
on
governed would cost chief authors their lives im

peachment The government notwithstanding the words
,
.
which the Dublin

on
its own responsible chiefs the faith

of
of
-
procession was held and numerous others were announced

as ,
illegal the proceedings they had but

to
decided treat
a
not illegal decided

be
prose
to
week before declared

to
;
on
cute the processionists who had acted the government

by
prevent
to
declarations and decided sabre and cannon

;
,
-by slaughter if necessary - the further processions an

nounced in Killarney , Clonmel , Kilkenny , and elsewhere !
On the evening of Thursday, the 12th December , Dub
by
lin
city was flung into the most intense excitement

the issue the following Government
of Proclamation
::
BY THE LORD LIEUTENANT AND COUNCIL OF IRELAND
,
PROCLAMATION
A
.
ABERCORN
.
as
has been publicly announced that meeting
it
to
Whereas
is
a
the city Kilkenny and that procession
of
in
to
semble take
is
,
a
Sunday 15th day
on
place there of
December instant
,
:
And whereas placards the said intended meeting and proces
of
sion have been printed and circulated stating that the said intended
,
procession take place certain men lately executed
in
to
, of
honour
is
for
murder and calling upon Irishmen

to in
of
Manchester the crime

in
assemble thousands for the said procession

:
And whereas meetings and processions large numbers per
of
of
sons have been already held and have taken place different parts
the United Kingdom in
of
Great Britain and Ireland under the

of
at
at
like pretence and particularly meeting and
of of
some which
a
, ,
in ,
of
procession the city Dublin language seditious and
in
to a
Hammatory character has been used calculated excite discontent

,
in
to
the minds her Majesty's subjects
of
and disaffection and

,
ill
will and animosity amongst them and bring into hatred

to
create
,
-
and contempt the government and constitution the country as

of
by
luw established
:
And whereas the said intended meeting and procession and the
,
assembled and take part therein are

be
objects the persons

to
of
not legal bring into hatred

or
to
constitutional but are calculated

,
by
the United Kingdom law

byas
and contempt the government

of
intimi
to
established and impede the administration justice

. of
,
physical force
of
dation and the demonstration

,
Now we the Lord Lieutenant and General Governor Ireland

in of
,
by and with the advice

of
her Majesty's Privy Council Ireland

,
as
being satisfied that such meetings and processions aforesaid can

only tend factious seditious ant traitorous
to
of of
serve the ends

,
persons and the violation the public peace do hereby caution

allto
,
,
or do
in as
and forewarn persons whonisoever that they abstain from

sembling any such meeting and from joining taking part
at
any such procession

.
we
all
hereby order and enjoin

do
And magistrates and officers

entrusted with the preservation the public peace and others
of
,
to
may concern
of
whom aid and assist the execution the law

it
preventing the said intended meeting and procession and

in
the
in
effectual suppression
of
the same
.
Given at the Council Chamber in Dublin , this Twelfth day of

December , 1867.
RICHARD C. DUBLIN . R. KEATINGE .
A. BREWSTER , C. WILLIAM KEOGH .
MAYO . JOHN E. WALSH .
STRATHNAIRN . HEDGES EYRE CHATTERTON .
FRED . SHAW . ROBERT R. WARREN .
Everybody knew what this proclamation meant . It
plainly enough announced that not only would the further
demonstrations be prevented , but that the Dublin proces
sionists were to feel “ the vengeanceof the law ” —that is the
vengeance of the Manchester executioners . Next day the
city was beset with the wildest rumours as to the arrests
to be made or the prosecutions to be commenced . Every
one seemed to conclude of course that Mr. John Martin ,
Mr. A. M. Sullivan , and the Honorary Secretaries of
the Procession Committee , were on the crown prosecu
cutor's list ; but besides these the names of dozens of
gentlemen who had been on the committee , or who had
acted as stewards , marshals , & c . , at the funeral, were
likewise mentioned . On Saturday it became known that
late on the previous evening crown summonses had been
served on Mr. J. J.
Lalor , Dr. J. C. Waters , and Mr.
James Scanlan , requiring them to attend on the follow
ing Tuesday at the Head Police Office to answer infor
mations sworn against them for taking part in an “ ille
and
gal procession ” seditious assembly

A
sum
a
.”
"
mons had been taken out also against Mr. Martin but
;
he
as
Friday the police

on
had left Dublin for home

,
officers proceeded after him Kilbroney and served

to
"
"
on
him there Saturday evening

.
Beside and behind this open move was secret castle

a
plot utterly disreputable that we shall see the

so
as
,
,
by
Attorney General startled

of
the shout universal

,
-
execration which elicited sent his official representa

it
con
as
tive into public court repudiate

to
he
far
as
it
was
public apology
to
the gentlemen
to
cerned and offer

,
a
by
aggrieved The history

. of
that scandalous pro

.it
ceeding will appear what follows

in
On Monday 16th December 1867 the Head Police

,
Office Exchange court Dublin

an
presented excited
,
,
,
-
scene .
ings as follows :
The daily papers of the day report the proceed
At one o'clock , the hour appointed by the summons , the defen

dants attended in court , accompanied by their professional advisers
and a number of friends , including Alderman Plunkett, Mr. Butler,
T.C. ; the Rev. P. Langan , P.P. , Ardcath ; A. M. Sullivan , T.C .;
T. D. Sullivan , J. J.
Lalor, & c. Mr. Dix and Mr. Allen , divisional
magistrates , presided . Mr. James Murphy , Q.C. , instructed by
Mr. Anderson , represented the crown . Mr. Heron , Q.C., and Mr.
forfor
for
Molloy appearea Lalor Mr. Crean appeared Dr. Waters

asJ.
J.
.
on for
Mr.Scallan appeared solicitor Lalor and Dr. Waters
J.
J.
.
at
was generally understood
It
arrival the Head office that

,
,
-
up
be
the cases would heard the usual court stairs and accord
in
.
ingly the defendants and the professional gentlemen waited
in
the
,
court for considerable time after one o'clock was then stated
It
a
all
sit
that the magistrates would

in
another court down stairs and
,
, for
the parties moved towards the door the purpose going there
of
.
Then another arrangement was made that the change would not
place parties thereupon
to
take and the concerned returned their
,
was again announced that the pro

in
places But few minutes

it
a
.
bybe
ceedings would general

in
the court down stairs movement

A
,.
by
by
was made again defendants counsel solicitors and others

,
,
on
arriving the entrances they were

at
towards that court but

,
by
, to
guarded detectives and police The benches which ought
,
.
have been reserved for the bar and solicitors and also for the press
,
by
were occupied detectives and for considerable time great diffi

a
,
culty was experienced getting places

in
Mr. George M‘Dermott barrister applied the magistrates

to
to
,
,
for
place the bar

of
assign the members

a
Mr. Dix don't know that the bar unless they are engaged
a in
,
-
I
the cases have any greater privilege than anyone else We have
,
wretched court here

.
Mr. M'Dermott said the bar was entitled

to
have room made for

them when could be done
to L. it
by
All the seats should not

be
Mr. W. Hackett occupied

--
of
policemen the exclusion the bar

.
Mr. Scallan solicitor who spoke from the end the table said
of
,
,
,
-Your worships am solicitor

for
of
one the traversers and can

,
,
I
I
is .
get my with him The court

to
not near counsel communicate

.
filled with detectives

.
My solicitor has right

so
be
Mr. Molloy want my

to
here
a
I
;
-
licitor
to
be near me
.
Mr. Dix Certainly how can men defend their clients they
if
;
-
are inconvenienced
.
An appeal was then made the detectives who occupied the side
to
bar behind the counsel make way

to
Mr. Murphy Q.C. said one was policeman who was summoned
,
,
right
no
Mr. Dix The police have

to
take seats
-
.
The detectives then yielded , and the professional gentlemen and

the reporters were accommodated .
Mr. Dix then called the cases.
Mr. Molloy - I appear with Mr. Heron , Q.C. , on behalf of J. J.
Lalor .
Mr. Crean - I appear for Dr. Waters .
Mr. John Martin - I appear on behalf of myself .
Mr. Crean - I understand there is an impression that Dr. Waters
has been summoned , but he has not .
Mr. Dix - If he appears that cures any defect.
Mr. Crean - I appear on his behalf , but believe his personal I
attendance is necessary .
Mr. Dix - Does anyone appear for Mr. Scanlan ?
There was no answer .
Mr. Murphy, Q.C. - I ask whether Dr. Waters and Mr. Lalor
appear in court .
Mr. Molloy - My client Mr. Lalor, is in court .
Mr. Murphy , Q.C. -

Mr. Crean —I believe my client is not in court .
I will prove the service of the summons
against Dr. Waters . If there is any defect in the summons it can
be remedied . I
will not proceed against any person who does not
appear .
Mr. Dix - Am I
to take it there is no appearance for Dr. Waters
or Mr. Scanlan ?
for
he
Mr. Crean - I appear Dr. Waters not

in
believe court
is
I
he .
.
the newspapers that
in
It
was stated was summoned but am

I
,
all
at
instructed he has not been summoned

.
Mr. Murphy Q.C. then proceeded

in
careful and
a
,
:
for
precise address state the case the crown When

to
.
he
had concluded and was about calling evidence the

,
following singular episode took place
Mr. Dix You only proceed against two parties

-
Mr. Murphy_I shall only proceed against the parties who attend
do
against those who not attend shall not give evidence

-
Mr. John Martin save the

in
am would say
to
order
to If
I
I
,
-
be
save the public money that

of
time the court and would

I
,
facility
to
very glad offer every believe Sir you

? to
the crown
I
,
,
.
Mr. Murphy are the crown

to
(
—)
Mr. Murphy represent the crown

I
Mr. Martin– will offer every facility

to
the crown for establish

I
as
ing.the facts both my conduct and my words

- to
Mr.
up
A.
M. Sullivan also will help you put

to
as
some one
I
you seem scarce have been summoned myself

of
the accused
I
.
-
Mr. Dix Who are you

?
My name
-
Mr. Sullivan Alexander M. Sullivan and mean

is
ing
no
disrespect the magistrates publicly refuse

to
of
either
,
I
even to be sworn . I
was present at the funeral procession — I par .
ticipated in it openly , deliberately , heartily — and denounce as a I
personal and public outrage the endeavour to degrade the national
press of this country by attempting to place in the light of
Mr. Dix – I cannot allow this . This is not a
. for
place making
all
understand you are not summoned here
at
speeches
I
.
He
Murphy
) as
Mr. only summoned witness
is
.
-
be
on
Mr. Dix When you Mr. Sullivan will
. to
are called the
-
(
you
to
time hear not now

,
to
Mr. Sullivan ask your worship with your usual courtesy
,
-
I
complain publicly endeavouring place the
to
of
hear me while
I
national journal
on
editor the list
in
as of
— of
crown witnesses this
a a
public and personal indignity and
an
as
to
court endeavour
of
destroy the influence that national press whose power they feel
,
and fear but which they dare not prosecute personally com
,
I
.
plain
Mr. Murphy
be
don't know that this should permitted
. - —
.
I
Mr. Sullivan Don't interrupt me for moment a
.
Mr. Dix Mr Sullivan wants
in
to
have himself included the

-
summons and charge

.
Mr. Murphy
be
at
That cannot done present

- -
.
Mr. Sullivan With one sentence will conclude
I
Mr. Murphy have you called witness- as .

to
don't intend
a
It I
- -
to
an
Mr. Sullivan endeavour accomplish my imprison

is
ment for contempt when the government willing wound to

,
,
as
afraid know that they dare not accuse me Fenian

to
strike
a
”,
-
as
Mr. Dix You are not here Fenian

a
Mr. Sullivan For moment Knowing well your worship

a
,
,
-
all Ireland jury convict me

in
that they could not get

to
to
secure
a
,
do
my imprisonment openly and fairly they this now declare

,
I
.
that participated that funeral and defy those who were guilty
as in
,
I
as I
such cowardice subpæna me crown witness applause

to
of
in ).
(
Mr. Crean perceive that my client Dr.

C.
Waters now
is
,
,
I
no
In
further ob
a to
court order facilitate business shall offer

I
he ,
.
as
jection but
of
matter fact was not summoned

;
Then the case proceeded the police giving their evi

,
the whole very fairly and testifying that the

on
dence
,
hein so
procession was one the most peaceable orderly

of
lemn and impressive public demonstrations ever seen

,
Dublin Against Mr. Martin was testified that

it
.
M.at
of
marched the head the procession arm arm with

in
; -
-
A.
he
Mr. Sullivan and another gentleman and that

delivered the memorable the cemetery gate speech
it at
Against Dr. Waters and Mr. Lalor was advanced that

they were honorary secretaries
of
the funeral committee

,
marshal the
as
and had moreover acted the former

a
,
,
latter as a steward in the procession . was found , It

however , that the case could not be closed that day ;
and accordingly , late in the evening , the magistrates in
timated that they would adjourn over to next morning .
Suddenly from the body of the court is heard a stento
rian voice :
Mr. Bracken - I am summoned bere as a crown witness . My
name is Thomas Bracken . I
went , heart and soul into that pro
cession (applause );
I
Mr. Anderson , junior- don't know this gentleman .
Mr. Bracken - I am very proud that neither you nor any one
like you knows me (applause ).
Mr. Bracken -I
Mr. Dix - I cannot hear you .
have been brought here as a crown witness away
from my business , and losing my time here .
Mr. Donal Sullivan - I am another , and
same way .
avow myself in the I
Several voices— “ So am I. ”
Mr. Bracken - I want to know why I should be taken from my
I
business , by which have to support my family , and put me before
the eyes of my countrymen as a crown witness (applause ) ? went I
heart and soul into the procession , and
, by
I
am ready to do the same
to -morrow and abide the consequences ( applausė ). It is curious .
that the government should point me out as a crown witness .
an
Mr. Murphy - I ask

for
adjournment till
to
morrow
-
Mr. Dix
to
I is
- It
more convenient adjourn now

-
Mr. Martin don't want any

to
make insinuations against the

gentlemen who represent the crown nor against the police
but
,
,
I
in
mention the fact order that they may relieve themselves from
,
the odium which would attach they cannot explain

to
if
them
it .
This morning paragraph appears

in
the principal Dublin

a
one
it of
daily papers the Irish Times John

in
which said that

is
,
I,
Martin have absconded must presume that the information was

,
;
I
by
by
supplied that paper either

to
the crown representatives

or
the police
.
Mr. Murphy Q.C

am
right
far
.--
so
inas
to
state
It
is
,
informed
I
,
that an endeavour was made

to
serve Mr. Martin Dublin When

.
he
the summonses were issued was not

in
Dublin but had gone

,
country
to
down the
to
or
either
of
his own the house his brother

,
or
up
Mr. Ross Todd who sat beside Mr. Martin here jumped and
,
said To his own house sir his own house

A to
,
,
. ,
“
.
"
Mr. Murphy Very well constable was sent down there

-
he ,
he
and saw Mr. Martin and reported that Mr. Martin said
,
would attend forthwith

Dix
And
.
Mr.
so
he has done
-
Mr. Murphy
no
—
have other knowledge

It
was briefed
to
I
that Mr. Martin said me

.
he
would attend forthwith

.
Mr. Martin — I am glad I have given the representatives of the

crown an opportunity of making that statement . But cannot I
understand how, when the representatives of the crown had the
information , and when I told the constables would attend - as I I
have done at great inconvenience and expense to myself — I cannot ,
understand how a newspaper should come to say had absconded .
Mr. Murphy — I cannot understand it either ; I can only tell the
I
facts within my own knowledge .
Mr. Molloy said it
seemed very extraordinary that witnesses
should be summoned , and the crown say they were not .
Mr. Sullivan wished his summons to be examined . Did the
-
magistrates sign it ?
I
Mr. Dix Unless saw the original could not say .
J. J.
I
. Sir
as
Mr. Lalor — John Gray has been summoned witness
,
too
It
monstrous
is
.
Sir John Gray M.P. state your worship the un

to
to
wish
-I
,
pleasant circumstances under which find myself placed At an

I
.
on
Saturday
to
advanced hour learned that the crown intended
I
of
as
summon witnesses for the prosecution some the gentlemen con

nected with my establishment immediately communicated with
I
.
the crown prosecutor and said was unfair towards these gentle
it
,
an
have them placed such odious position and that

in
to
men
,
crown witnesses might subject them
as
their refusal
to
to
act serious
to be
personal consequences would not right me
to
allow
of
I
said
it
;
any gentlemen my subject
, re to
of
of
the establishment themselves
all
they
as
consequences knew well would

of
the such refusal

,
I
fuse suggested any unpleasant consequences should follow

if
,
.
of
on
they should fall the head the establishment alone applause
to ).
(
sir
said summon me and deal with me am here now
I
,
“
for ,
."
I
for
show my respect you personally and this court but wish

be ;
state most distinctly that

as
will never consent
a to
to
examined
I
crown witness pplause

).
Mr. Anderson jun here interposed

, (a
.,
am
Sir
John Gray beg your pardon addressing the bench

,
I
-
.
I
my family are going

to be
and hope interrupted

of
won't Some
I
I
.
to
England spend the Christmas with my son intend

to to
night
I
-
wish distinctly
be
will not
to
to
escort them here morrow

I
.
I
-
state so were here my respect for you and the bench would
If
,
.
,
I
be
be
present but would present only

to
I to to
induce me declare
I
,
what have already stated that would not consent be sworn

,
I
I
think
it
give any evidence whatever prosecution

or
to
this
in
right to the police

no
, to
add that attach blame whatever

I
am
They have
in in
authorities this transaction sure performed

,
.
their duty this case with that propriety which has always
Neither do attach any blame
to
characterised their conduct

to I
.
the crown prosecutor simply desire state with the most

,
I
.
be
profound respect for the bench and the court that will not
a
I
,
witness loud applause

(
).
Mr. Anderson We don't intend examine Sir John Gray but

to
,
-
say that the police believed any one could give impor
to
wish
if
I
.
3
tant evidence , it is a new proposition to me that it is an indignity

upon a man to summon him as a crown witness
Mr. A. M. Sullivan - I say it is an indignity, and that the crown
solicitor should not seek to shift the responsibility on the police ,
who only do what they are told .
Mr. Anderson - I am not trying to shift anything .
Mr. Sullivan - You are. You are trying to shift the responsibility
of having committed a gross indignity upon a member of
parlia
ment , upon myself , and upon many honest men here.
12 persons
Several holding up summonses said “ hear , hear , " and
' yes.'
I
Mr. Sullivan - This charge to have been done by Mr. Anderson
as his base revenge upon honest men who bade him defiance . Mr.
Anderson must answer for this conduct . It
is a vile conspiracy
a plot against honest men , who here now to his face tell him they
scorn and defy him ( applause ).
Mr. Dix - I adjourn the case till one o'clock to -morrow .
The proceedings were then adjourned .
So far have we quoted from the Freeman's Journal . Of

the closing scene Saunders's News - Letter , grieving sorely
over such a fiasco , gives the following account :
The adjournment of the court was attended with a scene of tumult
and disorder that was rarely , or never , witnessed in a police court ,
in presence of the magistrates and a large number of police —both
inspectors and detectives . The crowd of unwilling witnesses who
had been summoned to give evidence against the defendants , clamor
ously protested against being brought there as crown witnesses ,
avowed that they were present taking part in the procession , and
loudly declared that they would not attend at any subsequent hear
ing of the case. The latter part of the case indeed was marked
with frequent interruptions and declarations of a similar kind , often
very vociferously uttered . The proceedings terminated amid the
greatest and unchecked disorder .
plain words , " Scene 1 , Act I," in what was meant

In
to most solemn , awe - inspiring government function ,
a
,
be
turned out an unmistakable farce if not a disastrous
break down . Even the government journals themselves ,
off
for
without waiting though coming im

II
"
Scene
(
., "
of
the discredit
of
mediately raised shout condemnation

a
)
be
able bungle and demanded that should forthwith

it
,
by
abandoned Considering the course ultimately taken

.
the government the government

of
these utterances
,
organs themselves meaning and

of
have serious are

,
a
Evening
:
peculiar importance . The ultra -Conservative
Mail ( Tuesday , 17th December ) said
THE POLICE -COURT SCENE .
THE scenes of yesterday in the Dublin police - court will cause an

astonished public to put the question , is the government insane ?
They suppress the processions one day, and on the next proceed
all
by
an
with deliberation to destroy possible effect from such act
inviting the magistrates court
be
as
platform from
a
to
used
'
of
be
defiance may The originators
of
whence fresh roar uttered

a
.
the seditious demonstrations are charged with having brought the
government the kingdom
into hatred and contempt
or of
but what
;
step taken
of
word spoken the first pro-
or
written from the date

,
,
brought government into anything like the
to
cession the last the

,
contempt into which plunged itself yesterday The prosecu

init
”
?
'
.
tions now instituted are utter weakness We
of
themselves an act
.
we
least rationally
be
so
imagined that they would
at
declared when
be
literally impossible
to
conducted but what said now It

is
is
;
?
a to
to as
give any sane explanation summoning
of
to in
the course taken
be
crown witness one who must have been known prepared
his participation the procession Mr. Sullivan boldly
in
of
boast
It .
bearded the prosecutors was splendid oppor

of
his brethren
a
him
.
for
tunity
he
was present that funeral procession

at
said
“
.
.
, it, I
participated deliberately and heartily call this personal

in
a
I
I
.
and public outrage drag the national press this

to
to
byof
endeavour
country— Timid and ineffectual attempts were made the
to "
his
magistrate protect court and position from insult but Mr.

,
He
Sullivan had the field and would hold might help the crown
it
“
,
.
up
as they are scarce perhaps

he
put some one else

to
said
to in
,
,
,
”,
attempt
he
an
The summoning
of
accused him was resumed

,
.”
destroy the national press whose power the crown feels and fears
,
but which they dare not prosecute Mr. Sullivan was suffered
."
to
describe the conduct the crown prosecutors another stage

of
“ at
an
hisas
infamous plot The government desired accomplish

to
“
.”
they were willing

in to
imprisonment
to
wound but afraid strike

;
."
fre
all
They knew
he
added that they would not get jury

a
(
agree
to
to
land convict me and now characterise the conduct

;
halting
a as
base and cowardly

of
Another witness
in
the crown
a
to ,
."
way entered like protest against being supposed have sym

,
forin
pathy with the crown the case and the net result was very
;
remarkable triumph what Mr. Sullivan calls the national

press -atitle wholly misapplied and grossly abused Are we to
.
urt
in
of
have succession these scenes

a
?
“
: the same date dealt with the

of
Saunders's News Letter

-
as
subject follows
be
The first step what appears very proceeding

in
to
doubtful
a
law
was taken yesterday by the advisers of the crown We
.
the prosecution instituted against the leaders and orga
to
refer
the Fenian procession which took place this city on
of
in
nisers
in
Sunday the 8th instant the men exe
of
of
honour the memories
at ,
,
Manchester for murder As
to
of
cuted the character that demon
.
.
But
we
it
stration never entertained any doubt must be remem
.
bered that similar demonstrations had taken place week previously
a
Cork and that not only did the
in
in
London Manchester and
in
,
, ,
prevent them but that the prime minister
of to
authorities not interfere
Lords that they were not illegal Lord
in
declared the House
.
Derby doubtless intended limit his observations the violition
to
to
,
Party Processions Act without pronouncing any opinion
as
to of
the
the legality illegality . of ,
the processions viewed under another
or
,
his
, as
aspect But language was calculated
to
seditious assemblies
,
by
the Fenian sympa
as
of
mislead and matter fact was taken

a
,
,
an admission that their mock funeral processions were

as
thisers
be
It
not unlawful
to
at
not wondered therefore however
, is
,
,
.
be
deplored that the disaffected portion the popula

to
of
much
tion should have eagerly taken advantage Lord Derby's declara of
safe display their sympathies and their strength
doof
tion
to
of
make
a
by
.
They were encouraged
so
the toleration already extended

to
by
England and
in
as
as
well
in
towards their fellows Cork the

,
the prime minister Under these circumstances the

of
statement
.
prosecution persons who took part the Dublin procession even

in
of
,
to
be
to
us
as
organisers that proceeding appears
, of
. of
matter
,
a
doubtful policy Mr. John irtin the leader the movement
. of
,
T
stands different position from his companions They confined

in
a
he
, an
walking the procession inflamma

, in
to
themselves delivered
;
tory and seditious speech for which

he
alone responsible and which

is
him
might have been made the subject separate proceeding against
of
a
. .
do
Athe
To
no
Mr. Martin justice shirk the respon

to
showed desire
,
sibility
he
he
has incurred the police court yesterday frankly

,
,
.
part
he
avowed the had taken the procession and offered ac

to
in
,
on
knowledge the speech which he delivered

, If
that occasion
,
.
be
however the policy which dictated the prosecution questionable

,
all
as
the objectionable manner

at
there can beno doubt

in to
which
in
persons engaged assuming

to of
some the have acted the state

it
.
be
ment true that Mr. Sullivan proprietor and editor

of
the
,
Nation newspaper and Sir John Gray proprietor

of
the Freeman's
,
,
as
Journal have been summoned crown witnesses Who respon

is
,
to .
sible for this extraordinary proceeding

at
present impossible
it
is
say Mr. Murphy Q.C. the counsel for the crown declared that
,
to ,
,
.
he did not intend examine Mr. Sullivan Mr. Anderson the son
;
,
be
the crown solicitor who appears

of
entrusted with the manage

to
,
he
these prosecutions had directed the

of
ment denied that

,
be
served and Mr. Dix the magistrate stated that

to
summonses
. ,
,
he
had not signed them Yet Mr. Sullivan produced the summons
requiring him
as
in
to
attend witness and the strongest manner

to a a
,
as
proceeding
on
denounced the base and cowardly attempt the

for
part the government imprison

of
contempt
of
court
a
,
Sir
“ national journalist " whom they dared not prosecnte . John
an
Gray less violent language complained effort having been
to in
of
,
,
in
in
place gentlemen employment
of
made some the his the
he
odious position
of
crown witnesses and stated that himself
",
“
subpænaed but would decline give We
to
had been evidence
.
as
have not concealed our opinion the proper way dealing with
to
of
Mr. Sullivan As the weekly disseminator most exciting and
of
.
he
inflammatory articles doing much promote disaffection and
to
In is
. ,
no
in
encourage Fenianism other country the world would
in for
such writing
if inbe
to
day and assuredly ought not
it
tolerated
;
a
,
be
permitted Ireland perilous and exciting times like the
; a be
present But Mr. Sullivan has offended against the law let him
,
.
we
proceeded against boldly openly and fairly He has think
,
,
,
,
.
right
as
complain being summoned witness for the crowa
to
of
a
but the government have even more reason complain the con
to
of
by
to
their servants exposing them their blunders
in
of
duct ridicule
too bad that with
It
and contempt large and highly paid

is
a
.
-
lawyers attorneys government prosecutions
of
staff and the should

be
loose and slovenly manner When

in
conducted state
be a
a
.
prosecution has been determined upon every step ought
to
care
,
fully and anxiously considered and subordinate officials should not

,
by
be
permitted compromise their superiors

of
to
acts officious zeal law

on
and bring discredit

of
the administration the .
The Liberal Conservative Irish Times was still more

-
outspoken
:
all
the government and

of
While commend the recent action

,
the repression by proclamation

for
give the executive full credit

of
protests against authority and
be
processions avowedly intended

to
generally regretted that prosecutions should have been

is
law
,
it
in
instituted against some those who had taken part these pro
of
cessions Had these menacing assemblages been held after the

,
in
.
or
of
proclamations were issued defiance the authorities the

,
,
utmost power should have been exerted put them down and
to
the terrors the law would properly have been invoked punish
to
of
the guilty But bearing

in
mind the fact that these processions

,
.
had been declared by the head

of no
the government expressing

at of
,
-
by
doubt the opinion entertained that time the law officers

,
the crown that these processions were not illegal _remem

,
bering too that similar processions had been already held

,
,
on
slightest opposition the part

of
intimation
of
without the
the
government and recollecting also that proclaniation was

,
,
;
everywhere implicitly obeyed and without

to
the least wish

,
we
dispute cannot avoid regretting that the government

it,
should have been advised the last hour institute prosecu

at
to
,
vindi
to
of
tions such nature Once however was determined

it
in a
,
.
cate the law this way the utmost care should have been taken
,
to maintain the dignity of the proceedings , and avoid everything to

calculated to create annoyance , irritation , or offence. If we except
the moderate and very able speech of Mr. Murphy , Q.C. , there is
no one part of the proceedings in the police -court which merits
commendation . Some of the witnesses utterly broke down ; oppor
tunity was given for utterances not calculated to increase respect
for the law ; and disloyal sentiments were holdly expressed and
cheered until the court rang again . Great and serious as was the
mistake in not obtaining an accurate legal opinion respecting the
character of these meetings at the first , and then prohibiting them ,
a far greater mistake is now , we think , committed in instituting
these retrospective prosecutions . For this mistake the law officers
of the crown must , we infer , be held responsible . Were they men
of energy and vigour , with the necessary knowledge of the world ,
they would not have suffered the executive to permit processions
first, and then prohibit them , and at the same time try men for
participating in what had been pronounced not to be illegal . We
exonerate the attorney -general from the error of summoning to
give evidence persons who openly gloried in the part they had
taken in these meetings . To command the presence of such wit
nesses was of the nature of an offence . There was no ground , for
instance ,
for
supposing that Mr. Sullivan would have played the

informer against the friends who had walked with him the pro
in
or
not his character his feeling
as of
cession such his sense
is
,
, . -
honour The summoning those who had moved with and

of
,
to
part give evidence against their fellows was

of
the multitude
,
,
not only most injudicious but futile expedient and naturally

,
. ,
a
has caused very great dissatisfaction and annoyance The circum

.
stance however proves that the prosecutions was instituted with
,
,
all
out that exact care and minute attention particulars which

to
of
this kind
in
are necessary case

a
:
Even the Daily Express the organ
of
the ultra Orange

,
the Irish administration had own the discom

to
of
section
,
its
of
fiture patrons
Are our police offices national journals

of
kind
to
become
a
national press
Is
court the bid

to
of
Ireland then and there

“
?
”
for
the support immediately the gallery and more remotely

of
of
,
that portion the population which humourously called the Irish

is
of
by
Nation These speculations are suggested curious scene which

a
?
took place the inquiry the police office yesterday and which
at
at
,
be
will Mr. Sullivan the editor

in
found detailed another column

,
.
wit
as
seized the opportnnity being summoned

of
of
the Nation
,
a
. to
denounce the government for not including him the pro

in
ness
,
He complained endeavouring place the editor

of of
a of
to
secution
"
national journal
on
as
the list crown witnesses this court

in
a
,
public and personal indignity ” and as an endeavour to destroy the
influence of the national press. It is certainly an open avowal to
declare that the mere placing of the name of the editor of a na
tional ” journal upon the list of crown witnesses is an unparalleled
wrong . But Sir John Gray was still more instructive . From him
we learn that a witness summoned to assist the crown in the prose
66
cution of sedition is placed in an odious position . ” Odious it
may be, but in the eyes of whom ? Surely not of any loyal sub
ject ? A paid informer , or professional spy , may be personally
odious in the eyes of those who make use of his services . But we
have yet to learn how a subject who is summoned to come forward
to assist the government fills an odious position in the opinion of
his loyal fellow -subjects . We should rather have supposed him to
be entitled to their gratitude . However that may be, Sir John
Gray came gallantly to the rescueof several “ gentlemen connected
with his establishment ," whom , he was informed , the government
intended to summon as witnesses . This , he knew , they would all
refuse. " I suggested , if any unpleasant consequences should fol .
low , that they should fall on the head of the establishment alone . ”
He called upon the authorities to summon him . We do complain
of our police - courts being made the scenes of open avowals of de
termination to thwart, or, at least , not to assist the government
in their endeavours to prosecute treason and sedition . We can
imagine no principle on which a subject could object to assisting
the crown as a witness , which , if followed to its logical conse
quences , would not justify open rebellion . Itis certainly a dan
gerous doctrine to preach that it is allowable , nay , even praise
worthy in a subject to refuse to give evidence when called upon to
do so by the crown . There is adisposition too prevalent in this
country to regard the law as an enemy , and opposition to it, either
by passive obstruction or active rebellion , as a praiseworthy and
patriotic act. Can we wonder at this when we hear opposition to
constituted authority openly preached by the instructors of
“ the
nation , ” and witness the eagerness of the “ national press ” to free
itself from the terrible suspicion of coming ,
to the assistance even
involuntarily , of the government in
its
struggle with sedition and

treason
!
vexation and indig

an
of
It
was amidst such outburst

this even from the government journals them
as
nation
,
selves that the curtain rose next morning

on
II
Act
in
,
the Head Police Office very unique episode com

A
.
At
the resump
on
menced the proceedings this day also

.
the case Mr. Murphy Q.C.

on
of
, of
tion behalf the

,
,
,
crown said
:
Mr. Sullivan and some other gentlemen complained yesterday

of
having been served with summonses to give evidence in those cases.

I am directed by the
and that it was done
attorney - general to state that he regrets it ,
without his authority . He never gave any
directions to have those persons summoned , nor was it done by
his
anyone acting under this way Gene
in
directions occurred
It
.
.
ral directions were given the police summon parties give
to
to
to
to
establish the charge against those four gentle
in
evidence order
for
in
an
men who are summoned taking active part the procession
be .
it
The police their discretion thought might
in
of
the exercise
,
the procession but
in
necessary summon parties who took part
no to
,
the part on
on
those aiding
of
of
there was intention behalf the
summon parties give evidence who themselves took part
to
crown to
in
the procession and am sorry occurred
it
I
,
.
Mr. Dix may mention that magistrate when signing sum
a
a
he -
I
in .
If
mons knows nothing they were all living
of
the witnesses
.
signs
as
merely
it
of
Jamacia matter form
a
.
M.
Mr. thank your worship and Mr. Murphy and

to it A.
Sullivan
,
–
I
your
be
think will seen that had worship not allowed me yes

I
terday make the protest did the attorney general would not
,
I
-
have the opportunity making the disclaimer which became the
of
it
dignity the government The aspect the case yes
to
of
of
make
.
.
terday was very adverse towards Sir John Gray myself and other
,
to ,
gentlemen Although my brother signed his name the notice
,
.
as
principal but
he
witness but
as
if
was not summoned neces
bya
in ,
he
sary the dock with

to
was determined stand side side

,
Mr. Martin
.
Mr. Allen am very glad the explanation because was

o
I
I
:
-
a for
blamed allowing persons making speeches here yesterday

I
is .
if
think man has any ground complaint the sooner

of
set
it
right the better

- .
Mr. Sullivan
to
have thank the bench

.
I
Mr. Allen.I am glad that satisfactory arrangement has been

a
by
by
all
an
parties because there objection entertained

is
to
come
,
be
- to
as
some persons brought into court witnesses for the crown

.
Mr. Sullivan Especially public journalist

a
Mr. Allen
so
Quite
-
Mr. Heron then proceeded

to
cross examine the witness

-
he by
It
was elicited from the government reporter that

,
called throwing
he
in
process which the vowels

",
a
make Mr. Martin's speech read sufficiently

to
was able
D.
C.
seditious Mr. Heron Q.O. then addressed the

,
,
on .
Lalor and Mr. Michael

on of
of J.
court behalf Mr.

J.
Crean barrister behalf Dr. Waters Mr. Martin

,
,
.
on
his own behalf then spoke follows

as
:
,
the
admit attended procession admit also that spoke

I
I
I
.
words which I
consider very grave and serious words upon that oc .
For my acts on that occasion,
for
casion . the sense and intention
on
am perfectly willing
of
spoke
all be
that occasion
to
the words
I ,
I
put upon my country
for
on all
on
Not only my acts that occasion
.
for
for
not only the words which spoke that occasion but
;
III
pri
all
my acts and wrote publicly
or
the words ever spoke
or
,
,
am
to
perfectly willing put upon
be
vately upon Irish politics
,
my country any free country that has real constitutional in
In
to .
guarantee the liberty
of
stitutions the subject guarantee
to
-
an
of
the free trial the subject charged with offence against either
be
his neighbour
or
the state would quite expect
it
to
absurd
a
be
put upon his country and convicted
of
man could crime for
of a
doing that and using such words
as
the vast majority his fellow
In
countrymen approve this case believe that vast majority
in a
.
I
do
my fellow countrymen not disapprove
of
acknow
of
the acts
-
I
on
ledge that occasion and that they sympathise the sentiment

,
of
the words then spoke Therefore the mere fact that prose
I
a
.
cution preferred against me for that act and for those words
is
is
,
,
in
my opinion that this country does not present
at
evidence
enjoy real constitutional institutions guaranteeing free trial
a
,
be
guaranteeing that the man accused shall really puc upon
his country think that any twelve
to
is
Because
it
absurd
a , .
honest men my neighbours put upon their oaths would declare

,
of
be
is
that probable that

to
at
crime which least four fifths

it
,
,
-
right right both constitutionally and morally
be
to
them believe
-
.
all
am aware we are that the gentlemen who represent

—
aware
I
in ,
the crown this country have very powerful means at their dis
,
.
posal for obtaining convictions the form
in
in
to of
the form law and

justice any person they think proper
of
accuse and without

of
;
,
in
joke this matter

or
meaning either acknowledge

to of to
to
sneer
,
I
the moderation the gentlemen who represent the government

,
all
they trouble themselves with me acknow

meat
since chose
I
.
for
indict only
in
ledge their moderation proposing

to
sedition
,
,
for the language which they say used because possible for
is
it
I
. to
their disposal have me convicted for

or at
them with the means

,
,
burglary bigamy laughter sorry say

a or
to
murder am what
,
I
(
in )
seems like sneer but use the words deep and solemn serious
no ,
tried fairly
be
say am perfectly ready

to
ness and more than

I
,
foully applause
or
in
court
(
).
The magistrates reserved their decision till next day

;
for
that there might

be
80
decent and seemly pause the

up
purpose looking and pondering the legal precedents

of
,
on
and
as
the legal fiction would have next day they

it
,
;
all
announced that they would send the accused for trial

on
to
open
at
the next Commission

to
Green street the

,
-
10th February 1868. The several traversers however

,
,
,
were required to enter merely into their own recogni .

zances in £ 500 each to appear for trial
In this police - court proceeding the government , con
fessedly , were morally worsted -- utterly humiliated , in
fact . So far from creating awe or striking terror, the
prosecution had evoked general contempt , scorn , and
indignation . To such an extent was this fact recognised ,
that the government journals themselves , as we have
seen , were amongst the loudest in censuring the whole
proceeding , and in supporting the general expectation
that there was an end of the prosecution .
Not so however was it
to be . The very bitterness of
the mortification inflicted upon them by their “ roll in
the dust ." on their first legal encounter with the proces
sionists , seemed to render the crown officials more and
lie
more vindictive. It was too galling to under the
public challenge hurled them by Mr. Bracken Mr.
at
,
O'Reilly and Mr. Sullivan After twelve days cogi
,
'
.
up
, its
mind strike
- to
tation government made

,
.
On Saturday 28th December 1867 just everyone
asas
,
Ireland seemed have concluded that the Con

in
to
servative journals said there was an end

of
the foolish
”
,
advised funeral prosecutions Mr Sullivan Mr.

ill
and
—
,
.
-
, ofof
Mr. Jennings
of
Bracken the funeral stewards

one
),
,
(
of of
Kingstown one the best known and most trusted

(
the nationalists Dunleary district Mr. O'Reilly

),
“
"
one
the procession
of
the mounted marshals and

at
),
(
on
some others were served with citations appear

to
,
Monday the 30th the Head Police Office to answer

at
,
on ,
charges indentical with those preferred the 16th

against Mr. Martin Dr. Waters and Mr. Lalor
,
Preliminary prosecution No. very much resembled

2
No. Mr. Murphy Q.C. stated the crown case with

1.
fairness and moderation and the police before gave

as
;
their evidence like men who felt duty and con

“
“
on
an
sore disagreement Mr.

in
science such occasion

”
Jennings and Mr. O'Reilly were defended respectively

se ,
,
by
Mr. Molloy and Mr. Crean two advocates whose

;
lection from the junior bar these critical and impor

for
by
tant public cases was triumphantly vindicated their

conduct from the first to the last scene of the drama .

Mr. Sullivan , Mr. Bracken , and the other accused, were
not represented by counsel. On the first -named gentle
man (Mr. Sullivan ) being formally called on , he ad
dressed the court at some length . He said :
Please your worship , had the officials of the crown adopted to
wards me, in the first instance , the course which they have taken
upon the present occasion , and had they not adopted the singular
course which they pursued in my regard when I last appeared in
this court , I
should trouble you with no observations . For , as one
of the 50,000 persons who , on the 8th of December , in this city ,
pụblicly, lawfully, and peacefully demonstrated their protest against
what they believed to have been a denial of law and an outrage on
I
justice, should certainly waste no public time in this preliminary
investigation , but rather admit the facts as you perceive
done to -day, and hasten the final decision on the issues really knit
have I
between us and the crown . What was the course adopted by the
crown in the first instance against me ? They had before them , on
the 9th , just as well as on the 29th- it is in evidence that they
had -- the fact that I
, openly and publicly , took part in that de
monstration —that sorrowful and sad protest against injustice
(applause ) They had before them then as much as they had before
them to -day , or as much as they will ever have affecting me. For ,
I
whatever course take in public affairs in this country ,
nothing , I take it publicly , openly , and deliberately .
conceal I
If I
err
I
,
abide the consequences and whenever may suit
to
it
am satisfied
;
the weathercock judgment Lord Mayo and his vacillating law

of
as
opinion illegal
or
to
advisers characterise my acts my seditious

,
,
,
or
heretical idolatrous treasonable must like every other sub

,
I,
,
,
be
ject my being jury

to
to
of
content take chance their able find

a
,
to
sufficiently facile sufficiently stupid carry out their behests

or
against me But they did not choose that course They

at
first
.
principal but they subpænaed me

as
as
did not summon me wit

,
a
.
as
against some my dearest personal

—
of
ness crown witness

a
I ,
and public friends The attorney general whose word most fully
,
- -
.
and frankly accept would not charge him with

in
the matter for

I
being wanting personal truthfulness denied having had any

in
--
complicity conduct pursued towards me but

of
the course
he in
What
On
is
where does lay the responsibility the police

?
? “
."
the meaning that phrase the police He surely does not

of
,
“
"
the force who parade our streets ex

( of
mean that the members

). ,
ercise viceregal functions laughter Who was this person thus

at
police How many degrees above

or
called the below the

?
“
we”
—as
torney general are look for this functionary described the

to
66
-
1
)
authority seditious man that

to
police whohas the have

a
",
allegation-
is
the seditious man exempted from prosecution

do a
?
-
he
The police cannot that Who then Who was that could
?
,
.
draw the line between John Martin and his friend A. M. Sullivan
-exempt the one , prosecute the other - summon the former as a
defendant and subpæna the latter as a crown witness ? What was
are
am
the object ? It plain . There this moment con
at
I
,
-throughout Ireland
as
yet unfound out
—
vinced who doubts
in it
?
,
of
as
Talbots and Corridons the pay the crown acting Fenian cen
tres who next day would receive from their employers directions
,
,
spread amongst my countrymen the intelligence that
to
had been
I
betray my associate John Martin applause But their
to
here
).
(
plot recoiled their device was exposed public opinion expressed
;
its
reprobation the unsuccessful trick and now they come
to
. of
,
mend their hand The men who were exempted before are prose
on
on
ay Now your worships
to
—
cuted this whole case this
,
,
.
-d
we
entire procedure deliberately charge that not but the govern
,
I
ment have violated the law charge that the government aro
,
I
.
well aware that the law against them that they are irresistibly
—
is
driven upon
this attempt strain and break the against tho law
to
by
constitutional right and liberty the subject their mere party
of
exigencies and necessities

.
the Party
at
He then reviewed length the bearing
of
Processions Act upon the present case and next pro
;
deal with the subject

of
to
ceeded the Manchester execu
as
tions maintaining that the men were hanged were
,
;
national passion
of
like moments
in
others before them

,
rotten verdict Mr.

on
and frenzy false evidence and

a
,
Sullivan proceeded
:
be
It
because the people love justice and abhor injustice

is
-
to
of
cause the real crime those three victims believed have been
is
native land- that the Catholic churches Ireland

to
of
devotion
resound with prayers and requiem hymns and the public highways
,
, of
were lined with sympathising thousands until the guilty fears

,
Think you
sir
the executioners proclaimed illegal

it
to
mourn
,
.
this matter were the true one would the

of
if
the crown view

,
Catholic clergy they who braved fierce and bitter un

of
Ireland
popularity reprehending the Fenian conspiracy time when
itsat
in
a
for
of on
Lord Mayo's organ was patting the back fine Sardi

it
nian spirit would these ministers religion drape their churches

-
as
for three common murderers repel calumnious and slander

of a
?
I
ous accusation against the Catholic clergy Ireland this charge that
,
by
is or for
their mourning those three martyred Irishmen they expressed

- ,
an
sympathy directly indirectly with murder life taking

or
inIf
,
.
de
not the less illegal the church than

in
act seditious the

it
,
, un
we
on
graveyard the cemetery Are

or
to
to
the road then

,
,
.
.
by
be
to
derstand that our churches are invaded soldiery

of
bands
and our priests dragged from the altars for the seditious crime
of
,
proclaiming aloud their belief in the innocence of Allen , Larkin ,

and O'Brien ? This ,
on
of in
. sir
what depends the decision this
is
,
be
All this and more
to
decided
, It
or
case here elsewhere
is
,
.
their capacity Privy Councillors the judges
of
whether the
in
,
land shall put forth proclamation the legality binding force
or
of
a
try
sit
which they will afterwards
as
judges
to
whether
It
is
, ,
.
there being , be no the country
in
to
constitution now allowed exist
or no
law save what Castle proclamation will con
to
there
is
a
of no
struct permit decree mourning save what the police will
;
,
no
license demonstration opinion save whatever accords with

;
the government views We hear much the liberties enjoyed
in
of
.
this country No doubt we have fine constitutional rights and,
.
·
securities until the very time they are most required When we
,
us .
no
invoke them they are permitted

to
, to
as at
have need but the
;
,
be
only time when they might substantial value they of
are the
,
phrase goes suspended Who unless governmental
of
times
in
“
,
.”
,
panic need apprehend unwarranted arrest When else the
is
,
?
Corpus Act protection the subject
to
of
Habeas such considerable
?
invade public liberty
of to
When unless when the crown seeks the
is
,
,
by
purity and integrity trial jury

of
such value and importance

political cases Yet all the world knows that the British
in
government whenever such conflict arises juggles and packs the

,
jury
Mr. Dix really cannot allow that language used this be
in
to
I
-
an
as
court Mr. Sullivan with every disposition accord you
to
,
,
,
accused person the amplest limits your observations Such
in
,
.
language goes beyond what can permit
I
for
Mr. Sullivan
at
respect your worship retract the

in
once
I,
. ,
,
-
word juggle will say the crown manipulates the jury

I
- .
comment to
all
pur
be
Mr. Dix allow this line

at
of
can't
I
sued
for
all
Mr. Sullivan With respect your worship and while

I
,
-
am ready use any phrase most suitable for utte ance here will
upto
,
I
un
not give my right state and proclaim the fact however

to
to .
it
palatable when notoriously true stand upon my rights

is
,
I
.
all
say that you have

to
the greater reason pause ere you send

,
,
any other citizen for trial before jury crown prosecu

in
at or
me
a
a
,
in by
jury
as
tion moment like the present when trial the theory

a
,
,
the constitution supposes say

of
does not exist the land

it,
in I
.
in
by
jury
be
no
now notoriously fair trial this

to
there had
, is
Never yet
as
country between the subject and the crown an

,
in .
important political case have the government this country dared

,
allow twelve men indifferently chosen pass into the jury box
to to
to
,
try the issue between the subject and the crown And now
,
.
sir
you send the case for trial and suppose the government
if
,
,
are
on by
the juries they empanel here with Fenian

to
succeed able
,
·
— by
the real governors

of
the accused
of
ticketed the backs the

by
it
country Heygates
if
and the Bruces and declared

—
is
the
, at
you that mourning last criminal

in
has become
a of
this land
it
Oh
for
sir
victory they have

to
even mourn what the crown

,
!
for
been years winning such victories and thereby manufacturing
,
conspiracies driving people from the open and legitimate expres
-
conspire and
of
their sentiments into corners
to
to
sion hide
I
.
as
stand here man against whom some clamour has been raised
a
my my countrymen from the courses into which
to
for efforts save
the government conduct has been driving them and say that
I
,
no
there revolutionary agent the land than that perse
in
more
is
we
cution authority which says the people strike you
to
of
When
,
“
its,
We meet the crown foot
on
we forbid you weep
to
to
foot
,
."
to no
case here We say we have committed offence but that the
,
.
subserve their party

us
prosecution against has been instituted

exigencies and that the government straining and violating the
is
,
We challenge them the issue and even should they suc

to
law
,
.
we
crown jury
in
us
ceed obtaining from verdict against have
a
,
the
appeal
of
wider tribunal
to
to
decision our own consciences

a
and the judgment humanity applause

of
).
(
his
Mr. Murphy Q.C. briefly replied He asked worship not
,
decide that the procession was illegal but that this case was one
to
jury
of
for court law and

a
to
On this occasion was unnecessary for Mr. Dix
it
consider his decision All the

to
take any time

“
."
accused were bound over their own recognizances
in
in to
stand their trials the forthcoming Commission
on at
of
Green street court the 10th February 1868

,
,
-
The plunge which the crown officials had shivered so

long before attempting had now been taken and they
,
go
to
determined through with the work l'outrance

a
,
.
In
the interval between the last police court scene de

-
scribed above and the opening the Green street Com

of
,
-
in
mission February 1868 prosecutions were directly

,
,
,
commenced against the Irishman and the Weekly News

- of
for seditious writing the former journal

In
the case
.
the proprietor tried some skilfully devised preparatory

legal moves and maneuvers not one
of
of
which course
,
succeeded though their justice and legality were apparent

,
In
enough the latter journal the Weekly

of
the case
—
.
legal point whatsoever

no
Neus the proprietor raised

—
.
he
The fact was that when found the crown not content
for
with one state prosecution against him that the

(
he
funeral procession coming upon him with

),
second
,
a
He
his
knew doom was sealed very correctly judged

.
all '
his
be
that legal moves would convic

in
vain that
--
jury
fas
ne
be
tion , per fas was that
to
aut obtained
--
,
a
him
be
would packed against and that consequently the
--
be
briefest and most dignified course for him would
to
go
boldly
, to
straight the conflict and meet
it
,
On Monday 10th February 1868 the commission was
,
Green street Dublin before Mr. Justice Fitz
in
opened
,
,
-
gerald and Baron Deasy Soon cunning and unworthy
a
of.
on
legal trick the part the crown was revealed The
.
prosecuted processionists and journalists had been in
to
the city venue had been returned for trial
in
dicted a ,
the city commission by city jury But the government
.
city jury
in
this
in
at
the last moment mistrusted
a
stance packed city jury and without any notice
—
—
even
a
to
the traversers sent the indictments before the county

,
by
grand jury jury picked
be
that they might tried
so
a
,
and packed from the anti Irish oligarchy
of
the Pale
-
. .
an
gross illegality hardship and oppression

It
act
of of
was
,
,
The illegality such course had been ruled and decided
a
Mr. Gavan Duffy 1848. But the point

of
in
in
the case
was raised vainly now When Mr. Pigott the Irish
of
,
.
(
his
Mr.
to
man was called plead counsel Heron Q.C.

,
,
,
)
he
the traverser was now custody

in
insisted that the of

,
,
city sheriff
in
accordance with his recognizances and

,
could not without legal process

be
the county
to
removed
venue
An
exciting encounter ensued between Mr.

.
Heron and the crown counsel and the court took till
,
to
next day decide the point Next morning was de

it
, .
the crown and Mr. Pigott was about

in
cided
of
favour
be
being arraigned when order that he might not

in
,
,
by
prejudiced having attended pending the decision the

,
he
to
attorney general said would shut his eyes the

,
"
-
fact that that gentleman was now and would

in
court
",
have him called immediately intimation that Mr.

an
—
Pigott might advised try the course refusing

of
to
if
,
appear He did When next called Mr.

so
refuse
,
, .
.
Pigott was not forthcoming and the police proceed

on
to
ing his office and residence that gentleman was not

to
be found having the attorney general spitefully

as
,
-
it, -
expressed fled from justice Mr. Sullivan's case had

,
,
“
.”
necessity then and this was exactly

be
to
of
called
;
,
what the crown had desired to avoid , and what Mr.

Heron had aimed to secure . It was the secret of all the
skirmishing: A very general impression prevailed that
the crown would fail in
getting a jury to convict Mr.
Sullivan on any indictment tinctured even ever so faintly
with “ Fenianism ; " and it was deemed of great im
portance to Mr. Pigott's case to force the crown to begin
with the one in which failure was expected — Mr. Sullivan
having intimated his perfect willingness to be either
pushed to the front or kept to the last , according as
might best promise to secure the discomfiture of the
government . Mr. Heron had therefore so far out
maneuvered the crown . Mr. Sullivan appeared in court
and announced himself ready for trial, and the next
for
morning was fixed his arraignment Up this
to
.
moment that gentleman had expressed his determination
,
not only discard legal points but decline ordinary

to
to
,
professional defence and address the jury his own
in
to
,
behalf Now however deferring considerations

to
.
,
set
on
in
strongly pressed his speech
to
him forth the
(
jury the funeral procession case

he
relinquished this
in
),
resolution and late on the night preceding his trial

,
, ,
to ;
entrusted Mr. Heron Q.C. Mr. Crean and Mr. Molloy

,
,
,
on
his defence this first prosecution

.
Next morning Saturday 15th February 1868 the

; ,
,
by
trial commenced jury was duly packed the stand

a
”by
by“
and notwithstanding
process charge Justice
a
,
on
Fitzgerald which was

of
the whole one the fairest

,
political case for many years Mr.

in
Ireland
in
heard
a
,
by
Sullivan was duly convicted

of
having pictures and

,
writings his journal the Weekly News seditiously

in
brought the crown and government into hatred and

contempt
.
The government officials were jubilant Mr. Pigott

.
was next arraigned and after exceedingly able de

an
,
by
fence Mr. Heron was likewise convicted

,
was now very generally concluded that the govern

It
be
ment would satisfied with these convictions and

,
would not proceed with the funeral procession cases

.
At
all
events was universally regarded certain that

as
it
,
TIIE WEARING OF THE GREEN . 49
Mr. Sullivan would not be arraigned on the second or

funeral procession indictment , as he now stood convicted
the
press charge
bo
on the other — But was not
to
it
.
So. Elate with their success the crown officials thought
,
they might even discard their doubts city jury and
of
a
;
Thursday morning 20th February John
on
1868 Martin
J. ,
,
,
,
Alexander M. Sullivan Thomas Bracken
J.
and
,
Lalor were formally arraigned
in
the city venue
,
*
.
be
was scene long remembered that which was
to
It
,
a
in
on
presented the Green street court house that Thurs
-
-
day morning The dogged vindictiveness
of
the crown
.
officials persisting with this second prosecution

in
,
,
to
seemed have excited throughout

intense
the feeling
city and long before the proceedings opened the court
,
every part with anxious spectators

in
was crowded
.
When Mr. Martin entered accompanied by his brother
,
law
Dr. Simpson and Mr. Ross Todd and took his

in
at ,
,
-
of
seat the traversers bar low murmur respectful
a
,
'
ran through
to
sympathy amounting applause the

. ,
building And surely was sight move the heart

to
it
see this patriot this man pure and stainless life

in of of
to
,
noble soul and glorious
- of
this man exalted character

,
principles standing once more that spot where twenty

he
stood confronting
in
years before the same foe the
same righteous and holy cause standing once more
at
-
that bar whence twenty years before he was led off

,
,
loving
of
felon's doom for the crime

to
manacled
a
Ireland Many changes had taken place the interval

in
,
!
but over the stern integrity his soul time had wrought
of
no
change He himself seemed this mornent

to
at
recall
.
he
on
trial scene
as
his last this spot and cast his

“
his calm thoughtful

on
gaze around one could detect

,
pride memory doubt

of
sadness yet
of
face something
as
,
,
less pictured the spectacle twenty years ago

of
.
the
on
, in
Dr. Waters interval since his committal this charge

,
*
had been arrested and was now imprisoned under the Suspension
,
the Habeus Corpus Act He was not brought trial on the

to
of
procession charge
.
4
50 THE WEARING OF THE GREEN ,
Mr. Sullivan , Mr. Bracken , and Mr. Lalor , arrived

soonafter, and immediately the judges appeared on the
bench the proceedings began .
On their lordships , Mr. Justice Fitzgerald and Mr. Baron Deasy ,

taking their seats upon the bench ,
Mr. Smartt ( deputy clerk of the crown ) called upon John Martin ,
Alexander M. Sullivan , James J. Lalor , and Thomas Bracken , to
coine and appear as they were bound to do in discharge of their
recognizances .
All the traversers answered .
Mr. Smartt then proceeded to arraign the traversers under an in
dictment charging in the first count_That John Martin , John C.
Waters , James J. Lalor , Alexander M. Sullivan , and Thomas
Bracken , being malicious , seditious , and
ill
disposed persons and
,
-
disturb the peace and tranquillity
of
intending
to
the realm and
to
,
excite the subjects to
of
excite discontent and disaffection and our
,
Lady the Queen the government
of
Ireland hatred and dislike
in
to
,
on
of of
this realm
of
the laws and the administration the laws the
,
,
8th day the year our Lord 1867 unlawfully did
of
December
in
,
,
,
assemble and meet together with divers other persons amounting
,
large number wit fifteen
thousand persons— for the purpose
of to
to
—
,
a
for
exciting discontent and disaffection and the purpose ex
of
,
citing her Majesty's subjects her government

in
of to
of
Ireland hatred
and the laws contempt our Lady the Queen
of in
in
of
this realm
,
of ,
open violation the laws this realm and against the peace our
, of
.” ,
Lady the Queen her crown and dignity The second count charged
be
that the defendants intended believed that the

to
to
cause
it
“
three men who had been duly tried found guilty and sentenced
,
,
England had been
to
according
; at
law for murder Manchester

in
,
,
,
illegally and unjustly excite hatred dislike and

to
executed and
,
disaffection against the administration justice

of
of
and the laws

,
for
respect
of
this realm
in
at of
and the execution the said three

,
third count charged publication the unlawful

A
men the
."
.
assembly laid the first and second counts

in
of
the false and sedi

.
Mr. John Martin's speech fourth and

A
tious words contained

in
last count was framed under the Party Processions Act and charged
,
'
that the defendants did unlawfully meet assemble and parade

,
,
"
together and were present and did join procession with

in
at
a
,
divers others and did bear wear and have amongst them
in
said
,
procession certain emblems and synıbols the display whereof was

,
and did tend provoke animosity between different

to
to
calculated
in
her Majesty's subjects agiinst the form

of
of of
classes the statute

,
such case made and provided and against the peace our Lady the
,
Queen her crown and dignity

,
The traversers severally pleaded not guilty

The Attorney General the Solicitor General Dr. Ball Q.C. Mr.
.; ,
,
R. ,
;
-
-
Charles Shaw Q.C. Mr. James Murphy Q.C

H.
Mr. Owen
,
,
Q.C. ; and Mr. Edward Beytagh , instructed by Mr. Anderson ,

Crown Solicitor , appeared to prosecute .
Mr. Martin , Mr. Sullivan , and Mr. Bracken were not professionally
assisted .
Mr. Michael T. Crean , instructed by Mr. John T. Scallan , ap
peared for Mr. Lalor .
And now came the critical stage of the case . Would

to the
jury , the
The clerk the crown began
of
crown pack
?
call the panel when
by
on
John Keegan was called and ordered the part
to
of
stand
the crown
.
Mr. Sullivan My lord have any right
to
-
challenge
I
,
?
Mr. Justice Fitzgerald You have Mr. Sullivan for cause
to ,
.
-
by
Mr. Sullivan And can the crown order juror stand without
a
–
cause assigned
a
Mr. Justice Fitzgerald right
to
The crown has exercise that
a
-
privilege
.
no
Mr. Sullivan Well will exercise challenge
or
for cause
,
I
it ,
-
without cause Let the crown select jury now

as
pleases
a
.
.
Subsequently George M‘Cartney
to
was called and directed
,
stand by
:
.by
Patrick Ryan was also ordered

to
stand
Mr. Martin protest againt this manner selecting jury
of
a
I , -I
.
J. do
publicly
J. so
I
Lalor also protest against

it
-
Thomas Bracken And also

I
-
The sensation produced by this scene embarrassed the

It
crown officials not little dragged light the true

to
a
Eventually the following

of
character their proceeding

.
by
twelve gentlemen were suffered pass into

to
the crown
jury
as
the box
a
“
”
*
.
SAMUEL EAKINS Foreman JOSEPH PURSER

,
.
.
WILLIAM DOWNES GRIFFITH THOMAS PAUL

.
. .
EDWARD GATCHELL JAMES REILLY

THOMAS MAXWELL HUTTON John GEORGE SHIELS
.
MAURICE KERR WILLIAM O'BRIEN SMYTH

.
WILLIAM LONGFIELD GEORGE WALSH

.
.
Every
to
Not one Catholic was allowed pass into the box

*
. .
by
the box was ordered

to
to
Catholic who came Stand

“
”
The Solicitor -General, Mr. Harrison , stated the case

for
the prosecution Next the police repeated their
.
—
their description
of
as
evidence the procession given
--
before the magistrates and the government short hand
-
writer proved Mr. Martin's speech The only witnesses
,
now produced who had not testified the preliminary
at
stage were Manchester policeman named Seth Bromley
a
,
on
the day
of
of
be
who had one the van escort the

in
rescue and the degraded and infamous crown spy

,
,
on
Corridon The former beagle the scent
as
eager
a
-
.
run down the prey before him left the table amidst
to
by
derision and indignation evoked his over
of
murmurs
fencing
on
eagerness his direct examination and his
"
The spy Corridon
on
and evasion cross examination

-
of
was produced prove the existence the Fenian
to
“
of
conspiracy Little notice was taken him Mr. Crean
.”
.
asked him barely trivial question two Mr. Martin
or
a
to
and Mr. Sullivan when asked they desired cross
if
,
by
replied silently gestures loathing

of
examine him
,
;
and the wretch left the table crawled from like
--
a
it
-
crippled murderer from the scene
of
his crime
.
This closed the case for the crown and Mr. Crean
,
,
on
to
counsel for Mr. Lalor rose address the jury behalf

,
His speech was argumentative terse

of
his client
,
,
.
forcible and eloquent and seemed please and astonish

to
;
,
not only the auditors but the judges themselves who

,
evidently had not looked for much ability and vigour

so
the young advocate before them Although the

in
do .
professional advocates not come within

of of
speeches
of
the scope this publication Mr. Crean's vindication

,
Ireland probably the most telling

of
the national colour

-
an
passage his address has importance which warrants

in
—
its
quotation here
:
attempted
in
, to
Gentlemen this case make the traversers

is
it
,
amenable under the Party Processions Act because those the

in
'
procession wore green ribbons Gentlemen this the first time

is
,
,
.
the history Irish State Prosecutions which mark the periods

of
of in
gloom and peril this country that the wearing green rib
an in
of
a
,
no
bon has been formally indicted and may say good sign
it
is
;
offence which has been hitherto unknown to

of
the times that

up
for
the law should now crop this year grace

of
in
the first time

,
one thousand eight hundred and sixty eight . Not even in the -
an
worst days of Lord Castlereagh's omened regime was such
ill
-
as
attempt degrade green Ireland into party
to
of
this made the
asa
make that which has long been regarded
na
to
colour and
,
is a
no
tional emblem the symbol Gentlemen there
of
faction
,
a
.
right minded looking back upon the ruinous
-
right hearted man
or
-
-
dissensions and bitter conflicts which have been the curse and bane
to
this country who will not reprobate any effort
of
revive and
. -
no
perpetuate them well disposed man the community
noin
There
is
, of beon
who will not condemn and crush those persons matter what
--
side they may stand who make religion which should the
,
of -
fountain and mother all peace and blessings the cause ran
,
cour and animosity We have had unhappily gentlemen too
,
.
We have been too long the victims

in
of
much this Ireland
of
.
he
that wayward fate which the poet wrote when
of
said
:
,
Whilst our tyrants join bate
." in
,
"
We never joined love

in
of
But gentlemen you will ask

you ever before heard until this
if
,
of ,
,
time that the green Ireland was the peculiar colour any par
orof
,
ticular sect creed that any the people this

or
of
of
faction
,
,
,
the peculiar emblem

as
country wore their party and for the

of
it
to ,
purpose giving annoyance and offering insult some other
of
of of
portion their fellow countrymen must say that never heard

I
I
.
as -
a or
before that Catholic Protestant

or
or
Quaker Moravian laid

,
,
all
this colour symbol party thought
to
claim
of
Irishmen
,
I
,.
no
matter what altar they bowed before regarded the green

, as
the
Ireland illegal
of
national colour wear the green

all
of to
it
If
is
.
can say that the Constabulary are guilty constant and con
a
is
I
tinuing breach the law The Lord and Lady Lieutenant will
of
next Patrick's Day decorated with large

on
probably appear
,
green shamrock Many the highest officials

of
is of
of
bunches the
.
be
do
government will the same and thought for one

to
it
;
by
moment that they wearing this green emblem Ireland and

of
,
Irish nationality are violating the law

of
of
the land Gentlemen

,
,
.
itis think
a so
perfectly absurd hope this country has not yet

to
I
.
trust
we so
as
fallen that wear the green

to
has become crime

it
I
.
asbe to
have not yet come that pass national degradation that

of
a
,
jury their country's dig

so
forgetful
of
Irishmen can
of
found
nity and their own infamy
to
of
, of
brand with mark colour

a
many not of party

so
which associated with recollections

is
not with any sect

or
—
triumphs national glories

a of
or
but creed
,
,
party but with nation and race whose children whether they
,
,
a
foreign state
or
of
of
were the exiled soldiers the soldiers Great

a
on
the plains
on
or
or
Britain whether Fontenoy

at
of
Waterloo
,
-
the heights Fredericksburgh have nobly vindicated the chivalry

It ofof
It
,
and fame Ireland for them that the green has its true
is
!
so
meaning the Irishman

in
distant land this emblem

to
is
is
a
for.
his memory not with any miserable fac

in
dear entwined
is
it
,
,
tion , but with the home and the country which gave him birth .
1 do hope that Irishmen will never be ashamed in this country to
wear the green, and I hope an attempt will never again be made in
an Irish court of justice to punish Irishmen for wearing that which
is a national colour , and of which every man who values his
country should feel proud .
When Mr. Crean resumed his seat — which he did

amidst strong manifestations of applause - it was past
' threeo'clock in the afternoon . It was not expected that
the case would have proceeded so far by that hour , and
Mr. Martin and Mr. Sullivan , who intended each to
for
speak in his own behalf, did not expect to rise that
purpose before.next day when was arranged that Mr.
it
,
Martin would speak first and Mr. Sullivan follow him

,
.
of
Now however was necessary some one them should
it
,
,
his defence and Mr. Martin urged that Mr.

to
rise
,
Sullivan should begin

.
By this time the attendance court which during

in
,
the Solicitor General's speech and the crown evidence
,
-
thinned down considerably had once more_grown too

of ,
great for the fair capacity the building There was
a
.
crush within and crowd without When Mr. Sullivan

a
,
moment's hurried consultation

to
was seen rise after

, ,
with Mr. Martin who sat beside him there was buzz
a
,
,
by
For
an
followed anxious silence moment the

a
.
well he might have

as
accused paused almost overcome

,
been by sense the responsibility

of
this novel and

of
a
)
dangerous course But he quickly addressed himself

.
he
the critical task

to
and spoke
as
had undertaken
,
follows
:
My lords and gentlemen address you under

of
to
the jury rise

--
I
of
to for
circumstances embarassment which will hope secure me

. ,
I
,
little consideration and indulgence your hands

at
have ask
a
you any prejudice might your

in
at
to
the outset banish that arise

minds against man who adopts the singular course who un
—
a
dertakes the serious responsibility pleading

—
of
his own defence

.
3
As Mr. Sullivan delivered this speech without even the ordi
nary assistance written notes or memoranda the report here
of
quoted that which was published the newspapers the time

in
of
is
Some few inaccuracies which he was precluded from correcting

then being prisoner when this speech was first published have
a
),
(
been corrected for this publication

.
Such a proceeding might be thought to be dictated either by

disparagement of the ordinary legal advocacy , by some poor idea
of personal vanity , or by way of reflection on the tribunal before
which the defence is made. My conduct is dictated by neither of
these considerations or influences .
of all
Last of men living should
reflect upon the ability zeal and fidelity
of
the Bar Ireland
,
,
I
my own behalf within the past two

as
represented
in
has been
it
by
days man whose heart and genius are thank God still left
to
a
,
as
our country and represented too
of
the service has been here
it
,
,
,
by
. in elo
this day that gifted young advocate the echoes
of
whose
.
quencestill resound this court and place me disadvantage
in
at
,
no
immediately following him And assuredly design disre
I
spect to .
the abstract or the
to
to
this court either tribunal
in
,
;
individual judges who preside from one heard two days
of
whom
I
a ;
ago delivered my own case charge shall say though
of
—
which
in
I
by
followed verdict which already consigns me prison
to
—
that
a
a
judging
as
was whole the fairest the clearest the most

it
it
,
a
,
,
,
just and impartial ever given my knowledge political case

to
in
,
a
of this kind No ;
in in
Ireland between the subject and the crown
.
my ay long
to
stand here own defence because since formed

I
I
, -d
many grounds
on
a as
the opinion that such prosecution this
in
a
,
,
be
such course would the most fair and most consistent for man
a
like me
to
of
That resolution was for the sake others induced

in ,
,
.
the first prosecution against me

on
depart from Saturday last

,
.
be
be
When tried out

to
on to
of
came seen that was the first two
it
journalists prosecuted was strongly urged me that my course

it
,
,
my trial might largely affect the case
of
of
and the result the other
,
me
journalist and that ought

be
in
waive my
to
to
tried after
;
dividual views and feelings and have the utmost legal ability
of ,
brought the national press

in
to
at
of
bear behalf the case the

by
to
forso
first point was defended bar not

of
conflict did
I
I
.
the kingdom ability and earnest zeal yet

be
surpassed
in
the
;
all
as
result was what anticipated For knew had held along

,
, ,
I
I
.
jury
, its to
that case like this where law and fact are left
in
the
a
legal ability arbitrary

of
no
avail with
in in
the crown comes

if
is
moulding the jury

as
power openly
In
this one
no , of
that case
I
,
,
.
for
publicly and distinctly announced that my part would chal

I
Tenge one whether with cause Yet the crown

a or
without cause
,
-in this fact- and case where they knew that at

in
of
the face
did
onno
like power petemptorý challenge

of
least the accused had

-
equal footing
to
to
not venture meet me did not venture abstain

;
from their practice absolute challenge

of
fine did not dare

in
to
,
;
as
indifferently chosen
to
trust their case twelve men the con

”,
. "
jury
be
stitution supposes Now gentlemen before enter

to
I
a
,
me
me
no
further upon this jury question

let
say that with this

asis
,
as
complaint merely against the Tories On this well on

it “
.'
numerous other subjects well known that has been my un

is
it
,
say
arraign both Whigs and Tories further that

to lot
to
fortunate
,
I
.
by
or
care not jot whether the twelve men selected permitted

I
by
try my own
or
to
of
the crown me rather convict me twelve

,
,
co - religionists and political compatriots , or twelve Protestants ,

Conservatives , Tories , or “ Orangemen .". Understand me clearly
on this . My objection is not to the individuals comprising the
for
all
jury . You may be
all
be
you may Protestants
or
Catholics
,
by
aught that affects my protest which against the mode which
is
by ,
you are selected their choice for their own
—
selected the crown
ends and not indifferently chosen between the crown and the
—
”
accused You may disappoint you may justify the calculations
or
,
.
by
the crown official who has picked you out from the panel
of
,
negative positive choice being silent and powerless -you may
or
I
(
)
the spirit
is all
on
he
of
be
may not supposes the outrage
—
or
by
say system pick
of
the constitution the same such
a
,
by
.
ing jury the crown am not put upon my country Gentle
a
,
I
.
.
men from the first moment these proceedings were commenced
,
be
to
against me think will admitted that endeavoured meet
it
I
,
I
them fairly and squarely promptly and directly have never
or ,
I
.
to
the right
to to
once turned the left but gone straight
to
the
issue have from the outset declared my perfect readiness , meet
I
.
did not care when they tried
or
charges the crown where
of
the
I
.
would object
no
said would avail technicality

of
me that
I
I
I
-
.
no juror Catholic Protestant All asked

or
to
Dissenter
to ,
I
.
allI demanded was put upon my country
be
the real
in
”,
,
-
"
fair and full sense and spirit the constitution All asked was
of
,
I
its
off
as
that the crown would keep hand the panel would keep I
,
off mine had lived fifteen years this city

in
and should have

I
;
in .
I
lived amongst the men that knew me
in
vain that time
if,
,
,
whatever might their political religious creed
be
or
to
feared have
,
I
my acts my conduct principles tried

It
the first and most

or
is
of ,
,
original condition society that man shall subordinate his pub

a
the community least acknowledge .

of
lic
is or
to
at
acts the welfare

lot ,
the right
on
those amongst whom his judge him
of
to
cast
,
as
Freely
an
such issue this acknowledge that right Readily

to I
.
my
to
to
responded the call the judgment

of
have submit
I
country question demonstrating my

in
the whether sorrow and

,
,
for
for
sympathy misfortune my admiration fortitude m y vehement

,
indignation against what considered

be
injustice had gone

to
I,
I
too far and invaded the rights the community

to to of
Gentlemen
I,
.
all
be
say keep kept within what

in
or
to
desire that have

reis
I
, all
regular and seemly and above utter nothing wanting

in
; ,
to do
do
spect for the court but say and protest that have not
I
I
I
got trial by jury according the spirit and meaning

of
the consti
as .
It
of
as
tution representatives the general community not

is
,
.
representatives the crown officials the constitution supposes

of
you do not fairly represent the commu

sit
you
if in
to
that box
If
.
nity and you are not empanelled indifferently that sense you
in
,
jury spirit
of
no
care not how the

in
are the the constitution

I
.
practice
be
may within the technical letter

of
crown the law

it
,
violates the intent and meaning and not

of
the constitution
is
it
by
,
9
trial jury
us
Let suppose say

«
a to
the scene removed

,
is ,
.
on
Franco
A
hundred names are returned what called

panel by a state functionary
-a is for
journalist charged
of
the trial
to a
with sedition The accused powerless remove any name
.
from the list unless for over ge But the
or
non residence
He of .
imperial prosecutor has the arbitrary power
or as
ordering
By
he
he
many aspleases this means puts
to
stand aside
.”
.
the jury only whomsoever
he
allows on pleases can before
,
.
.
by
hand select the twelve and wiping out suits him the
it
,
,
,
eighty eight other names put the twelve his own choosing into
? of
,
. -
by
be
the box Can this called trial jury Would not be the
it
same thing
let
more straightforward way
- to
the crown solicitor
in
,
a
,
-
policeman and collect twelve well accredited persons
of
send out
a
his own mind and opinion For my own part would prefer this
I
?
,
far
plain dealing and consider preferable the more rude but honest
,
-
hostility
in
drum head court martial applause the court
a
, of
, ).
(
-
Again say understand me well am objecting the principle
to
I
,
I to
the system the practice and not the twelve gentlemen now be
ofas ,
fore me individuals Personally am confident that being
I
,
.
Dublin whatever your views opinions you are
or
citizens
,
,
honourable and conscientious men You may have strong preju
.
.
dices against me my principles public life very likely you
in
or
-
have but doubt not that though these may unconsciously tinge
;
your judgment and influence your verdict you will not consciously
,
violate the obligations your oath And care not whether the
of
I
.
be
in
permitting you
or
the twelve ordered three thirteen
to
crown
,
,
,
-or
,
"by
thirty others whether those thus arbitrarily

or
to
stand
"
put aside were Catholics
or
or
Protestants Liberals Conservatives
,
,
,
the moment the crown put all

on
its
—
finger the
at
Nationalists
equal right the essential
no
panel case where the accused had

in
,
a
,
the jury was changed and the spirit the constitution

of
of
character
,
was outraged And now what the charge against my fellow

is
,
.
traversers and myself The solicitor general put very pithily

it
?
said our crime was glorifying the cause

of
he
awhile ago when

murder The story very terrible very startling
of
the crown
is
It ."
,
a
be
one alleges things which could hardly supposed

of
state
a
.
Thugs
so
exist amongst the depicts population

of
India
It
to
in a
.
hideously depraved that thirty them one place and

of
thousand
,
of
various other places arrayed themselves

in
tens thousands
,
publicly procession glorify sympathise

is to
in
to
honour and murder

-
as
with murderers murderers Yes gentlemen that the crown

,
— ,
at .
in
all
they have no case that the funeral procession

or
case
,
on
Dublin sympathy
of
the 8th December last was demonstration

a
as
with murder murder For you will have noted that never once
.
the crown story did Mr. Harrison allow

in
of
his smart narration

,
of
any other possible com

to
even the faintest glimmer appear

plexion or construction our conduct Why could have
of
I
,
.
easy for him not merely state his own case but to
to
imagined
it
state ours too and show where we failed and where his own side
,
,
prevailed could easily imagine Mr. Harrison stating our view

I
.
But he never once dared

to
and combatting
of
the matter
it
.
-
even mention our case His whole aim was from you
to
hide
it
,
.
II
and to fasten , as best such efforts of his could fasten , in your minds
this one miserable refrain— " They glorified the cause of murder
and assassination .” But this is no new trick . is the old story It
of the maligners of our people . They call the Irish a turbulent,
riotous , crime- loving , law -hating race. They are
for
ever pointing
for
the unhappy fact gentlemen
to
—
is
fact that between the
it
,
a
-
Irish people and the laws under which they now live there little
is
but bitter estrangement and hostility
no
sympathy feeling
of or
or
of
,
action Bear with me
on an
examine this charge since under
inif
,
I
.
standing necessary judge our conduct

of
the 8th
to
. is
order
it
by
of
December last am driven upon this extent defence the
I
singular conduct the solicitor general who with temerity which

of
a
of ,
-
he
will repent actually opened the page Irish history going
,
,
far
just
to no
forso
as
back upon served his own purpose and farther

it
it
. .
Ah fåtal hour my prosecutors when they appealed history
!
For assuredly that the tribunal that will vindicate the Irish
is
,
as
people and confound those who malign them sympathisers with
,
assassination and glorifiers murder-

, of
Solicitor General My
—
must really call upon you deny
rd
-
I
-
I
that ever
I
Mr. Justice Fitzgerald Proceed Mr. Sullivan

,
.
-
Mr. Sullivan My lord took down the solicitor general's

I
,
-
-
of he
he
as
words quote them accurately spoke them and cannot

,
of I
.
get
; , of
rid Glorifiers the cause murder was
“
"
them now
.
his designation my myself and our fifty

of
fellow traversers and

-
the funeral procession and before

in
thousand fellow mourners
I
-
sit down will make him rue the utterance Gentlemen the of
I
- an- .
jury
in
British law
be
held the crown prose

as
if
,
disesteem
by , “
"
is
cutors phrase Ireland there explanation for that

in
here
it
-
fact other than that supplied the solicitor general namely the
,
,
;
seditious persons like myself and the criminal sym

of
wickedness
,
pathies people ever ready glorify the cause

to
of
of
murder
a
lot“
.
are"
Mournful most mournful

is
of
the that land where the laws

,
,
by
not respected nay revered the people No greater curse could

—
country than have the laws estranged from popular

to
befall
, à
antagonism with the national sentiment Everything

in
or
esteem
,
The ivy will cling

to
goes wrong under such state things the

of
a
the vine reach forth towards strong support

of
oak and the tendrils

,
But more anxiously naturally still does the human heart

in
and
stinctively seek protec
in an
as
as
object
of
of
reverence and love well

,
tion and support law authority sovereignty At least among

,
a
,
,
.
for
virtuous people like ours there ever yearning those relations

is
a
to ,
be
as
which are and ought natural between people and their

,
a
,
say for my
as
government between the children and the parent

I
of .
self and firmly believe speak the sentiments most Irishmen

,
I
I
we
far
so
when say that from experiencing satisfaction experience

I
,
law
,
pain our present relations with the and governing power

wein
long for the day when happier relations may

be
and restored
in
between the laws and the national sentiment Ireland We Irish are
.
re
no
glorifiers From the most

or
of
of
race assassins murder

“
.”
all
mote ages, in our people that
to . of
centuries has been told
it
,
they were pre eminently justice loving people Two hundred
a
-
-
and fifty years ago the predecessor the solicitor.general
an
—
of
be
English attorney general may necessary tell the learned
it
-
for
as
as
gentleman that his name was Sir John Davis historical well
(
geographical knowledge seems
be
rather scarce amongst the
(l to
*
present law officers aughter very
of
the crown —held different
a
),
)
by
opinion them from that put forth ay the solicitor general
of
-dto
.
-
no
Sir John Davis said people the world loved equal justice more
in
than the Irish even where the decision was against themselves
if .
That character the Irish have ever borne and bear still But
for
you want the explanation and hostility
of
this disesteem
to “
”
will not do
to
British law you must trace effect stand
It
cause
,
.
by
the river side near where flows into the sea and wonder why
it
,
- .by
Not not my fellow traversers
-
to
the water continues run
-
not my fellow countrymen are accountable for the antagonism
-
up
between law and popular sentiment this country Take the
in
.
sad story where you will yesterday last month last year last
—
, ,
,
century two centuries ago three centuries five centuries six

--
,
,
—
centuries and what will you find English law presenting itself
?
the Irish people guise forbidding

in
sympathy respect and

to
in or
a
,
its
evoking fear and resentment birth this country

at
Take
it
.
your legal legal

of
Shake minds free theories and fictions and deal
,
with facts This court where now stand the legal and political
is
I
.
representative thefirst law court the Pale

of
of
heir descendant and
or ,
six seven centuries ago Within that Pale were few thousand
a
.
English settlers and them alone did the law take cognizance
of
,
.
The Irish nation the millions outside the Pale were known only
—
The law classed them with the wild

as
the king's Irish enemie

.”
“
our history
on
slay Later
in
to
of
beasts nature whom was lawful

it
.
we
be
to
find the Irish near the Pale sometimes asking admitted

to
English law since they were forbidden have any

to
; of
the benefits
,
but their petitions were refused Gentlemen this

of
their own
,
.
was English law stood towards the Irish people for centuries
as
it
dis;
you will that the Irish people held

in
it
and wonder
if
“
,
esteem
:
The Irish were deniedthe right bringing actions any the English
of
orof
in
“
Ireland for trespasses their lands or for assaults

to
to
courts batteries
in
their persons Accordingly, enough

to
was answer the action such case

in
it
a
.
of an
say that the plaintiff was Irishman unkisshe couldproduce special

an to
a
,
he
an
charter giving him the rights Englishman sought damageagainst

If
1 .
for
Englishman turning him out the seduction his daugh

or
of
of
his land
,
On Mr. Sullivan's first trial the solicitor eneral until stopped and corrected
,
by*
no
-g
as
the court was suggesting the jury that there was such place Knock
to
,
Fenian proclamation which bad been published

in in
rochery, and that the

a
WeeklyNews having beenposted that place fact composed Mr.

on as
at
in
Wils
,
,
.
Sullivan'sOffice. Mr. Justice Deasy, however pointedly correctedand reproved

,
the part Mr. Harrison

of
this blunder
,
ter Nora, or for the beating of his wife Devorgil, or for the driving off of his
cattle, it was a good defenceto say he was a mere Irishman . And if an
Englishman was indicted for manslaughter , if the manslain was an Irishman,
he pleaded that the deceasedwas of the Irish nation, and that it was no felony
to kill an Irishipan . For this , however, there was a fine of five marks pay
able to the king ; but mostly they killed us for nothing. it happenedthat If
the man killed was a servantof an Englishman, he added to the plea of the
deceasedbeing an Irishman, that if the mastershould ever demand damages ,
he would be ready to satisfy him."
That was the egg of English law in Ireland . That was the seed
that was the plant - do you wonder if the tree is not now esteemed
and loved ? If you poison a stream at source will you marvel
its
,
its
itsall
down through courses the deadly element present Now

if
- is
?
birth English law
it in
to
trace from this Ireland trace down
,
this hour and examine when or recon
to
where ever set itself
a
-
ciliation with the Irish people Observe the plain relevancy this
of
.
for
my case and men like me are held accountable bringing
to
I,
,
.
in
law into hatred and contempt Ireland and presenting this
in
;
onme
re
charge against the solicitor general appealed history
to
;-
.
I
tort the charge my accusers and will trace down our own
to
I
day the relations hostility which English law itself established

of
between itself and the people Gentlemen for four

of
Ireland
,
.
no
hundred years down the Irish people had
or to
—
1607 existence
-
rather much worse were viewed by
it as
the eye the law
in
of
it
;
the King's Irish enemie But even within the Pale how did
.”
,
"
recommend itself popular reverence and affection Ah gentle

to
,
those days just
as
will show that

in
men there have been our

in
I
,
, ,
own there were executions and scaffold scenes which evoked popu
-
lar
horror and resentment though they were all according

to
—
“
by
be
law and not questioned unless seditionists The scaffold

”,
.”
“
re
streamed with the blood those whom the people loved and
of
vered how could they love and revere the scaffold Yet twas
,
'
?
-
all
The sanctuary was profaned and rifled

to
according law
no ;
”
“
or .
is all
to
the priest was slain twas according

—
banished law
",
"; “ “
'
Men were
in
to
doubt and hold law disesteem sedition

,
”
.
according yet people demon

to
convicted and executed law the

“
strated sympathy for them and resentment against their execu

,
as
tioners most perversely solicitor general doubtless would

law by ,
,
a
of ,
-
say And indeed the State Papers contain accounts those

,
,
.
demonstrations written crown officials which sound very like the

for
eneral's speech day Take instance the execu

” to
solicitor
,
,
.
-
-g
according -of the Popish bishop O’Hurley

a to
tion—
“
is "
:'
Here the letter state functionary on the subject

of
so
as
impart her Majesty

to
to , to
couldnot beforenow know her mind touch

“
I
ing the samefor your lordship'sdirection Wherefore she having length

at
.
resolved have accordingly by her commandment signify her Majesty's

,
: ,
I
pleasure unto you touching Hurley which this That the man being so
is
--
,
by
. he
, as
subject, appeareth all the circumstances his cause

ofof
notorious and
ill
if a
by
be
youproceed may ordinary trial

be to
his execution him for

is
it
ofit
,
of ,
by
be
How caseyou shall find the effect

in
of
his courseDOUBTFUL reason

by it
,
by
on
as
the affection such shall his jury and reason the supposal con
of
,
he
the lawyers
be
ceived that country that can hardly found guiliy for

of
,
his treasoncommittedin foreign parts againsther Majesty Then her pleasure

is you take A SHORTERWAYWITHHIM, by martial law. So, as you may sec, it is
.
referred to your discretion, whether of those two ways your lordship will take
him
, no
so
and the man being resolute reveal thought
to
with more matter
is
it
,
,
no
used againsthim but that you proceedforth
to
best have FURTHERTORTUREs
WITHTOHISEXECUTION manneraforesaid. As for her Majesty's goodaccep
in
your careful travnil Huuley, you neednothing
of to
of
of
tation this matter
in
doubt andfor your Letter assurancethereoi she has commandedme let your
to
,
all
as
as
." as
lordship understandthat well others the like the case
in
in
,
,
Hurley shecannotbut greatly allow and commendyour DOINGS
,
tin
his
oil
Well they put feet into boots filled with and then
,
,
off
placed him standing Eventually they cut
in
the fire his head
, ,
.
tore outhis bowels and cut the limbs from his body Gentlemen
,
.
twas all according law sympathy for
to
to
and demonstrate
'
”;
him and disesteem
of
that law was sedition But do you
“
to .”
wonder greatly that law that complexion failed secure popular
of
sympathy and respect One more illustration gentlemen taken
,
?
according
It
on
period somewhat later the execution—
is
from
“
a
.
gentlemen entirely according law -of another
to
to
law
,
”
;
Popish bishop named O'Devany The account crown
of
that
is
a
.
the time some most worthy predecessor
of
the solicitor
—
of
official
general from the recently published work
of
read the Rev.
it
I
.
On
January the bishop and priest

C.
Meehan
P.
of
the 28th ,
of ,
.
“
being arraigned the King's Bench were each condemned

at
,
be
treason and adjudged executed the Saturday following which

to
,
;
day being come priest the Pope's brood with holy
or
of
two
,
,
a
,
all
no
water and other holy stuffs gentlemen

—
at
sneer was that
”
at ;
(
to for
no
Catholic practices crown official never sneers

at
sneer
,
practices sanctify the gallows whereon they

—
Catholic were sent

"
)
die About two o'clock p.m.

to
were the traitors were delivered

.
car
which was
to
Dublin who placed them

in
the sheriffs
of
small
,
,
car
; by
As
followed great multitude the progressed the spectators

a
knelt down but the bishop sitting still like block would not
,
. a
,
, or
vouchsafe them word turn his head aside The multitude

a
,
,
however following the car made such dole and lamentation after
a
.” as ,
of
him the heavens themselves resounded the echoes their

,
outcries Actually seditious funeral procession made up

of
a
-
(
those thirty thousand men women and children

of
the ancestors
,
,
,
- -
who according the solicitor general glorified the cause

to
of
murder
,
,
on the 8th the gallows

of
last December Being come

to
,
by ).
of
wh ther they were followed troops the citizens men and

, 895
,
cla
all
the best being present the latter kept

of
of
woimen most
,
,
:
up
St.
as
such shrieking such howling and such hallooing

if off if
a
,
,
Patrick himself had been gone the gallows could not have made
to
greater signs grief but when they saw him turned from the
of
as
gallows they raised the whobub with such maine cry the
,
,
a
rifle the city Being ready mount the ladder

to
to
rebels had come

re ,
the
.
by
speak
he
when he was pressed bystanders

to
. of
some
no ,
me
peated frequently Sine quæso The executioner had sooner

off
the bishop's head but the townsmen Dublin began

. to
of
taken
,
up
flock about him some taking the head with pitying aspect
ac
,
,
companied with sobs and sighs ; some kissed it with as religious an
all
appetite as ever they kissed the Pax ; some cut away the hair
for
from the head which they preserved relic some others were
;
a
,
steal the head away but the executioner gave notice
to
practisers
he ,
Now when began quarter the body the
to
to
the sheriffs
,
.
women thronged about him and happy was she that could get but
,
her handkerchief dipped the traitor and the body
of
the blood
in
;
being once dissevered four quarters they neither left finger nor
in
,
off
toe but they cut them and carried them away and some
;
,
holy monuments that appertained
no
others that could get
to
his
person with their knives they shaved off chips from the hallowed
,
he
gallows neither could they omit the halter wherewith was
;
hanged but was rescued for holy uses The same night after
it
,
.
the execution great crowd flocked about the gallows and there
,
,
a
spent the fore part the night heathenish howling

of
; in
and
,
performing many Popish ceremonies and after midnight being
,
in
then Candlemas day the morning having their priests present

,
till
readiness they had Mass after Mass daylight being come
in
,
,
,
they departed There was sympathy with
to
their own houses

."
for
sedition you gentlemen No wonder the crown official who

,
"
tells the story some worthy predecessor

of
Mr. Harrison should
-
-
be
no
will sadden you with
at
horrified such demonstration

a
.
I
English
be
further illustrations think will
of
law but admitted it

I
, ,
law
of
that after centuries such one need not wonder the
if
people hold hatred and contempt With the open
in
it
of
“
.”
:
ing the seventeenth century however came golden and
,
—a
,
glorious opportunity for ending that melancholy that terrible

In
things reign English for

of
of
state the James law the

I.,
,
.
every corner this kingdom

of
first time extended The Irish

to
,
things frankly and good faith

in
of
came into the new order and

;
oh
wise counsels prevailed then amongst our rulers

if
what
,
,
blessed ending there might have been the bloody feud cen
to
of
The Irish submitted the Gaelic King

to
to
turies whom had come

of ,
.
of In
he
the English crown their eyes

in
was friendly nay

of
a
be a
,
.
kindred race He was line Gaelic kings that had often

to of
·
a
.
Submitting him was not yielding

to
friended Ireland the

.
. for
brutal Tudor Yes that was the hour the blessed opportunity
,
,
.
laying the foundation real union between the three king

of
a
doms equal national rights under the one crown This

of
;
union
a
was what the Irish expected this sense they

in
and that hour

it in
;
accepted the new dynasty And remarkable that from that

is
.
day this though England has seen bloody revolutions and violent
to
too
changes rulers Ireland has ever held faithfully faithfully

—
of
-to the sovereignty thus adopted But how were they received
?
.
How were their exp cations met By persecution proscription

,
,
?
by
ind wholesale plunder even that miserable Stuart His son

,
England and
. to
came the throne

to “ in
Disaffection broke out

.
Scotland Scottish Protestant Fenians called Covenanters

",
,
took the field against him because the attempt establish Epis
of
,
By armed rebellion
as
copalian Protestantism state church

a
.
I
against their lawful king , regret to say it , they won rights which
now most largely tend to make Scotland contented and loyal. I
;
for
say it is to be regretted that those rights were thus won say
I
that even good largely mixed with evil where rights
at
best
is
it
a
by violence or revolution His
to
concessions
of
are won resorts
.
in
the Calvanist Fenians Scotland did not save Charles The
.
English Fenians under their Head Centre Cromwell drove him
,
in
from the throne and murdered
him on scaffold London
.
How did the Irish meanwhile act They their alle
to
stood true
? .
for
giance They took the field the King What was the result
.
by
They were given over slaughter and plunder the brutal
to
soldiery the English Fenians Their nobles and gentry were
of
as
beggared and proscribed their children were sold white slaves
;
for
West Indian planters and their gallant struggles the king
to
, ,
in , by
for
their sympathy the royalist cause was actually denounced
,
the English Fenians
” as
sedition rebellion lawlessness
”,
“
“
sympathy with crime Ah gentlemen the evils thus planted
,
,
“
our midst will survive and work their influence yet some men
,
in ;
wonder that English law Time
in
held disesteem Ireland
is
. “
.
; on
on
went gentlemen time went Another James sat on the

;
,
throne and again English Protestant Fenianism conspired for the

their sovereign They invited foreign emissaries
of
overthrow
"
.
come over from Holland and Sweden begin the revo to "
to
,
for
lution them They drove their legitimate king from the throne
to .
-never more How did the Irish act

in
return that hour
?
.
Ever too loyal ever only too ready stand by the throne
to
Alas
!
only treated with justice or kindliness

—
and laws they took the

if
for
field the king not against him He landed on our shores and
,
;
.
had the English Fenians rested content with rebelling themselves and
we might now be ,
we
to
be
us
as
remain loyal
to
allowed desired
a
,
neighbouring but friendly and independent kingdom under the

ancient Stuart line King James came here and opened his Irish
.
who will say that brief hour

of ? at
in
in
parliament person Oh
,
.
least the Irish nation was not reconciled

to
the throne and laws

King parliament and people were blended
in
one element
,
,
for
enthusiasm joy and hope the first time ages Ireland had known
,
,
,
such joy Yes

a
We too had our day was brief ended

-
is
it
it
,
,
no,
us
When King dwelt among strangeKing but OURS

–
a
When the shout people deliveredascended

of
a
And shook the greenbannerthat hung

on
yon towers
,
We saw like leaves the summer- time shiver

in
it
We read the gold legend that blazoned o'er

it
To
ay now ay and for ever

or
it to
never
;
"
-
, -d
-d
Oh God havewe een to see no more

it
!
Applause Once more the Irish people bled and sacri

in
court
(
).
ficed for their loyalty the throne and laws Once more confis
to
the loyal and true

of
cation devastated the land and the blood

,
was poured like rain . The English Fenians and the foreign emis
saries triumphed , aided by the brave Protestant rebels of Ulster .
King William came to the throne - a prince whose character is
greatly misunderstood in Ireland : a brave , courageous soldier , and
a tolerant man , could he have had his way . The Irish who had
fought and lost , submitted on terms , and had law even now been
just or tolerant , it was open to the revolutionary regime to have
made the Irish good subjects . But what took place ? · The penal
code came , in all its horror , to fill the Irish heart with hatred and
resistance . I
will read for you what a Protestant historian- a man
of learning and ability – who is now listening to me in this court
I
quote “ Godkin's History , ” published
has written of that code.
by Cassell of London :
“ Theeignitenth century, ” says Mr. Godkin, " was the era of persecution, in
which the law did the work of the sword more effectually and more safely.
Then was establisheda code framed with almost diabolical ingenuity to ex
tinguish natural affection- to fosterperfidy and hypocrisy - to petrify conscience
-to perpetuatebrutal ignorance- to facilitate the work of tyranny by render
ing the vicesof slavery inherent and natural in the Irish character, and to
-
inake Protestantismalmostirredeemablyodiousas the monstrousincarnationof
Il moral perversions."
Gentlemen , in that fell spirit English law addressed itself to a
dreadful purpose here in Ireland ; and , mark you , thac code pre
vailed down to our own time ; down to this very generation .
“ Law ” called on the son to sell his father ; called on the flock to
66
betray the pastor . Law forbade us to educate - forbid us to

worship God in the faith of our fathers . “ Law " made us outcasts
-scourged us, trampled us, plundered us - do you marvel that,
amongst the Irish people , law has been held in “ disesteem ?” Dó
you think this feeling arises from
: sympathy with assassination
Yet , if we had been
let
or murder ?” alone doubt not that time

,
I
in
would have fused the conquerors and the conquered here Ire
,
of
as
land elsewhere Even while the millions the people were

,
kept outside the constitution the spirit

to
nationality began
of
,
appear and under its blessed influence toleration touched the

of ;
the Irish born Protestant

—
heart Yes thank God thank God

,
-
-
, .
for the sake our poor country where sectarian bitterness has
of
an
wrought such wrong was Irish Protestant Parliament that

it
-
off
the first link the penal chain

of
struck And
lo
once more
,
- in !
.
for bright brief day Irish national sentiment was warm sym
a
ſathy and heartfelt accord with the laws Eighty two came
“
"
.
.
to by
Irish Protestant patriotism backed the hearty sympathy

of
the
up ,
Catholic millions raised Ireland proud and glorious posi

,
tion lifted our country from the ground where she lay prostrate
do ,
;
under the sword England but what say This sedi

of
is
I
I to ?
-
tion It'has this week been decreed sedition picture Ireland

*, ”
.
thus Well then they rescued her from what will call the lov
,
,
, an
For publishing illustration the WeeklyNewsthus picturing England's

in
*
policy
on
coercion Mr Sullivan had beenfound guilty

of
of
seditious libel the

,
previoustrial
.
ing embrace of her dear sister Britannia , and enthroned her in her
rightful place , a queen among the nations. Had the brightness of
era
that been prolonged picture think country
—
of
what
! it
weà
it
,
-
of
be
would ours now Think And contrast what are with
a it
be ?
we
what might Compare population filled with burning
!
hostile _vengeful with
—
memories disaffected sullen people
a
, , ,
,
,
all
loyal devoted happy contented and England too the hap
,
, ,
,
pier the more secure the more great and free But sad
is
the
by
story Our independent national legislature was torn from us
,.
means the iniquity which even among English writers

of now
is
,
,
fraud and by force that outrage
By
on
proclaimed and execrated
.
law
right and justice was consummated
In
“ on
speaking thus
,
,
,
I
of
speak sedition No one can write the facts Irish history
."
without committing sedition Yet every writer and speaker now

.
will tell you that the overthrow our national constitution sixty
of
,
But do
an
seven years ago was iniquitous and revolting scheme

,
.
by the power that
, on
us
you then marvel that the laws imposed
,
,
perpetrated that deed are not revered loved and respected Do

,
?
you believe that that want respect arises from the
of
seditions
"
byto
men like my fellow traversers and myself
seeof
Is
wonderful
it
?
-
on
estrangement between people and laws imposed them
of a
the over ruling influence Look

at
another nation the lessons
?
-
unhappy lessons taught our people by that London legislature

—
where their own will Concessions refused and re

is
overborne
.
all
be
as
as
long they durst and when granted
at
sisted withheld
,
;
granted only after passion has been aroused and the whole nation
been embittered The Irish people sought Emancipation Their
.
.
by
great leader was dogged every step hostile government procla

at
mations and crown prosecutions Coercion actover coercion act was

.
yet O'Connell triumphed

in
But how and

us
rained upon what

.
;
spirit was Emancipation granted Aħ there never was speech

a
?
more pregnant with mischief with sedition with revolutionary

,
teaching -never words tended more bring law and government

to
he
to de
into contempt the English premier when

of
—
than the words

his
clared Emancipation must sorely against will be granted

if
>
,
,
England would not face civil war That was bad lesson
a
a
teach Irishmen Worse still was taught them O'Connell the

,
.
great constitutional leader man with whom loyalty and respect

a
,
for
the laws was fundamental principle action led the people

of
of ,
a
creed but
to ? —
towards further liberation the liberation not

,
by a
,
To
he
nation What did seek bring once more the laws and the
.
national will into accord reconcile the people and the laws
;
restoring the constitution queen lords and commons How

of
.
,
By the flourish
by
he
the government the sword

of
was met
;
?
by
the drawn sabre and the shotted gun the market place and
in
,
Law finally grasped him

as
the highway conspirator and

,
re a
a
“
”
.
as
picked jury gave the crown then

as
now such verdict was

of ,
quired The venerable apostle constitutional doctrines was con

.
signed prison while sorrowing aye maddened nation wept

to
--
a
,
,
a
,
5
for him outside . Do you marvel that they held in “ disesteem ” the
in law
Do
and government that acted thus you marvel that day
to
,
all?
-
those through which
as
every century
in
of
Ireland have
I
traced this state things the people and the law scowl upon each
of
,
other Gentlemen do not misunderstand the purport my argu
— of
?
.
for
be
It
the purpose merely
of
ment.
is
not would censurable
it
-
opening the wounds the past that have gone back upon history
of
I
somewhat farther than the solicitor general found advantageous
it
-
go truer reason
to
to
is
have done demonstrate that there
it
a
I
.
is by
of
alleged this case for the state war
in
than that the crown
unhappily that what which prevails between the people
—
for
is
it
Ireland and the laws under which they now live And now
of
.
all
apply the present case and judge you my guilt

of to
this judge
-
you the guilt that they
do
those whose crime indeed not
is
,
,
as
love and respect law and government they are now administered
ofin
Ireland Gentlemen the present prosecution arises directly out

,
"
.
, as
what known the Manchester tragedy The solicitor eneral

is
; -g
of
it
gave you his version his fanciful sketch that sad affair but
be
will my duty give you the true facts which differ considerably
to
The solicitor general began with telling
). us
from the crown story
.
about the broad summer's sun the 18th September laughter

of
“
”
(
Gentlemen seems very clear that the summer goes far into the
it
,
for
is
year those who enjoy the sweets office nay
of
am sure
it
;
;
I
all
summer the year round with the solicitor general while the
"
"
-
.in
ministry
he
present goodly golden harvest
A
remain and his

of
to in
colleagues are making this summer prosecutions and they

;
up
of
seem very well inclined get enough them laughter Well
,
).
(
not
gentlemen I'm complaining will tell you who

of
that but
,
complain loudly outs with whom midwinter while

—
the
it
is
”,
,
"
the solicitor general and his friends are enjoying this summer
In at re
-
newed laughter Well gentlemen some time last September two

,
,
).
prominent leaders Fenian movement alleged

be
to
so
of
the
--
named Kelly and Deasy were arrested

in
least Manchester
,
-
Manchester there considerable Irish population and amongst

is
a
was known those men had sympathisers They were brought

it
then
.
up
the police court and now gentlemen pray attentively mark

. at
,
--
this The Irish executive that morning telegraphed

to
the Man
.
The
of
an
chester authorities strong warning attempted rescue

a
Manchester police had full notice how did they treat the timely
-
warning sent from Dublin warning which heeded would have

if
,
a
,
;
all
averted this sad and terrible business which followed upon that
day Gentlemen the Manchester police authorities scoffed
at
the
,
!
warning They derided Hirish alarm What The

as
it
"
!
or a
.
:
labourers rescuing prisoners from

of
idea low Hirish hodmen

“
them the valiant and the brave Why gentlemen the Seth
,
,
,
!
Bromleys the force

of
Manchester waxed hilarious and de

in
“
risive over the idea They would not ask even truncheon put
, to
.
flight even thousand Hirish

so
to
those despised and des

of
;
“
"
a
pite specific warning from Dublin the van containing the two
,
set
by
Frenian leaders guarded eleven police officers out from the

,
,
police office to the jail. Now , gentlemen , charge on the stolid I

vain gloriousness in the first instance , and the contemptible pusi
lanimity in the second instance , of the Manchester police - the
all
valiant Seth Bromleys -
of
that followed On the skirts the
.
city the van was attacked by some eighteen Irish youths having
,
no
gentlemen
—
three revolvers three revolvers and more amongst
-
the sight
at
of
them The valour the Manchester eleven vanished
.
of
seems loaded with blank
of
those three revolvers some them
to it
,
,
cartridge The Seth Bromleys took their heels They aban
!
or to
doned the van Now gentlemen do not understand me call
,
.
an
those policemen cowards
It
to
hard blame unarmed man who
is
.
un
runs away from pointed revolver which whether loaded
to ,
a
do
powerful persuasion depart But say that
in is
loaded
I
a
,
in I
-
.
believe my soul that that had occurred here Dublin eleven
if
re
our metropolitan police whould have taken those three
of
men
Oh
perished the attempt applause eleven Irish
in
or
if
volvers
,
(
).
policemen had run away like that from few poor English lads with
barely three revolvers how the press England would yell
of
of in
fierce
,
Irish
to
why they would trample
—
denunciation scorn the name

in ,
man pplause vainly

-
to
the court which the officials tried
,
) (a
silence
.
Mr. Justice Fitzgerald these interruptions continue the parties

If
,
-
so
offending must be removed

.
Mr. Sullivan am sorry my lord for the interruption though

,
the ;
-
I
the
not sorry people should endorse my estimate police

of
by
.
its
Well gentlemen the van was abandoned valiant guard but

,
;
,
by
there remained inside one brave and faithful fellow Brett name
-
,
be.
am now giving you the facts my conscience and soul
as
in
I
lieve they occurred

, as
my countrymen
—
and aye and

of
millions ,
-
of
Englishmen solemnly believe them have

to
thousands too
in
occurred though they differ one item widely from the crown
,
up
to he
give the key
of
Brett refused
to
version the van which

,
.
held and the attacking party commenced various endeavours

;
it of
At
open length pistol

to
break one them called out fire

a
it
, .
into the lock and thus burst open The unfortunate Brett
at
.
that moment was looking through the keyhole endeavouring get

to
,
he
the inexplicable scene outside when

of
view received the

,
a
be
bullet and fell dead that may may

or
Gentlemen the true

it
,
"
,
.
be
the mistaken version You may hold the other you may
to
or
or ,
.
be
hold But whether

to
this mistaken therein otherwise

I,
,
I
as .
say here would say stood now before my Eternal Judge

if
I
,
on the Last Day solemnly believe the mournful episode

to
have
I ,
I
by
happened thus— solemnly believe that the man Brett was shot
, by
accident and not design But even suppose your view differs
,
sincerely from mine will you can you hold that thus conscienti
,
I,
,
ously persuaded sympatắise with murder because sympathise

,
with men hanged for that which contend was accident and not
,
I
That exactly the issue Well the rescued

in
murder this case

is
?
,
all
Fenian leaders got away and then when was over when the
;
danger was passed valour tremendous returned

to
of
the fleet foot

-
Manchester police . Oh , but they wreaked their vengeance that

night on the houses of the poor Irish in Manchester ! By a savage
razzia they soon filled the jails with our poor countrymen seized on
suspicion . And then broke forth
all
over England that shout
of
of
us
anger and passion which none will ever forget The national
.
pride had been sorely wounded the national power had been
;
openly and humiliatingly defied the national fury was aroused
.
all
On sides resounded the hoarse shout for vengeance swift and
its ,
strong Then was seen sight the most shameful
of
kind that
a
.
this century has exhibited sight thought which English
of
at
a
for
men yet will hang their heads shame and which the English
,
historian will chronicle with reddened cheek those poor and
In
humble Irish youths led into the Manchester
in
dock chains
!
chains Yes iron fetters festering wrist and ankle Oh gentle
;
,
of it !
in
for
fearful sight
no
men was one can pretend that the
;
a
,
England
be
heart powerful there could danger those poor Irish
youths would overcome the authorities and capture Manchester
.
on
For what then were those chains put untried prisoners
,
?
was this point exactly that Irish sympathy came
at
Gentlemen
of it
,
those prisoners was when we saw them thus

It
to
the side
.
be
used and saw that innocent guilty they would immolated
of or
,
glut the passion the hour that our feelings rose

to
sacrificed
high and strong England there were men
in
their behalf Even

in
.
for
-noble hearted Englishmen England never without such

of is
,
-
who saw that this national frenzy

in
men tried the midst

if
,
-
be
those victims would sacrificed and accordingly efforts were

;
postponement the trial But the roar passion

of
of
made for
itsa
carried way Not even till the ordinary assizes would the trial
. .
be
do
postponed special commission was sped

, to
the work while

A
Manchester jurors were panic indignation

, in
of
white heat and

a
,
be
fury Then came the trial which was just what might expected
.
Witnesses swore ahead without compunction and jurors believed

,
Five men arraigned together prin

as
them without hesitation

.
cipals Larkin O'Brien Shore and Maguire

—
Allen were found

,
,
,
to
guilty and the judge concurring

, in
the verdict were sentenced

,
Five men not three men gentlemen five men

in
—
death the
-
.
by
one verdict not five separate verdicts Five men the same
,
evidence and the same jury Was that just

in
the same verdict

a
.
The case the crown here ay

to
—
of
verdict that was that

it
is
it
?
-d
of
impeach that verdict copy thatconviction

to
sedition
.:
as isis
A
"
in”
as
for
of
handed charging
to
here evidence convict me sedition

do
that that was wrong verdict bad verdict rotten and

a
a
I
a
,
false verdict But what the fact That her Majesty's minis
is
a
?
.
ters themselves admit and proclaim that was wrong verdict

it
,
a
false verdict The very evening those men were sentenced thirty
,
.
petition pro
up
to
newspaper reporters sent the Home Secretary

a
of
testing that
of
the evidence the witnesses and the verdict the

jury notwithstanding
at
there was least one innocent man thus

marked for execution The government felt that the reporters
.
were right and the jurors wrong They pardoned Maguire

an
as
.
innocent man —that same Maguire whose legal conviction is here

put in as evidence that he and four others were truly murderers , to
sympathise with whom is to commit sedition — nay, “ to glorify the
cause of murder .” Well , after that, our minds were easy. We
considered it out of the question any man would behanged on a
verdict thus ruined , blasted , and abandoned ; and believing those
men innocent of murder , though guilty of another most serious
legal crime - rescue with violence , and incidental, though not in .
tentional loss of life — we rejoiced that a terrible mistake was , as we
thought, averted . But now arose in redoubled fury the savage cry
for
vain good men noble and humane men England
in
blood
In
,
,
.
by
tried save the national honour breasting this horrible out
to
for
passion They were overborne mercy
of
.
burst Petitioners
.
all
were mobbed and hooted the streets We saw
in this we saw
.
all
and think you did not sink into our hearts Fancy
if
this
it
;
?
we
you can our feelings when heard that yet another man out
of
five
he
ah
was respited was an American gentlemen an American

- ,
,
-
-
an
not Irishnan but that the three Irishmen Allen Larkin and
,
,
a be
on
toon
verdict and
to
O'Brien were put

to
in to
—
die were death
a
,
evidence that would not hang dog England We refused
!
and thus incredulous deemed
to
to
the last credit idle make
it
it
,
;
any effort But was deadly true

to
save their lives was true
it
it
;
.
.
in
And then gentlemen the doomed three appeared new charac
,
.
ter
Then they rose into the dignity and heroism
of
martyrs
.
.
The manner which they bore themselves through the dreadful
in
was then we ali learned

It
, to
ordeal ennobled them for ever love
as
and revere them patriots and Christians Oh gentlemen
it
by re is
,
.
only this point feel my difficulty addressing you whose

. in
at
ligious faith only Catholics

it
not that which For

is
mine
is
is
who can understand the emotions aroused Catholic hearts

in
as
in
conduct such theirs that dreadful hour Catholics alone can

.
of
understand how the last solemn declarations such men after

,
receiving the last sacraments

of
meet their
to
the Church and about

,
Great Judge face face can outweigh the reckless evidence

of
to
Yes
in
Manchester thieves and pickpockets that hour they told

;
.
we
us
they were innocent but were ready

doto
die and believed

,
did
go
them We believe them still Aye we They not

,
.
their lips
on
to
meet their God with falsehood On that

a
night before their execution picture

oh
What
a
what scene
a
,
,
The
!
did England present

of
the Manchester scaffold

at
the foot
!
populace thronged They

of
thither
in
brutal tens thousands

.
danced they sang they blasphemed they chorused Rule

;
;
by
;
way
of
Britannia and God save the Queen taunt and de

,
",
"
"
the men whose death agonies they had come Their

to
of
fiance see
!
shouts and brutal cries disturbed the doomed victims inside the
in
as
prison their cells they prepared prayer and meditation

in
to
meet their Creator and their God Twice the police had
to
remove
.
the crowd from around that wing

of
the prison
so
that our poor

;
go
brothers might peace through their last preparations for eter

in
by
nity undisturbed the yells the multitude outside Oh gentle

of
,
,
.
men , gentlemen —that scene ! That scene in the grey cold morn
ing when those innocent men were led out to die - to die an igno
minious death before that wolfish mob ! With blood on fire - with
bursting hearts —we read the dreadful story here in Ireland . We
knew that these men would never have been thus sacrificed had not
their offence been political, and had it not been that in their own way
they represented the old struggle of the Irish race . We felt that
if time had but been permitted for English passion to cool down , Eng
lish good feeling and right justice would have prevailed ; and they
never would have been put to death on such a verdict . All this
we felt , yet we were silent till we heard the press that had hounded
those men to death falsely declaring that our silence was acquiescence
in the deed that consigned them to murderers ' graves . Of this I
have personal knowledge , that , here in Dublin at least, nothing was
done or intended , until the Evening Mail declared that popular
feeling which had had ample time to declare itself , if it felt other
wise , quite recognised the justice of the execution . Then we re
solved to make answer . Then Ireland made answer . For what
monarch , the loftiest in the world , would such demonstrations be
made , the voluntary offerings of a people's grief ! Think you it was
66
for
or
us
sympathy caused the priests
of
murder called forth
,
”
the Catholic Church drape their churches libel

, to
atto
utter
of It
is
a
?
to no
the base charge No With the acts those men that

.
.
we
rescue had nought say Of their innocence murder we of

.
were convinced Their patriotic feelings their religious devotion

,
of . ,
.
we
saw proved the edifying manner their death

in
of
the noble
,
We believed them have been unjustly sacrificed

in
to
moment
a
national passion and we resolved rescue their memory from the

to
;
foul stains their maligners and make proud one for ever with
of
it
a
,
Sympathy with murder indeed What am about

to
Irishmen
I ,
I
!
.
I no
inbe
say will think have shown conse

of
believed for fear

;
I
by
quences standing my acts and principles say for myself

—
by
for
priests people this

of
and the and Ireland who are affected

,
case that sooner would we burn our right hands cinders than ex
to
,
or
press directly indirectly sympathy with murder and that our

, ,
;
,
for
sympathy Allen Larkin and O'Brien based upon the convic

is
,
tion that they were innocent any such crime Gentlemen having
of
,
.
all
to
regard this sad business having regard

to
of
the circumstances
it ,
we
the feelings under which acted think you true charge

is
of a
,
we
for
that had our intent and object the bringing the adminis
.
justice into contempt man by protesting

of
tration Does ever

,
a
?
,
an
not infallible tribunal

so
vehemently against
of
act incur
,
,
a
be
its
the charge attempting overthrow What evidence can

of
you that we uttered word against the general character

to
shown
a
in
of
justice this country while denouncing

of
the administration
a ,
this particular proceeding which we say was

of
fearful failure
, ,
justice passion Nones

of
horrible blunder terrible act

a
a
-
none this country

in
say for myself sincerely believe that

,
,
I
I
,
by
ours justice the judges the Irish Bench

of
of
administered
is
with purity and impartiality between man and man not

be
sur
to
a
.
THE WEARING OF THE GREEN , 71
passed in the universal world . Let me not be thought to cast re

Hection on this court , or the learned judges before whom I now
stand , if I except in a certain sense, and on some occasions , political
trials between the subject and the crown . Apart from this , fear I
lessly say the bench of justice in Ireland fully enjoys and is worthy
I political
I
of respect and homage . care not from what party its
members be drawn , say that , with hardly exception , when
an
robed with the ermine , they become dead to the world of politics , and
sink the politician in the loftier character of representative of
Sacred Justice . Yet , gentlemen , holding ,
those views I would ,
nevertheless , protest against and denounce such a trial as that in
Manchester , ifit had taken place here in Ireland . For , what we
contend is that the men in Manchester would never have been
found guilty on such evidence , would never have been executed
on such a verdict , if time had been given to
let
panic and passion
English good sense and calm reason and
let
pass away
to
time
-
ye
on
justice have sway Now gentlemen judge
of
sense me this
,
,
.
whole case for have done have spoken great length but
at
,
I
I
;
,. I
.
plead not merely my own cause but the cause my country
of
For myself care little stand before you here with the manacles
I
I
might say my hands Already

on
prison cell awaits me
in
a
,
I
, .
My doom any event Already con

in
is
Kilmainham sealed
for ,
a
.
my opinions .
on
viction has been obtained against me this same
event for not one arrow alone that has been shot from the
is
it
;
crown office quiver my reputation my property my

at
at
—
me
,
,
be
In
liberty few hours more my voice will silenced but before

a
;
.
for
appeal your verdict

to
the world shut out from me term

is
, ——
a
I
,
the verdict my fellow citizens my fellow countrymento

to
of
of
, -
judge my life my conduct my acts my principles and say am

,
a a
I
in
criminal Sedition rightly ordered community indeed

is
it ,
,
a
.
crime. But who that challenges me Who that demands

is
is
, it
to ?
Oh
my loyalty Who that calls out me ingrato son

is
it
"
?
where the filial affection the respect the obedience the support
is
,
,
that my due Unnatural seditious and rebellious child dun

is
a
,
97
?
my accuser
in
geon shall punish your crime look the face

if of
I
!
t urn
to
who thus holds me the duty see there can

to
of
son
I
I
a
.
of
recognise the features that mother whom indeed love my own

,
see,
I
dear Ireland look into that accusing face and there scowl
II
,
,
a
I
.
and not smile miss the soft fond voice the tender clasp the loving
,
a
,
.
upon grasp punish

to
to
word look the hands reached out me

I
-
red
.
me and great stains blood upon those hands and my sad

lo
;
;
my widowed mother Ireland Then

of
heart tells me the blood

it
is
my accuser_
no
on
on
me my love
to
answer You have claim

,
“
I
You are not my mother

sit
my duty my allegiance You indeed

,
.
.
in
the place where she should reign You wear the regal garments
.
torn from her limbs while she now sits

in
the dust uncrowned

,
,
and overthrown and bleeding from many wound But my

,
a
,
me
by
with her still Her claim alone recognised

is
heart She
is
,
.
still commands my love my duty my allegiance and whatever the

;
,
prison chains be
or
be
be
to
her
it
penalty may exile death

it
I
,
,
,
will be true ( applause ) . But , gentlemen of the jury , what is

that Irish nation to which my allegiance turns ? Do I thereby
mean a party , or a class , or creed ? Do I mean only those who
think and feel as I do on public questions ? Oh , no . It is the
the
whole people of this land - nobles the peasants the clergy the
,
merchants the gentry the professions the Catholic
—
the traders
,
,
. ,
,
; am
, all
the Protestant the Dissenter Yes loyal that good
to
I
,
a
.
loyal am ready not merely
be
and patriotic citizen should
to
I
support with heartfelt allegiance the constitution
of to
obey but
to
,
,
my own country
as
Ireland and the free
of
the Queen Queen
,
-
in
of
parliament Ireland once more reconstituted our national senate
be
will
in
house College green And reconstituted once more

--
it
.
.
In
be
that hour the laws will again reconciled with national feeling
In
be
and popular reverence that hour there will no more dis
.
contempt for the laws for howsoever

or
or
esteem hatred
a
,
,
,
:
people may dislike and resent laws imposed upon them against
no
by
their will
a
subjugating power nation disesteems the laws

,
itre
That day that blessed day
its
own making peace and

of
of
,
,
:
and joy and liberty hope And when

beto
conciliation see
,
I,
,
.
will will
as
in
that hour remembered for me

it
comes come
it
,
,
face the trying ordeal ready suffer for my
to
that stood here
to
,
I
country walking with bared feet over red hot ploughshares like the
-
old
for
be
Yes that day will

in
of
victims remembered me
it
;
,
.
though prison awaits me now that those journa

of
was one
a
I
,
of
lists the people who through constant sacrifice and self immo
,
of .
-
lation fought the battle of the people and won every vestige
,
,
liberty remaining
As
the land Mr. Sullivan resumed his seat

in
,
(
.
the entire audience burst into applause again and again renewed
,
,
all
despite repression
at
efforts
.)
this speech certainly was very consider

of
The effect
Mr. Sullivan spoke for upwards two hours and
of
able
.
six
or
forty minutes until nearly quarter past o'clock

a
,
During the delivery his address twilight had succeeded

of
day light the court attendants later still with silent

;
,
,
-
lit
steps and taper

in
hand stole around and the chan

,
deliers whose glare upon the thousand anxious faces

, ,
to
to
below seemed lend still more impressive aspect

a
the scene The painful idea the speaker's peril which

of
- ,
- .
, all
apparent first amongst the densely packed

to at
was
by
audience seemed fade away degrees giving place

by ,
to
as
feeling triumph they listened the historical

of
to
,
a
British misrule
of
Ireland which Irish

in
narrative
,
disesteem for British law was explained and justified

by,
“
”
on
to
the story
of
and later the Manchester tragedy

which Irish sympathy with the martyrs was completely
vindicated . Again and again in the course of the speech ,

they burst into applause, regardless of threatened pe
nalties ; and at the close gave vent to their feelings in a
all
manner that for a time defied repression
.
When silence was restored the court was formally ad
, ,
journed next day Friday
at
10
o'clock a.m.
to
,
The morning came and with another throng for
it
it
;
,
was known Mr. Martin would now speak his turn
in
be .
anIn
to
order however that his speech which was sure
,
,
important one might close the case against the crown

,
,
his
Mr. Bracken on the court resuming put
in
defence
,
,
as
very effectively follows :

My lords- would say word two but after Mr. Sullivan's
a
or
I,
I
on
grand and noble speech last evening
of
think now needless
it
of ,
my part went procession the 8th December assured
to
the
,
I
.
right reading speech Derby
of
that was the Earl
in
of
from the
it
, on
the Privy Council
of
Dublin
in
newspapers There was sitting
a
.
shop night till twelve o'clock

in
the day before and sat my that

,
I
see
by
to
be
the procession would

, if
forbidden government They
,
.
permitted place fully believe
is to
however take and attended

it
it
,
I
all
ing was right

to
That have say

I
I
.
This short speech

in
delivered clear musical and

a
-
manly voice- put the whole case against the crown

in
onof , a
the speaker too
of
nut shell The appearance fine

—
a
-
handsome robust and well built man the prime

in
,
,
,
life with the unmistakable stamp

of
honest sincerity
,
his countenance and his eye

in
gave his words greater

it -
effect with the audience and was very audibly mur

he ;
all
on
mured sides that had given the government

&
in
home thrust his brief but telling speech

.
Then Mr. Martin rose After leaving court the pre

.
writing what
he
vious evening
to
had decided commit

to
he
he
to to
intended say and now read from manuscript

;
his address the jury The speech however lost

,
of ,
; .
by
nothing this for any auditor out

in
effect view
as
he
would have believed have been spoken usually

to
it
speaks extempore admirably was Mr.

so
delivered
it
,
Martin said
:
am
My lords and gentlemen the jury going trouble this

to
of
-
I
court with some reply the charge made against me in

in
to
this
11
dictment. But I am sorry that must begin by protesting that

do not consider myself as being now put upon my country to be
I I
tried as the constitution directs —as the spirit of the constitution
I
of for
requires —and, therefore , do not address you my legal defence
,
but for my vindication before the tribunal conscience far
a
-
to
more awful tribunal my mind than this Gentlemen regard
,
,
I
.
by
my fellow countrymen known
of my
as
you
or
twelve believed
,
-
prosecutors my political opponents and selected for that
be
to
,
for
the purpose obtaining conviction against me

of
in
reason form
a
of
an
have not the smallest purpose
of
law Gentlemen casting
,
I
.
my prosecutors
of
imputation against your honesty the honesty
or
political trial and
is
who have selected you This this country
It in
,
a
.
political trials are always conducted this way considered
in
is
.
by
exclude from the jury

be
the crown prosecutors their duty
or to
to
.
box every juror known suspected agree with the
or
to
hold
,
, ,
in
accused political sentiment Now gentlemen have not the
,
.
I
objection opposite political
in to
of
least see men the most sentiments

jury try
be
mine placed the provided they placed
to
to
box me ,
-
the
are
as
provided they
of
there constitution commands twelve
-
my neighbours indifferently chosen As loyal citizen am willing

a
I
.
put upon my country and fairly tried before

be
to
and desirous
,
. be
of no
any twelve my countrymen matter what may happen

of
to
,
the political sentiments any But am sorry and
in
of
them
.
dignant that this not such trial This system which over by
of a
is
and over again loyal subjects

in
the Queen Ireland are condemned

its law
by
as
for seeking
in
of to of
form such means the constitution

,
restore her Majesty's kingdom the en

to
of
warrants Ireland
,
joyment national rights this system selecting anti

—
of
Repealers and excluding Repealers from the jury box when a

,
be
to
Repealer like me bring the adminis

to
tried calculated
is
is
,
justice disrepute
of
tration into disesteem and hatred here

,
, .
I
protest against My lords and gentlemen the jury before

of
toit
I
.
any reply charges this indictment the

in
offer the and further

,
by
development those charges made yesterday the learned gentle

of
duty argue the government's case

to
man whose official was

it
against me wish apologise the court for declining

to
to
to
avail
,
I
myself the professional assistance the bar upon this occasion

of
of
.
for
not through any want respect the noble profession

of
of
the
It
is
regard the duties lawyer

of
bar that decline that assistance

a
I
.
I
among the most respectable that His

as
citizen can undertake

a
education has taught him investigate the origin and under

to
to
,
stand the principles law and the true nature loyalty He has
of
of
,
consider how the interests individual citizens may har

to
had
of
monise with the interests community justice and liberty

of
the how
,
be
may united how the state may have both order and contentment
,
.
of
he
The application the knowledge which has gained from the

law
of
of
study the daily facts human society sharpens and

to
It -
all
strengthens his faculties clears his judgment helps him dis

to
,
tinguish true from false and right from wrong

no
wonder
is
,
,
.
an
gentlemen that accomplished and virtuous lawyer holds high

a
,
all
place in the aristocracy of merit in every free country . Like
its
its
as
as
things human the legal profession has dark well bright
it ,
as
as
germs decay and rotten foulness
of
of
side has well
in
,
beauty yet profession
it
health and but noble and one which
is
;
,
admire and respect But above all respect the
to
would desire
,
I
I
.
my country illustrious
—
and the Irish bar the bar made
of
bar own
,
by such memories
as
Grattan and Flood and the Emmets
of
those
,
and Curran and Plunket and Saurin and Holmes and Sheil and
,
,
,
for
may add too they
of
of
O'Connell Burke and Sheridan
,
I
.
were Irish all that made them great The bar

in
of
Ireland wants
.
this day only the ennobling inspirations
of
to
national freedoni
level with the world Under the Union very few
to
raise
it
.
lawyers have been produced whose names can rank history with
in
any the great names But still even the
of
have mentioned
,
.
I
to
present times decay and when the Union preparing carry
of
is
,
to
away our superior courts and the remains
of
our bar Westminster
,
,
to
and turn that beautiful building upon the quay into barrack
a
English tax gatherer's office like the
an
like the Linen Hall

or
,
Custom House there are many learned accomplished and respect -

at ,
,
be ,
able lawyers the Irish bar and far doubt but that
to
from me
it
,
any Irish lawyer who might undertake my defence would loyally exert
the lofty idea of
a as
professional honour commands
to
himself save
But this attack upon my character
as
me from
to
conviction
&
.
good citizen and upon my liberty my lords and gentlemen the only
,
,
full justification
be
be
to
defence could permit
of
offered would
a
I
my political conduct morally constitutionally legally- complete

&
,
be ,
my acts and words alleged seditious and dis

to
of
vindication
loyal and retort against my accusers the charge sedition and
to
of
,
to
disloyalty Not indeed that would desire prosecute these

,
,
I I
.
gentlemen upon that charge could count upon convicting them

if
,
to
and sending them the dungeon instead myself
to
of
don't desire
I
.
hurt hair their wigs because their political

or
to
of
silence them
a
,
opinions differed from mine Gentlemen this prosecution against

,
.
me like the prosecutions just accomplished against two national

,
for
of
newspapers part the crown sup

of
scheme the ministers

of of
is
.
all ,
for
pressing voice protest against the Union suppressing

,
all
public complaint against the deadly results the Union

of
. ,
so act
by
writing for Repeal

all
advocacy speech
or
of
and the Union

all
,
politician
as
Repealer long been

at
Now am have
a
I
at a
that for least twenty four years past Until the national self
is
be
be
government my country first restored there appears

to
to
me
of
,
calno
lawyers say for any other Irish politi

no
as
place locus standi

),
(
,
to
my duty
be
as
question and consider patriotic and

byit
I
&
, ,
of all
loyal citizen
ofto
honourable and prudent means

to
endeavour
procure the Repeal the Act the Union and the restoration
of
,
of
which my country was

as
the independent Irish government

I
,
(
by
my prosecuted speech fraud and force and

in
have said
),
“
",
of its
against the will the vast majority people every race

of
of
of
creed and class though under false form law deprived sixty
,
,
right you
do
of
seven years ago Certainly not dispute the

,
I
,
.
gentlemen , or of any man in this court , or in
ap
all
Ireland
to
,
prove praise you think right
of
as
to to
the Union being wise
if
,
it,
,
and beneficent and advocate its continuance openly by act
in ,
speech and writing
,
But naturally think that my convictions
I
.
, by
this matter
of
be
the Union ought you also gentle
to
shared
,
men and all by
the learned judges and the lawyers both crown law
,
,
by
all.
yers and others and the policemen and soldiers and
,
faithful subjects
of
her Majesty Now gentlemen such
in
Ireland
,
,
.
being my convictions entrust my defence
to
were
to
this court
in
,
I
he
as
lawyer must speak Repealer not only for me but for
a
, ,
,
himself not only
as
professional advocate but
as
man and
a
,
a
from the heart cannot doubt but that there are very many Irish
I'
.
lawyers who privately share my convictions about Repeal Believ
of .
as
ing do my heart and conscience and with all the force

in
I
,
the mind that God has given me that Repeal the right and the only
is
—
,
right policy for Irelanu for healing
all
the wounds
of
our conimu
.
nity all our sectarian feuds
all
our national shame suffering and

. ,
,
for
peril making our country peaceful industrions prosperous

,
,
respectable and happy
in
cannot doubt but that the enlightened
of ,
-
I
profession
be
the bar there must very many Irishmen who like
,
me consider Repeal be right and best and necessary for the
to
,
,
,
public good
by
But gentlemen ever since the Union fraud and
,
,
.
,
force and against the will the Irish people was enacted ever
of
,
by
since that act usurpation English

of of
the parliament
of
the sov
.
ereign rights the queen lords and commons
of
Ireland ever
,
,
-
since this country was thereby rendered the subject instead
of
the
sister England-- ever since the Union but especially for about
of
twenty years past

of
has been the policy

it
those who have got pog

,
.
the sovereign rights
of of
session
to
the Irish crown

of
appoint all
to
places public trust emolument Ireland only such
or
honour
in
, ,
of by ,
by
as
men
or
would submit whether parole tacit understanding

,
all
public utterance
of to
suppress their desire for the Repeal

of
the
Union Such has been the persistent policy towards this country
.
all
those who command the patronage Irish offices paid

of
and
,
unpaid tbepolicy all English ministers whether Whig Tory

of
or
,
-
is .
Combined with the disposal the public forces such policy

of
, --
in a
Flaturally very effective

in
not really reconciling but keeping

Ireland quietly subject
to
hard trial
It
the Union
of
of is
men's
a
.
be
all
patriotism
to
debarred from career profitable and honour

do .
the public service

in
able distinction
of
their own country

I
not wonder that few Irish lawyers

.
in
presence the mighty power

of
,
of
England sacrifice personal ambition and interest

to
dare
to
what
a ,
may seem vain protest against accomplished facts

do
not wish
to
I
it, .
attack
or
as
offend them this court expresses

im
impute
to
.
by
proper motives
to
them thus simply stating the sad facts which

-
in
are relevant my
to
own case this prosecution and explaining

,
that decline professional assistance because few lawyers would

I
,
be
to
adopt my political convictions

so
as
rash and vindicate my

,
political conduct their own and because any lawyer were

meas
if
to so
his
as
bold
am
on
my own terms
to
offer aid too generous

I
,
for
permit him to ruin his professional career my sake Such are
.
the reasons gentlemen the jury and my lords why
, of
am now
I
,
an
going through this trial not secundum artim but like eccentric
,
by
be
patient who won't treated the doctors but will quack himself
.
be
Perhaps would safer did not say word about the legal
if
a
I
I
me
as in
character the charge made against
of this indictment There
.
to
any drugs the phar
as
are legal matters dangerous
in
handle
me for
macopæia Yet shall trouble you short time longer while
,
I
.
in
have not acted way unbecoming
to
endeavour show that
a
a
I
I
good citizen The charge against this indictment that
in
is
I
.
illegal procession and violated the statute
en
an
in
took part
.
titled the Party Processions Act His lordship enumerated
'
.
seven conditions the violation necessary
of
of
. to
some one
is
which
,
render an assembly illegal

at
common law Those seven conditions
.
-
to
are That the persons forming the assembly met carry out
1
.
an
in
That the numbers
2.
unlawful purpose which the persons

.
met endangered the public peace

3.
That the assembly caused
of .
That the assem
4.
the peaceful subjects
to
alarm the Queen
,
bly created disaffection That the assembly incited her Majesty's
5.
.
.
Irish subjects hate her Majesty's English subjects his lordship
to
—
say
of
assembly inciting the

6. of
an
did not anything the case
Queen's English subjects
no
hate the Queen's Irish subjects but
to
,
be
likely That the assembly intended

to
such case tried here

is
asperse the right and constitutional justice

to
of
administration
;
That the assembly impair jus
7.
and
of to
intended the functions
of
bring justice
to
tice and the administration into disrepute
I
.
say that the procession the 8th December did not violate any
- of
of
to to In
one these conditions the first place the persons forming

1
.
that procession did not meet carry out any unlawful purpose-
their purpose was peaceably express their opinion upon public
a
the
In
public servants
of
of
2.
act the crown the second place

.
which those persons met did not endanger the pub

in
the numbers
lic peace those persons carried arms
or of
Thousands
of
None
.
.
injury
no
those persons were women and children There was

.
no
committed against anybody and

be
offence attempted dis

to
the peace took place the third place the assem

3.
of
turbance
In
.
bly caused
of
no
the peaceable subjects

to
alarm the Queen there

-
4.
In
not tittle the fourth place the

to
of
evidence that effect

is
assembly did not create disaffection neither was cal

or
intended
it
,
culated to create disaffection On the contrary the assembly

.
by
give peaceful expression the opinion entertained

to
to
served
vast numbers her Majesty's peaceful subjects upon public act
a
an
of
act which vast numbers

of
of
the servants the crown the

,
Queen's subjects regretted and condemned And thus the assembly

.
or
prevent remove disaffection For such open

to
was calculated and

.
peaceful manifestations the real opinions the Queen's subjects

of
of
upon publicaffairsis the proper safe and constitutional way which

in
. ,
,
In
they may aid prevent disaffection the fifth place the assem
to
of 5.
. . .
to
bly did not incite the Irish subjects the Queen hate her Ma
jesty's English subjects On the contrary was proper constitu
it
a
,
.
tional way of bringing about a right understanding apon a transac

tion which , if not fairly and fully explained and set right, must
produce hatred between the two peoples. That transaction was
calculated to produce hatred . But those who protest peaceably
against such a transaction are not the party to be blamed ,but those
responsible for the transaction . 6. In the sixth place the assem
bly had no purpose of aspersing the right and constitutional ad
ministration of justice . Its tendency was peaceably to point out
faults in the conduct of the servants of the crown , charged with
the administration of justice , which faults were calculated to bring
the administration of justice into disrepute . 7. Nor , in the seventh
place , did the assembly impair the functions of justice , or intend or
. tri
tend to do so . Even my prosecutors do not allege that judicial
.
be
make such an alle
It
bunals are infallible would too absurd
.
all
on
hands that judges
It
plain words admitted
is
in
gation
.
have sometimes given wrong directions that juries have given
,
wrong verdicts that courts justice have wrongfully appreciated
of
,
the whole matter for trial When millions the Queen's subjects
of
.
for
think that such wrong has been done say
to
sedition them
is
it
,
peaceably and publicly On the contrary the constitutiona

so
,
?
]
striving keep the adminis
in
way for good citizens to

to
act
is
of
justice pure and above suspicion
of
tration unfairness
,
by
such open and peaceable protests Thus and thus only
;
,
.
be
may justice being impaired
.
of
the functions saved from

this case wrong had been done Five men had been tried
In
, .
together upon the same evidence and convicted together upon
by
the five was acknowledged the
of
that evidence and while one

,
be be
innocent and the whole conviction was thus acknow

to to
crown
,
of
ledged wrong and invalid three the five men were hanged
,
My friend Mr. Sullivan

in
upon that conviction his eloquent

,
;
.
so
and unanswerable speech yesterday has clearly demonstrated

of
that unhappy and disgraceful affair

of
Manchester that
of
the facts
I
,
that adopt every word

he
shall merely say spoke upon the

of
it
I
I
for
subject mineand justify the sentiment and purpose with

to
,
which engaged the procession say the

of
the 8th December

in
I
.
as for
persons responsible that transaction are fairly liable the

to
bring the administration of justice into

so
charge acting
of
be
contempt unless gentlemen you hold those persons infallible

to
,
no ,
and hold that they can do wrong But gentlemen the consti
,
,
.
tution does not say that the servants

do
nowrong
of
the crown can

.
According
do
no
the constitution the sovereign can

to
wrong but
,
In
ber servants may this case they have done wrong And
,
.
.
gentlemen you cannot right that wrong nor save the administra
,
tion justice from the disrepute into which such proceedings

of
by
are calculated bring giving verdict put my comrades

to
to
a
it,
and myself into jail for saying openly and peaceably that we believe
the administration justice
in
that unhappy affair did

of
do
wrong
as.
But further gentlemen let

us
suppose that you twelve jurors

,
,
,
as
well the servants the crown who are prosecuting me and the
of
,
me
two judges consider

be
to
my opinion upon that

in
mistaken
,
judicial proceeding , yet you have no right under the constitution
for
to convict me of a misdemeanour openly and peaceably express
.
ing my opinion You have such right
to
no
as
and the wisdom
;
.
treating my differences
beof of
opinion and the peaceable expression
of
political act ought
of
as
penal offence
to
—
and the wisdom
a it
a
all
serious question with good and loyal citizens
—
consider that
by
the opinion you are invited the crown prosecutors pronounce
to
penal offence
be
to
is
of
not mine alone nor that alone the tivemen
a
,
all
opinion 30,000 persons osti
of
is
herein indicated but the , the
or of .
mated by the crown evidence have taken part the assenıbly
ofin
to
the opinion besides the 90,000
of
is
the 8th December
100,000 others who standing ; this city
or
at
of
the streets the
in
,
,
by
the
open windows overlooking the streets traversed procession
pro
that day manifested their sympathy with the objects
of
the
; ,
as
the opinion you are morally certain some millions
of
cession
is
,
,
for
your Irish fellow subjects By indicting me the expression
of of of of
,
-
that opinion the public prosecutors virtually indict some millions

the Queen's peaceable Irish subjects only the convenience
It
is
.
of
which could not hold the millions
in
this court one batch
traversers and which would require daily sittings for several suc
,
; go
cessive years through the proper formalities for duly trying

to
be all
only the convenience this court that can of

is
those millions
it
pretended relieve the crown prosecutors from the duty
of
to
trying aud convicting their duty to try

all
if
those millions
do is
it
and convict me The right principles law not allow the ser
of
.
yants neglect their duty bringing

of
the crown
or
to
to
of
evade
law
justice all offenders against the suppose these gentlemen

I
.
may allege that their discretion what offenders against the

at
is
it
law they will prosecute deny that the principles law allow
of
I
.
The Queen her co

at
allow the Queen such discretion

or
them
,
,
.
all
do
justice her subjects accord

, to
to
ronation services swears

,
,
law
by
ing The Queen certainly has the right the consti

to
the
,
.
tution pardon any offenders against the law She has the pre
to
.
of
be
no
rogative mercy But there can no pardon mercy till

of ,
,
be.
by
an
proved law
in
of
after offence due course accusation the

by
alleged offenders before the proper tribunals followed their plea

,
guilty jurors guilty

of
or
And
to
or of
the verdict select one man

.
'
six
men for trial condemnation and pnnishment say

of
out
,
,
,
four millions who have really participated the same alleged

in
wicked malicious seditious evil disposed and unlawful proceed

,
is ,
ing the six men and unfair the other 3,999,994

to
to
unfair
,
duty
on
the part
of
of
of
men dereliction the officers the law

is
a
,
is -
bring the administration justice into disrepute

to
of
and calculated
au.
Equal justice what the constitution demands Under military

is
thority
be
an
army may decimated and few offenders may properly

a
,
be
punished while the rest are left unpunished But under

a
,
free constitution
so
not Whoever breaks the law must be

is
to it
. to
punishment equal justice

is
it or
made amenable not rendered

Is ,
the subjects the Queen not pertinent therefore gentle

to of
,
.
unwise proceeding which my

an
men for me say you this

to
is
,
prosecutors bid you to sanction by a verdict ? I have heard it asked

by a lawyer addressing this court as a question that must be
answered in the negative - can you indict a whole nation ? such If
& proceeding as this prosecution against the peaceable procession of
the 8th December receives the sanction of your verdict , that ques
tion must be answered in the affirmative . will need only a crownIt
prosecutor , an attorney - general, and a solicitor-general , two judges ,
all
, all
and twelve jurors, the other subjects
of
the one mind while
,
mil
of
different mind and the five

in
of
the Queen Ireland are
a
half the Queen's subjects Ireland outside that cir
of
of
Lions and
a
-
cle
her Majesty's subjects may
be
indicted con
of
of
seventeen
in ,
,
in
into
of
victed and consigned penal imprisonment due form law
,
political
us
law understood Gentlemen

is
trials Ireland
I
,
.
far
argue from the common sense man
of
have thus
to
endeavoured
kind with which the principles law must
- be
accord that the
in
of of
,
inde
of
peaceable procession the 8th December that peaceable

the Queen's subjects
of
millions
of
of
monstration the sentiment
any
of
the seven conditions the learned
anof
Ireland did not violate
to -
judge the grand jury defining what constitutes illegal as

in
law
sembly argued that the prosecu

at
common and have also

I
;
' of I .
is
to
tion unwise and calculated excite discontent Gentlemen
,
,
show you that the procession .

of
the 8th
to
shall now endeavour

December did not violate the statute entitled the Party Processions
Act The learned judge his charge told the grand jury that under
in
.
all
this act processions are illegal which carry weapons offence of
,
or
which carry symbols calculated promote the animosity

of
to
some
her Majesty's subjects Applying the law
of
to
other class this case
,
.
his lordship remarked that the processions the 8th

of
of
December
had something military_array that they went regular
no in
—
of
is
,
order with regular step But gentlemen there were

in
arms
,
a
,
.
that procession there were no symbols that procession intended

in
,
provoke animosity any other class

in
or
to
of
calculated the Queen's

subjects any human creature There was neither symbol
or or
in
, ,
,
.
as
nor deed word intended provoke animosity And

to
to
the
.
military array
to
to
not absurd attribute warlike character

is
it
a
-
an
perfectly peaceful assemblage

in
unarmed and which there were

,
or
No offence was given

of
some thousands women and children

?
.
so
any being
of
offered human The authorities were assured the

.
peacefulness and inoffensiveness the assemblage that the police

of
great measure from their ordinary

in
of
were withdrawn duties

a
as
preventing disorders And the remark that the people walked

to
I .
for
with regular step only say the sake

of
need that was done

a
merely doubt whether you are

be
would
if It
order and decorum

to
.
argued any further satisfy yon that

to
of
men common sense

I
the procession did not violate the Party Processions Act

as
it
is by
on ,
'
defined the learned judge The speech delivered that

.
in
an
occasion important element forming judgment upon the

a
the
character and object the procession The speech declared

of
.
be
it to
procession peaceable expression the opinion

an of
of
those who
a
public
an
composed upon important transaction expression

,
1
of sorrow and indignation at an act of the ministers of the govern

ment . It was a protest against that act — a protest which those
who disapproved of it were entitled by the constitution to make ,
and which they made , peaceably and legitimately . Has not every
individual of the millions of the Queen's subjects the right to say
openly whether he approves or disapproves of any public act of
the Queen's ministers ?Have not all the Queen's subjects the right
to say so together , if they can without disturbance of the Queen's
peace ? The procession enabled many thousands to do that without
the least inconvenience or danger to themselves , and with no injury
.
or offence to their neighbours To prohibit or punish peaceful , in .
offensive , orderly , and perfectly innocent processions upon pretence
that they are constructively unlawful, is unconstitutional tyranny .
Was that done because the ministers discovered that the terror of
suspended habeas corpus had not in this matter stifled public
procession had
-I
opinion ? Of course, if anything be prohibited by government ,
the people obey of course I obey .
not understood
I
would not have held the
that it was permitted . But
understanding that it was permitted , and so believing that
their sentiment , I
it might serve the people for a safe and useful expression of
held the procession .
procession because I believed it to be illegal, but because
I
did not hold the
be I
lieved it to be legal and understood it to be permitted . , In this
country it is not law that must rule a loyal citizen's conduct , but
the caprice of the English ministers . For myself , I acknowledge
I
that submit to such a system of government unwillingly , and
with constant hope for the restoration of the reign of law , but I do
submit . Why at first did the ministers of the crown permit an ex
pression of censure upon that judicial proceeding at Manchester by
why
a procession -
did they not warn her Majesty's subjects against
the danger breaking the law Was not because they thought that
of of
it
?
the suspended habeas corpus would

so to be
the terrors enough prevent

to
all
the people from coming openly forward express their real

at
because they found that

so
it
sentiments Was vehement and

?
general was the feeling indignation that unhappy transaction

of
at
they did venture openly

at
Manchester that
to
come forward with

-
perfect and most careful observance the peace express

of
to
their real sentiments that the ministry proclaimed down the

—
I us
procession and now prosecute stifle public

in
to
order
,
opinion Gentlemen the jury have said enough

to
of
con
,
?
my
in
vince any twelve reasonable men that there was nothing

that procession which you can declare
of
in
conduct the matter

be
to
ill
disposed and
on
your oaths malicious seditious

,
,
,
-
“
I in:
disturb the peace and tranquillity

to
of
tended the realm

to .
"
.
, by
asking the
to
no
shall trouble you furth except you listen

up
listen
of
summing you judge

to
the indictment and while

,
between me and the attorney general shall read you my

I
,-
.
us
Judge Irish jurors which two

of
words and his comment

,
, by
.
guilty
us
Let this proceeding

is
therefore conclude
,
,
:-
"
.
ioining heartily
off
with bats the prayer

in
of
those three med

,
6
. God save Ireland . ' ' " Thereby , " says the attorney - general in his
indictment, “ meaning , and intending to excite hatred, dislike ,and
animosity against her Majesty and the government , and bring into
contempt the administration of justice and the laws of this realm ,
and cause strife and hatred between her Majesty's subjects in
Ireland and in England , and to excite discontent and disaffection
against her Majesty's government . ” Gentlemen , have I now
done .
Mr. Martin sat own amidst loud and prolonged applause .
This splendid argument , close , searching , irresistible ,

gave the coup de grace to the crown case . The
prisoners having called no evidence , according to
honourable custom having almost the force of law , the
prosecution was disentitled to any rejoinder . Neverthe
far
Iess, the crown put up
as its
ablest speaker man
a
an-
surpassing lawyer and orator both
in
attainments
a
the Attorney and Solicitor General Mr Ball Q.C.
to
,
,
-
.
press against the accused that technical right which
honourable usage reprehended unfair No doubt
as
!
the crown authorities felt which
. in
was not moment
it
or a
be
they could afford squeamish scrupulous The

to
speeches ofMr. Sullivan and Mr. Martin had had
of a
visible effect upon the jury
in
had fact made shreds

,
,
-
Mr. Ball was put up

as
the last
so
the crown case and

;
of
hope averting the He spoke

of
disaster failure
a
.
”
with his accustomed ability and dignity and made

a
. ,
powerful appeal Then Mr.

to of
behalf
in
the crown
Justice Fitzgerald proceeded charge the jury which
,
he
did his own peculiarly calm precise and perspicu

. in
,
,
At
the outset referring the

to
ous style the protest

of
,
accused against the conduct the jury

of
the crown
in
he
challenges the govern

to
administered keen rebuke

,
a
he
no
ment officials doubt the strict legal

It
was said
,
,
.
of
right act had done yet considering

it
to
as
the crown
;
that this was case which the accused was accorded

in
a
that right
in no
corresponding privilege the exercise

of
,
by
the crown certainly was his Mr.

in
such manner
a
,
for
Justice Fitzgerald's estimation subject grave objection

,
a
Here there was what the newspaper reporters call

in
sensation court What this

to
Had come
«
it
.”
,
!
of
of
that one the chief institutions the land- very

a
andhis
eneralin
pillar the crown and government namely jury packing
! to of
,
-
. -
dislike
Mon
,
,
n , into
reflected upon from the bench itself
be
bring was
thisrealm strous
subjectsi charge though mild language was pretty
in
The
,
,
was im
to on
Hisatiection
of
sharp criminality
as
the such conduct
"
are now
certainly left some margin
to
puted the accused yet
,
the jury for the exercise their opinion upon
of
se the law
.
“
and the facts
.”
At
sistible
the afternoon the jury retired
,
in
to
two o'clock
The
the judges
- at
as
consider their verdict and the same
,
V, 7g
their chamber the pent

to
up
to
moment withdrew feelings
,
the
the crowded audience instantly found vent loud
in
of
rthe
on
Babel like expressions and interchange
. of
comments
-
far Waiting for

the charge and conjectures
to
as
the result
,
“
both the verdict scene that has often been described and
is
a
”
to
an
course concluded that half
of
Everyone hour
-,
painted
-
.
nich any case elapse before the anxiously watched

would
in
ubt
jury room door would open but when the clock hands
;
-
Lich
neared three suspense intense and painful became more
,
he
, be
in
every countenance
It
and more visible
to
seemed
.
all
only now that men fully realized

Et of 8
that was stake at

on
all
that was peril this trial

in
in
A
conviction this
,
an
of
case rendered the national colour Ireland for ever more

illegal and forbidden emblem this case
in
A
conviction
!
would degrade the symbol nationality into badge

of
of
To every fevered anxious mind this moment

at
faction
!
gloomy times dark

of
rose the troubled memories the

—
and evil days chronicled that popular ballad the music

in
,
of "
and words which now seemed

to
haunt the watchers

in the court
:
Oh
Patrick dear and did you hear

,
,
"
The news that's going round

?
The shamrock by law forbid

is
on
To
grow Irish ground

.
No more St. Patrick's day we'll keep

His colour can't be seen
,
law
For there's bloody again

a
The Wearing the Green

of
"
.
But hark There the jury room door

at
is
noise
a
!
jury
It
opens murmur swell

A
the enter the box

,
-
.
ing to almost a roar , from the crowded audience , is in

stantly followed by a deathlike stillness . The judges
are called ; but by this time it is noticed that the fore
man has not the issue- paper " ready to hand down ; and
a buzz goes round— " a question ; a question ! ” It is
even so . The foreman asks :
Whether , if they believed the speech of Mr. Martin to be in

1 itself seditious , should they come to the conclusion that the as.
semblage was seditious ?
is the
Mr. Justice Fitzgerald answers in negative and
. ,
a
alí
thrill goes through the audience Nor this One
.
the jurors declares there
of
no chance whatever
of
is
their agreeing verdict Almost cheer breaks
to
a
a
out The judge however declares they must retire

,
,
.
again which the jury

do
very reluctantly and doggedly
;
;
,
in
word very unlike men likely persuade one to

a
“
another ima
.”
When the judges again leave the bench for their cham
ber the crowd court give way outright joy Every
in
goto
,
.
face bright every heart light jokes round and
is
;
is
,
;
of
of
there great chaff the crown officials and
is
,
”
“
the polis who poor fellows tell the truth seem

to
,
,
in ,
be “
glad the throng Five o'clock

to
as
the gladdest
as
half past five the jury must surely

be
arrives out soon

-
to-
is At
now quarter six they come and for

an
instant
.
by a
the joke hushed and cheeks suddenly grow pale with

,
evil news But the

be
any chance might

it
fear lest
.
the jurymen tell plainly

no
of
faces verdict The

“
."
judges again are seated The usual questions

in
such
.
cases the usual answers No hope whatever

an
of
:
the Solicitor
to
agreement Then after reference

a
."
sepulchral
in
General who tone supposes there

is
,
,
“
his ”
for
nothing but discharge the jury lordship

to
,
it
"
declares the jury discharged

.
Like volley there burst wild cheer shout that

a
a
,
shook the building Again and again

it
was renewed
;
!
up
the crowd outside sent the tid

by
and being caught

,
ings victory with electrical rapidity through the city

of
.
Then there was a rush at Mr. Martin and Mr. Sullivan .

The former especially was clasped , embraced , and borne
about by the surging throng , wild with joy . It was with
considerable difficulty any of the traversers could get away ,
so demonstrative was the multitude in the streets . Through
out the city the event was hailed with rejoicing , and the
names of the jurymen , " good and bad were vowed to
triumphed ,
perpetual benediction . For once , at least , justice had
injustice had been baulked . For
; or rather
once , at least ,
the people had won the day ; and the
British Government had received a signal overthrow
its
in proscribe
to
endeavour
THE WEARING OF THE GREEN

6.
.”
of
For one the above described memor

in
the actors
a -
able scene the victory purchased but few hours safety

,
at .
M.
Sullivan was placed again

A.
Next morning Mr.

that following upon the
to
the bar hear his sentence

—
the
first the prosecutions hurled against him press

of
(
he
had been found

on
prosecution which guilty

),
Again the court was crowded this time with anxious

a —
hope brief scene Mr. Jus

It
of
faces devoid was

,
tice Fitzgerald announced the sentence

in
six months
—
Richmond Prison and amidst farewell demonstration

a
;
that compelled the business temporarily

of
be
to
the court
suspended the officials led away custody the only one
in
,
by
the prosecuted processionists who expiated punish

of
ment his sympathy with the fate the Martyred Three

of
of
Manchester
.
END
,
*
1
!
32101 062105299
M
This Book is Due
pas

Speeches From The Dock-C1870

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AND HOPES ARE WITH THOSE WHO

Britain's Great Commoner and

America's Friend Time Need

SPEECHES FROM THE DOCK ,

PROTESTS OF IRISH PATRIOTISM .

Speeches Delivered after Conviction ,

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE TERENCE BELLEW M'MANUS

" Freedom'sbattle, once began , .

Kevin Izod O'Doherty D. 148

BrianDillon John Lynch and others 178

Charles Kickham T. D. 187

ThomasF. Burke D. B. S. S. S. s 193

EdwardKelly and Captain Mackey T. D. ... 222

The Dock and the Scaffold A. M. and D.

The Cruise the Jackmell Colonel Warren

Augustine Costello GeneralW. Halpin ... T. D. ... 65

free nations page the world's history which

lover freedom can read without emotion and which

every man with whom patriotism not reproach

lityand sacrifice and sanctified the blood and tears

of nation How hands vile could conquer hearts

the question which our National Poet sup

poses the stranger on

arise the mind looks

the spectacle Ireland her decay but another ques

our country how feeling deeply rooted the

independence the Irish people

love the hearts

-an aspiration warmly and widely entertained

which has been clung with

which has survived through centuries

tion which generations have arisen and fought

and bled and dashed themselves against the power

waves upon our shores universally loved

deeply reverenced and unflinchingly supported

brave and intrepid race , should never have attained the

of the struggle Ireland's rights possesses most attrac

against the stranger were fought and where the men

have still amongst the inheritors their blood their

render independent and prosperous the nation which to

raised and furtherance

names shine through the pages which the story

Ireland's struggles for national existence written

suffered and died To follow out that mournful but

not however the object aimed

the following pages The history

has told truthfully and well and the list books de

every day receiving valuable accessions

Nor has even been attempted this little work

though trenching more closely subject trace

foremost places the ranks

tyrs the subjoined pages little more will

correct report the addresses delivered under

certain peculiar circumstances by the group

whose names are given the titlepage

utterance from the lips these gentlemen

nation's speeches owning similar authorship equally eloquent

significance and were spoken under circumstances which

ment whose oppression had driven them

the solemn farce crime which pos

terity will account virtue had terminated and when the