COSTELLO--I will conclude, then. I have nothing to say further
than to thank your lordships for the latitude you have given
me in these few remarks, and also to thank your lordships for
your kindness during my trial. I know you have done me every
justice; you did not strain the law against me; you did
everything that was consistent with your duty to do, and
I have nothing to complain of there. I must again thank my
learned and able counsel for the able, zealous, and eloquent
manner in which they defended me. I am at a loss for words
to express the gratitude I owe to each and every one of those
gentlemen who have so ably conducted my case. Now, my lords,
I will receive that sentence which is impending. I am prepared
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 into exile, if I may so call that house of
misery--a clear conscience, a heart whose still small voice
tells me that I have done no wrong to upbraid myself with.
This is the consolation that I have,--that my conscience
is clear. I know it appears somewhat egotistical for me to
speak thus, but it is a source of consolation for me that I
have nothing to upbraid myself with, and I will now say in
conclusion, that if my sufferings can ameliorate the wrongs or
the sufferings of Ireland. I am willing to be offered up as a
sacrifice for the good of old Erin.

* * * * *

GENERAL W. HALPIN.