also see that there is no necessity for my father, mother,
sisters or relations fretting about me. When I leave this
world it will be (with God's help) to go to a better, to join
the angels and saints of God, and sing His praises for all
eternity. I leave a world of suffering for one of eternal joy
and happiness. I have been to Holy Communion, and, please God,
intend going shortly again. I am sorry we cannot hear Mass;
the good priest is not allowed to say it in this prison.

Give my love to my father and mother, to Mary, Ellen, John
Phillips, Tim, 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 DEAR UNCLE AND AUNT HOGAN,

I 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. I am dying an honourable death: I am dying _for
Ireland_--dying for the land that gave me birth--dying for
the Island of Saints--and dying for liberty. Every generation