wide earth, and there is not one among them from the highest to the
humblest, whom I do not hold in the utmost honour and esteem.

_New York, September 21, 1849._

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 1: I am glad it has been found easy to supply these in this
edition of the work.--Ed.]

[Footnote 2: Some of these will also be found in the present
gallery--Ed.]

[Illustration: William Smith O'Brien]




CHAPTER I

RETROSPECT--COMMENCEMENT OF THE REPEAL STRUGGLE.--EARLY DAYS OF THE
ASSOCIATION.


The appearance of this narrative will surprise no one. For apology, if
any be needed, the writer may trust to his own share in the transactions
with which it deals; and still more so perhaps to the misrepresentation
to which, during their progress, he had been personally subjected. But
personal vindication imparts neither interest nor importance to history,
while it necessarily detracts from its dignity and good faith. Besides,