The Sun.
London, England, 1844-09-09 00:00:00

GREAT PROCESSION

IN HONOUR OF THE
LIBERATION OF NR. O'CONNELL
AND HIS FELLOW PATRIOTS.

DUBLIN, SATURDAY EVENING.—From an early
hour this morning the busy note of preparation for
the procession was to be heard in all quarters. The
trades were up and stirring, and the whole city
seemed to be on the qui vine. The weather, however,
proved unfavourable, rain having fallen heavily the
previous night, and continued all the morning. Ten
o'clock was the hour appointed for the procession
fzr-aing in Merrion-square, but in consequence of the
rain, twelve o'clock arrived ere that was effected.
Mr. Thomas Reynolds, Marshal of Dublin, acted
as commander-in-chief; he was gaily dressed, with
cocked hat, and mounted on a charger. The line of
route was flanked by crowds of spectators, and the
windows of every house filled. The procession having
been got into line started from the corner of Merrion-
square, turning into Fitzwilliam-street, and pro-
ceeded to Richmond Prison (whither Mr. O'Connell,
&c., returned this morning) in the following order :
The Trades, with banners and bands, the members all
with repeal buttons in their breasts ; the committee
of the National Trades and Political Unions in car-
riages ; the Corporation in carriages, the Lord Mayor
in state carriage, the Triumphal Car (a most magni-
ficent piece of workmanship, surmounted by a chair
of state, all about twenty feet high), drawn by six
greys, with postillions, and two outriders; in front of
the car were two pages, and behind them an Irish
harper; then followed a lengthened range of carriages,
barouches, gigs, hack-cars, and equestrians.
It was a quarter after one o'clock when the last of
the procession left Merrion-square. In this manner
they proceeded at an easy pace through Fitzwilliam-
street, Baggot-street, Stephen's-green, Harcourt-
street, along the Circular-road, to Richmond Prison,
a dense crowd following, and cheering at intervals.
The line of route from the prison was thus laid out
—Along the Circular-road, by Kilmainham, over
Island-bridge, by Conyngham-road, Barrack-street,
Ellis's- quay, Arran -quay, Inns-quay, Ormond-quay
Upper, North Frederick-street, east side of Rutland-
square, Sackville-street, Carlisle-bridge, Westmore-
land-street, Grafton-street, Nassau-street, Clare-
street, Merrion-square North, and the Liberator's
house.

The procession did not reach the prison till half-
past two. Shortly after Mr. O'Connell made his ap-
pearance, and mounted the triumphal car amid deaf-
ening cheers. He was dressed in a loose surtout, and
looked well. His son John having also ascended,
both took their seats, and the procession moved on in
the route prescribed. The other liberated prisoners—
Messrs. Steele, Ray, Gray, Duffy, and Barrett—fol-
lowed in open carriages. The passage was marked
by one continued scene of the most enthusiastic
cheering. All Dublin was out, or in windows.

The most remarkable street in the route was Sack-
ville-street. Nelson's Pillar was crowded, and every
window in the street filled with spectators. The
commencement of the trades' processions arrived at
Nelson's Pillar at 25 minutes to four o'clock, and
its length may be estimated, when it is known that
though going at quick time, they did not entirely
pass till half-past four. At half-past four a tremend-
ous shower of rain fell, which drenched the whole
procession, and threw a gloom over the proceedings.
All underneath was mud and slush. The other parts
of the procession followed, and exactly at a quarter to
five o'clock the, triumphal car entered Sackville-
stre e t.

It is almost impossible to describe the scene ; the
spacious street was crammed with a dense multitude
and the windows crowded. As the car proceeded
along, a continued universal shout rent the air. Mr.
O'Connell every minute standing up and bowing to
his congratulators. On passing Nelson's Pillar, the
scene was magnificent; the street presented a jammed
mass of human heads, every mouth distended, those
in windows waving kerchiefs. Sackville-street never
presented such a mass of human beings since the visit
of George IV.
The procession moved along over Carlisle-bridge,
on its way to Mr. O'Connell's house in Merrion-
square, which it reached about a quarter to six
o'clock, the same degree of enthusiasm marking the
populace as it proceeded. Mr. O'Connell having
descended, entered the house, and shortly appeared
on the balcony, and addressed the immense assem-
blage, thanking them for the grand display they made
in honour of him and his fellow-patriots, and cau-
tioning all against violating the peace.
This may indeed be termed " a great day for Ire-
land." Mr. O'Connell and the repeal party seem to
have gained much strength by his incarceration.
There will be great work at the Conciliation Hall
meeting on Monday next. Mr. O'Connell will be
there, and it is reported that the Hon. Mr. Caulfield,
brother of Lord Charlemont, is likely to take the
chair on the occasion. The rent will be up. During
the thirteen weeks' imprisonment of Mr. O'Connell
there has been collected 27,0001. repeal rent !