The Sun.
London, England, 1829-12-23 00:00:00

THE WATERFORD 1- ;•(-:TION

(From the Dublin .Iro.ming R /is; r Affmtlay.)
Dublin, 29,.Me1.C•0n-squar, N. i!till Dee. Is 2 9.

Sut,—The various statemenre winch have appeared re-
specting the proposition communicated through me to Mr.
O'Connell,. to act as coensel for Lord George Beresford at
the ensuing election for the county Waterford ; the deeiiie
of that transaction given ly Mr. O'Cannell himself,
coupled with his demeed that no part of his letters should
be kept back ; and a natural anxiety to prevent any mis-
conception of the motives either of myself or those for
whom I acted, in a matter which has excited no ordinary
interest, induce me to lay before the public, by the autho-
rity of my client, an account of the circumstances under
which the professional aid of Mr. O'Connell was re-
quested, and of the facts, of which Mr. O'Connell
him-
self, in calling for a publication of his correspondence, has
expressed a wish that the evidence should not be with-
held. It is not my object to assail others, or to impute to
any person any intentional departure from strict accuracy.
' My motive is to vindicate myself from the aspersion, that
any undue means were resorted to, for the purpose of pre-
vailing on a gentleman of great eminence, both political
and professional, to desert his public duty. Charged with
having been the instrument of offering a bribe, and of
having endeavoured to seduce a distinguished individual
from his integrity, I owe it to myself to afford to those
whose good opinion I value, the means of judging whether
I have lent myself to a purpose deserving of so much con-
demnation, and used any corrupt or unwarrantable expe-
dient to procure the legal services of Mr. O'Connell, it
the expence either of his professional reputation, his poli-
tical consistency, or his personal honour.
Nothing can be more foreign from my desire than to
press myself into a wanton and unnecessary publicity. If
in the outset I venture to allude to any part which I have
taken in politics, it is not for the purpose of making any
boast of myself, but to account for the manner in which I
became connected with the canvass of Lord George Beres-
ford. As a Protestant, upon Protestant in inciples, and
for national interests, I had before the settlement of the
Roman Catholic question used my best, although they
were but very humble, efforts to promote it, and while I
do not affect to possess any sort of political influence, yet I
may, I hope, without incurring the charge of presump-
tion, be permitted to say that the endeavours made by
me, in my small sphere, were not altogether unatteriiied
with some useful results. Strenuous and indefatigable
efforts will often supply the absence of eminent ability,—
I merely wish to account for the manner in which, hav-
ing previously had no sort of professional connexion with
Lord George Beresford, I became, after the passing of the
Roman Catholic Relief Bill, associated with a canvass, of
which the oblivion of past differences, and a zealous anxiety
to accomplish a permanent reconciliation amongst ish-
men of all classes, constitute ,tbe fundamental principles.
I have reason to believe that the chief motive which led
the Beresford family to select me (who was equally uncon-
nected with violence upon either side), was a sincere anxiety
to evince their desire that all factious animosities should
be buried with the cause which gave them birth, and in
the opinion that from my knowledge of the leaders of the
Catholic Body, and my acquaintance with their real
feelings, I should be able to point out the best course to
calm those political passions which it must be the wish of
every good man of every party to appease. Before the
Government had determined upon the greet act of tran-
quillization, its opponents might with a vehemence not the
less conscientious, because it was mistaken, have thrown
every obstacle in its way. But it would have been a
worse than useless indulgence in retrospective animosities,
when once the measure hail passed into a law, to have per-
petuated the contentions to which it had given rise. When
I had ascertained there was on the part of a family,which
had been assailed with much invective, a disposition to
commit all former feuds to oblivion, and to co-operate
with the Legislature in the work of reciprocal forgiveness
and national peace, I suggested that Lord George Beresford
would only aet in accordance with that salutary policy if
he were among the first. to take a step which would be
strongly and conspicuously indicative of this patriotic
solicitude, and give an example in his own person of
that kindly feeling which it is the duty of individuals,
however formerly exasperated, to inculcate. With this
view I recommended that the two gentlemen that had been
most active leaders in the Roman Catholic cause, and who
had distinguished themselves by their opposition to his fa-
mily, should, under the total change of circumstances
which had recently taken place, be immediately employed
by him as his professional assistants, but without any
compromise of abstract political opinions on either side.
I thought that both parties might forego their antipathies
without any sacrifice of their principles. I hoped that
Mr. O'Connell would he ready to lend his powerful aid in
giving consummation to that great measure which he had
been so instrumental in advancing, and that although Mr.
Shell, by his inflammatory harangues, had greatly con-
tributed to the alarming excitement which had preceded
the Catholic Relief Bill, he had views too sound to perse-
vere in that system of agitation of which the only legiti-
mate ends had been just achieved. With 'this object, in
which I conceived that the public good was blended with
the advantage of my client, I recommended the selection
of those gentlemen as Counsel, a measure which, guarded
by express stipulations, I felt would have operated as an
act of amnesty on all sides, without any kind of pledge,
either direct or implied en either side, as to any one of the
great political questions which might afterwards grow into
discussion. For what possible inference could be drawn
from. the employment of Mr. O'Connell or Mr Sheil, with
respect to the pert which these gentlemen or their clients
may think proper to take in reference to parliamentary re-
form, or any other measure which may become the subject
of popular discussion or of legislative deliberation ? These
views, whatever opinion may be formed as to their cor-
rectness, were honestly and honourably entertained, and
adopt, d by my client. The detail of the negociation it-
self which took place with Mr. O'Connell and Mr. Sheil,
will' best appear by the correspondence of which Mr.
O'Connell has called for the publication, and the publica-
tion of which, even if he had not challenged it, would
have been rendered necessary by the statement he had re-
peatedly made at the meeting in Youghal, and elsewhere,
that a bribe had been offered to him, which lie had in-
dignantly rejected.
After the necessary communications, and having permis-
sion to do so, I wrote a letter from London to my brother
and partner, stating my views, and giving him authority to
retain Mr. O'Connell and Mr. Sheil for the next election
for the county of Waterford in the event of Mr. Villiers
Stuart's expected resignation. Upon receipt of my letter,
my brother lost no time in communicating with Mr. Shed,
then in Dublin, and that gentleman having stipulated that
he was to act in an exclusively professional capacity, and
that he eras not to compromise any political opinion, or
render any political service, agreed to accept a retainer for
Lord George Beresford ; and as it has been stated that Mr.
Shell was hired by the Beresford family, and the word
" bribe" has. been also used in his regard, it is but an act
of justice to him to state, that after having thus stipulated
that his political support was not to be expected, and that
he was to act merely as counsel, he unhesitatingly agreed
to give Lord George Beresford his professional assistance
without making or alluding to any pecuniary terms what-
ever.

Mr. O'Connell being absent from Dublin on his canvass
for the county of Clare, my brother addressed to him the
following letter:—
(PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL.)

" 29, Merrion-square, North, June 12,1829.

"MY DEAR O'CONNELL,-I this day received a pri-
vate letter from Peirce, dated London, 10th instant, au-
thorising me to communicate with you and Mr. Sheil, in
the strictest professional and personal confidence, on the
subject of this letter; first. obtaining► your assurance
that it should not be.divulged by you, or made use of in
any manner, without previous consent, unless you judged
it right to accept the offer I am about to make, and that
you were released from secrecy. Upon this previous un-
derstanding I will proceed to state my object; and should
you (as I trust you will) accept my offer, please write
me by return of post. If you decline it, then burn this,
and let me hear in reply ; and I will consider that the
matter remains with you, and not to go further.
" You are aware of the retirement of Mr. Stuart from
the representation of Waterford. This event was ex-
pected, but had not taken place at the date of Peirce.;
letter. On the morning- of that day, Peirce had a commu-
nication with Lord Beresford and Sir George 11;11, and he
was authorised to endeavour to secure your valuable ser-
vices, professionally, for Lord George Beresford, at the
ensuing election for Waterford, assuming Mr. Stuart to
retire, as he has since announced. _ _

The anxiety on their part to retain you on behalf of
Lord G. Berestord is the strongest mark of his Lordship's
desire to bury in oblivion, and for ever, the political differ-
ences which formerly existed between you and his Lord-
ship ; and that he wishes to become the representative of
the County of Waterford, and not of any political party in
it. His object will be during his canvass, as well as dur-
ing the election, to give an example of forbearance, and
restoring friendly feeling among all parties. Pierce adds
forgetfulness of all past differences
his own hope and expectation, that you will readily eat-
; and thus to assist in
brace this opportunity of proving your willingness in an
equal degree, to contribute to the same result—in which
hope I myself concur, and trust your reply will justify us.
" Be your decision what it mav
.sPeirce and I were re-

:.ted tt• 7.-ur previous promise, not to disclose
wit I n w i:lieut the permission of Lord George
l.krosfct :imed assent I now write.
" I ...ay a•t•t tbst I believe (in addition to the fact that
all the Berestan,t pa, ,y, ititte in number, with the excel-) •
tion of the rums late measures for the r.-
generati,n Ir.darul :Ito ;,(I:,:rulc:qnent of her be=t in-
Ne-est,), ii the wlioda t wh was I:tiown, it would he
found that the Cat.hoiics h id not, in this family, the bitter
enemies they supposed ; lot eirethr.stances prevented their
sheaving how they felt or were acting. However, there is
no longer " a Catholic question,"—it is no longer a struggle
whether a supporter of emancipation is to be returned or
not. It is merely whether a member connected witi , and
interested in, the general prosperity of Ireland is to be re-
turned. Religious prejudices have no longer any concern
in this election. To consolidate and unite all the in-
terests of the country, ought to be our common object, ar.d
I conclude you will be found amongst the foremost to pro-
mote this great work of perfect conciliation and oblivion of
past differences.
" Mr. Sheil has accepted the retainer, and allow me to
say, you will do the same. The arrangements )nu may
safely confide to our friend by whose desire I now ad-
dress you. Of course your compensation must be ample.
How goes on the Clare registry? and when do you return?
" Believe me, dear O'Connell. sincerely your's,
" DAVID MAIIONY.
" To Daniel O'Connell, Esq. Ennis."

To the foregfing lever my brother received the follow-
ing reply :--
(Private.) " Kilrush, June 14, 1E29.

"My DEAR MAHO.NY,—You may re), upon it that
the communication to me shall be strictly confidenti .1. I
am exceedingly delighted at the offer made me, as it proves
that the memory of former dissentions is to be buried in
oblivion. No man living mot e heartily desires that con-
summation than I do. Before I accept the retainer I wish
to have it distinctly understood, that if I do accept it,
there is to he no expectation that I will do anything be-
yond my professional duty, that is, there is to be tn. sale
by me, nor any purchase by them, of my political exer-
tion. I made this stipulation with Villiers Stuart, and
although I went beyond that duty for him, it was only be•
cause the political sentiments I then advocated were more
mine than they were his—this is a point which must be
distinctly understood before I even consider whether I shall
or not accept the retainer. If the offer of it, under those
circumstances, shall be repeated—a matter of which I en-
tertain some doubt, as out of term I made Villiers Stuart
pay me 6001.—my professional remuneration I will leave
to you and your brother, should the offer be repeated, and
should Ihe able to accept of it. I need not tell you that
there could not be a greater inducement held out to me
than the fact that you and your brother are the law agents
of the Beresford family on this occasion. I have always
been exceedingly well treated by that family when they
employed me as a professional man.
" I will certainly be in Dublin on Thursday night at
the latest. I have this county hollow, half the county is
not yet gone through, and my majority is already certain.
It is impossible that there should be a serious contest.
You know I would not deceive you, but I can now beat
even Vesey Fitzgerald three to one. No other person
could stand one hour—the popular excitement and enthu-
siasm are greater than ever. Ho e' wise is Master Peel
and Co., to send me back. I destroyed your letter. No
human being shall know anything of its contents, from
" Your's, most sincerely,
" DANIEL O'CONNELL.
" David Mabony, Esq., Dublin."

This 1 tter, together with one from my brother, inti-
mating Mr. Shell's having accepted the retainer, having
reached me in London, after consulting Lord George
Beresford I wrote to my brother as follows:
" London; Union Hotel, 28th June, 1829.

"My DEAR Davin,—On Monday I received your letter
of Saturday, stating that Mr. Sheil agreed to accept a
retainer from Lord George Beresford, for the next Water-
ford election (as proposed by you on the authority of my
letter of the 10th instant ) and I also received your letter
of the 16th instant, enclosing Mr. O'Connell's answer to
a similar application made by you to him, dated Kilrush,
14th instant.

" I have handed Mr. O'Connell's and your letters to
Lord George Beresford, and I am desired to request you
will state to both Mr. O'Connell and Mr. Sheil, that your
authority is to retain them respectively, as Counsel for
Lord Waterford's interest at the next election for the
county of Waterford. That, of course, it is not intended
to compromise the politics of either party. That neither
Messrs. O'Connell or Shell will be snore responsible for
the polities of the candidate (whether Lord George
Beresford, or some other member of the Beresford family,
and none are at present thought of but Lord George) than
the candidate will be for theirs. All that we expect from
them is, what they must feel bound as counsel to give—
namely, their zealous support to their client's cause in the
usual way by which such proceedings are governed. Mr.
Wallace was Counsel on the last election for Lord George
Beresford, and will, in all probability, be retained again ;
but surely there was no compromise or bargain for a com-
promise of political conduct on either side. Upon the
question then at issue, no persons (at least in the public
eye) differed more than Lord George and Mr. Wallace.
Yet Mr. Wallace gave Lerd George the full benefit of his
talents during the contest. So would Mr. O'Connell or
Mr. Sheil, if they had been retained as Counsel by Lord
George. If this explanation is satisfactory, you will, upon
receipt, hand to each of these gentlemen a retainer for the
candidate in the interest of the Marquis of Waier`ord for
the next election for the county of Waterford, with twenty
guineas each, and as to the fees to be paid, they shall un-
questionably be liberal ; and, in all probability, I shall
have authority to name them by to-morrow's post—pos-
sibly by this. I told Lord George my opinion as to what
should be their amount, and after he consults other
parties, I am to receive my instructions.
" I wish you would say to O'Connell and Shell, that
their ready acquiescence in my proposal gave great satis-
faction, and that I do think it will tend to remove all
those animosities which political differences have engen-
dered, not only as between them and their former oppo-
nents, but also amongst Irishmen in general. When the
leaders at each side lay down their arms, and show an
anxiety to bury in oblivion past differences, we have a
reasonable prospect of enjoying peace and general concord
once again—which may God grant, is the prayer of
" Your affectionate brother,
" PEIRCE MAHONY.
g, David Mahony, Esq., Dublin."

On the next day I wrote my brother the following letter:
" Union Hotel, 19th June.
_ _ _

"MY DEAR DAVID,.--I have seen Lord George Beres-
ford this day, on the subject of the Waterford election. I
read to his Lordship my letter to you of yesterday, of
which he approved ; and I have now to request that you
will write a note to Mr. O'Connell, stating that it is his
Lordship's desire to secure his professional services at the
next election for the county of Waterford, for such mem-
ber of Lord Waterford's family as may be a candidate on
that occasion for that county; that at present Lord George
Beresford is the person selected, and in addition to the
twenty guineas retainer, that we are authorized to say,
that whether there shall be a contest or not, Mr. O'Con-
nell shall receive 3001. for his fee ; and if there shall be a
contest, 6001. You will write Mr. Sheil a similar note,
stating, that in addition to his retainer, he shall receive
2001. if no contest, and 4001. if there shall be one.—
This arrangement will, I trust, be satisfactory to each of
the gentlemen. It was suggested by me yesterday, as,
under all the circumstances, the most equitable.
" I again repeat, that neither Lord Waterford nor his
friends intend in any degree to compromise their polities
by selecting Alessi's. O'Connell and Sheil for their Coun-
sel ; neither is it to be understood that either of these gen-
tlemen are expected to compromise theirs by the accept-
ance of their retainers. But of course we expect from
them, as we should from any other gentlemen of their
profession, that bona fide xercise of talent which their
duty as Counsel obliges them to give in support of their
client. It would be an insult to them, if I doubted for a
moment that they are ready to make this return for the
confidence which is thus placed in them.
" Indeed, I feel that a greater compliment could not be
paid to their talents and station, than the proposition thus
made by a family they have so violently opposed on so
many occasions. It is, besides, a strong indication of the
disposition of the friends of the Government to give an
example of forbearance and forgetfulness of all that has
passed during the late struggle. Ever your's,

" PIERCE AIAHONY."

Upon receipt of those letters, my brother again com-
municated with Mr. O'Connell, who, in consequence,,
wrote as follows :

" Merrion -square, June 21.
" MY DEAR MAlloNv,--The letter of your brother is
quite satisfactory in all its professional details. I acquiesce
in all he says of professional duty and emolument.
" I am also proud of the selection made of me by Lord
Waterford as a professional man : the certainty that he
and his Emily concur with all the real friends of Ireland in
burying in oblivion all former feuds, is both satisfactory
and consoling. For my humble part, I am impressed
with the strongest conviction that the distinction between