Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1829-05-12
MR.. o'CONNELL'S LETTER TO THE hSSOClA
TON IN CHARLESTON.

From the Dublin u eekiy Register, FEB 20
LoNpoN, 2lst Feb. 1929.
Sic-I beg leave 10 acknowledge the honor
o! your letteI Of the oh January with its &C
comparing documents.
am very proud Of being selected as the or
ran of your communication with the Sathohc
Association Of ireland.
The pleasure which | received from the hon
OF Of this trust, is now mixed with some alloy.
That illusirious and most useful BODY his
ceased to exist. 1t endured w,'h conslaney
The rlds storms Of malignant hns4.Y - "a
before the genial breath OF coming kindness
lust as in our climate the SHOWS OF sp'lng melt
before the warmth Of he southern breeze.
confess love- the Association more in
its sturdy independence, than l do when II thus
filings across the MUD an image Of weakness
and decay. rejoice tina, had 10 share IN It's
dissolution. But do jus ice 10 The purity and
patriotism Of the men who advised and carried
that measure. II was sanctioned by Shlel--a
name that has cast brilliant ray OF almost
inspired eloquence on the struggles OF Ireland,
and hose unconquered spirit sought the high
est stations, in order 10 combat the lof'lesi OF
the enemies Of freedom 1t was supported by
Lawless, whose uncompromisiug integrity will
shed glory on Irish patriotism, as long as
WIS aud good.
The Catholic Association ufIreland has ter
minated its cateer-bui not before il saw vic.
tory certain; and then with more than Spartan
heroisIn, il became a willing sacrifice 10 con,
clhs,ion and coming peace
Before this lie ter reaches its destination, il
will be decided whether tie cup OF hope Is rails
ed to our lips in vain, 10 be Dashed from US
without enio ment. Irel nd has often been
BETRAYED. II n Tine tina! he delusiou should
end. trust and l. &c that our wishes are a
bout to be realised, and that the reign Of coiA-
mon sense and Of Ius,ice is about 10 CONNIE nee
I'D nv hitherto oppressed and enslayed but Loves
" and beloved native land.
But whether we stall now arise 10 freedom,
or be doomed 10 recommence our arduous
struggles-either in the enjoyment Of The one,
or in The turmoil Of the other, the kirdns SIS,
the sympathy, the generosity, and the, af-clon
Of the freeborp sons OF America, will be dear
10 our hearts, and conSolatory 20 our judgments.
Believe me, Sir, that the appreciation OF so
many of the virtuous and the noole minded in
America, is to US source OF pIide and unmi1-
ed satisfacuon. That patronage of our patri-
otic exertious can never be forgotten-i has
sunk deep in the grateful and gene rous he ART
of Eriu-and old Erin's maids aud ma rons
for blessings on America The sons Of Erin
will ever re oice at American prospn rty; and
should any cloud ever threaten 10 pass over the
disk Of the glorious sun Of American liberty,
there will BE- found in liberated and peaceful
Ireland many sympathetic exerrion TO drive
away the cloud, and TO assist 10 preserving the
meridian splendour Of American independence
Should present prospects be bhghIed,
aud any unforeseen accident prevent the present
establishment Of the principle of freedom Of
conscience for which we have contenGed why,
in our adverse fortune we will ever struggle 10
deserve, as we have already deserved, the SYM
patty and assis ance ofthe friends Of freedom
in every cline and of every creed, Rest assur-
ed, Sir, that we will not purchase our freedom
by any unworthy sacrifice, or consent 10 change
one species Of servitud for another.
AS TO myself personally, really want words
to express my gratitude Tor the kim manner in
which you speak OF my humble exer'ions.-
These exertions have zen sincere, and shall
be continued whilst have life and strength;
they have originated in the strong conviction
that civil liberty is the right of every human