The Columbia Democrat. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1837-1850, 1849-08-11
Departure OF the IRISH Prisoners

The Fresmdn'S Journal, gives the following
account OF the last sad interview between the de.
parting patriots and other friends;
The last moment previous to departure
having Arrived, the prisoners were once
more surrounded by their friends many
of them ladres--of whom they took ter
der and affecting farewell, Mr.. O'Brien's
lady, his sister, and the Rev. Mr.. O'Bricn,
his brother, were with him from an early
hour in the morning, The Rev. Mr.,
Meagher, S. j., uncle to Mr.. II. f. Mea-
CHER, and several female relations, were
present; as were the wife, sister, and 9TH
er relatives of Mr.. O'Donoghoe, and sever
al ladies, and others, relations of Mr..
M'Manus. We shall not attempt 10 des-
cribe the most painful scene that presented
itself at this moment. The friends of the
cOnyicts" as the law calls them, BETRAYED
the most intense grief; but their own de-
meanor was marked by the manliness and
forlilude that dislinguishedihem all through,
and even at hme when their enemies
menaced them with the "traitor's DOOM"
Having taken an aflectonate leave of their
friends, and cordially shaken hands with
several gentlemen who were present, and
with the Governor, the deputy Governor
and other officers of the prison, they en-
tered the van, accompanied by Inspector
Hovenden, and Mr.. Lamp, the Governor
Of Smlhfeld prison.
In taking his place in the VA, Nj. Mea-
CHER said, in firm tone, 81 feel a prouder
man leaving the country even thus, than
many who remain in it." "And so do l."
responded Mr., O'Donohue. The other
gentlemen made no observation but no
man who saw them could doubt that, if it
had been their fate, they would say dulee
est pro patria mori with as much fortitude
and resignaionas they now bid farewell 10
their friends and native lands.
T 3y were dressed as usual certainly
moi ith less care, and Mr.. Meagher had
in lis hand Osslan's Poems, as he said
"to remind him of the Old country of which
he still did not despair"
Every friend Of Ireland will peruse with
proud satisfaction the following calm, but
seadiast and resolute address of the dis
asrous convicls TO their fellow country
men, left upon the eve of embarkation with
friend for PRONUNCIATION -
"FeIlow-COuntrymen-Ifyou your efforts TO
procure mitigation Of the penalties to
which we are about TO be subjected lad
been as successful as you desire, we could
not have offered to you more sincere and
grateful acknowledgements than those
which we now tender, for the sympathy
and soliciiude which you have di.played |
in your behalf.
"At this moment, whilst we are bidding
our last sad farewell TO our native land, the |
reflection tina; our fellow-countrymen have
not witnessedwith indifference our removal |
from amongst them is a sweet source of
consolation; and, be assured, that this re-
membrance will hereafter be soothing
alleyiation TO whatever suffering it may be
our lot TO endure.
"Knowing that we address many who
do not concur with us in political opinions,
we do not feel ourselves at liberty 10 offer
any observations upon the policy by which
this country is governed--upon the policy
which gave occasion TO our resistance to
British Power--upon the policy which
now consigns US 10 exile.
We are compelled to repress even the |
emotions which we feel in reneclng upon
the awful condition in which we leave the
land that we deeply loved nor is this
fitting occasion 10 point out the means by
which It's disasters may be repaired; but
we cannot refrain from the expression of j
hope that YOU will not despair cf your
country and we may be permitted to Of
fer to our fellow countrymen parting cX-
horiation, that they will lay aside those
unhappy dissensions which have SO long
paralyzed the intrinsic strength of the Irish .
nation, and henceforlh learn TO love and
conhde in each other.
We feel that it is not necessary TO say
anything to you in vindicaton Of our mo.
tives. Even those who most condemn our
condnct, know that we have not been ami |
mated BY considerations of personal ma
ture in hazardng all that was dear TO us
for tie sake of our native land; but we
owe it our feelings to declare that, whatev-
er may be the sacrifices we incur devotion
to its interests, our latest aspiration will be
a prayer. for the prosperity, the honor and
;nJennpdenro of Ireland
WILLIAM S. O'BRIEN,
THos. FRANcIs MEAGHrR,
TERENCE BELOW MMASus,
PATRICK ODoNouoE.
Richmond Prison."