The Felon's Track; Or, History of the Attempted Outbreak in Ireland

RETROSPECT-COMMENCEMENT OF THE REPEAL

STRUGGLE.-EARLY DAYS OF THE ASSOCIATION.

T

he 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 vindi-

cation imparts neither interest nor importance to history, while it necessar-

ily detracts from its dignity and good faith. Besides, time with the disastrous

events marking its more recent course, have silenced the voice of calumny;

and the writer undertakes his task with no personal feeling to gratify or even

to consult. The character of others, now unable to be heard, is far dearer

to him than his own: and while he aspires to justify, before the world, their

singular career, distinguished throughout by generous and lofty passions,

surpassing intellect and measureless love of their country and countrymen-

a career so brilliant and instructive even in the last hours of gloom-he will

endeavour to infuse into the history of their struggles and their fate, that

generous tenderness toward others, that spirit of self-sacrifice and supreme

love of truth, which were among their noblest characteristics.

3 MICHAEL DOHENY

The undertaking suggests but one painful consideration-the impossibility

of treating the subject fully and fairly without investigating facts far ante-

rior to the late struggle, but coincident in their effect with its progress and

development, and stamping their pernicious and fatal influence upon the

spirit and conduct that led to a final overthrow. This will necessarily involve

an inquiry into the late conduct and teaching of Mr. O'Connell, which the

writer would most willingly avoid. Mr. O'Connell's name and character fill

a mighty space in history. They are the most cherished recollections in his

country's memory; and she clings to them with loving pride in this her hour

of utter desolation. The hand that traces these recollections would be the

last to aim a blow at the object of her sacred affections; and if in obedience

to a more binding obligation, Mr. O'Connell's policy be questioned and

condemned, his influencing motive shall be unchallenged and unarraigned.

What his final purpose was, and how he had determined to effect it, had his

life been spared, and his course left unimpeded, now rest with him in his

grave. It is for others to write his history and vindicate his career. By me

even his mistakes shall be treated with forbearance.

A brief reference to the struggle for Catholic Emancipation becomes here

imperative. That struggle has had no equal in history-nor for its moral

grandeur, nor for its triumph-but for the singular difficulties which the po-

sition of the Irish Catholic imposed on those who engaged in it. It is an

error to call it emancipation. It was neither the first nor the last, nor even

the most important in the train of concessions, which are entitled to the