about an hour since; he was just returned from Naas, where he was employed by the Crown in prosecuting Defenders. Two of them are condemned to death; one, whose name is O'Connor, after being found guilty, made a speech in defence of the people. Counsellor Burrowes considers these infatuated people as having enlisted men for the French, in expectation of an invasion. It was proved that O'Connor swore many to be true to the French. This now appears to be the oath taken by all the Defenders. Our Bishop, Dr. Troy, has excommunicated them, and they are not to be admitted to the sacraments at the hour of their death; but this has also proved ineffectual. Religion and loyalty have lost their influence with those men, who rely upon their numbers, which are very great indeed.' A book has been published here on the best mode for the defence of Ireland. The writer appears to be a scientific military man; the work is full of French idioms. He points out the West, as the most likely place for the enemy to land; stating that the S. W. winds would detain our fleets in the Channel, and permit a fleet from Brest to arrive here. He gives his opinion of the mode on which the enemy will proceed after landing, their route or march, dress for the armed peasantry, &c. and although he advises the method to oppose an invading enemy, yet this work appears extraordinary for a friend of Government at this time. when the country is agitated beyond all former example, and might be dangerous in the hands of the enemy. This author recommends union, otherwise he asserts all resistance vain, in case of an invasion. I just now hear that this work is suppressed by Government. I think they are right. You have no doubt heard of our invasion of France, and of the check we received at Quiberon. But, at this moment, a large fleet is on the way thither with Count D'Artois on board.* Tis said when joined to Charette, they will amount to 75,000 men. We expect, on arrival of the packets, to hear of this landing. Louis XVIII. offers to pardon all his subjects, if they will throw themselves at the foot of his throne; but he forgot to say where they will find it, which, I suppose, must postpone this proof of their attachment to him. But, away with politics. Note by the Editor.-The most curious details of this expedition, are given in the memoirs of Count Vauban, an emigrant officer. But, I suppose, this work is not now to be procured. Let us leave them to the great: for humble men, friendship is a fitter subject. Remember then, dear Tone, the many hours we spent in the Garden, in your favorite walk. That these conversations impress your mind as they do mine, I can never doubt. How often have we anticipated your return to your friends—to your country? Those ideas can never be relinquished. I am sanguine in my expectations to see you and your family live in the country you love, suitable to your genius and your patriotism. I am growing old; you know tis the vice of age to become too much attached to interest; do not wonder then, if I should wish ardently that you may arrange your affairs, so as to return to us, and if not soon, it may be too late for me, perhaps even for yourself. Cornelius desires me to assure you of his affectionate regard; whenever you return he expects to hear from you, and will instantly pay you his respects in person. Our Government are making serious exertions to put down the Defenders. You, I am sure, join with me in earnest wishes that these unfortunate men may restrain from all violence, which must terminate in the destruction of many, without any possible benefit to themselves or to the country. For, if they are aggrieved in rents, or otherwise, they cannot obtain redress by such means, which unite every man of property against them. Besides, it will naturally terminate in many associating in gangs, as robbers and murderers. Your old companions of the Sub-committee, are as you left them. I saw Mr. MacCormick this day, for some time. His wishes for your return fully coincide with mine, and he thinks that it will not be your fault, and that you will omit nothing, consistent with principles, for so fair and honorable an object. And I own that I have such an opinion, let me say experience, of you, that I think you cannot fail to succeed in any attempt in the line of your profession. I know not, as yet, to whom I shall commit this letter, but will now go and inquire. Once more, Tone, remember, and execute your garden conversation. Copies of Votes of Thanks, &c. to T. W. TONE. My Father was elected, on the tenth of June, 1792, an honorary member of the Belfast Volunteer Regiment, by the following act: Belfast Regiment of National Volunteers. THEOBALD WOLFE TONE, Esq., was elected an honorary member of the Belfast Regiment of National Volunteers, June 10, 1792, in testimony of the high opinion that corps entertain of his eminent services in bringing about the union of Irishmen, and, thereby, ascertaining the independence, freedom, and happiness of Ireland; which we hereby certify, THOMAS M'CABE, JOHN RADD, Secretary. Captains. In the month of April, of the same year, he had received a vote of thanks from the Catholics of that city. (See Appendix.) He had before been appointed Secretary of the Sub-committee of the Catholics, and a member of the Northern Whig Club. On the 10th of December, 1792, he received the thanks of the General Committee of the Catholics, on the close of their sittings. (See Appendix.) On the 20th of April, 1793, he received their thanks a second time, in the most solemn manner, before their dissolution, in these terms: At a General Committee of the Catholics of Ireland, held on Wednesday, the 20th day of April, one thousand seven hundred and ninety-three, it was unanimously resolved, that the thanks of this committee be, and are hereby, presented to Theobald Wolfe Tone, Esq., our agent, for his faithful discharge of the duties of that office, and for the zeal, spirit, and ability, which he manifested in the cause of the Catholics of Ireland; and, as a further mark of our esteem, that the sum of fifteen hundred pounds be presented to him, together with a gold medal, value thirty guineas, with a suitable inscription. EDWARD BYRNE, Chairman. RICHARD MACCORMICK, Secretary. This vote of thanks was written on vellum, in a most beautiful hand, by Sisson Darling, his old schoolmaster, who had given him his first lessons. He wept all the time he was drawing it, and inserted, in a small and almost invisible character, in the rim, Sisson Portland Darling, scripsit, preceptor to Mr. Tone, Dublin, 1793. Before his departure from Ireland, after he had resigned his commission of Agent and Secretary, and whilst the Whig leaders were pressing them to give him up, the leaders of the Catholics of Dublin, as the General Committee, was no longer sitting, gave him the following and parting vote of thanks : At a meeting of the Catholics of the city of Dublin, on Thursday, the ninth day of April, 1795, John Sweetman, Esq., in the chair, it was resolved, unanimously, that the thanks of this meeting be respectfully presented to our Agent, Theobald Wolfe Tone, Esq., for the readiness with which he accompanied our Deputies to England, and the many other important services rendered the Catholic body-services which no gratitude can overrate, and no remuneration overpay. Signed by order of the Catholics of Dublin, JOHN SWEETMAN, Chairman. RICHARD MACCORMICK, Secretary. |