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
