children whom I adored fatherless.  After such a sacrifice, in a cause which I have always considered—­conscientiously considered—­as the cause of justice and freedom, it is no great effort, at this day, to add the sacrifice of my life.  But I hear it said that this unfortunate country has been a prey to all sorts of horrors.  I sincerely lament it.  I beg, however, it may be remembered that I have been absent four years from Ireland.  To me these sufferings can never be attributed.  I designed by fair and open war to procure the separation of the two countries.  For open war I was prepared, but instead of that a system of private assassination has taken place.  I repeat, whilst I deplore it, that it is not chargeable on me.  Atrocities, it seems, have been committed on both sides.  I do not less deplore them.  I detest them from my heart; and to those who know my character and sentiments I may safely appeal for the truth of this assertion; with them I need no justification.  In a case like this success is everything.  Success, in the eyes of the vulgar, fixes its merits.  Washington succeeded, and Kosciusko failed.  After a combat nobly sustained—­combat which would have excited the respect and sympathy of a generous enemy—­my fate has been to become a prisoner, to the eternal disgrace of those who gave the orders.  I was brought here in irons like a felon.  I mention this for the sake of others; for me, I am indifferent to it.  I am aware of the fate which awaits me, and scorn equally the tone of complaint and that of supplication.  As to the connection between this country and Great Britain, I repeat it—­all that has been imputed to me (words, writings, and actions), I here deliberately avow.  I have spoken and acted with reflection and on principle, and am ready to meet the consequences.  Whatever be the sentence of the court, I am prepared for it.  Its members will surely discharge their duty—­I shall take care not to be wanting in mine.”

   The court having asked if he wished to make any further observation,

Tone said—­“I wish to offer a few words relative to one single point—­the mode of punishment.  In France our emigrees, who stand nearly in the same situation in which I now stand before you, are condemned to be shot.  I ask that the court shall adjudge me the death of a soldier, and let me be shot by a platoon of grenadiers.  I request this indulgence rather in consideration of the uniform I wear—­the uniform of a Chef de Brigade in the French army—­than from any personal regard to myself.  In order to evince my claim to this favour, I beg that the court may take the trouble to peruse my commission and letters of service in the French army.  It will appear from these papers that I have not received them as a mask to cover me, but that I have been long and bona fide an officer in the French service.”

   Judge advocate—­“You must feel that the papers you allude to will
   serve as undeniable proof against you.”