“WILLIAM S. O’BRIEN.

    “To the Chairman of the Committee of Selection.”

[Illustration:  Thomas Devin Reilly]

Mr. O’Connell’s letter bears date on the next day, as announced in the correspondent’s notice, because it was intended it should not be delivered until the honourable gentleman was beyond the pale of English jurisdiction.

    “BRITISH HOTEL, JERMYN STREET,

    8 a.m., July 1st.

“Sir.—­I have to acknowledge the receipt of a notification by order of your committee, to the effect that my attendance in Parliament will be required during the week beginning Monday, 14th July, for the purpose of serving, if chosen, on a parliamentary committee.

    “With every respect to you, Sir, and the gentlemen of your
    committee, I absolutely decline attending.

“I, like some others, came to London the first time this session about a fortnight ago to remonstrate against and endeavour to resist the plan of infidel education which the Government are forcing upon Ireland.  We had not, nor for some years have had, the slightest hope of obtaining any measure of good from a foreign parliament; but we came against our better judgment, that it might not be said we had not gone all lengths to endeavour to deter the Government from a scheme so redolent of political corruption, social profligacy and religious infidelity.

    “We came armed with multitudinous petitions of the people, and
    the strong, unanimous and most decided protest from our revered
    prelacy and clergy.

“We were of course mocked at, derided and refused; but, what is of infinitely more consequence, the voice of our prelates and of the faithful people of Ireland have been treated with utter contempt—­even Irish Catholics (yielding to the unwholesome influences around them) joining in the contemptuous refusal.

“Under these circumstances, Sir, I certainly will not suffer that portion of the people of Ireland who have entrusted their representation to my charge to be further mocked at and insulted in my person.  I go to where I can best discharge my duty to them and to Ireland—­in Ireland.  There struggling, with doubtless as little ability, but with more energy and, if possible, more whole-hearted devotion than ever, to put an end to the present degradation of my country and obtain for her that which can alone ensure protection to her interests, relief to her many wants, and peace, freedom and happiness to her long oppressed and long enduring people,

    “I have the honour to be, Sir,

    “Your obedient servant,

    “JOHN O’CONNELL.

    “To the Chairman of the Committee of Selection.”

These documents were entered on the minutes of the Association, and remained on its records with the original resolution.  But no more was done in the matter until the beginning of April, 1846.