To contradict those reports it was deemed necessary by James Stephens to get to a document the signatures of the centres who were again working actively in different counties of Ireland, and to send that document to John O’Mahony. Mr. Luby exerted himself to get those signatures. Here is what he says to Mr. O’Mahony, sending him the paper:
Dublin, Sept. 9, 1860.
My dear Mr. O’Mahony—I send you the document of confidence with the signature of twenty-five officers of the “A” class or, as our American friends I believe, call them, head-centres. Considering that circumstances compelled us to leave many good men unvisited, this is far from being a bad result. We are all in good spirits at home here. Many circumstances combine to enliven us now; among other exhilarating causes, the prospect of a speedy visit from you is an exhilarating one.
And here is a copy of the paper:
We, the undersigned local representatives, in Ireland, of the Irish Firm—over the American branch of which John O’Mahony has been appointed Supreme Director—hereby express our unlimited confidence in the ability and integrity with which that gentleman has conducted our affairs in America; and, also, our admiration of the noble constancy which has enabled him to sustain our interests unflinchingly amidst the severest trials, and in the face of the most shameful and unmerited calumny.
We also testify, in the strongest manner, our approval of the conduct and devotion of James Stephens, in the general arrangement of the firm, under similar trying circumstances, and, finally, we confirm both these gentlemen in the authority originally conferred upon them; and express our unalterable determination to stand by them while they represent us, against all their enemies, whether open or disguised—their enemies being ours, also!
1. Peter Langan, Dublin.
2. Thomas Clarke Luby, Dublin.
3. Joseph Dennieffe, Dublin.