Neither shall the sufferings of my companions, nor mine,
hinder my countrymen from taking their part in the inevitable
struggle, but rather nerve their arms to strike. I would write
on this subject at greater length, but I hope that I have
written enough to show you that if a man dies for liberty, his
memory lives in the breasts of the good and virtuous. You will
also see that there is no necessity for my father, mother,
sisters or relations fretting about me. When I leave this
world it will be (with God's help) to go to a better, to join
the angels and saints of God, and sing His praises for all
eternity. I leave a world of suffering for one of eternal joy
and happiness. I have been to Holy Communion, and, please God,
intend going shortly again. I am sorry we cannot hear Mass;
the good priest is not allowed to say it in this prison.
Give my love to my father and mother, to Mary, Ellen, John
Phillips, Tim, Catherine, uncles, aunts, and cousins.
Farewell.
From your affectionate brother,
MICHAEL O'BRIEN (_alias_ William Gould).
The following is one of Allen's letters to his relatives, written the
day before his execution:--
Salford, New Bailey Prison, Nov. 23rd, 1867.
TO YOU, MY LOVING AND SINCERE DEAR UNCLE AND AUNT HOGAN,
I suppose this is my last letter to you at this side of the
grave.
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