I knew several priests who were fully prepared to take their share in an armed conflict; in fact, the vast majority of those I met at the time.

And again, with respect to such as did interfere, and opposed the efforts of the people's chiefs, I do not believe that one man was influenced by considerations connected with, or emanating from the Church, in its corporate capacity.

Of Mr.O'Connell's policy, already referred to, none were blinder victims than some of the priests.

It had made such an impression on them that they scarcely could believe anything was real, or any sentiment was true; and when they admitted its truth it was only to prove its madness.

Of other and more questionable motives I shall say nothing here.
But while I feel the injustice of the sweeping charge made against the whole body of the priesthood, I would be unfaithful to my purpose and my convictions if I concealed the acts and language of those among them, who interposed and unhappily exercised baneful influence on the abortive attempt of their unfortunate country.