We rode together to the mountain, followed by several thousands, a distance of twenty miles.
Fifty thousand men at least clambered that steep mountain side, under a scorching July sun.

Four times as many would have been there to meet us, but it had been widely rumoured none of us would be there; and in fact most of those who came believed we were both in our prison-cells.
Besides this, efforts were made by men high in the confidence of the leaders and the country to prevent the meeting altogether.

To fix their motives was difficult, but it would be hazardous to attribute to them any but the best.

Facts have since proved, however, that their patriotism had even then begun to halt.

The Rev.Mr.Byrne, of whom much shall be said, hereafter, was foremost in this endeavour, and actually dissuaded the people of Waterford, Carrick and Wexford from proceeding to the mountain.