O'Brien, Dillon and Meagher had arrived at Carrick.

Their arrival was unexpected, sudden and startling.

They had apprised no one of their approach; and no counsel had been taken or decision come to.

It is needless to say that the crowd which gathered to see them, when the intelligence of their arrival spread, came unarmed and unprepared.

The speeches addressed to them were brief, determined, and to this effect: "We learned," said the chiefs, "that an act was passed authorising the Irish Government to seize our persons without even the imputation of a crime.