This meeting was held to consider the case of Smith O'Brien and
his fellow-exiles in Australia, and to ask the intercession of our
Government in their behalf. Governor Boutwell presided and addressed
the meeting.
BOSTON, October 27, 1851.
DEAR SIR,--It will not be in my power to be present at Faneuil Hall
this evening; nor am I entirely satisfied that it would be proper
for me, holding the official position I now do, to take part in the
proceeding which you propose to institute.
But though not present with you, and not undertaking to express any
opinion on the precise question of national duty, I wish it to be
understood that I can never fail to unite in every earnest, manly
word by which the sympathies of our country are extended to all, in
whatever land, who are defending the Rights of Man. To this cause
we are pledged as a nation by the Declaration of Independence; and
my heart warmly responds to the vow.
Nor can I forbear to add, that the clemency which you entreat from
a powerful government towards those whom it classes as political
offenders is in harmony with the Spirit of the Age and with the
lessons of Christianity. It is a grace never otherwise than
honorable to ask and honorable to bestow:--
"And 'tis in crowns a nobler gem
To grant a pardon than condemn."
A recent instance enforces the appeal. Kossuth has at last passed
from the house of bondage. His emancipation, promoted by the
aspirations, the prayers, and the express intervention of our
Republic, is an example to all nations,--while the brightness of
his fame shows how vain it is for any earthly edict to stigmatize
as crime a sincere and generous effort for Human Freedom. Austria
brands the great Hungarian as traitor; but an enlightened Public
Opinion, the predestined queen of the civilized world, already
re-judges the justice of the tyrant government. To the judgments of
this exalted authority mankind must bow. No people, for the sake
of any seeming temporary expediency, can afford to sacrifice a
principle of justice or a sentiment of humanity, and thus to peril
the everlasting verdict of History.
In reaching across the sea as far as distant Turkey, to plead
for the freedom of the fugitive Kossuth, our Republic has done
well; and the Mahometan Sultan, in consenting to his liberation,
at extraordinary hazards, has taught a lesson of magnanimity to
Christian nations.
The step we have thus taken cannot be the last. With increasing
power are increasing duties. The influence we now wield is a sacred
trust, to be exercised firmly and discreetly, in conformity with
the Laws of Nations, and with an anxious eye to the peace of the
world, but always so as most to promote Human Rights. Our example
can do much. The magnetism of our national flag will be felt
wherever it floats; individual citizens may labor faithfully; but
all these will be quickened incalculably by a system of conduct,
on the part of our Government, at home and abroad, which, while
avoiding all improper interference with other countries, and
teaching the beauty of honesty, shall show a prompt and benevolent
sympathy with those vital principles without which our Republic is
but a name.
In this work, Irishmen, and the children and grandchildren of
Irishmen, scattered in millions throughout the land, can help.
Their native love of Liberty and hatred of Oppression will here
find opportunity for action.
Believe me, dear Sir,
Very faithfully yours,