with the accuracy of an eye-witness. I think I too have seen all
this, and thank you for showing it to me. It is a picture that will
never leave the memory of my heart. I only wish that we could ever
hope to have in Ireland any occasion or possibility of such happy
and peaceable meetings, with united sympathy and for the keeping
alive a feeling of national patriotism. No such point of union
_can_ be found, alas! in Ireland--no subject upon which sects and
parties could coalesce for one hour, or join in rejoicing or
feeling for their country. Father Mathew, one might have hoped,
considering the good he has effected for all Ireland, and
considering his own unimpeachable character and his real
liberality, admitting all sects and all parties to take his pledge
and share his benevolent efforts, _might_ have formed a central
point round which all might gather. But no such hope! for as I am
_just now assured_, his very Christian charity and liberality are
complained of by his Catholic brethren, priests and laity, who now
begin to abuse him for giving the pledge to PROTESTANTS and say,
"What good our fastings, our temperance, our being of the true
faith, if Father Mathew treats _heretics all as one_, as Catholics
themselves! and would have 'em saved in this world and the next
too?" Then I would not doubt but at the last he'd _turn tail!_ aye,
turn Protestant himself ENTIRELY. I have written so much to Mr.
Ticknor about Father Mathew that I must here stop, or take care
lest I run on with him again. Once set a-running, you see how I go
on. You having encouraged me, and I from having conversed with you
even for a few days, we have so much knowledge of each other's
minds that it is as easy and pleasant to me to write as to speak to
you. I will send you some Irish tales newly published by Mrs. Hall,
which I think you will like, both from their being well-written and
interesting portraitures of Irish life and manners, and from the
conciliating, amiable and truly _feminine_ (not meaning _feeble_)
tone in which they are written.

* * * * *

I have not yet thanked you enough, I feel, for _Rollo_. Our
children all, and we ourselves, delight in him at play and at work,
and every way, and we wish to see more of him. If there be any mor