This Day's Mail

The Galway Vindicator and Connaught Advertiser, 3rd August 1847

Arrival of The Liberator's Remains

Yesterday the remains of the beloved of Ireland, of him who for forty years led this people from victory to victory and from triumph to triumph — were borne to our shores. Silent and voiceless were they, but yet even in the stillness of the dread mystery that had passed over them they came to us seemingly powerful as when the living O'Connell was wont to stimulate and to calm, to excite and assuage, to rule and to guide, the people which he liberated and made his own. We were enabled yesterday to announce the hour at which the sacred freight of the Duchess of Kent—now the most precious of Irelands treasures—was likely to reach our harbour, and from an early hour of the day thousands of our fellow—citizens of all classes and grades stationed themselves along the quays, occupied the adjoining streets, and filled the windows, housetops and every other locality whence even a glimpse of "the Liberator's coffin" might be caught, that they "might have it to say to their children and grandchildren", as we heard many express themselves, that they "even sae red".

The hour named for the arrival of the Duchess of Kent in the bay was two o'clock, and for some hours previously every barge in the harbour was laden with anxious admirers of the illustrious dead. Some moved their craft down the river that they might be among the first to salute the floating chapel in which their Pride lay low; others moved theirs near the mid channel that they might be "nearer the ship". To all there seemed to be one common object—the doing honour to the dead chief. With all there was a common sentiment a deep and heartfelt sense of the national loss we have sustained in the inscrutable dispensation of the all wise Providence.

At an early hour in the morning Mr. John O'Connell accompanied by his son Daniel, proceeded to sea from Kingstown in his yacht the Nimrod, to meet the steamer which bore the remains of his honoured father, and to asprise the parties on board of the arrangements made for their reception. At about half—past eleven the Duchess of Kent hove in sight in the offing, on which the yacht immediately bore down and boarded her. The steamer (as did also the yacht) carried colours half mast high. She was, when hailed by the yacht, steering direct for Kingstown harbour, but on being boarded by Mr. John O'Connell changed her course and headed up the bay, taking Nimrod in tow. As the flotilla neared and passed the harbour of Kingstown, all the vessels at anchor there hoisted their colours and instantly lowered them half mast high. Signal guns were fired from the steamer, which were answered from the harbour. The Nimrod on approaching the Duchess of Kent, in addition to lowering her flag gave the usual naval mourning salute, firing minute guns to the number of seventy—one, corresponding with the years of the illustrious deceased. As the Duchess of Kent proceeded at half speed up the bay, she was met and boarded by Mr. Maurice O'Connell, Mr. Morgan O'Connell, the Right Rev. Dr. Whelan, the Very Rev. Dr. Yore, and several of the relatives and friends of the Liberator who were on board.

The Arran Castle

At one o'clock precisely this vessel which had been placed at the disposal of the family and friends of the Liberator for this melancholy occasion by our enterprising and patriotic fellow citizen, Mr. James Fagan, started from her moorings at Sir John Rogersons quay, having on board Maurice O'Connell and Morgan O'Connell, Esqrs., the eldest and second sons of the Liberators; the Right Rev. Doctor Whelan, the Very Rev. Doctor Yore, V.G.; James O'Connell, Esq, Lakeview, brother to the deceased; Christopher Fitzgiggon, son—in—law; Charles O'Connell, Daniel Moynahan, Esqrs, nephews of the deceased; ———— Ryan, Esq,; James Ragan, Esq, and Dr. Gray. Among those who accompanied the Messrs O'Connell when embarking was V. Fitzpatrick, Esq, who on seeing them on board, returned to town to await the arrival of the remains.

The steam being put fully on, the little bark made rapid way, and in less than twenty minutes the Duchess of Kent was in full view, having Mr. John O'Connell's yacht in tow, tying off Kingstown Harbour, and heading up the bay between Kingstown and Howth. The Duchess of Kent was at once recognised by her bearing the usual mourning insignia. From the foretop—mast floated the green burgee with the Irish harp. The union jack hung from the peak, and the red ensign at the main mast, all half—mast high. On the Arran Castle nearing the larger steamer, we could discern the temporary chapel erected on the quarter deck, with the sad plumes waving over it, indicating that in that spot lay the mortal remains of him who liberated the land he found in serfdom and gave to Ireland immortality, and an abiding place in the annals of liberty's struggles. A few moments more—half past one o'clock and the Arran Castle was within speaking distance, but not a word was uttered on either deck. Even the captain, impressed with the solemn scene before him, gave his directions by signal. All on board the Arran Castle stood on deck uncovered, whilst she slowly passed round the stem of the Duchess of Kent, and was hauled to alongside.

Mr. Daniel O'Connell stood at the gangway to receive his brothers, and the relatives and friends stood at his side, having, as we have already mentioned, boarded the steamer in the offing at an early hour in the morning: behind them stood the Liberator's servant, whom the Very Rev. Dr. Miley so well designated— "the faithful Duggan" — the little chapel filled the back ground, the other persons on board standing apart uncovered.

Mr. Maurice O'Connell was the first to enter the vessel—but we must not even attempt to describe the scene that followed the meeting of the brothers on this touching and solemn occasion. There are things too sacred to be held up to public view, yet, left on the minds of those who witnessed this affection incident was such as will never be effected. Mr. Morgan O'Connell and the other members of the family followed. The friends of the Liberator who accompanied them in the Arran Castle, remained for some few minutes after them, the Right Rev. Prelate Dr. Yore, and the other friends having boarded the Duchess of Kent, proceeded to the entrance of

The Sea Chapel

Within this consecrated spot and in the dread presence of the mortal part of him who, ever grateful for kindness, was wont to acknowledge the devoted friendship and assiduous attention of his kind and thoughtful chaplain and friend, it was, that the Very Ref. Dr. Miley resolved first to meet the sons of the Liberator, and stand over to their filial care the previous treasure, which, in company with the younger son, he tended while living, and watched in death.

The Coffin

Reposing on three tressels covered with a rich under pall of fine cloth in alternate breadth of green and purple barred across with gold lace and richly fringed. From each of the tressels underneath projected a kneeling—stool, over each of which was folded the border of the under pall, so arranged that prie Dieu wrought in yellow silk in the border rested on each kneeling stool. The coffin is of regal magnificence. It is of rather a square and massive shape, it is covered with Genon velvet of rich crimson, with a triple row of broad gilt nails round the edges. The mountings are of the most gorgeous description, double gilt and in the solid. The handles, three at each side and one at either end, fall from centre plates, each bearing national devices. At the corners are affixed richly gilt plates having for their device each an open missal and other Christian emblems. The coffin lid is ornamented at each corner with gilt clasps, within which are fixed the screws, each hidden by a leaf and hinge.

The inscription plate is of silver gilt, surrounded by an outer plate of brass.

The lid of the coffin was decorated with various symbols, among them a beautifully executed design in gilt material representing in relief an obelisk and a weeping female figure with the legend 'Resurgam' underneath.

Around the coffin were placed lofty candelabra, covered with crape, three at each side, bearing wax tapers kept constantly burning.

On reaching the entrance to the chapel the Right Rev. Dr. Whelan, Dr. Yore, and the relatives of the deceased entered, and kneeling round the coffin, joined the Rev. Dr. Miley and the sons of the deceased in fervent devotion, which was continued for a considerable time.

On board the Duchess of Kent we found the Very Rev. Doctor Miley, whom we rejoiced to see apparently in excellent health, notwithstanding his long journey, and the trying and painful duties which devolved on him during the last illness, and since the death of his illustrious friend — Daniel O'Connell, the namesake and youngest born of the Liberator — and Captain Roche, an esteemed relative, who was commissioned by the family to accompany the remains from Liverpool. There were also on board two French gentlemen, Monsieur D. L'Etanville, and the Abbe Miel. These gentlemen came from Paris, having determined to accompany the remains of Ireland's Liberator to their last resting place in his own loved land.

On Sunday four masses were celebrated at the Catholic church of Chester prior to the removal of the remains—two b the Rev. Dr. Carberry of Chester, who had the privilege of enjoying some intercourse with the great chieftain—one by the Very Rev. Dr. Miley and one by the Abbe Miel.

At half—past one, p.m. on Sunday, the remains were removed from the church at Chester and placed on a special train to be taken to Birkenhead.

A little after one the Duchess of Kent weighed anchor, and arrived, as we already described, after a calm and most favourable voyage within sight of the Irish shore in about 11 hours.

About two o'clock a larger steamer, the Birmingham, bound for Liverpool, came out of the harbour, carrying their colours half—mast high. As she neared the Duchess of Kent, her passengers—who numbered some hundreds and who were seemingly of the working class, and from the provinces—on perceiving by the black plumes which waved over the temporary chapel, that the remains of the Liberator were on board, simultaneously took off their hats and, as if moved by an impulse of nature rather than by intention, gave utterance to their deed sorrow by the loud wail, on keene, so well known as the lament for the dead of the Irish peasantry.

At a quarter past three o'clock the Duchess of Kent was again put in motion, and proceeded at a slow rate of speed up the river.

Preparations were now made to disburden the Duchess of Kent of her precious freight.

After the removal of the body, the black cloth covering the temporary chapel was tore up in small fragments, and disturbed amongst hundreds of persons, who eagerly sought after the smallest relic connected with three remains of the Reverend Liberator.

The church closed at about eleven o'clock last night, yet long after that hour the gates and doors were besieged by anxious crowds, admittance was however refused to all until six o'clock this morning, when the holy sacrifice will be offered at three altars. Repeated masses during canonical hours will be continued during the stay of the remains in the church.
R.I.P.

Tuesday Afternoon

The citizens of Dublin in great numbers, and also crowds of gentlemen from the province have been this day to the church of the Conception, to view the remains and to offer their prayers for the eternal repose of O'Connell. The arrangements are of a nature to secure the ease and comfort of the thousands of spectators who are visiting the Church. The holy sacrifice was offered continuously from six o'clock in the morning until twelve at each of the three altars.

The city presents a scene fraught with the deepest interest, business is in a great measure suspended. The streets are crowded with gentry and ladies from all parts of the country, also from England and even France, all seemingly impressed with the sad solemnity of the duty which they have journeyed hither to perform. The Right Rev. Dr. O'Higgins and several dignitaries have arrived in town, and will celebrate private masses on to—morrow.

There will be of prelates, dignitaries, and other clergy present at the High Mass and Holy Office on tomorrow, a larger number than perhaps ever met in one place before.

— From the Freeman