-To O’Mahony from J. Stephens – October 17, 1859

17 Oct. 1859, Rue de Montaigne 30, Paris. 'The bearer is Dan McCartie, one of the "State Prisoners." The fact of a man having suffered even six months' imprisonment in our cause is in itself a high recommendation; one which would not fail to ensure him a hearty welcome from you and the Brotherhood in America. He brings with him however higher titles for to [sic] an enthusiastic reception. Many amongst us— Doheny, yourself, and I, for instance—know how men may suffer through accident— how having through fleeting enthusiasm, unforeseen events, or otherwise, got themselves involved in a noble cause, they paid the penalty of earnest men and were given the opportunity to prove themselves such; but how, their difficulties over, the blood chilled or prudence, envy, jealously [sic], or self-love in the ascendant, they could not be induced to play the game of Manhood over again: dead to duty or even ambition, unless it be the duty or ambition peaceably to conciliate—perhaps to agitate, they would be let alone till God or the French bring them what never is brought but to the toiling brave. Let all such bipedal carrion—fellows begotten when the sun plays lecher to a sandbank—rot on in their doom.

'McCartie is of a different stuff; punishment, so far from cooling him, has made the rebel blood so hot in his veins that he would be grasping the sword which your buckram big-bugs can only prate about—nay, not even breathe about now. To courage, devotion, and persistent will—that great essential of heroic Manhood— McCartie unites a sense of duty to make him amenable to your orders, as he has always been to mine. Add to these a sound, keen, practical intellect, with considerable information for his years, and last though not least in his favour—you have a man who had it been his lot to have been born in this land would most assuredly win a marshal's baton. He would much rather give his hot blood to Ireland for nothing— or at most, like Sarsfield, to hear the cry of victory in his dying ears. Give him your hand in unqualified brotherhood, and with your hand as much of your society as you can. He will be able to put the conduct of the other prisoners in a much better light than you, [Remainder of letter missing].