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trating that spirit of patriotism which has ever 

 characterized Enghshmen at all times and in all 

 parts of the world, and which it is to be hoped will 

 ever continue. The incident is best explained in a 

 letter addressed to the Society by its then Presi- 

 dent, Mr. Joseph Fowler, and by a set of resolutions 

 adopted upon the receipt thereof. The letter reads 

 as follows : 



LETTER. 



To the Vice Presidents and Members of the St. 



George s Society of New York: 

 Gentlemen : 



Lest any surprise should be expressed or felt at 

 my retreat from the festival of the " Friendly Sons 

 of St. Patrick," I deem it proper to state to you I 

 ascertained that the "Repeal of the Union" was 

 to be the substance of a standard toast about to be 

 given by the Chairman. I apprised him that, as the 

 representative of St. George's Society, I could not 

 honor it, and should withdraw from the room when- 

 ever it should be proposed. But feeling bound to 

 acknowledge the welcome they had given me as a 

 guest at their festive board, I told him that I stood 

 ready to respond to any toast they might have ar- 

 ranged in honor of the sister societies, and if he 

 would brine the toast forward I would most cheer- 

 fully reply to it, reserving to myself the liberty of 



