It was reported at the time that he did not rest content with abandoning a post which he had attained with intense ambition, but exerted his utmost influence with the people against an enterprise which he designated as rash, ill-designed, and fraught with ruin to the town.

This report has been repeated as a fact by the present writer, and has not been contradicted by the Rev.Mr.
Byrne.

But it is right to add that a very respectable gentleman, a witness of that day's proceedings, has distinctly contradicted it.

He added that the Rev.Mr.Byrne remained a passive spectator; and he defended the conduct of those who really influenced the people, on the ground that the preparations seemed of their very nature to preclude the possibility of success; and that it was the sacred duty of every man capable of appreciating the position and resources of the people, the difficulties of the enterprise and the consequences of failure, not alone to Carrick but the entire island, at all hazards to prevent a useless wreck and slaughter.

The great argument relied upon by every one was, why should Carrick be selected?
The same question would apply everywhere else; and if the consideration it involves were to avail, there never could be a revolution.