But while Mr.O'Brien viewed the conduct of Captain Longmore as cowardly submission, it would be unjust to conclude that it imparted a single shade of inflexibility to his principles or purpose.

On the contrary, they assumed their attributes of most rigid sternness as his fortunes became clouded by a deeper gloom.

He was averse to everything which bore the stamp of desperation, or could possibly imply a shrinking from fate.
Of those who took part in the deliberations of that evening, Messrs.
Dillon, Stephens, MacManus and O'Donohoe resolved to continue with Mr.
O'Brien.

There seemed a possibility, though a desperate one, that they could baffle the enemy for the time the country required, and maintain their position of open defiance, whilst we, in different parts of the country, should keep up an appearance of force, so as to distract attention and check any attempt to despatch a force from the garrison of Clonmel.

Meantime we were to endeavour to organise a force, and, if strong enough, act on our own responsibilities and according to our own principles.