I have done what I felt to be my duty.
A good government may, indeed, redress the grievances of an injured people; but a strong people can alone build up a great nation.
A jury of my countrymen, it is true, have found me guilty of the crime of which I stood indicted. For this I entertain not the slightest feeling of resentment towards them.
Judged by the law of England, I know this crime entails upon me the penalty of death; but the history of Ireland explains that crime and justifies it.
The dependence of one people upon another, even for the benefits of legislation, is the deepest source of national weakness.
The treason of which I stand convicted loses all its guilt, has been sanctified as a duty, and will be ennobled as a sacrifice.
I now bid farewell to the country of my birth - of my passions - of my death; a country whose misfortunes have invoked my sympathies - whose factions I sought to quell - whose intelligence I prompted to a lofty aim - whose freedom has been my fatal dream.
The prosperity of a nation requires the protection of a senate. Hereafter a national senate may require the protection of a national army.