To the Editor of the Evening Packet.
From St Columba’s College, Stackallan, Navan, March 11, 1848

SIR – I have had my attention called to the following statement, the Freeman’s Journal, of March 10th –

“Mr C.G. Duffy moved the admission of Mr Stevenson, fellow of St Columba’s College, in the county of Meath, for educating the sons of the Irish Protestant gentry. He had been told by his gifted young friend that among the students the same holy love of liberty prevailed and the same deep determination that their country should be free; and that they would give their whole souls and strength to her service, which has made the students of Paris the glory of the world.”

I wish to lose no time in stating, through the medium of your columns, that the proceeding here mentioned is the act of an individual, and in no sense whatever of the College of St Columba; and that it took place, not only without my concurrence, but even without my knowledge. I beg most emphatically to disclaim all sympathy with the proceedings of the Irish Confederation, and to express my conviction that their principles, so far from tending to freedom, lead to anarchy, confusion, and resistance to lawful and constitutional authority. I believe that such principles will not contribute to that object which ought to be near the heart of every Irishman, and I will add, of every Englishman also – the religious and social improvement of this unhappy and distracted country. I have no hesitation in affirming that there does not exist amongst the students here any fellow feeling with Republicanism, or with those views which Mr Duffy seems to ascribe to them. – I am, Sir, your obedient servant,

MC Morton, Clerk, (Warden of St Columba’s)

PS. – May I beg the favour of your appending to this letter a statement which has been handed to me by all the remaining members of the body: –

“We, the undersigned Fellows of St Columba’s, beg to express our concurrence in the above statement and sentiments of the Warden. Henry Tripp, Clerk, Theophilus Jones, James Stevenson, W.F. Seymour.”