March 11, 1846

TO THE EDITOR OF THE TIMES

Sir, -- A correspondent in your paper of today asks sarcastically in reference to Mr. O'Connell's declaration of an Irishman's readiness to share his last potato with a fellow creature, whether Mr. O'Connell is an Irishman, and whether he has any potatoes. He is, Sir, an Irishman, and he has potatoes; but your correspondent should remember it is only when reduced to his last potato that Mr. O'Connell can be charged with not acting up to the benevolence principle of his good-hearted Irishman. When the agitator is reduced to his last potato, it is not unlikely he may share it with one of his fellow creatures. I own the contingency seems remote, but I think we ought to give him credit for this probable, or at least possible, prospective generosity."

"I am, Sir, yours very obediently,

A GOOD-NATURED FRIEND OF O'CONNELL