News of the reversal of the judgment against O'Connell reached
Dub- lin on Thursday afternoon. Great crowds had assembled on Kingstown pier : the packet arrived before five o'clock ; some Repeal agents on board, holding up white flags inscribed "Judgment reversed by the House of Lords—O'Connell is free!" the crowd hurraed—the news spread—and cheers reechoed throughout the city. O'Connell is said to have re- ceived the unexpected intelligence "without betraying the least emotion of surprise or wonder." Great numbers waited upon him with con- gratulations. In the evening, several houses, especially those of public entertainment, were illuminated. It was doubtful whether the prisoners would be released next day, or whether forms would require their de- tention until Saturday. The chief was to be escorted in procession from the Richmond Penitentiary to the Conciliation Hall ; and the Repeal Association, which held a special meeting that night, had made arrangements in the expectation that Saturday would be the day. The Lord Mayor and members of the Corporation who possess carriages were to grace the Liberator's liberation.
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