1803 ROBERT EMMETT'S SPEECH FROM THE DOCK - A CONTEMPORANEOUS HANDWRITTEN TRANSCRIPT, Manuscript, 2pp, , 36 by 23cm., 14 by 9in. Judging by the handwriting, the paper and the style this document was produced by a professional scrivener who was either employed by the court or at least was present in the court. The text here differs from the accepted printed texts in several places, but has a ring of authenticity to it.Robert Emmet was a member of the United Irishmen. In 1803 he led an ill-fated rebellion in Dublin, after which he went on the run, but was later arrested. He was tried for high treason in Dublin, found guilty and hanged in Thomas Street, Dublin.This version of his speech begins thus: "My Lord as why sentence of death should not be pronounced against me according to law I have nothing to say, but why my Character shouts not to be relieved from the imputations and Calumnies thrown out against it I have much to say" instead of "What have I to say why sentence of death should not be pronounced on me according to law? . I have nothing to say that can alter your predetermination, nor that it will become me to say with any view to the mitigation of that sentence which you are here to pronounce, and I must abide by. But I have that to say which interests me more than life, and which you have labored (as was necessarily your office in the present circumstances of this oppressed country) to destroy. I have much to say why my reputation should be rescued from the load of false accusation and calumny which has been heaped upon it."This manuscript ends thus: "I have but one request to make at my departure from this world, Iis [sic] the Charity of its silence, Lit [sic] no man write my Epitaph, for as no man who knows my motives darr [sic] now vindicate them, Lit [sic] not prejudice or ignorance asperse [sic] them, Let them and me repose in obscurity and peace and my Tomb remains uninscribed untill other times and other men can do justice to my memory, when my Country takes her place among those of the Earth, then and only then Can my Epitaph be written, I am done."A unique manuscript of great significance, in relation to one of the most important orations in Irish history. Collection of Samuel Mathews (1806-1875) a Dublin solicitor;his son-in-law, William J. Hayes, solicitor;thence by descent to present owner
Medium: Manuscript, 2pp