Irish Catholic Chronicle And People's News of the Week Dublin, Ireland Saturday, 30 November 1867 WILLIAM PHILIP ALLEN Subjoined is a brief sketch of the life of this unfortunate young man previously to his departure for England. The circumstances of his untimely fate, will, we presume, render the few facts here submitted interesting to the reader. W.P. Allen was born in April, 1848, in a well-known village near the town of Tipperary, and was about three years old when his parents removed to Bandon, in this county, where he was brought up in the Protestant faith, which his father professed, while his mother was a good Catholic. At Bandon he was a constant attendant at the training school conducted under the auspices of the Hon. Mr. Bernard, for the education of young men designed to fill the office of district parochial teachers, at the same time, however, attending the morning and evening schools conducted in the same town by Catholic masters, under whom he learned the branches of algebra and drawing, being remarkably proficient in the latter acquirements. While at school young Allen made himself conspicuous by his intelligence and application - these qualities attracting the notice of many persons of station. Allen was from his childhood of thoughtful and studious habits, very imaginative, exceedingly gentle in his disposition and a great favourite with his companions, to whom his pleasing manners endeared him. On the occasion of the visit of some Catholic missionaries to Bandon, Allen frequented the sessions and religious exercises which marked the mission and his natural acuteness, aided by the teaching of his pious mother, convincing him of the error of the creed in which he had been hitherto reared, he became a convert to the true religion and was received by the Rev. P.P. of Bandon into the bosom of the church. This was about four years ago, and since his reception Allen has been a strict and exemplary Catholic. His only sister, now married, and living in this city, influenced by the arguments of her brother, followed his happy example and became also a Catholic, his four brothers, among them a brother Joe, for whom the poor fellow entertained a particular affection, being still Protestants. Allen was, while yet a youth, bound apprentice to Mr. Preston, a respectable master carpenter and timber merchant in Bandon, but from circumstances of a painful nature, which it is charity now to refrain form publishing, but in which the young convert's faith was at stake, he felt himself compelled to leave his master before the expiration of his time, and coming well recommended to this city, was employed by Mr. Barry M'Mullen, with whom he remained for six months, when he once more returned to Bandon, whence he proceeded to Manchester, on the invitation of some near relatives of his residing in that city. The following affecting letter, which has been entrusted to us for publication, was entrusted by Allen to his aunt in Manchester, with directions to forward it to his sister in this city: Manchester, Nov 18, '67 DEAR SISTER, BROTHER-IN-LAW, AND BROTHERS - I am sure you will regret to be hearing out of a prison dungeon from me; but it cannot be helped. There are a great many changes in the world, and we must all put up with our share. Next Saturday is the day of my execution; also three others. I will be gone only a few days before the longest liver of you all; it is nothing , dear sister, to look into it. I hope you do not forget praying for me, and for those that are in with me. It is hard, dear sister, brother-in-law and brothers, to be suffering for a charge a person is not guilty of. I am quite reconciled to the will of God, whatever my fate may be. I received Holy Communion this morning, thank God, and am in very good spirits. There is nothing in the world that a person should be sorry for leaving it. Tell my brothers to mind their duty to God and always pray for me and all that are in with me. I am very sorry, dear sister, I had not the pleasure of seeing James before leaving this world and also your daughter. I think I have a slight knowledge of James, if I do not make a mistake. I hope if I do not see him here, I will see him and you all, please God, in heaven. Remember my words, dear friends - there is no use in grieving at all. It does not make the thing any better, and injures your own health, although I am quite sure there will be many thousands that never saw me or any of the other prisoners in their lives, that will regret our deaths; and many a tear will flow from parties with whom I never was in my life. I am about to leave the world and I do not think I have enemies in it, except those that swore my life away for blood money. I forgive them from the bottom of my heart, and may God receive them. Farewell sister, brothers, and brother-in-law, niece also. It has crossed my mind not to forget Miss Clancy, and my grandmother, tell them to pray for us also. No more at present from your affectionate and ever loving brother. W.P. ALLEN P.S. - Remember me to father and mother and aunt. Send this to my sister in Cork as soon as you receive it. Keep up your hearth and never forget praying for me. Remember me to all friends. I send you 1,000 kisses each and 2,000 to my brother Joe. Cathy Joynt Labath Ireland Old News http://www.IrelandOldNews.com/