The Bishop of Ossory wrote:—

"In reply to the query which has come to hand, whether I consider the Mansion House Committee for the Relief of Distress in Ireland deserving or not of public confidence, I hasten to reply that your Committee has already effected an immense amount of good, and, in my opinion, merits in the fullest manner the public confidence. It is only to be expected that when great good is being effected, and when all our leading men, whatever their political opinions may be, are found united in promoting the work of charity, some persons should be found anxious to sow dissensions and to introduce elements of discord into your deliberations. I trust that your Committee will pay no attention to such persons, but will continue to promote with the same energy as in the past this great work of public beneficence and true Christian charity in which you have so meritoriously taken a leading part.