From The Secret History of the Fenian Conspiracy by John Rutherford, 1877.
On the eve of sailing for America, with H. O’C. McCarthy, James Stephens drew up the following document. By it he provided for the government of the I.R.B. during his absence—and for something more. The document, which shows the despotic powers which he arrogated, was the most formidable piece of evidence produced against those named therein. Therein the style in which the commissions of the I.R.B. were usually drawn was not adhered to; the slang of the conspirators was abandoned; everything was clear and precise, although here, if anywhere, one would have thought obscurity indispensable. It ran thus:
EXECUTIVE.—I hereby appoint Thomas Clarke Luby, John O’Leary, and Charles J. Kickham, a Committee of Organisation or Executive, with the same supreme control over the home organisation of Ireland, England, and Scotland, I have exercised myself. I further empower them to appoint a Committee of military inspection, and a committee of appeal and judgment, the functions of which will be made known to each member of the Executive. And trusting to the patriotism and ability of the Executive, I fully endorse their action beforehand, and call upon every man in our ranks to support and be guided by them in all that concerns our Brotherhood.
(Signed)
JAMES STEPHENS.
DUBLIN, 9th March, 1864.