Meanwhile, their periodical, which, from the first moment of its starting, whenever reference was made to the Round Towers, unqualifiedly asserted that they were Christian, and only _coeval_ with the _monasteries_,[33] thought proper now to change its tone; but as an open acknowledgment of _error_ would be too self-abasing for _Academicians_, they only put forth a _feeler_, as if implying _doubt_ on the matter, which would have the twofold effect of screening the “Council’s” verdict--as the result of doubt or ambiguity--and of preparing the public mind for the _altered_ and _novel_ conclusion to which _all_, I trust, will ere long, as well as _themselves_, have arrived. My eye, however, was on their plans, though separated by “a roaring sea.” I knew that where there were so many windings to mature the plot, there must be as many to prevent its detection; and, accordingly, the very first move they made in these, their _new tactics_, I _checkmated_ at once by the following letter:-- (No. 1.) “LONDON, _March 16, 1833_. “DEAR DR. SINGER,--The _Dublin Penny Journal_ of February 23rd, on the article, ‘Devenish Island,’ contains this sentence, viz.: ‘Whether the towers are the accompaniment to the churches, or the churches to the towers, is a question not yet decided.’ “Now _this_--coupled with the circumstance of the Committee having awarded _two_ premiums to _two_, as I understand, _conflicting ascriptions_, and that when only _one_ was _originally proposed_--induces me, with all deference, to offer this memorial, through you, to the Academy. “As the development of _truth_ in the elucidation of _history_ is the object of the _antiquarian_, and, as the ‘labourer is worthy of his hire,’ I take the liberty respectfully to ask whether, if I make _my ascription_ of the Round Towers a _mathematical_ demonstration, with _every other incident_ relating to their founders, comprehending _all_ the antiquities of Ireland, as connected therewith--and this by _all_ the _varieties_ and _modes_ of proof--whether, I say, in _that_ event, will the Academy award me _the gold medal_ and premium? or, if that cannot be _recalled_, an equivalent gold medal and premium. “My intercalary work, _substantiating_ all the above, is now finished, and can be forwarded to the Committee by return of the same post which will favour me with your answer.--I have the honour to be, dear sir, your obedient, etc. “HENRY O’BRIEN. “To the Rev. Dr. J. H. Singer, “_Secretary to the Academy_.”