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THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

ADJUTANT GENERAL

The Autobiography
OF

Theobald Wolfe Tone

1763 1798

EDITED WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY

BARRY O'BRIEN

R.

AUTHOR OF "FIFTV YEARS OF CONCESSIONS TO IRELAND," " THOMAS DRUMMOND, LIFE AND
LETTERS," " IRISH WRONGS AND ENGLISH REMEDIES," &C.

VOLUME

T.

II

FISHER UNWIN
PATERNOSTER SQUARE
MDCCCXCIII

BOSTON COLLEGE LIBRARY

CHESTNUT

HILL, MASS.

7 ft /.

on

t,

CONTENTS OF VOLUME
CHAPTER

II.

I.

PAGF

NEWS FROM IRELAND

CHAPTER

II.

PROGRESS OF BUSINESS IN FRANCE

CHAPTER

III.

HOPE DEFERRED

37

CHAPTER

IV.

HOCHE

74

CHAPTER

V.

FRENCH HELP FOR IRELAND

107

CHAPTER

VI.

PREPARING TO EMBARK

CHAPTER

VII.

BANTRY BAY EXPEDITION

CHAPTER

52

78

VIII.

BACK TO PARIS

CHAPTER

.128

IX.

PLANNING A NEW EXPEDITION TO IRELAND

19:5

CONTENTS.

viii

CHAPTER

X.
PAGE

WITH THE EATAVIAN REPUBLIC

227

CHAPTER

XI.

DEATH OF HOCHE; CAMPERDOWN

269

CHAPTER

XII.

BUONAPARTE

276

CHAPTER

XIII.

WATCHING AND WAITING

305

CHAPTER

XIV.

A LAST EFFORT; TONE'S DEATH

338

APPENDIX

371

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
I.

Theobald Wolfe Tone, Adjutant-General

II.

Arthur O'Connor.

From an

Frontispiece

Original Drawing by a French

facing p.

Artist
III.

Lord Edward Fitzgerald.

Hone, copied from a

IV. William

From

Portrait painted

Theobald Wolfe Tone.

Mrs. Tone

a Miniature by

by him

in

From

796

88

Horace

facing p.

90

Drawing by
facing p.

338

V. Facsimile of a Letter written by Wolfe Tone to his Father, on

November

10,

1798

facing p.

371

THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

CHAPTER

I.

NEWS FROM IRELAND.

April

9,

Sullivan called on

1796.

me

this

morning with an English

in which is an article

paper of the 31st of March (ten days ago),

on Ireland, wherein mention

made

is

of Sir

Edward

Bellew, of

Bellewstown, being arrested, as connected with the Defenders.

surprises me, for he

is

a confirmed aristocrat, and he and

This
all

his

family have been so devoted to the Government, as even to have

Such
piece of news

the meanness of opposing the Catholics.

the Irish

Government

another, which gives

But

account, public or private

1

[Keogh was not

prudence, at

all

this

me the most

arrested.

it

is

is
is

the gratitude of

accompanied by

sincere anxiety on every possible

the arrest of John Keogh. 1

singularly sagacious

Poor

man, he showed great

times, in his relations with the United Irish Society.

Madden

and the younger Grattan give instances of his caution. Upon one occasion he
was invited " to preside at a very important meeting of the United Irishmen of
the higher class of Dublin leaders at a house on Usher's Quay Island. Keogh,
on taking the chair, called for a list of the members who were to attend. After
some time, a gentleman, known to be a United Irishman, but whose name was
not on the list, entered the room, and took part in the proceedings. Keogh
became uneasy he beckoned to McCormick, and desired him to inquire why
persons attended the meeting who had not been invited. The latter made an
inquiry, and brought back word that the gentleman was the friend of one of
those who had been invited. Keogh was not satisfied. Another gentleman
;

vol.

11.

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

fellow, this

is

no place to write

a shock this long time.

for a

man

If

we

his panegyric.

lose him, I

to supply his place.

[1796.

have not got such

know not where

to look

have differed from him at one

more

time, but his services to Ireland have been eminent indeed,

especially to the Catholics
his ruin

wholesome

air

guillotine.

infernal

from the state of

for,

and, in

all

probability, they will prove

his health,

confinement

am

at

the un-

That

inexpressibly concerned on his account.

Government of Ireland

It is a

been on the watch for his destruction, and

stick

in

of a prison will be to him death as certain as the

long time they have

I

am

sure they will

no means, however atrocious, to accomplish

their ends.

can scarcely promise myself ever to see him again, and

can

sincerely say that one of the greatest pleasures which I anticipated

in case of

spent

our success, was the society of Mt. Jerome, where

many happy

days, and

some of them

have

serviceable to the

was there that he and I used to frame our papers and

It was there we drew up the Petition and Vindicaof the Catholics, which produced such powerful effects both in

country.

It

manifestoes.
tion

Keogh then whispered to

who would act in this
a few minutes he pleaded an engagement, and

was brought in under similar circumstances.

McCormick, Dick, men's lives are not safe with
'

manner.'

And

in the course of

quitted the meeting,

known

to the chief

fellows

and from

that time never attended one, but continued

of the society as an attached friend to their cause "

men

(Madden, 2nd series, vol. ii. pp. 37, 38). Grattan says," It happened that, in the
year 1797, a foreigner got introduced to Mr. Keogh. In the course of their
acquaintance they often talked politics, as Mr. Keogh belonged to the Liberal
This individual was highly pleased he expatiated on the grievances
party.
of the country, he remarked how oppressed the Irish were, and the Catholics
in particular, that there were great means of resistance, and that he could
assist, and would advise Keogh to take part in resistances to oppression.
Keogh told him he was quite wrong, that his plan was most absurd, and that
nothing could be worse or more dangerous. The man becoming troublesome,
:

Keogh grew apprehensive that he would do mischief, and at last told him he
would complain to Government, and the individual, still persisting, a complaint
was accordingly made to the proper authorities, and he was obliged to quit the
kingdom " (Grattan, " Memoirs," vol. iv. p. 82). We have evidence from another
quarter of Keogh's shrewdness. The informer, Collins, wrote in 1792 to the
Under-Secretary Cooke " Keogh is the principal performer behind the scenes
:

as the

such he does not appear amongst us (United Irishmen),

but has a set of fellows to constantly attend and broach his sentiments"
Fitzpatrick, " Secret Service under Pitt," p. 166). Ed.]
fellow's art is

JET.

RUMOUR OF KEOGB'S ARREST.

33.]

England and

Ireland.

much

very

we

fear

shall

together again for the good of our native country.

never labour

am

sure he

has been too wise and too cautious to put himself in their power
but what wisdom or caution

is

proof against forged and suborned

know they will never stick at procuring and

in the state affairs are now in Ireland, any evidence will be reWell, a day will come for all this.
ceived.
If we cannot prevent
his fall, at least I hope we shall be able to revenge it
and I, for
testimony, which

one,

if it

heart

be

in

twenty years from

hardening hourly, and

is

points which would

this,

satisfy

me

stagger

promise not

forget

to

myself

now

at

once on

The

twelve months ago.

My

it.

Irish

aristocracy are putting themselves in a state of nature with the

and let them take the consequences. They show no mercy,

and they deserve none. If ever I have the power I will most
heartily concur in making them a dreadful example.
I am to meet
people,

Madgett on

We

delay.

this business

have already

to-day

lost,

but, see

Ireland in their respective departments,

Unhappy

is

the

man and

men

in

Sweetman and Keogh.

the nation whose destiny depends on the

This blow has deranged

will of another.

the consequences of

perhaps, the two most useful

my

system

terribly.

The

Government here insist on sending somebody to Ireland. Keogh

was the very principal person whom he ought to see he is conI observe, in the same paper, that several other
fined in a prison.
:

persons have been obliged to abscond to avoid imprisonment.

I

have no doubt but the most active and useful of

of the number.

This

is

gloomy day.

What

if

my

friends are

this indiscrimi-

nate persecution were to provoke a general rising, as in 1641

thing

deserve to suffer
Ireland

Oh

not impossible.

is

Well,

it

if

France

you permit

France

this crisis to

does not signify whining or croaking, and

sworn never to despair

The

what do you not

escape you
Poor

am

but the slowness of the people here,

they really have the means to

act, is

beyond

all

human

if

suffering

we must submit but it is dreadful to think of.

Dined to-day in the Champs Elysees with Madgett and a person
of the name of Aherne, a physician, who is to be sent to Ireland.

if

they have not,

Explained to him

my

sentiments as to the conduct he should

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

[1796.

adopt there, and particularly cautioned him against writing a

syllable, or carrying a single scrape of a

pen with him

pointed out

him the persons whom he is to see and speak to, at the same time
many of the most useful are now either in prison or
concealing themselves. This comes of delays, but that is no fault
I like Aherne very well
he seems a cool man with
of mine.
good republican sentiments. He has -been already employed in
of Scotland There is some scheme going
Scotland. Apropos
from hints which dropped from him and
as
I
collected
on there,
Madgett, but what it is I know not, nor did I inquire. My opinion
is, that nothing will ever be done there, unless we first begin in

to

that I fear

Ireland.

If

we

succeed, John Bull will have rather a troublesome

neighbour of

us.

We

Aherne

call

on

to

is

shall

be within eighteen miles of him.

me to-morrow

morning, in order to talk

over the business of his mission at length, and

some memorandums, which I will advise him

memory, and then burn them, by all means.
observed in

place,

its

am

to give

to

commit to

him
have

should

that I went at twelve o'clock to Clarke,

and brought him the newspaper containing the account of Keogh's

arrest, with a translation of the article in French for Carnot, which
I

Clarke was just going off to the

had hardly time to speak a word to him. I wished
Carnot myself, and I could see Clarke was not at all

got Sullivan to make.

Directory, so
to speak to

desirous that

Damn

should have an opportunity.

such

pitiful,

Every man here must do everything himself.

have found this unworthy sentiment in every one of them,
I
except Carnot. First, the Minister is disobliged because I go to

jealous vanity

Carnot

then Madgett would be huffed,

to Clarke

me and

and now

if

he dared, because

go

Clarke truly wants to thrust himself between

If
principal.
Please God, he shall not, though
want to see Carnot, I will see him, or I will be refused. I am
I think I will then,
to call on Clarke again to-morrow at one.

his

with

my

all

excessively provoking, especially at

is

him to understand
manage it, is most
a period when every minute

possible deference and politeness, give

opinion on this point, which, as they

precious,

and

my

anxiety

is

so great.

Madgett

tells

me

the

JET.

CHARLES HAMILTON TEELING.

33-]

Minister has been superseded in this business these fifteen days,

and that
I

it

has been given entirely into the hands of Carnot.

am most heartily glad of that, because he is given

He is the man I want and I hope the
little.
;

to organising

measure being

owing
to my going directly to himself, and to the discourse we had
together, malgre my execrable jargon, which is neither French
given to his management,

nor English.
instance,

If that

be

is

partly, at least, if not entirely,

so, as I

hope

have deserved well of

it is, I

my

Nous verrons.
Aherne called on me

may

say that, in this

hope

shall

morning, and

gave

country.

deserve better yet.

April

him a

loth.

list

of the persons he

is

this

to see, viz., Gog,

Teeling, R. S[imms], and S. Neilson, Oliver Bond,

with a query as to

J. P.

and T. A. Emmet. 1

Magog,

W.

also

J.

P. P., C.

MacNeven,

gave him some

Teeling, one of the Northern United Irishmen.

September, 1796, by Castlereagh in person.
Riding
through the streets of Lisburn with his father, Luke Teeling, Lord Castlereagh met them. " He accosted us," says Charles, " with his usual courtesy.
We had proceeded up the streets of Lisburn together, when, having reached
the house of his uncle, the Marquis of Hertford, we were about to take
I regret,' said he, addressing my father,
leave of his lordship.
that your son
cannot accompany you,' conducting me at the same time through the outer
gate, which, to my inexpressible astonishment, was instantly closed, and I
found myself surrounded by a military guard." Afterwards Castlereagh visited
him in prison. " Fatigued and apparently much dispirited, Lord Castlereagh
entered the room. He possessed the most fascinating manner and engaging
address, with a personal appearance peculiarly attractive, and certainly not in
character with the office he had that day assumed, for though national pride
was extinct in his soul, the graces of nature were not effaced from the form, nor
the polished manners of the gentleman forgotten in the uncourteous garb of
the officer of police. He regretted that in his absence I had been subjected
It was not his desire that they
to the painful restraint of an additional guard.
should have been placed within my room. A slight repast had been prepared
The wine was generous, his lordfor him, of which he pressed me to partake.
1

[Charles

He was

Hamilton

arrested in

'

'

ship was polite, and the prisoner of state seemed for a moment forgotten in the
kinder feelings of the earlier friend.'' Teeling was kept in prison for about two
He wrote an interesting " Personal Narrative of the
years, and then released.

Oliver Bond (b. 1762, d. 1798) was a prominent United

In 1793 he and Simon Butler were sent to prison, and fined each
for reflections on the House of Lords {ante, vol. i. p. 55). In 1797 he took an

Irish Rebellion."
Irish leader.

X500

active part in preparing for insurrection,

the

Supreme Executive of the

and

organisation.

in 1798

was elected a member of

The members

of the Leinster

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

trifling anecdotes,

known only

to ourselves,

[1796.

which

will satisfy

them

When we had done I

went to Clarke, who was for the first time denied to me however,
He seemed, and probably
I caught him coming out of his bureau.
was, in a great hurry.
He said he had shown the newspapers to
that he has seen and conversed with me.

who was

Carnot,

could he do?
could he do

"

then shrugged up

twice in French, " Mauvaise augure."

must not look on

he was going

it

We

from thence."
;

but what

looked at him very earnestly, and repeated

I
!

very sorry the gentleman was arrested

in that light

my

"What

shoulders, and repeated

No," replied Clarke, " you

you must not infer anything
"

then walked on towards the Directory, where

and

pressed him,

if

the business were at

He
me by asking me, " How do you know that we are
moment ? " I replied, that was enough and so we
From all this I
I am to see him again in a few days.

attempted, on the necessity of not losing a moment.

terrupted

losing
parted.

infer, for

ask him no questions, that preparations are actually

going forward somewhere, and, indeed,

other quarters, which
is

am

be as reserved to others as Clarke

Directory met at his house.
:

"

We will

have

heartily sorry for

going on, but that they talk so

tion

all

in-

much
is

of

to me.

it

indirectly

from

not that the business

it.

wish they would

But what do

care for

There, in February, 1798, was passed the resoluto any measure which the Parliament of this

pay no attention

to divert the public mind from the grand object we have

nothing short of the entire and complete regeneration of our
country can satisfy us." In March, 1798, Bond was arrested, and in July tried
for high treason and convicted.
It was to save him and other State prisoners
from the extreme penalty of the law that the arrangement with the Government,
already mentioned (ante, vol. i. p. 35), was made. While negotiations were pend-

kingdom may adopt

in view,

as

W.J. MacNeven (b. 1763, d.

good practice in Dublin, and a man of remarkable ability,
was also a member of the Supreme Executive. Arrested on the same day as
Bond, he signed the agreement with the Government {supra), but was detained
ing,

Bond

died suddenly in prison, September 6th.

1841), a physician in

Having, after his liberation, remained for some time on

New York in 1805. There he resumed his practice
But he
as a physician, rising once more to the first rank in his profession.
was not unmindful of Ireland. He took a keen interest in the struggle for
Catholic Emancipation, and " advocated " the question in his new home.
He wrote several books, but is best known as the author of " Pieces of Irish
History." Ed.]
in prison until 1802.

the Continent, he went to

^T.

AHERNE.

33.]

his reserve

Let them once do the business, and treat

me

as they

like.

April nth.
that brings

the

Sullivan

my

called

me

on

Marine,

late Minister of the

is

it

he

me that D'Albarade,
command in the naval

tell

to

is

morning, for

this

secondary intelligence, to

department of our expedition, and that a confidential person told

him yesterday that he might look for good news soon for his
country, for that there was something at that

by which

her in Holland,

presume that

am

tions are making.

myself to

Carnot,

Clarke,

Minister

on the eve of being turned

is

it is

glad of that.

moment doing

for

there their prepara-

mentioned Holland

By

and the Minister.

the by, the

out, but as the business

now in the hands of Carnot himself, I am

make no difference as to us. I do not glory at

is

in

hopes that

all

will

in the present

aspect of things.

How my

Blank!

April I2tk.
" 'tis

life

stagnates just

now!

Well,

but in vain."

April

Aherne

13//Z.

called

on

me

yesterday he was to see Clarke, to

morning to

this

whom

tell

me

that

he was introduced by

Ysabeau, one of the chefs de bureau, under the Minister of Foreign

Affairs.

He

seems egregiously disgusted with both of them, and

especially with

They

Clarke,

who

find has

been talking sad

stuff.

them that
the idea was, that he should go to Ireland, and one or two persons
come from that country to insense the French Government on the
state of affairs.
Aherne mentioned the loss of time this would
produce, and also that I was on the spot ready and competent
to give them every information.
Clarke replied, after speaking
handsomely of my abilities, that I had now been several months
did not conclude anything, but he collected from

out of the country, and things might have changed since

departure

he also observed that

business that
picture a

my

little,

Government.

zeal

seemed so earnest

might probably make

my
the

heighten the

without any intention of deceiving the French

To which Aherne

replied, that all I

was supported by the recent accounts

Irish affairs.

me

in

Clarke, however, did not

in the

seem

had advanced

papers relative to

satisfied,

and so the

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

As

affair rested.

who knows

to Ysabeau,

[1796.

not one syllable with

regard to the situation of Ireland, he has thrust himself into the

and

business,

is

ignorant,

more than

is

How

to frame the instructions of Aherne.

adapt them to a subject of which he

will contrive to

can possibly conceive.

Here

intolerably provoking.

the

is

This

he

totally

is

most

is

Ireland, shuffled

liberty of

back and forward between two French Commis, one of which

under gross prejudices, and the other absolutely ignorant.
is

to be done

As

manifest

Clarke

is

show

here

so

me

just as

am

appeal to

lawyer.

ever

circle.

knew me

my
in

we

not

for

example

make something

enough to

set

one

mad

temper, not to say

And

my

who

Good God,

is

in a certain

again repeat

will

and

of another.

this

in

my
?

degree in this man's

it, is

the nation whose

Clarke has also some

is

founded on his own observa-

That

is

to say,

the heat of the revolution sets up his

atten-

and been confidentially employed, and to

whom

who has been on

nothing relating to Catholic

affairs

reasonable and modest in

catechised

not

is

who had

opinion against mine,

is

it

and keep

just peeps into the country for an instant seven

years ago, and then

That

such as Lord

forgot his asking me, might

tion in a visit he paid to Ireland in the year 1789.

tively studied

for this

report on the influence of the Irish priests, which

he dreads a good deal

a Frenchman,

be

to

countenance, at such execrable trash

independence hangs on the

my

am

fitness

to be obliged to listen

Well, well, wretched,

doubts as to

of Fitzgibbon?

yet the fate of Ireland

hands.

the by,

nonsense about gaining over some

his

neither have

By

the capacity of a

of the Irish aristocracy to our side to begin with

Ormond,

is

The more

this affair as I

of England, and for

who

all

have not forgot

an unfortunate

in

competent to regulate

made Lord Chancellor

station

supposing he

in the cause,

credit for being sincere

convince him, the more enthusiasm

to
I

shall I satisfy Clarke that

enthusiasm

gracious enough to give

earnestness

how

to me,

my own

not the dupe of

is

What
I am

Aherne

my

the spot,

could possibly be a secret.

friend Clarke.

as to the chance of our preferring

to our form of government in case

of a

He

likewise

monarchy

as

successful revolution

-*T.

OPPOSED TO FRENCH CONTROL.

33.]

adding- that in that case

Government

in

vengeance.

we would, of
This

our choice.

wonder does he

we would come

course, consult the

French

selling the bear's skin with a

is

seriously think that

we succeeded

if

post to Paris to consult him, General Clarke, a

handsome, smooth-faced young man, as to what we should do.

I

When

can assure him we would not.

head he was more reasonable,

for

me

he spoke to

he said

it

was

on

this

indifferent to the

French Republic what form of Government we adopted, provided

we secured our independence.

but

I,

for one, will never

It

seems now he

is

more sanguine

be accessory to subjecting

my

country to

We

the control of France merely to get rid of that of England.

we were once afloat,

or if we are not we deserve to sink.
So much for Clarke. As to
his confrere, the other commis, Ysabeau, who has got into this
business, God knows how, for I do not, it is still more provoking.
enough to take care of ourselves

are able

Aherne

how

tells

me he

is

a blockhead, but

if

if

he had ever such

talents,

the devil can he give instructions on a subject of which he

utterly ignorant

occasion.

suppose he

will

is

hardly be inspired on the

Well, poor Ireland, poor Ireland, here you are, at the

mercy of two
they be not

clerks, utterly incapable,

and who knows

?

supposing them honest

it is still

worse.

Ysabeau, to whom, by the by, Madgett gave

Aherne is gone

if

to

in a draft of instruc-

which he never showed me, I knew not why, and which

Ysabeau never condescended to read. I will stop to see what this

tions,

conversation will produce.

Ysabeau

is

him with the

turned

otit !

pretty time they choose to entrust

Aherne saw

Is not this folly incredible?

secret.

the Minister himself, and spoke his opinion without reserve of

Clarke,

he told

whom he thinks not honest.

me in our first conversation

and the Butler family

Fitzgibbon's
aristocracy,

the

Butlers,

Will

niece.

and

his

in

Lord Cahir

Ireland.
this

do not know

is

remember

married to

explain his anxiety about the

wish to hook in Lord Ormond, the head of

and the monstrous extravagance of

about Fitzgibbon

he was related to Lord Cahir,

It

has a very odd appearance.

turn out a scoundrel I will see what

is

fit

for

me

his

questions

If

he should

to do,

and

if it

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

10

is

[1796.

necessary to punish him personally,

dislike

him

mortally.

It

I will do it
for I begin to
seems he told Aherne that he should
;

apprise the people in Ireland to be on the look-out for assistance

September, or

in

months

and

might be November next,

it

six or seven

in

saying, " unless

by

he qualified

this

something
;

should happen in the course of the campaign to prevent

pretty general exception.

he seemed astonished,

for the fact

He

with the business.

When Aherne
is,

"

it

told this to the Minister

he

utterly unacquainted

is

therefore got rid of

by giving Aherne

it

a few queries in writing on the subject of Ireland, the answers to

which are already

in

my

memorial

but

it

was merely to gain

Aherne know
and then give him his final

time, and said he would see Clarke himself, and

the result to-morrow at one o'clock,

Altogether things cannot look worse.

instructions.

not honest,
will

we

do myself

will

I will first

I will insist

upon being

conduct

mode

my

have not done

Carnot

my

opinion

measure
this, let

on the rejection of
abandoned.

is

him take

fully, as

without the least reserve, and the grounds

found that opinion.

I will

likewise

demand

future communications be directly with himself,

shall look

in

If I

definite.

of doing business here in general as of Clarke's

in particular,

on which

said to

degree informed

in a certain

endeavour to bring him to something

find that impossible, I will write to

well of the

learn the result of the Minister's con-

Aherne to-morrow, and what Clarke has

going forward, which hitherto

is

short, I will

be

If Clarke

have determined as to what

then go to Clarke myself, and have an explanation

with him, and

of what

are blown up.

versation with

him

let

his

this request as a

And

remedy.

if
I

is

all

and that

symptom

General Clarke

that

that the

offended at

suspect most violently that he

all
is

secretly counteracting the business to save his noble connections

in Ireland

and

if so, I

him

tunity to punish

be innocent, and
as will satisfy

so

is

will

Sullivan

I will

my
;

should be heartily glad to have an oppor-

personally.

After

all it is

possible he

may

not proceed but upon good grounds, such

conscience.

am much

Aherne

is

and
Aherne
what he

acltarne against him,

cooler than either of them.

denounce him again to the Minister, especially

for

^T.

33.]

said

as

CLARKE DISTRUSTED.
to

our consulting France relative to the choice of a

monarch, which

to be

is,

most unaccountable

sure,

Sullivan will set Prieur and Laignelot on his back.

I

know nobody, and

of course

wish, to intrigue against him, which

part,

had the

if I

disdain to do.

my

For

have not the power,

Clarke.

in

If I find

him, or have satisfactory reasons to suspect him, to be a traitor

denounce him at once to Carnot, and

in the business, I will

him then

pave better than

am

part, I

him.
will

then do what

is

and

at Aherne's with

get

half

my

Have

April

is

my

He

my

will

to
;

ruined

my

With regard

They

still

wait for further evidence.

and that
dine

will

be one step
Dinner.

together.

so nothing

is

done.

whom

making

in

the

the interior of

to Aherne, he said his instructions

in three or four days.

I

prospects,

be baffled by a

had seen Clarke, to

that preparations were actually

the matter.

life,

had been entrusted, and who assured

military part of the business

be ready

rashly.

with Aherne to the Minister, and met a

most gracious reception.

Then we

shall see

would

something of

mentioned to him the arrestation of Keogh, and

the embarrassment
it

see the Minister

Went

April i^th.

Choice cham-

Sullivan.

country, to

Agreed

demonstration.

Holland.

once decided,

with rage and vexation, at the

to see the Minister to-day,

Aherne could not

him

my

Breakfast with Aherne and Sullivan.

\\th.

towards

am

if I

he prove one, woe be to him

If

For

meantime do nothing

risked

hold their opinion as to Clarke.

Aherne

and

in the

family and deserted

scoundrel at last

the

betraying us.

is

let

who know

see appearances strong against

Madgett and

tipsy, partly

prospect before me.

Sullivan,

Let us see what the next three or

right.

four days will produce,

left

he

I do, are satisfied

not convinced, though

will wait for further proof,

Dined
pagne

Aherne and

he pleases.

act as

it

must produce

in our affairs.

He

observed,

would only inflame the people's minds the more. I answered,

them, they were sufficiently inflamed already
but the

as to

embarrassment which

and

others,

saw was

in

the imprisonment of him

inasmuch as they could be of such service

a provisional government.

in

framing

observed, likewise, and begged him

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

12

to remember, that the very

and

men

[1796.

now imprisoned and

persons

ment.

my

had pointed out as

friends,

were the very

as the proper persons to speak to in Ireland,

persecuted by the British Govern-

also took the opportunity to apologise for not seeing

him oftener that I knew the value of his time too well to take it
up in visits of ceremony, and we parted the best friends in the
;

world

he assuring

he was engaged

now

wait

me

Let him

Blank

He

Blank

Damn

on Clarke, who

Called

18th.
!

utmost exertions.

his

must

see Aherne's instructions.

till I

April \6th-i7th.

April

that in every part of the business wherein

might depend on

had nothing

to tell

me

it

very reserved of

is

late.

of our expedition, but said

they had some scheme of introducing Chouannerie in England,

and desired

would write a paper

to be distributed, in case of

fit

a landing on that scheme being effected.

do

it

that

know

did not

told

could

would

if I

try.

could not

the grievances of England, and could

He

not write in the character of a Frenchman.

I

him

So

said he

was sure

to get rid of the business

He

would make the attempt, but won't.

said I

plaguy fond of

is

Chouannerie.

April

igtk.

April

2.0th.

Blank
This being the

Etrangers, where

removed to the house where Aherne

live

Floreal,

first

have been fleeced

like ten

lodges,

cheaper and more comfortable.

Went

left

the Hotel des

thousand

where

devils,

hope

and

shall

with Aherne, at one

o'clock, to the Minister's, in order to see after his instructions.

last there is

read the draft of the instructions, in which there

trash

mixed with some good

articles,

House

wherein they say that

all

one to

parties

us,

Who

a great deal of

Ireland continues devoted to the

the devil

however, for we

will

made one or two observations on

he acted very

make what

fairly, for

At

Minister

Only think of one of the

sense.
if

is

of Stuart, one of that family can be found

agreeable, to
It is all

The

a prospect of something like business.

is

this

who

will

be

Pretender in petto ?

have nothing to do with him.

the instructions to the Minister

he gave them to me, and desired

me

to

observations struck me; and as to Aherne, he said that

AT.

A PROMISE OP HELP.

33-]

13

he must only be guided by such of them as might apply to the

state of things he found there, and disregard those that did not
which

all

is

candid.

them

for I find in

There

clergy.
this

by Clarke,

see the instructions are written

his trash

about monarchy, the noblesse, and the

me

one thing, however, which reconciles

is

absurdity, which

is,

to

all

Government promise us

that the French

men and 20,000 stand of arms with that force I have not
shadow of doubt of our success. It is to be escorted by ninesail
of the line (Dutch, I believe), and three frigates, and will be ready
about the middle or towards the end of May, which is not more
10,000

the

than six weeks

Went

If this be so

off.

but

Madgett to communicate

to

dine together, Aherne, he, and

accordingly

I,

this

French soldiery dancing

not be sanguine.

Champs Elysees. Dined

Walked out and saw the

in the

drank rather enough.

me

let

good news, and fixed to

groups, under the trees, with their

in

Judge in the humour

Burgundy in my head, whether

wives and mistresses.

was

two

did not enjoy the

bottles of

How

spectacle.

often did I wish for

my

dearest love

in,

with near

Returned

to the Restaurateur, and indeed drank off another bottle, which

made
"

three,

and returned home

in a state of considerable eleva-

my

having several delightful visions before

tion,

does wonders, does wonders every day!'

Wine

Well,

eyes.

Bed, slept like a

top.

April

"/ 'gin

Walked about

2\st.

to be

green sod of Ireland

home."

Well,

and

which are very

Ireland

Madgett

myself innocently.

could see once more the

is

delightful

may

be there

but then "

say

short.

all is

home

is

yet.

barely mention what

is

my

obser-

necessary,

very right; and that when he arrives in

have no doubt but the people there will execute every

them which circumstances will admit. Gave them to

to translate.

having changed

He

wish

Copied Aherne's instructions, and wrote

for the rest I

part of

yet Paris

who knows

April 22nd.
vations,

Paris, diverting

aweary of the Sun."

answered

my

not.

Went

lodgings

to Clarke to apprise

I replied that hitherto

very pressing for information

him of

my

asked him had he any news for me.

he had not found

but that, nevertheless,

me

expected

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

14

that

when

the time came,

He

thing.

should be properly apprised of every-

replied, " Certainly."

which

affairs,

[1796.

my own

also said, that as to

had scarcely mentioned, I hoped and expected that

I had suggested once already to him, of being

the request which

employed in the expedition as an officer in the French service,

would not be refused. He answered that I might depend upon
that.
I then mentioned the old subject of the necessity of losing
no time. To which he replied, with an air of great significance,
that, if the affair was undertaken, it would be within two years at any

He

rate.

a puppy, that

is

the truth of

is

him
away
some

at

He

he acts the statesman very poorly.

old

This good-humoured

it.

dare say he thought extremely diplomatic, but

irony

Ranelagh than

lad.

is

much

is

to figure

a hand-

then mentioned Pichegru to him, observing that any

woman would make

an ambassador

for

Sweden, where they are

sending him, whereas our expedition required a

talents

fitter

bureau diplomatique, for he

in a

can assure

He

and military reputation.

would not undertake

it.

said I

replied,

man

of great

he was sure Pichegru

was not so sure of that

glory was an object with him, as doubtless

that

if

was, the dismember-

it

ment of the empire of England, the destruction of her power, and

the establishment of a new republic in Europe of 4,500,000 people,
were not ordinary occurrences. That if he was a man to be
influenced by interested considerations, there was no doubt but, in
case of our success, he would be rewarded by Ireland to the
utmost extent of his wishes, as well as every person who was
This hint

instrumental in effectuating her emancipation.

He made some

out for the Citizen Clarke himself.

nite answer,
shall not

which

renew

signified

it

with him

score which a few days

his proclamation for

done nothing
opinion, the

in

nothing

it,

may

but

likely they

develop.

so

dropped the

have a

He

and that

if

little

me

about

I replied that I

he would permit

and

scheme on that

me

to give

measure was unwise and impracticable

all in

threw
indefi-

subject,

then attacked

Chouannising England.

peasantry of England were not at

it

vague

had

my

that the

a situation which rendered

would take any part in such a business, for several

reasons, which

enumerated

that

perhaps

in

Scotland, which,

AT.

AVERSION TO CHOUANNERIE.

33.]

however,

He

was not sure

of,

might do, but

it

before, that

did not

know

their

do that

also,

and without

and so we parted.

loss of time.

He

He is a strange fellow.
me everything that he

the Minister has told

to the business

part

and,

if so,

why

and so he

him.

Standing, as

do

is

a necessary quality

He

is

here, I confess I

much

very

for,

from the Minister, and

from a dozen different quarters.

dogs, though he

much
a

is

a pretty gentleman.

which

Well,
I

let

believe

interested in the success of the measure as he

little

more.

April 2ird.

on

indirectly,

out, I

when

am

him go
am, at
is,

my journals,

but that

is

not

my

fault.

hear

it

very sorry
to the

least, as

and perhaps

Confound him, I do not like him.

Blank
These blanks are very thick sown
!

me
can

do not see the policy

of concealing the measure from me, more especially

directly

that

apprised of relative

acting this part, to impress

with an idea of his diplomatic talents.

to

prodigious reserve on his

all this

is

me

would,

Does he know
is

suppose he has heard that secrecy

in a great statesman,

desired

promised him

as

replied

and would much

grievances,

rather write one for Ireland, which I did know.

tell

England, never.

in

pressed me, however, to write the manifesto.

latterly

CHAPTER

II.

PROGRESS OF BUSINESS IN FRANCE.

April

Called on Madgett to get

2dftJi.

He

tells

me

Sure he has not

lost

them.

gave him to translate.

the devil

to set afloat just

now

in Paris,

a thousand English spies.

If

my
It

be gone,

Hell and

would be a pretty paper

where there
it

observations, which

he has them not.

are, for

aught

know,

do not know what may

be the consequence, perhaps the blowing up of the whole expedi-

Madgett

Left

tion.

Evening

them

in

a rage, which

he has found the papers.

should never have forgiven him.

could scarce conceal.

Ah je

If

respire.

he had

lost

Get Sullivan to translate

To-morrow we go to the Minister's. The French have

begun the campaign by a splendid victory in Italy the negotiations between Wickham and Barthelemi have produced nothing,
them.

and the cry

is

now,

"

Guerre aux Anglais"

Theatre de la Republique, Macbeth, by Ducis,

Othello.

Talma,

in

Macbeth by Mme.
Siddons, before

is

much

Macbeth, a most excellent

Vestris, very good, if I

whom

all

different characters.

is

very good.

better than his

actor.

Lady

had not seen Mrs.

A good
by Dugazon, who represents

the actresses here vanish.

ridiculous farce, supported entirely

five

All this

Affairs look so well in the north, that

it

impossible to displease me.

April 2$th.

my

Went

with Aherne to the Minister's and gave him

and liked very

observations, which he read

out, in consequence, all the stuff

well.

He

struck

about royalty, &c, and returned

the instructions to Aherne, in order to his copying them, but kept

my

observations to show them to Carnot.

will

be despatched

in a

He

tells

me Aherne

few days, and that he has every reason to

think the expedition will be ready by the latter end of May.

16

MT.

ENGLISH TROOPS IN IRELAND.

33.]

begin to speak French like a nabob.

my

to-day with the volubility of

17

astonished the Minister

On

diction.

De

leaving

la Croix,

who, by the by, has had a narrow chance of being turned out, but
now,

is

fancy, pretty safe,

met

Sullivan,

English paper, with the quarters of the army

year

was very glad

to get

militia

there

is

to be a

camp

the rest

line,

of about 2,500

men

2,000 near Dublin, which with the garrison will

The whole

men.

am

force

is

Two

if

we can land with

guessed, but

least

my journal

in

had a second action

the affair of Montenotte, they

whom

one lieutenant-general, and God knows how

many

officers, colours,

men

cannon, standards, and stores, together with 8,500

cipline for ever after this, provided

spirit

among

Two

of enthusiasm, which
the Irish.

The French

French generals were

at

they

Was takeable, including

utterly defeated, taking everything that

in

doubt of

of yesterday,

Millesimo with the Austrian and Sardinian armies,

moderate victory, being the second

and

6,500

Apropos of the French:

10,000 French.

days after the victory mentioned

called

make about

have not the

fencibles or

all

in the north,

about 30,000 men, as

sure not above 20,000 effective.

success

Ireland for this

see but nine regiments of

it.

dragoons, and two of troops of the

who gave me an
in

two days.

a pretty

give up dis-

always that we can raise such

hope and believe

general

killed at the

is

is

very possible

Buonaparte, a Corsican.

head of their columns, and

a third desperately wounded, leaping with seven grenadiers into

the Austrian works, but as
t/ie

have often told

bravest nation in Europe."

English generals

who have

without, the enemy's lines.

and he was an Irishman.

regale

John

Bull, especially

P. P.,

"we are certamly

cannot recall the names of

fallen

this

war, within, or,

There was only one

This piece of news

coming

close

on

killed,

will

many

indeed,

Mansel,

wonderfully

the heels of a second

loan of 7,500,000, which he has cunningly borrowed from himself,

down French principles and preserve the regular

The regular government of Sardinia
(which island is in open revolt) is in a hopeful way after the last
battle.
The Atheists are now within fifteen leagues of Turin, and
only one strong place in their way besides that, they creep into

in order to

put

governments of Europe.

vol.

11.

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

iS

your strong places

declare

am

of a summer's day.

may be

of use

One

John, thou'rt a deep one.

humour

thing

we have any

If

Ah

like cats.

in as pleasant a

[1796.

man

as a

could wish to see

wish to remark here, because

it

generals killed, leaping in or out

of trenches, their families must always be adopted by the Republic.

I know nothing, judging by my own feelings, so likely to make
men fight with enthusiasm, as the consciousness that their wives

and

children, in the case of their falling in the public service, will

become the objects of national gratitude.

very well, and especially I like being rid of

Rue

mansion, l'Hotel des Etrangers,

hardly

me one

left

Well, "

louis.

The

Vivienne.

'tis

my new

like

villains

have

but in vain" &c.

Wrote a short memorial on the force and

army in Ireland, as it appears in the English

April 26th.
tion of the

lodging

that infernal extorting

disposi-

papers,

and gave it to Sullivan to translate. I think it is very prettily

I will give it
done, which is not the case with all my productions.

Went

to the Minister to-morrow.

in the

evening to the theatre

Montansier, Mdlle. Ferlon a good actress and pretty.

April 27th.
translated.

Aherne.

be despatched

he also told

All this
see

it.

myself and to
transcript of

my

is

my
all

a
I

dearest

month everything would be

am

sworn never to believe

these notes valuable (that

life

and love)

my

is,

is

my

hopes and

fears,

The

doubts and expectations, in this important business.

made

remarks, and have them given to Carnot, by which

suppose, at least, that the business
sincerely glad, for he

my

claws

to wit

in.

By

the by,

is
I

the

is

entirely in his hands, of

man

have

all

of
see,

meditate a

little

my
or

which

along wished to

must see the aforesaid organiser

in three or four days, because

it

to say, to

that they are a faithful

mind, of

Minister also said he would instantly have a copy

am

and

that matters were so arranged

in

that passes in

be

will

receive his final instructions

excellent, but

What makes

two or three days

in

me

and combinations made, that

till

admirably

Went at one o'clock to the Minister's, where I met

The Minister tells us the Directory is just now occupied

by very important business, but

disengaged, and then Aherne will

ready.

me my memorial

brought

Sullivan

fix

shortly,

stroke of

MT.

THE FRENCH IN ITAL Y.

33-]

my

politics (being

first)

will succeed.

"

is

intend

want, likewise, to

shallow

Pomona"

This day's paper gives an account

shall overreach him.

it

two to him.

As he

sound him about Pichegru.

foresee

how

us see

let

artfully to insinuate a thing or

19

by the army of Italy. It seems they were

too confident on the two former ones, which induced Beaulieu,
of a

third victory

the Austrian general, though twice beaten, to

with the

make

the attack

of his army, with which he surprised the French

Slite

was not without the most vigorous efforts of

the remainder of the army that he was at length repulsed, which,
however, he was effectually, leaving 2,500 men in prisoners only.
The French loss must have been severe. In the three battles
and

right wing,

it

four generals have fallen, and three desperately

like the British generals in Flanders, as I

The

with great wit and severity.

wounded

idea of attacking the French

being twice defeated does Beaulieu's talents great honour,

after

and had

not been

it

soldiery,

it

the invincible valour of the French

for

seems very likely that he would have succeeded.

was a work of great difficulty to repulse him, the

was,
continuing from daybreak to three in the afternoon. Went
it

evening to the Theatre Feydeau.

French stage
actor

woman

mind of King.

she

Lane

the Drury

manner, age, voice,

in

strongly in

all

very

have already remarked

is

the

As

it

battle
in the

These are the veterans of the

Mole

of Paris.

and

figure,

is

talents,

Mademoiselle Contat

an excellent

he puts
is

me

a delicious

Miss Farren of the Rue Feydeau, and in

She

respects just such another actress.

is

forty years of age,

and certainly does not appear to be above twenty-five.

She has

been the mistress of the whole French ci-devant nobility, and of

course has no great devotion to the Revolution, yet she lives now,
I

am

know

told,
is,

crat, that

but

fact,

with Legendre the Deputy,

a butcher in Paris.

do not glory

am

confess

who

am

was, and for aught

so

in that circumstance.

afraid too true, that

many

much

of an aristo-

It is

a scandalous

deputies have availed

themselves of their situation to secure the possession of beautiful

women, who submit

If so,

it

is

to their

abominable,

embraces to secure their protection.

do not

like to see the

Republic pimp for

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

20

But people here mind those things much

Legendre.

do

on

for,

this topic,

delicacy and

all

and

than

manners here are horribly

their

can learn.

less

have perhaps extravagant notions of

refinement,

by

dissolute,

[1796.

me my own

Well, give

country-

women, after all they are the materiel to make wives and mothers.
If I wanted a mistress, I would go to Paris or London.
Protec;

tion

Legendre's protection

law

of the

tection

angry on

that

this subject, so

no protection but the pro-

like

protects

all.

will quit

it.

find

Maybe

am growing
am jealous of

Oh Lord Oh Lord Jealous indeed. Marry come

Well, I am sleepy now, so I will go to bed, and Mademoiselle
up.
Contat may do the same if she pleases.
Legendre.

April
can

Blank

2gt/i.

2$t/i,

do ?

have not

lost

Blank

Is

one minute by

not this cruel

my

But what

negligence since

my

some comfort, however. Madgett

tells me that peace is as good as concluded with the King of Sardinia, and that these late victories will give him a plausible excuse
for cutting out of the party like the King of Spain.
He tells me

arrival in Paris

well, that

also that a revolution

that

it is

is

is

organised in Piedmont and Sardinia, so

highly probable the poor Roi des marmottes

keep company with the Stadtholder

have

in

seems

meeting

Voltaire's supper of the six kings (was

But

likely to be realised.

it

sad that

is

?)

Well

but in vain" &c.

April 10th.

am

six

it

must be writing

of revolutions in Piedmont and Sardinia, instead of

" 'Tis

may go and

a pretty dialogue they would

Called on Clarke again

he

is

a sad puppy, and

Our dialogue is always the same. " Well,

General Clarke, I have called to know if you have anything to tell
me." "Not a word." "Well, I hope when there is anything going
forward, you will let me know." Two or three words of commonfairly tired of

him.

place discourse follow, and so

horse.

keeping
over

confess

me

civil, for

take

my

leave as ignorant as a

cannot fathom General Clarke's policy in

so totally in the dark.

he spoke to

me

being, as he said, in a hurry.

he might have spoken to

me

Moreover, to-day he was not

en passant in the porter's antechamber,

If

he was

in twice as great a hurry,

in his cabinet.

will

not forget

it

to

CONVERSATION WITH CAR NOT.

JEST. 33-]

him, that
his,
I

and

can

him.

tell

hope yet perhaps

must not give myself

once
to

One

me

tell

nothing

all

see

demand an audience

very gingerly

will

what that

as a gib

cat,

May

Blank

am

May

This

produce.

or a lugged bear, and

1st.

declare

will

Went

to

my

power, and

sad

on him any more

call

and I am as melancJioly

my

interview with Carnot

saw Rewbell giving

in

me

perfectly.

began by

pursuance of his orders,

been several times with General Clarke, and had given him
I

was possessed

He

and other papers.

of,

said he

as well verbally as

knew

considering General Clarke in an

him
when

pressing
present,

from

many

me any

to give
I

had.

in

had avoided
;

but that, at

other quarters, that preparations were in a considerable

in

had made, the

risks

hoped, when he con-

had

run, the dangers I

endeavouring to lay the state of Ireland before the

my own

country, that he would

had once the honour

expedition,

as

me as
me such

not consider

unreasonably importunate in requesting him to give

information

the

then observed that

official situation, I

French Government, as well as the situation

fill

had

learned directly from the Minister, and indirectly

sidered the efforts

to

all

by memorials

information in return

degree of forwardness for the expedition,

had escaped

wrote a note desiring to see Carnot,

saying, fluently enough, that,

information

life.

he recollected

have

of Carnot himself, and

Luxembourg

the

audience in his costume

and was admitted

of

my

am

cannot help myself.

Thinking of

literally tired

2nd.

is

as

on the contrary, evidently

not

will

do

do,

if I

The puppy,
will

and

it,

the directions in

in return, but,

shows a disposition to avoid me,

I

above

far

thing, however,

given him, by Carnot's orders,

as he will

one

General Clarke.

airs like

as angry as the devil.

a station as honourable as

filled

fill

21

he might deem proper, as to the state of the

supposing

request was not at

all

it

were to take

place.

He

replied,

my

unreasonable, but that, before measures were

determined upon, it would be necessary that the French

Government should be satisfied as to the actual state of things in
Ireland and for that purpose a person should be sent to observe
everything, and make his report accordingly
for, if the people

finally

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

22

[1796.

there were amicable to the French Republic, the attempt might be

made, but

This was a staggering blow to me, to find myself no

the country.
farther

would require a considerable force to conquer

if not, it

advanced

end of three months than

at the

However,

audience.

recollected

doubtedly the French Government was

and

myself,
in

was

my

first

that

un-

at

said,

the right to expect

every possible information as to the actual state of the country,

I begged leave to observe that there were few individuals
more competent from their situation to give them that informa-

but that

much more

tion than myself,

send,

who would

return, if

he were lucky enough to escape

advanced,
the

so than any stranger they might

just slide into the country for a

hoped he would

English

Gazettes

formation, or

supposed

that

he understood that

known

in that

so thought

could not go myself.

de vos

my

said

was too

that, consequently, I

in

was

took that opportunity

that

case

He

hoped to

replied, that

certainly

avail

courage and talents {profiter de votre courage

But

talents).

He

lose.

answered

in its execution.

Government would

French

themselves of

the expedition were undertaken,

if

be permitted to bear a part

et

necessary to send a

country to be there four-and-twenty hours

the most unfit person in the world, and

the

it

in-

my

begged him to remember that the time was

without being discovered and seized

to mention that,

my

he doubted

might be altered since

affairs

and that there was not one moment to

precious,

well

assertions

that, nevertheless, if

departure from Ireland, and

confidential person,

my

find

moment, and
had
confirmed by

that, as to all I

still

he did not say whether the expedi-

was the second push

saw he would not give
me any definite information, I observed that there was a subject
on which I had received such positive instructions on leaving
Ireland, that I considered myself bound to mention it to him

tion
I

would take place or

made

at

not,

him on that head.

though

When

this

and that was

to the

command

be Pichegru
Rhine,

relative to the

that

that
if

it

General

who might be appointed

was our wish,

if

possible, that

it

should

he remained at the head of the army of the

probably should not have mentioned him

but that at

JET.

PICHEGRU.

33.]

when he was not employed

present,

hoped

was not

any military function, I

him (Carnot) to turn his
that command, supposing as before

was

that the expedition

same

him

many

time, there were

in abilities (aussi forts

que

the prejudice as to Pichegru's

him equal

of consummate talents, but,

officer

lui).

Republic abounded with excellent

rated

Carnot replied that un-

to take place.

doubtedly Pichegru was an

the

in

irregular in praying

thoughts on Pichegru for

at

23

and

suggesting

that,

at

Pichegru

any
to

rate,

my country,

so

the

would add a new

as to the effect his

in

the

of

notice

creating

He

in Ireland.
I

Directory.

my

on the gratitude of
every person
Just

liberties.

in

then

he desired

that, if

Republic of 4,500,000

free

people was an object of no ordinary magnitude, and

studious of his interest, which

replied

on the

said

thought the appointment

lustre to his former glory

assisting

strong, that I

had done perfectly right

observed that as to Pichegru himself,

fame, the

satisfied the

give every consideration to what

that he would
subject,

was

character was

appointment would have on both parties

to

inferior

but that, in

replied

officers,

army of 20,000 men,

to an

not

generals

he was

if

did not suppose, he might rely

country in

fullest extent, as well as

its

who might be instrumental in establishing her

at this moment General Clarke entered, and I

cannot say that he seemed highly delighted at the rencontre.

my

took
I

told

leave

him

when

accept

it."

in

of

Carnot, and went over to

him.

to

substance our conversation as above written, and

mentioned Pichegru, he
I

speak

said

was sorry

said,

for

it.

"

Pichegru

He

Oh, he won't

me had

then asked

him
I found it impossible, but that I would finish the one I had begun
for Ireland, whose grievances I knew, and with whose local
circumstances I was acquainted of both of which, with regard
to England, I was utterly ignorant.
He desired me then to finish
finished his proclamation for chouannising England.

told

that

one,

would

So

"

in

and bring

it

to him, without loss

of time.

the course of four or five days, and took

/ have got much by my intended

Peter Teazle says.

In the

first

place,

my

expostulation"
I

am

utterly

said

leave.

as

Sir

ignorant

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

24

whether there
put

any design to attempt the expedition or not

is

that,

in

signifies

they

may

are

too

at

is

him

they please.

if

want of judgment
adhering to

They

and, that being the case,

of

of no

as

cannot get

him
and

and oppose

should be

begin

be

will

hope

so, I

now

my

my

My

is

come

my

things

all

to nothing at

on

my

it is

boys,

little

my

place

more worthy of them

at least no fault of mine

otherwise

Browne

at

home

is

be

home

before

Well,

diminish

in

if it

the

exertions

Well,

but

it is

great

me

at

little

home
it

hope

fancy

the back-

them from that obscurity,

and our dear Maria
but, if I cannot, I must
think

solitude.

must,

in

if

cruel.

wife

must see and inveigle

shall

after all

gradually

is

power

had almost begun to

part undone, or untried, or unhazarded.

back to the woods,

it,

my

last.

bury them and myself

in a situation

submit

fear all

family and cottage again.

poor

to

his

in

possibly do to prevent

hard

entertain hopes of being able to rescue

and above

may

head that that fellow

be able to bear

shall

lot at last to

woods of America.

pretty sure Carnot has

doing everything

That

will

to think of

authority whatsoever,

only knows what that report

and what can

and hopes

sacrifices

it

it

it

Absolutely nothing

am

out of

it

betraying the cause, or at least

to thwart

he

memorials, but has taken them on the

God

Clarke, and

now

all

impossible things can wear a more

is

it

my

never read one line of

have been.

shows either

must regard

therefore

frosty appearance for our hopes.

report

but says

will not,

(By the by, the Directory

are of course not very likely just

him with their designs.

and Madgett from him,

to trust
says,

open war with the

at

forming their choice, or want of steadiness

in

it.)

and

on the eve of being turned

Ministers, which

their

What

undertaken.

and he

to resign,

of changing

fond

is

moment

this

They want him

dismiss

He

belief

in the business,

be

not

will

what the Minister says

Directory.

in

no one step taken

is

expedition

the

fact,

every day, and

out

My

twice to Carnot, and could extract no answer.

it

that as yet there

is,

[1796.

must.
I

have

left

If I

P. P. out

Perhaps

And

is

From

had begun

nothing

have to go
with me,

Mr.

Wm.

that to be our
this

to

day

I will

form.

MT.

ANXIOUS FOR THE FUTURE.

33.]

suppose another month at most

be adverse,

decision

do but
least

my

shall

now

fate,

they do not,

if

the

in

can catch P.

if I

have nothing to

signifies

and Mr. William Browne.

P.

may

yet revive.
I shall

they

If

If they

look on

my measures accordingly.
my making daily journals when

The Directory

have nothing to say?

am

and take

What

^rd-yt/i.

At

bosom of

in the

delay him, or send a person of Clarke's choosing,

May

If they

wait to see what they will do with Aherne.

as utterly desperate,

that

if

vessel to America.

first

despatch him promptly, the business

it

and

particular case.

be sure of tranquillity and happiness

family, especially

will

so

and return

to submit,

decide our

my own

of the French Government in

make me compensation,

will

then try the justice and generosity

will

25

me no business, and I
and I am tired of saying

gives

not in spirits to write good nonsense,

This day wrote an artful letter to Clarke to see if

him on the score of his interest. It is also his duty. This
is sad work, but what can I do ?
// faut hurler avec les loups.
I
engage him 1,000 a year for his life if we succeed, and I rely on
the nation to make good my engagement.

blank
I

can

blank

May

gth.

mation

it

receiving
that

list

Saw

Clarke

it

as soon as

it

could desire.

want

that

was necessary

might also depend on

taken, everything should

as

me

he told

if

was because he was not permitted

to

press him,

come

and would

the Directory.

that

me no

infor-

might rely on

should be informed, and

that, if the expedition

was under-

be made as agreeable to me, personally,

All this

at.

it,

he gave

is civil,

however, but

told him, as usual, that

still it is

did not

not what

mean

to

wait, in submission, for the determination of

then asked him had he read

my

letter

He

said

he had, but, as to any idea of reward, he was in the service of

France, and

it

must be to her he should look

replied, certainly

it

was

just that

for

compensation.

France should reward him, but

that did not preclude Ireland also from manifesting her gratitude

that he might rely on

it

that every individual in France,

who was

instrumental in establishing our independence, would be amply re-

warded

at the conclusion of the war.

He

have the means, that we had no money

replied, "

We would

not

and, besides that, he did

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

26

not
that

[1796.

much count on the gratitude of nations." To this I answered,

it was true we had little or no money, but that we had abunand as to the gratitude of nations, I did
it as he seemed to do
that America
the contrary, where every soldier and officer was

dance of means besides

humbly of

not think quite so

was an instance to
rewarded on the establishment of her independence, and where
Lafayette had a provision of 30,000 acres of land, which was all he
had to trust to at this moment on earth, and that I hoped we were
as capable ol gratitude as the Americans.

discourse turned on Ireland.

him

told

stopped there, and the

had seen the

instructions,

and that there were two points on which I wished much to satisfy
him, viz., the influence of the priests, and the question of royalty,
neither of which,

assured him, were at

be apprehended, and

all to

adduced several arguments, which, as they are already recited in

these memorandums, I need not here repeat.
I do not know
I

whether

me had

asked

would bring

my

him

I satisfied

it

him

to

On

leave.

finished the proclamation.

He

or not, but the discourse rested there.

in

said not, but that I

two or three days at farthest. I then took

I made no great way in this day's con-

the whole

was better pleased with Clarke,

versation, yet I

do not know why

;

than
the

have been

number and

among

for a

He

long time.

disposition of the troops in Ireland.

his papers, relating to the expedition,

which were the names of several towns

what does that forebode

Flanders

go

my

finish

of April.
plan

proclamation
see

loth.

all

there

who

wrong

allons

work

for

in the

it

will

at

let

me

since the 27th

begin on a

new

What

John Bull

margin of

cannot decipher, so

track, so

saw

also

Holland and Dutch

have not looked at

to be an expedition there,

to cut out

one

in

to find ten or a dozen in-

are to be sent into England.

places in the world

is

in a

Madgett has got orders

telligent prisoners

of

was

Courage mon ami

May

my memorandum on

has got

can that mean

Into England,

He

contemporary with

home, and prevent

tells

me

ours, in order

his distracting

much about his Irish affairs. He tells me, also,

If that be so, it looks
that Hoche is to command in England.
serious, but Madgett is so terribly sanguine that I know not what

his

poor head too

^ET. 33

PREPARING A PROCLAMATION.

to think.
"

language of the Gazette,

say, for the present, in the

I will

27

At work

This news merits further confirmation."

at

my

procla-

mation.

May
imps,

At work

nth.

better than

whom

my

first

my

furiously at

Madgett

attempt.

proclamation

gone

is

like

it

in search of his

he has orders to send off to Hoche as soon as he has

That looks a

found them.

little serious,

but

am

still I

slow of

faith.

This day the Directoire Executif has denounced a grand plot to

massacre themselves, the legislative bodies, the Etat-Major of Paris,

and proclaim the constitution of 1793. Above forty persons have

been arrested, and, at the head of them, Drouet, who stopped the

King

Varennes

at

dungeon
months.

in

am

and has
whence he

lain

1792,

Austria, from

in

sorry for him, for

believe

for

three years in a

returned not above six

is

him a

sincere republican

same time I would show no mercy to any man, whatever

might be his past merits, who would endeavour, in the present

at the

position of France, to subvert the existing Government.

had taken

place, our business

I think, in

my

would have been

in a

conscience, the French have, at this

moment, an ex-

ceeding good form of government, and such as every

ciple

is

bound

to support.

It

might possibly be

If the plot

hopeful way.

man

of prin-

better, but the

advantages which might result from an alteration are not such as

any honest man

to warrant

of the same

way

observe, that

it

of thinking.

would be

in

hazarding the consequences of

The people

another bloody revolution.

of this turbulent city seem

do not imagine, from

all

that

can

easy, or, indeed, possible, at present to

The Government

excite a serious insurrection in Paris.

is

strong,

the enrages are few, and the mass of the people seems disposed for
tranquillity at

any

rate.

As

a friend to France and Ireland, and as

an irreconcilable enemy to England,

am

am

heartily glad of

some

not so completely ultra-revolutionnaire as

speak here.

As

of this complot.

Apropos

There

an Irishman,

Had
is

it

for I
I

cannot but rejoice at the discovery

succeeded, what would have become of us

a law passed to-day, enjoining, amongst other

things, all strangers to quit Paris in three days.

Minister,

to

it,

whom

and see what he says on that head.

must apply

to the

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

2S

May
down

my

Finished

\2th.

my

should say

memorial and gave

proclamation.

It is

malgri la

in Paris,

short note, in very pretty French, which I

to Clarke

it

too long, but

Went to the Minister for

loi.
The Minister occupied

he pleases.

as

[1796.

Carnot cut

let

it

permission to stay
so

wrote him a

In the

for him.

left

evening the spectacle as usual. The French comedians are infinitely

beyond the English.

Even

in

the

The

opinion.

It is

wishing for
that

opera, however, continues to stand

a charming spectacle, and

my

dearest love.

a dog, and

petually,

and

foregone

my

me, nor

worn

in

my

am

What

neither."

anxiety about our

like

life

The

Hannibal

to enable Carthage to

Sad

have, I

sad

effected,

of

my

and

Yet
the

I
I

and that

do

shall I

make war upon

family,

am

was

and that

here like a

am

here,

dog

it

not why,

delights not

the novelty of Paris

and

affairs increases,

devil puts

est revenu.
I

my

into

my

is

get no satis-

head sometimes

at the court of Prusias, supplicating his aid

the Romans. There

is

fish

declare

am

a sort

not Hannibal,

wish our revolution was

down once more

set

is

Well, politics are fine things, mais

nor General Clarke, Prusias.

quand on en

know

Man

"

of analogy in the circumstances, excepting that

cest

in

here, dancing attendance per-

a constant suspense.

usual amusements.

woman

off,

first

never go there without

But matters are so uncertain

lead a dog's

factory information.
that

an attention to the costume

labour to prevent myself wishing for anything.

am

is

All the theatres, too, are pretty, and some

never seen in England.

magnificent.

theatres on the Boulevards

little

they perform admirably, and there

quietly in the

not very strange, for

bosom

dote upon them,

out of water, and everything frets me.

admire the French, of

all

things

the

men

are agreeable

and

women enchanting, and, if my mind were at ease, as it is not, I

make it out here very well, for some time longer, but as it

could
is

well,

and so what signifies complaining

cannot write good nonsense when I

can't help myself,

Let me write nonsense, and I

am not in spirits, and I am never in spirits
women are before the English, far and wide.
parably well made, almost without exception.

have handsome

faces,

The French
They are incomThe English women
now.

but for figure and fashion they do not

^T.

SUSPENSE AND DEL A Y.

33.]

approach the French

language

their

have

my

is

For

wit.

that

and then they walk so incomparably, and

so adapted to conversation, that they

their morality,

it is,

a bold word, after what

is

sure, "

to be

me

Ireland, after

For

"

all,

appear to

nice morality, split

hollow, and

have seen in London.

Well, give

women

for

all

London

Paris, in that respect, beats

wind-pipe."

29

make wives and mothers

to

of.

casual fruition," go to London, or, indeed, rather to Paris, but

you wish to be happy, choose your companion at home. The
more I see of this wide world, the more I prize the inestimable

if

blessing

possess in

my

wife's affection, her virtues, her courage,

her goodness of heart, her sweetness of temper, and besides, she

What

eyes.

is

with her and the

May

she doing just now, and what would

little

fanfans

for half

an hour

me

desires

no

to give myself

The

Minister very

civil

trouble, but in case the police should

molest me, apply directly to himself or Carnot.

the present.

give to be

Called on the Minister, relative to the law enjoining

15th.

foreigners to quit Paris in three days.

all

is

my

very pretty, a circumstance which does not lessen her value in

Dined with Madgett

Champs

at the

This

do for
and drank

will

Elysees,

like a fish.

May
is

Wrote a

141/1.

Carnot

my

but

May
me

not

it is

my

l$t/i.

kill

is

my

Paris

hands, and this horrible

a sad falling off in

my journals,

fault.

Went

to write a short

him to-morrow.

me. There

praying him to apply to

stay, in case of accidents.

growing more and more stupid on

suspense and delay

is

letter to Clarke,

for a written order for

and saw Carnot, who desired

to the Directory

memorial desiring leave to

Saw Aherne nothing done

;

stay,

and bring

in his business.

it

to

This

bad.

May

16th.

Delivered

my

memorial at the Luxembourg, and

re-

ceived directions to apply at the Secretariat-General for a permission.

the

Lounged

little

being a

in the

evening to the Theatre D'Emulation, one of

theatres of the Boulevards

fete,

the house was

dressed out, and as gay and as

surprised to find the piece

filled

it

was Easter Monday, and

with the bomie bourgeoisie,

happy as

possible.

was the "School

all

was agreeably

for Scandal,"

extremely

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

[1796.

well adapted to the French stage, and very well represented.

had an
it

cannot describe

brought a thousand recollections into

the
is

upon me which

effect

"

School for Scandal

my

the least of

" in

management

Shall

ahuays

soliloquy

have not remarked

But how

for

some

my life

17th.

Blank.

18th.

This day

they

much

to the

they were telling them a

secret.

that

On

civic airs

a circumstance which

like sincerity,

time.

The

is the rule."

the whole

was very well

when I have nothing

of the Boulevards
Sad

stagnates just now,

to write of but the theatres

May
May

if

to the pit ;

were applauded with something

amused.

they acted

of their by-play, but they have one fault.

audience, with the expression as

The

are incom-

Lady Teazle

In their soliloquies they always address themselves too

"

ever see

Well, that

theatre of the Boulevards

little

It

and

alone,

The French comedians

admirably, particularly Charles, Sir Oliver, and

excel in the

mind.

an English theatre again

grievances.

parable, even in this

my

was

had a

signing the memorial which

tiff

with

my

Carnot.

In

had written

my

lover

delivered to him,

name Theobald Wolfe Tone (dit James Smith). The permission

was made out in the name of T. W. Tone, and of course was refused
to me when I applied for it in the name of James Smith.
I was

my

therefore obliged, sore against

will,

to apply again to Carnot,

who spoke very chuff about the trouble I gave him to write a
second memorandum. I was damnably vexed, and told hirn civilly,
but dryly, that
fault.

He

to-morrow

was sorry

for the mistake,

but that

it

was not

then wrote a second note to the Secretary, so

it

will

be made out properly.

Men

present.

May

igth.

learn to-day that Carnot

to everybody yesterday.

May

20th.

So

Received at

think of the folly of

was

for

"

it

seems

last

signed " Tompkins, Creditor"

to-day,

maxim, and so

my good-humour

have not recovered

citoyen

take

halt here for the

yet.

was as cross

was not

it.

as the devil

singular.

permission to stay in Paris,

indeed, Carnot, President.

or,

some people

Le

my

suppose

high station

in

ought not to speak short to people who do not deserve

that to be a very pretty political

my

The

first

Theobald

permission, as

Wolfe

Tone,

Only
I saw
refugie"

yET.

POLITICAL FEELING IN PARIS.

33.]

Irlandais."

which was to

That was a pretty business to spread on a paper

be seen by Lord knows how many clerks and commis,

as well at the

Luxembourg

there

is

no harm done,

Well,

as at the Municipality.

fault of mine, as I told Citizen

no

31

for the

was

it

Carnot yesterday, and besides,

paper

is

cancelled

so that affair

is

my hands, and I have nothing to do but divert myself, for the

Government here give me no business. " Fie upon this idle life, I
It seems the plot, discovered by the Directory, was
ivant work"
off

Amongst

dreadfully sanguinary.

other features,

all

strangers were

to present themselves, in order to their being imprisoned, volun-

pain of death. If the fact be so, it seems I have had,

among others, a very good escape, for in times of revolution it is a

tarily, tinder

short journey, sometimes, from

country,

from whose bourn no

as they are for France

and

it,

army of

Italy

entirely abated

is

" les

undiscovered

how

curious to observe
;

the

even the immortal

have not the smallest

effect.

observe

where they sing (by order of the

particularly at the spectacles,

Executive)

It is

"

Things are better

traveller returns!'

for us.

enthusiasm of the Revolution

victories of the

the prison to that

chants civiques," every night, and they are received

with the utmost phlegm, and sometimes worse.

Enthusiasm

is

passion which will not last for six years of a war, which, however

beyond

glorious

great

all

individual

historical

suffering.

example, has been attended with

observe, too, the

the most disaffected part of the nation, which

young men are

caused by the

is

dominion of the women, who are aristocrats without exception.

This

very natural and very bad.

is

generation would have been good

that the fact has justified

my

power.

To

see

Sybarites, yet these very

to join the armies, see
I

believe

example,

if
if

the

did

apprehensions.

as possible from the requisition,

in their

expect the rising

republicans, but I cannot say

They skulk

as

much

which they evade by every means

them in Paris they are a race of wretched

young men, when they are forced at length

how they

fight

This

is

a curious paradox.

Republic were to suffer a sudden reverse, for

Brunswick were once more at the passes of Argonne,

the old spirit of France would revive, but, as

thusiasm here.

There

is,

it is,

there

is

no en-

however, a good succedaneum in a well-

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

32

Government

organised

combined

which,

courage of the armies, does the business

[1796.

with

untamable

the

sufficiently, as,

believe,

General Beaulieu and the King of Sardinia can bear witness.

very lucky the

new Government was

lute decline of public spirit.

It is

established before this abso-

had

If the enthusiasm

failed before

was organised to supply its place, I know not

what might have happened. At any rate, if the combined despots
had, in that case, made any progress in France, it would only have
once more roused the energy of 1792, and the two succeeding years,
the present system

so that, at

would have come to the same

last, it

It is the

thing.

successes of France which have abated her enthusiasm.

this

is

was

in

enough of

politics for the present

the place of the Directory,

believe

only add that,

will

if I

would forbid the singing of

political airs at the spectacles, for a forced spirit is

all

always a bad

one.

May
was an

This morning, on sallying out, the

2\st.

affiche of a vessel to sail in ten

knocked

me

in the

head

a thousand schemes.

for the

To-morrow

my

wife,

and our

for

thing

New

York.

Madgett,

do

If I can

dear, dear babies,

saw
This

have been planning

will see

take his opinion on one or two points.

to

days

whole day.

first

think

it

in

order to

with safety

will settle in

France.

May
him

Called on Madgett, and took a serious walk with

22nd.

in the Tuileries.

France.

him

told

maturely, and the result was,

felt

That, by a rough calculation,

about 400 louis

d'ors,

with which

had considered

my

situation

a strong inclination to settle in

I

supposed

unless I went very far back, and then

should

could

command

little in

America,

could do very

feel

myself helpless,

That
France, and

not being inured to labour, and servants not being to be had.

I

conceived property would

therefore

begged

apprehended, as
revolution,

his advice

now be very cheap

on two

in

First,

it

whether he

did not, that there was any danger of a counter-

and
I meant the restoration of royalty, &c.
would be more advisable to purchase national or

by which

next, whether

patrimonial property with the small

Madgett

points.

sum which

could

replied, that, as to a counter-revolution,

command

he did not well

/ET.

FRENCH ARMY.

SPIRIT OF THE

33.]

33

more than it was an event far from improbable.

That the Government was in the most extreme distress for money
that the mandats had failed, and what should be substituted he

know what

to say,

could not pretend to guess

that the approvisionment of Paris

was

immense difficulty, and if there once came an actual

it was impossible to say what might be the result
from the fury of a starving and enraged populace any one of them
might take it into his head to cry Vive le Roi, and perhaps the
whole mass adopt it that Pitt was moving heaven, earth, and hell
that the louis was to-day at 10,500 francs, that
to ruin the finances
things were driven now to that state that a very few days must
decide whether the Government could go on or not, and that for
a work of

scarcity of food,

himself he wished he was fairly out of

it

He

it.

added, that perhaps

would be better to purchase patrimonial property, and

the

sum

mentioned,

We

value, or 4,000.

that, with

might procure an estate of ten times the

then fixed to meet in three or four days, and

meantime he is to make inquiries, and turn the matter in

thoughts.
For my own part, whether it is that I am younger

in the

his

and more sanguine than Madgett, or

The

tion.

less

acquainted with circum-

have not the smallest apprehension of a counter-revolu-

stances, I

present Government

perhaps too

much

must, and

have no doubt

But what decides

so, but, if

me

is

one of extraordinary mildness

pressed by an invincible necessity, they

have recourse to stronger measures.

will,

the excellent spirit of the army.

is

mutiny among the Legion de

Police,

been a ramification of Babceuf's

plot,

The

which now appears to have

was quelled

in

an instant by

most excellent address to the

Directory, from the privates and non-commissioned officers of the

the other troops, and

3rd Dragoons,

who form

continue steady

money

can

see to-day a

a part of their guard.

fear nothing.

command

to

believe

Whilst the armies

can lay out the

more advantage here than

in

supposing only the half of what Madgett says to be true

am

here a portee of Ireland.

but, as at present advised,

vessel to

my

love, to convert

louis d'ors at the

vol.

11.

Bank of

I
I

need not

think

recite over

I will

little

America,
besides, I

my

write an order

reasons,

by

this

everything possible into specie, to buy

Philadelphia, and set off for

Havre with

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

34

our family in the

be

shall I

For

my

them

fix

Good God

sails.

how happy

a comfortable cottage in France

in

schemes of ambition

now without
on

ship that

first

can

if I

[1796.

am

almost worn out of hope

expectation, and merely that

may

act

say that nothing

my

part has been left untried or undone.

If there comes a
and I settle here, it will be but a step for P. P. to come visit
and to be sure we will not make him welcome, and there is no

peace,
us,

wine

France, &c.

in

feel

my

ancient propensities revive a

little.

May

After balancing for four or

2ird, 24th, 2$th, 26th.

five

and turning the matter every way in my thoughts, I have

taken my resolution, and written this day to my dearest love, to
Rowan, and Doctor Reynolds, acquainting them with my determination to settle in France, and desiring them to make preparations for
days,

my

the departure of
"

measure, but
succeeds,
I

am

it

it

At

is

all

more advisable

events, the die

have decided to the best of

am weary
myself,

May

if

possible haste.

all

If

would be best they should be

satisfied

America.

family with

Audaces fortuna juvat."

in

my

It is

France

if it fails, still

than in

for us to settle here

is cast.

It is

my judgment,

an epoch

and,

a bold

negotiation here

in

my

life.

if I fail, I fail.

of floating about at the mercy of events

let

me

fix

possible, at last.

Paris has been in a sort of smothered fermentation

27th.

for several days,

and

Within a fortnight

all

suppose a very few must bring

against their value in mandats, which, in other words,

at once the

to a crisis.

it

the assignats will be called in and exchanged

whole currency.

is

The small assignats of 100

changing

francs,

and

under, will be allowed to circulate for the convenience of the poor.

hundred

halfpenny

livres in assignats are

their

nominal value

reasonable depreciation.

For

is

my

worth to-day about twopence-

4
part,

3s. 4d.

who am

That

is

a pretty

neither financier

entire

do not pretend to understand the question, but I

it is no ordinary matter to annul, at one blow, the
currency of a nation, and substitute another in its place,

yet

has been done once already in the case of the assignats,

nor agioteur,

can clearly see

it

which superseded gold and

silver, as

the mandats

will, I

have no

MT.

FETE DES VICTOIRES.

33-J

Something or other must be done,

I hope the Government will have

doubt, supersede the assignats.

or the finances here will tumble.
firmness.

and

am

They seem

lately to

glad of

for I

King Log when

it,

have been assuming a higher tone,

sometimes could not help thinking of

saw them insulted with impunity.

If they
the enemies of the Republic will be put down, but if

stand bold,

my

they go back one step, or even fluctuate, in

It is certainly
till

35

the ist Messidor, which

is

mind, they are

lost.

Government holds out

now three weeks off, and if their new

a most critical period.

If the

scheme of finance succeeds, to ascertain which nothing seems wanting but firmness on their part, the Republic will be established for

As

ever.

it

"we

is,

dust."

Courage

not, for

my

had a

visit

are zvalking on embers, covered with unfaithful

a few days will settle the business, and

part, prosperously.

Vive la Republiquel

from the Commissaire de Police of

my

section,

of the Bureau Central de Paris, in order to bring

doubt

Yesterday

me

by order

before

my

betters for remaining in

town contrary to the law of the 21st Floreal,

concerning strangers.

However,

"

1 jumped suddenly upon him

my

deprived him of the use of his tveapon" by producing

to remain, signed Carnot,

on which he begged
ness,

which

where

This

world.
I

my

signed,
visit is

and so we parted, the best friends

went the day

proper entry.
pelling the

am

to

some blunder

after I

officer,

received

who

in the

my

omitted,

suppose, to

in

suffer

make

it

the

glad to find the Government serious in com-

strangers to leave Paris

an exception

would not

in the

Bureau Central,

permission, to have

they are a pest to France,

speculating in her funds and ruining her currency.

is

permission

and countersigned Lagarde, Secretary,

pardon, dressed aproces verbal of the busi-

owing

viewed by the proper

and

favour of Americans.

one of them to remain,

If I
for

am

told there

was the Government

whom the Ambassador

would not engage personally, because of the multitude of English

who all pass here for Americans.

Went to the Fete des Victoires, which was celeto-day in the Champ de Mars. The Directory, the Ministers,

agents and spies,

May
brated
the

28th, 2gth.

Corps

Diplomatique, &c,

all

assisted,

in

grand

costume.

Incense was burning before the statue of Liberty, and the usual

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

36
civic

hymns were

for the occasion,

It

was a superb

chanted, with two or three

and alluding
spectacle,

[1796.

new

ones,

to the success of the

and the

spirit

composed

army of

Italy.

much

of the people seemed

better than I expected, under all the circumstances of the case.

There were about 6,000 troops

battalions, representing

whom

the

under

into

14

14 armies of the Republic, each of

received from the hands of Carnot, the President, a standard

and a garland of oak, the emblem of

victory,

the handsomest grenadier of the corps.

fine appearance, all

was placed
the

arms, divided

young healthy men,

at the foot of the altar, In the

Corps Diplomatique, but,

remain incognito.
exhibition,

Altogether,

and the

tears

for
I

The
fit

which was borne by

troops

middle of

a spectacle worthy of a grand Republic, and

!

my

brethren of

was exceedingly pleased with the

were running down

Vive la Republique

a very

particular reasons, I chose to

my

Carnot presented the wreaths and standards to the

transport.

made

for active service.

cheeks when

soldiers.

enjoyed

It
it

was

with

CHAPTER

III.

HOPE DEFERRED.
June

ist,

2nd, ird.

faint ray of hopej has

broke to-day across

the impenetrable gloom which has, for some time back, enveloped

my

prospects.

called on Clarke, pro forma, not expecting to find

was not disappointed. I found, however, a note,

informing me that he had read my proclamation (see May 12th),
and liked it very well that, however, it would be necessary to
curtail it somewhat, and that he desired to see me for that purpose
him, in which

any time

day and to-morrow.

after this

desired to see me.

Well, that

It is

something.

is

the
I

first

time he has

wrote an answer

immediately, appointing the 18th Prairial (June 6th), by which

leave him, out of respect, one

of this

am

glad Clarke likes

too long myself.

written the proclamation.

horse to market!''

have

it

it

will

But

have kept

along, and latterly,

clear.

my

proclamation, which

found

to furl again.

me

If

be something to boast of to have

me

let

my

God knows, on

tempt

Will anything come out

see he has a correct taste in those things.

the expedition takes place,

this little breeze

day

not be

"

hopes under a
a very low

running before

my

regimen

all

not

let

strict

diet.

will

to spread a deal of canvas, merely to

Things

are,

however, better to-day than

they were yesterday.

June 4th, $th.

day to Versailles

French lover of mine, M. Dugas, took

in his cabriolet.

It is

me

to-

a pleasant drive of twelve

miles from Paris, the environs of which are certainly before those
of London, but far inferior to those of Dublin, which are beautiful

beyond description, owing to the two great features of the sea and
the Wicklow Mountains.
The chateau of Versailles is truly magnificent,

and the gardens of a vast extent, but of a most tiresome

37

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

38

uniformity

the old school, straight alleys, dipt hedges, round

all in

[1796.

basins, marble statues,

and systems of

terraces.

It is

a detestable

There are some admirable paintings yet remaining, particularly one of Charles I. of England, by Vandyck, which has been
style.

engraved by Strange, and one of Charles XII. of Sweden, which

is

a striking resemblance of Lord Llandaff. All the furniture has been

removed or

excepting a most magnificent cabinet, which

sold,

belonged to Marie Antoinette, and

which she kept her jewels.

in

Nothing can exceed the extravagant flattery displayed in the

ceilings, which are all painted in allegories, alluding to the different
events in the reign of Louis

XIV. who

is

represented in them, one

time as Hercules, another as Mars, and again as Jupiter

makes
his

it still

order.

is, that all these paintings were executed by

was particularly struck with one, where there is a

figures,

Louis XIV., his brother Orleans, the Grand

Conde, and Turenne, certainly not ordinary men.

good

also a

Portraits

kind of painting which

illustrious characters are the

is

what

better

group of four

There

portrait of

Mme. de Maintenon.

take a week to examine the palace and gardens, and

of

like best.

would

It

did not

I saw, however, enough to satisfy mc

King of France was magnificently lodged, but, for my part,
I should die of the spleen in a week if I were confined to the
Chateau de Versailles. It is the same with all the palaces I have
Hampton Court in England is
ever seen, which are not many.

remain much above an hour.

that the

magnificent, but

it

would be

lost in Versailles.

we walked

to Trianon,

pavilion

beautiful, viz., the outside,

is

built of coloured marble.

which

is

which

The gardens

is all

The

saw, being

all

are like those of Versailles,

It is

an abominable

style.

then went to the Petit Trianon, the favourite retreat of

Antoinette.

English
I

the chateau

about half a mile distant.

equally monotonous, but less extensive.

We

From

style.

It is

a most delicious spot, completely finished in the

After the dreary regularity of the two other gardens,

was enchanted, and even the French acknowledged the

superiority of taste manifested in laying out the grounds.

infinite

Trianon

would be beautiful in England, but in France it is like fairy

ground. There have been some pretty frolics executed here. I

JET.

TONES PROCLAMATION

33.]

many profound

could not help making

through

"

it,

Queen

the

regretted

Altogether

June

me

done

walked
do not wonder

reflections whilst I

et fuga sceadi."

from the station she once

fall

by appointment upon General

manner than ordinary.
proclamation, and found it extremely
would be necessary to curtail it con-

however,

that,

first

cordial in his

my

he had read

siderably, for the

it

point in these compositions

being read, and, for that,

is

to ensure their

necessary they should be short

it is

who

there would be a longer one prepared for those

public papers

all this,

and

have ever written,

of an author, as

believe

Gog

they had not

lost sight either of the business itself or of

We then

it.

with

army

my

leave.

then told

and

having fixed to return,

so,

down

him

my

it,

share

the

crisis,

few days,

my

On my

met

Madgett has

horrors.

were reduced to such a

in a

to a reasonable size, I took

I liked Clarke very well to-day.

in

talked for a few minutes of the gigantic successes

of Italy,

proclamation cut

Sullivan

the

might rely on

it

of the

all

therefore told

me

would mince

sans reviords.

thought

above the personal vanity

can witness.

He

can safely say that, in

am

that

studied politics,

but that mine was destined for the people and soldiery.
there was good sense in

in

held.

made me melancholy.

Found him more

told

well

to

39

Called this morning

6th.

Clarke.

He

it

mundi

de vanitate

CRITICISED.

return

him

told

that

affairs

and Legislative

that the Directory

bodies were actually thinking of removing to Fontainebleau for

Madgett has always news extravagantly

their personal security.

good or extravagantly bad.

believe

it

but that,

if

told Sullivan

plump

that

did not

they took such a pusillanimous resolution

they were undone for ever.

from Shakespeare, on the

added many

folly of fearing

fine observations, stolen

death in public situations,

and made, on the whole, a most eloquent harangue, by which I

I do not,

convinced Sullivan and myself there was no danger.

however, like these reports.

them, and
terrible.

growing

if
I

all,

there

may

have been since as melancholy as a

my

Scripture, "

After

be something

the Government here were to blow up,

prevailing habit.

maketh

the heart

of

"

it

in

would be

think

it is

Hope long deferred?

saith

the

man

sick."

cat.

am

sure mine just

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

4o

now
"

is

not

Courage

June

But

rude health.

in

am

sworn never to despair, so

"

Allons

Called to-day upon Monroe,

jth, 8th.

[1796.

whom

Found him extremely

seen for above two months.

and chatted with him above an hour, on American

my

had the delicacy not to mention

He

obliged to him.

He
was

had written him word

my

my

safe arrival, so that

anxiety on that account.

all

Stayed

politics.

business, for which I

that B.

America of

that they had heard in

family are out of

me

also told

have not

civil.

am

heartily glad

of that circumstance.

June
will
"

At work

9th.

bring

Tale of a Tub," altering

June

the clerks in

French

in Ireland

the Directory.

has been effected, and that he has

If
I

be

it

who has

premature.

know
is

it

not what to think.

mention

it

one of

down

to a frigate,

it

to me,

and

if

The

inquire.

and that the news must be

it,

possible that

it

may

be

true.

have finished my proclamation,

and will go with it to Clarke

If there be anything in the report

to-morrow.

from a

it

directly from

were favoured with the smallest information on the

This, however, leaves

cut

most extraordinary that neither

so, it is

Minister said he did not believe

proclamation.

just like Jack, in the

Madgett has been with the Minister to

subject.

which

am

his coat.

of the legislative body,

Madgett nor

Madgett tells me an odd piece of news. One of

the bureaux assures him that the landing of the

\oth.

member

my

cutting and slashing

to something at last.

it

he does not,

he

will

will conclude

probably
it

is

un-

to

his

founded.

June nth.

on Clarke,

Called

whom

met running

bureau, in a violent hurry to General Lacuee,

for him.

had

just time to give

who was

waiting

him the paper, and he did not

I presume the story is, as

say one word about the landing, so

the Minister says, premature.

The

report

follows

Evening.

seems to grow more

Madgett with me again.

serious.

Grandjean, Chef de Bureau

in the

It

stands

now

as

foreign affairs, told

him this day that the French were landed in Ireland to the
number of 15,000 men that they had been perfectly well received
;

^ET.

A FALSE RUMOUR.

33.]

41

by the people, who were flocking about them in thousands, when

the despatches were sent off"; that he had this from Beffiroy, a
member of the Cinq-cent, who had it directly from one of the
All this

Directory.

confess, staggers

or

how would

all

me

very circumstantial and precise, and,

is

extremely.

There must be something

Beffroy and Grandjean

come

in

it,

to think of Ireland at

frigate (the Atalante) has also, certainly, arrived at Brest,

within these few days, after accompanying a fleet of transports, &c.

After

all, if it

landing be effected
of

Yet

it.

whole,
is

"

my part, the
my concern in

I am

think

it

Quoi

favour.

Among

main point to me
the business
last

Frangais en Irelande

lost in sensations

is

that the

is

the least part

excess not to bear

et

Montauciel iiy

On

of troubled emotions."

and there are strong circumstances

others,

now a month

it is

prisoners to Hoche,

Irish

as

it

the

very unlikely that the report should be true, yet

certainly possible

fifteen

les

as sure of

is

terribly chagrined at its being kept a

should be mortified to the

it.

"

est pas."

most

is

For

secret from him.

a part in

Madgett

should be to Ireland.

of his existence, and

since

by Clarke's

Madgett sent

who

orders,

they were intended for England, which, by the by,

May

off

said

not

did

it

in its

But then why should the Directory

nth).

believe

{see

conceal

such a piece of good news from the public, and

why

me?

they

should Clarke conceal

have not kept

me,

faith

would give

after

from

If the report

me

be

true,

with me, for both Carnot and Clarke assured

the expedition were undertaken,

if

and Clarke repeated

it

it

it

in

our

last

great pain to be

having laboured

God

left

successfully

should be of the party,

conversation

and

confess

out of the business here,

thus

far.

Notwithstanding

That is the main

point my interests are of little consequence, and besides, in
the long run, the truth will come out, and justice be done to
all parties.
Madgett is a thousand times more enraged than I
am, though, I think, with less reason, for he has neither done
nor suffered as much in the business as I have. Once for all, I
do not yet believe it. A very few days must ascertain the truth
all that, I

wish to

the report were true.

or

falsehood

of the

report,

and, in the

meantime,

think

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

42

The Directory have

take no steps whatsoever.

will

[1796.

to-day the news of two victories, one in Italy, being,

received
believe,

the tenth, at least, this campaign, in which Beaulieu

has been

again totally routed before Mantua, with loss of

baggage,

cannon,
think,

and

stores,

will

second (the

days before, but

but

like to

make

it

maintaining

of men, absolutely without

money

three

have not seen the

The Emperor

is

be sure the military

belief.

Only think of the

armies,

or credit.

Buonaparte has raised a

true

is

fourteen

on the

is

two or

To

it.

exertions of the French are beyond

It

other

a complete victory.

is

a worthy campaign of

Government,

The

it).

That,

prisoners.

was gained

first

forgot to insert

learn

Major

the affair in Italy.

settle

Rhine, being the

details,

whole Etat

his

all his

little

nearly
It

1,000,000

inconceivable.

is

cash in

Italy,

for

he

has given notice to Citizen Carnot to draw on him for seven

millions,

sight,

at

how John

am

all,

here

of

anxiety

which

Ireland, I

and

here

and

if

June

the worst

P.

If

P.

"

guess.

Are the

me?

it

nonsensical

the French are

Confusion

Tete,

be that you have broke

thou

cat,

scratch of a cat's

the

after

a state

in

sans-culottes in Ireland,

my

comes to the worst,

Drank punch

\2th.

off his confidence a

speaks a

little

so blunt as,

bore

hast deceived

paw

me!

on his hand."

friends

in

off the

Ireland

his discourse that

besides, age

Yet Madgett

is

is
is

with Madgett. He
" Goodman

is

come

Verges

matter ; an old man, and his wits are not

Jielp,

me sometimes most

by

last night

as to the landing.

little,

Heaven

of Ireland, that

and

is

Oh, Citizen Carnot, can

" White cat, white

writing

description,

can give a

bombes!"

and

not forget me.

will

see

instantly he felt

Well,

all

wonder

However,

bill.

critical period,

wonder where

think

Mille

with

faith

baffles

sang

ventre,

a most

in Paris, in

memorandums.
in

payable at the Bank of Genoa.

Bull would like to discount his

to be.

Moreover,

does

think

he has his eye on the ambassadorship

He

has not talents for that station

beginning to

good

He

could desire they were."

confoundedly.

fellow,

make

and

inroads on his faculties.

has, undoubtedly, a strong

43
claim on the gratitude of his country,

if

she succeeds

not to be her ambassador to the French Republic.

but he

is

His misfor-

it is he does everything, and moves

knows everything, and I can see that he
knows no more of what is going forward than my boot it is
laughable enough to see him sometimes hiding his ignorance
and want of importance under a veil of great mystery and reserve, in which I always indulge him by telling him, like a
dog as I am, that I do not want to press on his official delicacy,

tune

he thinks

that

is,

and

everything,

He

&c.

me

tells

which he gave

to-day that, in consequence of a memorial

some months

in

what passed

ago, containing

in

the Privy Council of England, with his remarks thereon, Spain

have a

will

"

days.
already,

and

fleet at sea,

Would I could see

break with England

quoth blind Hugh."

it,

but no matter.

point gained

will

Notts verrons.

would be a great

It

common enemy

Spain would declare against the

if

in fifteen

quoted that

of the liberties of mankind.

June

Called on Clarke this morning, for want of

14th.

i$th,

Saw him

two minutes, mentioned Madgett's

report of the landing, adding that I did not believe it.
He
assured me it was utterly unfounded. So there is an end of
I observed it was dreadfully indiscreet in whoever
that business.
other idleness.

had

set

it

impossible

me

told

cut

to

affairs.

prevent

the

to

fixed

days, and so

or five

to

agreed, but observed

consult

My

am
me more

him

finances

call

we

on him the

to the

of

what

last

are reduced to a

than a month, and

sol.

enough.

civil

do concerning trade
truly deplorable.

state

which

louis d'ors,

must not

all

let

things considered.

reasonable than

Philadelphia,

more pleasant.
Yet
lead a more comfortless life than

say a million
impossible to

also

proclamation as

Messidor, in four

1st

to

He

people.

my

will

noi

myself be run

might have been, perhaps, something more

economical, but not much,

much more

am

was sometimes

it

Clarke was

parted.

as to

worth to-day about thirteen

last

all,

indiscretion

he had not yet had time to read

down.

want

He

going.

for

of times

Paris

and
it
I

is

do

is,

after

need not
absolutely

here.

It is

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

44
dreary.

am

It is

single

spirits.

as

am

as

were

if I

one,

all

is

it

my

in

and

much

well or

how

cannot express

not do at

or

my

sinks

this

purposes of happiness,

The opera

times.

all

not a

is

At home

being.

ill

in a desert, for all

will

which there

in

the midst of Caffraria.

in

and that

resource,

habitudes are domestic, and here

the midst of Paris,

interested

soul

abroad

in

my

All

pitiful.

isolated

I,

[1796.

is

my

only

always go alone,

and have nobody to whom I can communicate the pleasure I

sometimes feel, or the observations which strike me.
After
the friendship of P. P. and the inestimable happiness of my
dearest

love's

how

judge

society,

feel

where neither

here,

man nor woman cares if I were in the moon.

Oh sad! oh sad!
I declare I pity the poor Draper!
After this he goeth on and
saith" &c.
The only thing that consoles me, and it is a
"

powerful consolation,

think England must tumble, and,

arms.

see,

the

in

the unparalleled success of the French

is

Morning

Chronicle,

which

we

if so,

rise.

get from time to time

from Sullivan, that the journey of Lady Bute to Madrid, where

her husband
turn

ambassador,

is

camp forming

at St.

who

is

it

known what

see, likewise, that there is a

men

him no

gives

ordered in
Beaulieu

It is certain that

warlike.

Buonaparte,

before

flying

suspended until

Roch, and a levy of 60,000

That looks

that country.

is

take in Spain.

affairs will

respite

that

is

the

French are making a progress nearly as rapid on the Rhine as in

Italy
that the Austrian armies are in the greatest disorder, and
;

and

utterly dispirited

importance

that

sick of the war, a circumstance of the last

the

Emperor has

sent Count

London, most probably to announce

peace instantly, and,

if so,

(but

he

is

Alors, nous verrons

no great authority, as appears

parts of these entertaining and instructive

informs

me

me

that

we

are waiting on

no more than

Madgett.

plaguy slow

his motions, yet

Nic

Frog,

Mad-

from divers

memorandums) always

the Dutch.

Carnot

tells

am

sure,

nothing, Clarke nothing, and the Minister knows,

in

make

the battle will remain to be fought

out between France and England.

gett

Metternich to

his determination to

to

be

sure,

I
is

always

he contrived to steal a march

*:t:

SICK WITH EXPECTATION.

33-]

Would

on John Bull already.

My

a second.
think

very soul

God he were
with

after

expectation.

stealing
I

cannot

but England

possible

it

to

sick

is

45

must tumble, and I have the

of the Government here, and in their

greatest faith in the talents

achamement against the English.

It is said to-day that two
deputies from the Emperor are actually arrived incognito, to treat
That young gentleman has made prodigious acqui-

of a peace.
sitions

John

the French territory, in virtue of his

in
Bull.

It

is

said,

with his seven

Cadiz,

likewise, that

the line under Solano, but

Richery has sailed from

and twelve

sail,

with

alliance

sail

of Spanish ships of

nobody knows where.

If they fall in

with the British, that will probably bring matters to a

crisis

but John Bull will thrash them both at sea, to the end of time,
if

they do not inveigle Pat out of his hands.

Carnot was as sensible of

here

must remain, and

swimming

for

my

am

am.

wish to

Well, here

as helpless as if

God

am, and

were alone,

the middle of the Atlantic.

life in

however, " 'Tis but

this as

Tis

terrible

in vain," &c.

Got a parcel of English newspapers from Sullivan.

fields, all alone, and laid down under a
hedge to read them. Melancholy as ten thousand devils, and
no wonder. I see the Americans have ratified the English treaty,
Jtcne i$t/i.

out into the

Strolled

after
fleet

all,

by a majority of

26th, in

bad condition,

The Dutch

fifty-one to forty-eight.

which gave John Bull the

slip,

put into Teneriffe, March

to look for provisions.

It consists

of two

fifty gun ship, four frigates, and two sloops of

bound for the Cape of Good Hope. I wish they
were well there, and after driving the English out, but I fear
it.
Query, Are the troops on board French or Dutch ?
Because

sixty-fours,

They

war.

one

are

on that circumstance the event

is

will

probably turn.

returned for the City of London, and

June, for Westminster

who
date,

is

he

within a dozen of him

and

is

is
;

Fox

opposed

is

Combe

the third candi-

Fox and
hustings.
From the
uninformed, the new Parlia-

above one thousand behind both of them.

can observe, being nearly

see

on the 7th
by Admiral Gardner,

Home Tooke

Tooke made admirable speeches from the

little

is first,

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

46

ment

will

probably be as hollow with Pitt as the old

the counties

for as to the boroughs, there is

There are three war members,

So

City of London.

and

best

Minister.

no good

nor

in

left

mean
the

for

warlike they continue the

me

as dull as ditch-water,

did not need that.

June \6th,
when, on the
is

no doubt of them.

example, returned

for

The more

Reading these papers has

better.

[1796.

Called to-day for the

ijt/i.

sign,

is it

The news to-day

it.

He

That
do not much glory
that the King of Naples has made his

very bad
is,

God knows

time,

first

was busy and could not see me.

altogether,

peace, paying 30,000,000 livres, en numeraire, and withdrawing his

cavalry from Beaulieu, and five

sail

Admiral

That

Mediterranean.

in the

has not yet happened,

Italy are, as the

is

will

This news

and John Bull prodigiously.

if it

of the line from the British

French say

it

("

strengthen the

not yet confirmed, but

soon must,

for the petty Princes of

en queue potir faire la paix").

an excellent metaphor taken from a crowd,

behind another

Emperor

is

who

This

stand one

order to be served in their turn, as the poor

in

of Paris, for example, at the baker's.

There cannot be a more

ridiculous image.

June

Called on Clarke by appointment.

i&th, igt/i.

aide-de-camp

copying

my

proclamation, as

seemed glad to see me, and begged me

as he

wanted

it

immediately.

to

Found

make

his

Clarke

abridged.

a copy myself,

accordingly sat myself

down

at

and he went about his lawful occasions. In about half

an hour I had finished, and he returned. I told him in three
words the position of my affairs that I had gone on thus far
his desk,

entirely

as

on

my own

me

would enable

time

I had about as much

war another month, in which

means, and calculated

to carry on the

should be " a sec" as the French say

his advice

finally,

asked

He answered me friendly enough

for me in the military line, for which

on the premises.

he said they must provide

I
had expressed an inclination, and in the cavalry, where the
pay was most considerable but added, that the pay of all ranks
were below their necessities. He then asked, had I ever served ?
;

answered,

No

that

had been a Volunteer

in

the

Belfast

yET.

EXPEDITION TO IRELAND DISCUSSED.

33.]

regiment, which
military

would be the

considered as no service, but was fond of a

and

life,

case of anything being done for Ireland,

in

line I

and

let

me

in

his

On

not having

but that he would see about

result in

three or four days,

carriage to

way

my

then said

it

difficulty,

be sure something would

might

that

took

He

should adopt.

make some
me know the

served might
it,

47

be

He then
whom he had

done.

Minister's, with

the

adding

him it was extremely painful to

me to apply to the Republic for any pecuniary assistance, but
that circumstances compelled me
that I was not a man of
business.

the

told

expense, and that of course a moderate supply would satisfy

and added, that being engaged here

any sum advanced

to

me was

my

in the service of

me

country,

to be considered as advanced on

her account, and as such to be repaid, with

He

at the conclusion of the business.

all

other expenses,

laughed at

this,

and

said

we would have no money. I said that was true, or, at least,

we should not have much, but we would have means, and I
instanced the quantity of English property which would, in that

and assured him we would have

enough to pay our debts of justice, of honour, and of gratitude.
As to want of money, which I observed to him, he seemed to dwell

event, be forfeited to the State,

on a

little

France had given and was giving a splendid example

of what could be done, even without money,

in earnest.

said

it

The

when

a people were

conversation then turned on the expedition.

speak English.

said

it

would, undoubtedly, be convenient,

but not absolutely necessary.

He

then observed

we would

prefer

produce

on

Frenchman, on account
public

whose name had figured

stance

opinion,
in

and

of

(This

the

names of

effect

is

never miss to suggest when an opportunity

then mentioned three or four

answered

especially

the Gazettes.

would be

it

hard to find an Irishman qualified for the command.

would

He

would be absolutely necessary the General-in-chief should

a circum-

offers.)

Irish Generals,

it

General

He

Kilmaine

Harty, Lynch, and O'Keefe, with his opinion on their situation

and talents

in

very few words.

repeated

French General at the head of the

would wish to see a

business,

and that these

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

4s

my

be of

to

asked him

He

the expedition himself?

he were to make the

if

at length

In the course of this discussion

opinion.

why he might not command

that

He seemed

might be employed under him.

officers

[1796

answered

he was sure the Directory

offer,

would not accept it, as they could not spare him from the
department where he was placed. This discourse brought us to

we

the Minister's, where

days

And

know the result.

I made the offer and
capacity,

now, what

not hesitate an instant, as

world

of

my

wife,

and

resolution,

to chance,

and

frontiers

If

my

hope

way, and

want

if

but here

I will

rassed.

fell,

which would,

gratitude,

my

is

it

is

single
for

my

This

life

children, and, perhaps,

my

offer

man

it

but as

by

for their existence,

life

officer

have

would be only

it is.

In

my

duty, and

the service of

my

my own
fairly in

family to the public

have no doubt, preserve them from

desired ;

poor

staggers

to leave her and them

knocked on the head at the

have no such prospect.

my

think

am

extremely embar-

take these four days to consider.

I have

should

this time,
it

determine.

to

am

would leave

would embrace the

wife and

to the expedi-

But when

passion.

should turn out a captain of French dragoons,

"It

me
When

let

this ?

would avoid no danger which came

a few

in

and

look upon the situation of an officer

to France, and

were an

mind

were a single

If I

go, perhaps, to be

would have no choice

country

my own

in

it

know not what

come

written to her to

and besides,
and our three
;

a fourth, depending on

my

end of

to be the

is

affair,

French Republic to be the most honourable

in the service of the

in the

to return

my

request of being employed in a military

generalised.

is

it

am

to see into

is

certainly limited

but here

tion,

parted, and

the meantime he

in

will thrive."

offer

little

makes no part of

my

come

in the strict line of

what

to determine than a horse.

original

duty.

After

me

but

in the

if

all,

would be

Assuredly,

on the instant

babies perplex

my

it

if I

were

my

fears

extreme.

system, nor does

declare

Certainly, "

droll.

it

know no more

To give a young

gentleman right education, the army's the only good school in the
nation."

But then, Matty; and

and the

darlings.

Well,

"/

TONE'S BIRTHDA

33.]

am

of troubled emotions."

in sensations

lost

something, and that speedily

What would

friend"

Well, "Let

fancy

A lions !

says.

wag;"

my

will state

49
Besides,

must do
is your

money, money, money

for "

my

give that

world

tJie

Y.

family were here to-day

have four days yet to

reflect.

and hear what he

difficulties to Clarke,

Courage!

To-day is my birthday I am thirty-three years

At that age Alexander had conquered the world at that
old.
age Wolfe had completed his reputation, and expired in the
arms of victory.
Well, it is not my fault if I am not as great
a man as Alexander or Wolfe.
I have as good dispositions for
fune

20th.

glory as either of them, but

at least

which,

here

want

of talents and want of opportunities

confess, I can help.

may make some

labour under two small obstacles

noise in the world yet

which

better, the cause to

am

devoted

to keep myself as pure as

sacred

is

the

the establishment of

and

my
"

very best here,

/ am not

idle,

calculated."
it

go.

will

sail

as,

of the

them.

it

into

if

Howe

line,

is

at

all

am.

events,

vol. n.

am

sure

am

doing

all

along.

if

it

is

the Channel
for
is

if

our business was the cause

and, of

here,

Perhaps

Well, there

the winter, because of the

command, with twenty-eight

moving heaven and earth to man

cannot doubt but Pitt

passes

end of our expedition

long since.

first,

head to-day that our expedition

until

all,

seems likely the Republic

At

country

to have the

of these great exertions.

it

my

and they are

everything which
I

as to the end,

my

have endeavoured to do

would not be surprised

obscure as

have

endeavour

and flows of fortune's tide cannot be

push everything here as far as I can make

have taken

fleet.

will

is

and of our darling babies, next

wife,

indeed,

succeed

but the ebbs

will

not take place,

Channel

my

hope, a well-earned reputation.

last, I

and, what

means

can, as to the

and independence of

liberty

neither of

If

so just, that

is

not one circumstance to reproach myself with.

it

Allonsl nous verrons.

may

course,

informed of

is

my

of

arrival,

be fear of Spain, with

whom

about to form a treaty of alliance.

fleet

be once

the summer, as

there

at sea,
I

told

no remedy but patience.

5

is

an

the Minister

John

will

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

thrash them

at sea to the

all

end of time, whilst he

press poor Pat into the service

knows with what

independent

soon

list.

what

able to

is

labour (God

them here. If we were

and enemies, would

friends

parties,

walk almost every day to the Tuileries to see

There are about four hundred infantry and

the guard relieved.

from

this is

the difference.

feel

June

and

success) to impress on

Ireland, all

in

[1796.

The

to eighty dragoons.

fifty

national representation are,

am

grenadiers attached to the

satisfied, for

appearance, and,

Europe. I am
I have no doubt, for courage, the first corps in
more and more pleased with the French soldiery, notwithstanding
the slovenliness, to speak out, of their manoeuvres and dress.

Every one wears what he pleases it is enough if his coat be blue

and his hat cocked, and even that I have seen dispensed with the
essential part is, that they all seem in high health and spirits,
young, active, and fit for immediate service. Their arms they
;

keep

tolerable

in

order,

but there

Their bayonets are too short, which

are

nothing of that

is

arms and accoutrements which

polish of

much

lighter than ours.

is

have seen
fault,

and

in

their

brilliant

England.

muskets

Their grenadiers are noble fellows,

and, luckily, Jourdan has twenty-two thousand of them in one

They are fond of ornamenting themselves,

with flowers. One scarce sees a sentinel without a

corps on the Rhine.

particularly
little

bouquet in

his hat or breast,

I like that,

pleases me.

believe

and most frequently in the

I do not know why, but it

and

barrel of his firelock.

have a small prejudice

French, especially the army, which

is

Their dragoons are

ill

fine fellows,

but

favour of the

in

the flower of the nation.

mounted, which

is

a pity

both they and their horses are slovenly, like the infantry
that does not prevent

of which

them from

but

fighting like tigers, for the truth

appeal to the slaves of the despots,

whom

they are driv-

them (thank God) in all quarters. It is said, to-day,

the Emperor sent Commissaries to the Directory, to amuse them
and gain time, but the Directory smoked the contrivance, and
ing before

refused

him

all

well,

suspension of arms.

and he

will negotiate in

They were
good

quite

earnest.

"

right.

Beat

Si vis pacem,

JET.

FRENCH RE VERSES.

33-1

para bellum."
campaign

in

John has been defeated

West

the

take Leogane, but

Much good may

it

in

his

attempt this

first

sent four thousand

seems they came back without

do

it

He

Indies.

5i

poor heart, because

his

men

to

their errand.

have a regard

for

him.

June 22nd.
and,

Bad news

repass the Rhine,

it is

but an

and Kleber to
of posts

affair

character,

which

Bad

bad

One

is

Well,

have

worst of

is

whose advanced guard

plain?

which has compelled him to

back on the Sieg.

fall

but an

We

to such consequences.

also.

Jourdan has received a check,

to-day.

fancy, a pretty serious one,

all.

affair

lost

says

men, cannon, ground, and

fear this will

He

of posts would not lead

force Moreau,

under the walls of Mannheim, to retreat

"
'

Tis but in vain for soldiers to com-

thing, however,

it

encourage John Bull in his

will

will meet his new Parliament with the successes of the Emperor in his mouth. So, out
of evil comes good.
Madgett showed me to-day a private letter
which he just received, indirectly, from London, informing him
that a rupture with Spain was looked upon there as inevitable,
and that the Admiralty were actually issuing letters of marque
against the Spaniards.
I hope to God it is true.
Clarke has
likewise applied to him for the names of such persons as he
would wish to be employed in our business, and Madgett concludes, from circumstances, that there will be two embarka-

warlike propensities

tions,

and the King

one from Holland and one from Brittany.

ever, build

up on very

much on Madgett's

inferences,

do

not,

how-

which he often takes

slight grounds.

June 2$rd. Called on Clarke in the morning, and found him

in high good humour.
He tells me that he has mentioned my
business to Carnot, and that within a month I may expect an
appointment in the French army. This is glorious
He asked
me would I choose to serve in the cavalry or infantry. I said it
was equal to me, and referred it to him to fix me in the most
!

eligible situation.

fancy

it

will

be

in the cavalry,

"for a captain

of horse never takes off his hat? He then told me that he was
at liberty to acquaint me. so far as that the business, and even

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

52

[1796.

the time, were determined on by the Directory, and the

manner

only remained under discussion.

at

There

good news

is

observed to him, after expressing the satisfaction

this information, that

felt at

wished to remind him of the great

advantages to be derived from the

in

our

landing

North, particularly from the

the
first

army of

the

pressed upon him,

had he many
laughed

at

regiment."

this,
I

success.

said

" I

said,

you want

see

He

form

to

your

command two

should like very well to

who might be formed

three hundred of them,

thought they might

of the landing being effected.

in case

and

which

asked him,

then

framing

of

persuasions,

Irish prisoners remaining, as I

be usefully employed

being effectuated

circumstance

religious

different

believe, with

last.

sincerely

or

a corps of

into

Hussars, to serve in the advanced guard of the army, not only

as soldiers, which

knew they would, and with

sufficient courage,

He seemed

but as eclaireurs to insense the country people.

good

relish this a

and

deal,

went on to say

to

that, in that case,

they should be as an Irish corps in green jackets, with green

feathers,

and a green standard with the harp, surmounted by

He bit at this, and made me draw a sketch

the cap of liberty.

down himstandard will be made

of the device, and also a description, which he took

French, from which

self in

directly.

All the world

infer

(viz.,

the

Matty, and Mary, and

laugh heartily at this council of war, because

Etat Militaires, and

P.

famous button

the

for

P. in his

wisdom

remind

will

P. P.) will

savours of the

it

me

of

Volunteers, which did

National

my

such

But I will jump suddenly upon him, and

deprive him of the use of his weapon, by reminding him that I
swore solemnly then never to quit until I saw that button upon
mischief in Ireland.

every soldier's coat in

ing a

fist

something

Ireland,

less

would support me."

declared he

which

in

After that,

reduced to a state of silent mortification which

plorable.

every

To

fifth

return to Clarke

morning, and

charge himself with

my

ox,

assuring

me

we

will

again

parted.

Mr. Adams

think he will be

he desired to see

business,

" clench-

declaration,

than the knuckle of an

be truly de-

me

that
I

regularly

he would

fancy,

in

the

OPPOSED TO AGRARIAN REVOLUTION.

JET. 33.]

upshot,
I

will

be sent to Lisle to

shall

make

"

Bacchus

reeling

language of the vulgar,

which defy every care

music,

Doyle's

Irish heroes

many

them

of

will attack

and, because

and, in that event,

recruit,

on Love

for aid

Pat with
I

women and

my own

the

wine,

ear for

understand John

man

87th) are there to a

(the

are from Prosperous in

" or, in

know he has an

bring a fiddle with me.

will also

call

and, as

county, and

many

more from Glasmanogue, and not a few from Mutton Lane and
Crooked Staff, I think I shall be able to make something of
them.

make,

will

though he

is

a brave

hope, as good a colonel as John Doyle,

man and

a tolerable

with Clarke Madgett called on him, and

him audience.

room

whilst he gave

to be

employed as a military man

He

thought, disinclined.

answered, that

and

as

that,

that,

Madgett,

however,

he

in Ireland at first, for

is

what
I

outre

Clarke seemed,

know Aherne? I
by the Minister's

if

and extravagant

system

to stop his promotion,

had mentioned.

all

possible justice to be
in

done

N.B.

this.

was determined

told

mischief, not to
it

may

and believe

be

do

say the im-

called.

must do

to Aherne, but I

Clarke

notions

in his

had written

have a

It

it.

for

my

would

wish

do not wish

a station where he might do infinite mischief.

think of

property, and he has not

be terrible doctrine to commence with in Ireland.

him

prejudice

to his

had rather he was not employed

the absurdity and

possibility of this system,

mind

did I

could say nothing from myself, for or

he wants a total bouleversement of

see

me

not wish to hurt Aherne, but

to

was

was to recommend Aherne

saw him merely officially

knew nothing whatsoever

against him, further than

talents

stepped into the next

in this business.

asked

Whilst

officer.

had a very good opinion of him,

supposed he would not recommend an improper

to

and, of course,

person

but that

orders,

It

all

to see
I

family,

must

and

at all events to settle in France.

June 24th. " Pve now not fifty ducats in the world;" but,
hang it, that does not signify am I not going to be an officer
in the French service ?
I believe I might have been a little more
;

economical, but

am

sure not much.

brought with

me one

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

54

hundred

and they

louis to France,

and

Besides, " a fool

extravagance.

me

have lasted

will

months, by the time they are run out

[1796.

after

all,

that

just six

no great

is

money are soon parted"

his

and poor Pat was never much noted for his discretion on that
point, and I am in some things as arrant an Irishman as ever
stood on the Pont-neuf.
I think I have made as good a defence
as the nature of the case will admit, and I leave it to all the
world whether I am not fairly excusable for any little de'dommagement which I can lay hold on, seeing the sacrifices I have
made thus far, the services which I hope I shall at last have
rendered my country, and especially the dreary and tristful
solitude to which I have devoted myself in Paris, where I have
not formed a single connection but with the persons indispensably
necessary to the success of our business.

June 25th. There has been a damned lie in circulation these

two days, that the advanced guard of Buonaparte's army in
Italy has been cut to pieces, to the number of fifteen thousand
men and there are scoundrels in Paris base enough to seem
However, to-day it is formally contradicted,
not sorry for it.
by a letter of Buonaparte's just published, which bears date
thirteen days later, and makes no allusion to any check whatsoMy heart was sunk down to my heels at the bad news,
ever.
and I was as melancholy as a cat for I have everything dear
to me embarked on the fortune of the Republic, and I would as
lief they would put ratsbane in my mouth, as come croaking
;

me

to

faint
tells

with their
still."

me

wish

was

to

recruits

Hoche

1 am now a

after

getting

in

fifteen

Madgett

brevet.

26th.

days, to be sent after the

go

Where

the devil are they

regularly every

twelve o'clock to see the guard relieved

relaxations.

are

hit very

little better,

my

neither

first

me

and, in our last conversation, Clarke told

they were not for Ireland.

June

11

to-day he has orders from Clarke to find him some

twenty-five
fifteen

evil tidings.

day
:

to

it is

for,

the

then

Tuileries

one of

my

at

greatest

take pride in the French troops, though they

powdered nor varnished,

states of Europe.

like

those

of

the

frequently find the tears gush into

other

my

eyes

JET-

THE IRISH SQUIREARCHY.

33-1

whilst

am

body of

who

looking at them.

and appointed in
handsome young men, six feet high,

by-the-by, perfectly well dressed

are,

They

respects.

all

impossible to conceive a

It is

the guards of the legislative body,

fellows than

finer

are

all

They

and well proportioned.

have, as

believe

already, the air of officers in soldiers' coats,

were

As

the courage of the French soldiery,

understood

pretty well

man

always able

is

consoling to John

upon the

cut

me

let

sod.

my

wonder what

now

is

it

" one

English-

which

very

is

poor Pat

figure

much

will

Well,

amiss.

and

Ireland, buckled to a long sabre,

in

my

believe

Frenchmen"

fancy he will not be

once see myself

back, and a pair of swinging epaulets

shoulders, " Allors nous verrons, Messieurs de la Cabale."

The Whig

Club,

are getting frightened,

not

sciences will

taking up the condition of the labour-

see, are

They

ing poor.

them

let

sleep.

Meath, who,

gentry of

the

they

if

sergeant.

drill

nevertheless

beat five

Bull.

with a green coat on

on

Europe

in

to

remarked

and look as

up by the dancing master rather than the

set

to

55

fear

for

and

guilty

their

suppose they

will

con-

act like

of the Defenders, raised

workmen's wages from eightpence to a shilling per day,

but took care at the same time to raise the rent of their hovels,
their

and the grass for their cows in the same proportion, so that at
the end of the year the wretched peasant was not a penny the
richer.

Such

no

we who will better the condition of the

we get into that country it is we that

if

the honesty of the Squirearchy of Ireland.

is

pride of

execrable and

that

gentlemen of Ireland.

contemptible

know

humble the

will

corps,

not whether

labouring poor,

it is

ever

No

the

most

country
hate

or

despise them, the tyrants of the people and slaves of the Govern-

Well,

ment.

must not put myself

in

a passion about them.

have not, however, forgot the attack made on

Grattan, nor that intended on

fancy

Whigs.

If

do,

hope

good humour to-day,

la Re'publique

my

as high one

shall stand

Went

as either of those illustrious

shall act as

becomes me. I am in a
Huzza generally, Vive

do not know why.

in the

honour by Mr.

by Mr. G. Ponsonby.

life

day

my

evening to the Theatre Feydeau, to

BOSTON COLLEGE LIBRARY

CHESTNUT

HILL, Mass.

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

56
"

see the

remember

P. P.

Incomparably well performed.

de Pierre."

Festin

was delighted with Don Juan, who

type, as he observed, of Lovelace.

He

an admirable actor.

is

but Lewis
court

is

is

Fleury,

the same characters.

best.

in

believe

It

is

are

said a thousand times.

Fleury

with

and Dugazon to

The English

four inimitable actors.

all

this

hard to say which

prefer Fleury to Baptiste,

They

D'Azin-

saw

Republique, with Baptiste

la

comedians are beasts by the French, but

Seville,

the part,

not worthy to be his valet de c/iambre.

and Dugazon
D'Azincourt.

the arche-

who played

the Sganarelle, and a most excellent one.

is

the Theatre de

de

is

the Lewis of the Theatre Feydeau,

piece already at

is

[1796.

this

have already

have likewise seen lately the Barbier

D Azincourt

Almaviva,

in

in

'

Figaro,

and Mile. Lange in Rosine. It is not possible to conceive better

DAzincourt is the original Figaro of Beaumarchais,
acting.

and Mile. Lange is a charming woman who has ruined several

fellows, and one in particular, twice over.
have also
I

young

seen at the Theatre de la Republique, Robert, chef de Brigands,

a translation of the Robbers of Schiller.

Baptiste

admirable

is

in

Robert.

very well, and

It acts

am

here

writing

like

Muscadin (N.B. Dandy) about the theatres, and all that kind
of thing. But what can I do ? I must write something to
amuse myself, and I have nothing more serious. When I have,
I

will

give

not be found to neglect

me

June

2jth.

sad

To-morrow
it

not

Republic

from

After

for the spectacles.

my

will

go

day, and

rainy

blue devils torment me.

Will

it

all,

the opera.

Hell

hell

will

am

not

Allah

and see Clarke about

be extraordinary to see

That

I
!

console

native country.

It

is

me

me

for

raining

in

the

now

and the

well,

Allah

my

Allah

commission.

the service of the

exile

like ten

lie

under

thousand

devils.

June 28///. Called on Clarke by appointment. I told him I

had two things to mention first, that as we had the Pope now
in our grasp, I wished him to consider whether we might not
artfully seduce him into writing to his legate, Dr. Troy, in
:

ALT.

ULSTER ORGANISED.

33.]

order to secure at least the neutrality,

Irish

Catholic

make no

Directory would

that undoubtedly

be applied

it

merely threw

pressing

official

and, as to making

known,

The

last

other thing

my

friends

would think of

it,

had

the

mention was, that

to

London
and pressed me very much

by
as

prisoners,

that opportunity

that

That

whether

should write or not, and,

That

line I should follow ?

had only said

did not consider myself at liberty to

take such a step without his approbation.

I

need not

it

nevertheless,

night there was a person going to

commissary of

officially as

replied

expected no formidable opposition from

me

told

to write to

it

application,

out as a hint for his consideration without

it

as I

it,

Madgett

Italy.

in

was not a matter for an

;

the

public application of this sort, besides

for until the last stage of the business

priests in Ireland.

Pope, and said he was sure

would be making the matter known

it

but for private address

not the support, of the

if

objected that this would be recog-

authority of the

nising the

that

He

clergy.

57

if

wished to know

were to

what

write,

were to allude to our business,

if I

must beg him to give me such information as he might think

fit to communicate, without at all wishing to press him on the
subject.
That if I were not, I thought it best not to write at
I

all,

as

was

necessary,
I

in general

disinclined to writing even

and much more so

would have to say would

Paris.

Clarke

already."

but

answered,

replied, "

know

went on to
farther, " for,"

it,

Not

"

tell

me he

added

As

that

but cannot

to

you

not

that,

knew

tell

did

the present instance,

in

be, that

was
where all

where

it

was alive and well

your friends know

of."

He

answered,

at present how."

know how

He

it

Aye,
then

to explain himself

you will guess

the rest." So it seems I am a cunning fox without knowing it.
He gave me, however, to understand that he had a communication open with Ireland, and showed me a paper, asking me did
I know the handwriting.
He then read a good deal.
I did not.
It

stated

he, " if

I tell

you ever so

"

in

little,

very briefly that fourteen of the counties, including

the entire North, were completely organised for the purpose of

throwing off the English yoke and establishing our independence

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

[1796.

the remaining eighteen the organisation was advancing

that in

and that

was so arranged that the inferiors obeyed their

leaders without examining their orders, or even knowing who they
rapidly,

it

knew only

were, as every one

That the

militia

be relied on

the person immediately above him.

were about 20,000 men, 17,000 of

whom

might

that there were about 12,000 regular troops, wretched

bad ones, who would soon be settled in case the business were
attempted. Clarke was going on, but stopped here suddenly, and
said, laughing, " There is something there which I cannot read to
you, or you will guess."

He

out ceremony.
tion

knew

it,

replied,

that

but that

begged him

know

had no manner of doubt of

twelve months exactly since

was

satisfied

my

find in

it

that

it

in

that country,

was

Ireland, in which time

left

much must have been done

would

of this organisa-

could not with truth say positively

now

that he

to use his discretion with-

then asked me, did

and

memorials that such an organisation

was then begun, was rapidly spreading, and I had no doubt

would soon embrace the whole people. It is curious the coincidence between the paper he read me and those I have given here,
though, upon second thought, as truth is uniform, it would be still

more extraordinary

if

they should vary.

am

delighted beyond

measure with the progress which has been made

my

banishment.

personally, nothing can be

dence between what

which

it

was

more agreeable

we wanted

then said, as to

my

to

The paper

me

than this coinci-

also stated, as

had

arms, ammunition, and artillery; in short,

as exact in all particulars as

This ascertains

all.

Ireland since

have said and written, and the accounts

see they receive here.

done, that

in

see they are advancing rapidly and safely, and,

my

credit in

if

the

same person had written

France beyond a doubt. Clarke

business he was only waiting for letters from

General Hoche, in order to settle

regiment of cavalry, and

it

it

finally

was probable

it

that

should have a

might be fixed that

day that the arrangement of the forces intended for the expedition
was entrusted to Hoche, by which I see we shall go from Brittany
I
All's one for that, provided we go at all.
instead of Holland.
and
he
went
on,
desiring
acknowledgments,
my
returned Clarke
;

>ET.

me

AT IRELAND'S

33-]

not to mention

no opinion

this to

all

which he

(in

is

SERVICE.

59

Madgett, of whose discretion he had

very

right),

but rather to train him off

the scent, by appearing to think the business not likely to be

attempted, which

promised

would take care to

then some good-humoured laughing at Madgett,

the greatest P. P.

puppets

whom

In

ever saw.

We

do.

who

is

had

literally

the "Cinq" are but five

fact,

he dances, and Carnot, a soft youth, who never

opens his mouth but to utter the words which he puts into

He amuses me

it.

by this, as I have already remarked in those

wise and engaging memorandums.
Clarke then said, he supposed
they would see me again here as Ambassador. I replied, that if
often

the business were undertaken,

where and
that

if

my

was ready

what manner she thought

in

my

circumstance of

station,

but

country

could be most useful

services were necessary in France,

be highly honoured by the

my

to serve

should undoubtedly

rather thought, from the

being perhaps the only

man

intimately

so

connected with both Catholics and Dissenters, from the station

I

held with the one, and the friendship which

cultivate

might say the

I would be detained
and ensure that spirit of harmony and union so

others bore me, that

in

to the success of our affairs.

my

to Clarke, that, on
to the .Directory,
here, they

viz.,

should have a request to

they were satisfied with

if

essential

took this opportunity to mention

departure,
that

Ireland in order to

would be pleased to signify

it

by a

letter

my

make

conduct

addressed to

me

from the President, or a resolution, or such means as they

might think proper, in order that I might have on my return a

testimonial to

show

my

countrymen that

power, executed their instructions.

Directory would

readily accede to

reasonable, and in fact

"Such

He

have a

had, to the best of

my

my

request,

which was but

think so myself.

services rendered, such dangers incurred,

himself thinks he ought to be better preferred."

fine spot of

building, but

Clarke said he was sure the

will

ground here clear before

not be

in

me

for castle-

too great a hurry to lay the

first

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

6o
stone.

"

ambassador.
Is

it

my

have not got

time enough when

am

not most curious

little

like to enter the

live at the

and

Well, after

country

traitor,

It is singular.
I

devil puts

talents, "

into

it

my

yet,
I

and

trust there

negaUir" but for the

need be ashamed.

never forget two things

nothing, thus

If ever

the honour of

Committee, who refused to

Grattan, and

moment

figure, the

right.

am

believe the track

be spoken of

attached to

it

of which

man,

to be a great

my

said that

me

let

masters of the General

me to the requisition of Mr.

may say, of the whole town of

my

of

far,

used

sacrifice

the friendship,

Belfast in the

come

My name may

will prove.

is

P. P.

He

head sometimes that he was

memorandums

figure than Plunket

very well pleased with myself this morning, as

of these

and now

never believed him, yet

and would make a greater

For the

was

it

was not thought worthy to

a part of his prophecy seems likely to be verified.

or Burrowes.

"
!

my

begin to believe

hanged as a

which

in

all,

head of a regiment of horse.

talents,

be quite

Eighteen months ago

extraordinary.

always to be foretelling great things, and

had more

will

it

of horse in the service of the Republic

a million to one that I should be

am

yet,

colonel to begin dreaming of being an

A colonel

adventures are a

commission

[1796.

These are

departure into exile.

two instances of steadiness and spirit, under circumstances peculiarly trying, which do honour to them, to me, and to our common
nature.

/ never

will forget them.

Affairs look rather well in the

North to-day, and Moreau has passed the Rhine on three points
near Strasbourg, and

Madgett
if

tells

the poor

me

cannot

foresee

Emperor Francis

Milanese, what will he do

guides them for the

common

loses that, after

To

miraculously this campaign.

consequences, for

It

man.

much

itself

which

Surely, surely our

longer in slavery to

three commissioners

to negotiate the establishment of a Republic

the Austrian tyranny.

and,

Brabant and the

must be Providence

liberties of

The Milanese have

be sure the French are going on

poor country cannot be fated to remain

England.

the

he has organised a revolution in Swabia

now

in Paris

and the subversion of

Well, poor Ireland has a sort of a commis-

sioner too, at Paris, on pretty

much

a like business.

Oh

if

the

^ET.

EAGER FOR THE FRAY.

33.]

were once chased from

British

61

the Austrians from

Ireland, as

who knows ? But their damned fleet torments

Milan
me. And it is we ourselves, miserable rascals that we are, that
are fighting the battles of the enemy, and riveting on our own
There is a report
fetters with our own hands.
It is terrible
Well,

to-day that the Piedmontese are in open insurrection

King of Sardinia has been forced

shelter

It is

that

the

from Turin, and take

fly

flag at Coni,

one of

by no means improbable.

Thus,

under the French

tresses.

to

his ci-devant forall

the world are

emancipating themselves but Ireland, notwithstanding which, as

Europe."

perhaps

But

I
I

am

wish

may

P. P., " %ve are undotibtedly the bravest nation in

have always told

could see a
"

by-and-by.

more of

little

/ hope

to see

running on with nonsense.

it,

though.

Well,

a battle yet before I die"

me

Let

return to General

Clarke.
I
mentioned to him that it would be highly necessary
somebody should be sent to Ireland without delay, to apprise the
people there of what was going forward. He said he was surprised
Aherne did not go. I answered that he had not the means, the
Government having not yet paid up his arrears. Clarke said, as to
that he knew nothing, but as to the sum necessary for his departure, he could have it at once.
I observed that it seemed to me

highly indiscreet to trust a

man

so far as the Minister had trusted

Aherne, even to giving him his instructions, and afterwards to

break with him, in which Clarke concurred.
strange conduct in

De

la

Croix, though

whole that Aherne does not go to Ireland.

of Clarke

am

led to suppose

the expedition.

He

it

And certainly it is
am not sorry on the
From an expression
may be himself of

possible that he

has relations here

in

the French service, one

whom, at least, will go for Ireland, and he observed that he had

some doubts how others of them, who remained in Ireland, would
act; "but I believe" added he, "when they see Elliot" (his cousin)
" with me they will most probably join us."
The words with me
struck me, but I did not ask him for any explanation.
The thing
of

will

soon explain

itself.

He

told

me

the Rhine had been arranged for six

tory,

and the

secret kept

all

Moreau's plan for crossing

months back in the Directhe time.

That is surprising. As for

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

62

our business,
but

what the French

it is

cannot help

June

who

Duckett,

"

Le

secret de la

Comedie"

that.

Madgett

2gth.

call

[1796.

me

tells

to-day that he has heard from

who

understand, a great blackguard,

is, I

from a Mr. Morin, who

know not

is

has heard

what, that there are to be

two expeditions to Ireland, one from Flushing, commanded by

General Macdonald, an Irishman, and the other from Brest, commanded by General Hoche. Madgett added that he had endeavoured to put Duckett off the scent by saying that he did not
believe one word of the story, but that Duckett continued positive.

The

fact

so

but

seems

is, it

enough to be the

likely

by such a

for table-talk

whom,

by-the-by, Charles

that he

knew

three

De

keep the

months ago,

secret.

me

confidence

in

all

which he ought to be damned

for

believe, so

presume he

took this opportunity to train off myself

from Madgett,

little

is

fellow as this Duckett, to

Croix revealed

la

happily at present he knows nothing as

and probably

seems most terribly provoking to have the subject

it

bandied about

will

truth,

in

consequence of the hint which Clarke

by saying that I was weary and sick of expecsaw nothing done, and that my belief was that
nothing would be done that I wished I had my family in France,
and that I were settled quietly in some little spot, and well quit of
gave

tation

yesterday,

when

He

the business.

shook
I

am

my

head

to-day on

But hang money

without

so, I shall

not to despair, at which

which is a circumstance truly

comes just in the nick of time.
hate to think of it and yet there is no doing
if I

get

it,

"

Effodiuntitr opes, irritamenta

soon be on the high-road to virtue, for

said archly

temptation to

enough above.

your friend."
to cry."

all

"

Passion of

(Sings)

only

last five louis,

as the learned Lilly saith in his grammar.

shortly quit of

Lord Burleigh, and so we parted.

this vale of tears.

in

it

malorum"

for

my

My regiment,

amusing.

me

exhorted

significantly, like

"

When

as

it

am

for

If that

be

like to

be

me, as

have

Oh ! money, tnoney, money is

and life, I have a greater mind
I sat in Pabylon ; and a thousand

(Sings)

my

But hang

vice.

"

heart

vagrant poesies, &c, &c, &c.

July

1st.

(Sings with great courage)

"

Oh, July the first in

^ET.

HISTORICAL MEMORIES.

33-]

Oldbridge-town,
figure

what

is

past,

we

besides,

was a grievous

tliere

that day

that

We

past.

is

pulled up a

(God forgive me

But

for lying) that

There

bravest nation in Europe.

scattered here

I hope

pass.

battle yet before

my
we

writing a history
business.

Suffice

are undoubtedly the

French army

I die ; huzza

but

days

to his bed, for these four

This delays

in his bureau.

to-day,

who

told

my

me by

the day after to-morrow

he

down by

cut

is

affair

little.

that

generally
I

believe

continual labour

saw

his aide-de-

he hoped to see

his orders " that

that he wished to consult

men

let

Clarke has been confined to his room, and

July 2nd.

camp

am

however, some brave

are,

and there through the

to see

great

must see and do better the next time

the year after at Aughrim, and made

of the wars in Ireland, instead of minding

to say

made no

Well, no matter

it.

little

a most gallant defence at Limerick.

it

We

battle."

the God's truth of

is

63

me on

an

me

affair

of great importance, on which he must also see another person

besides,

&c.

and that when we met we should arrange certain

This

is

has translated Clarke into his

wrap

the

own language

however, a

fine lad,

and

Apropos

desire

my

have no doubt would

readers

(viz.,

dearest love) to take notice that

heretofore in
Clarke.

No.

these

lie

man, with a face

P.

why do we

"else

friend Fleury

Miss Mary, and

P.,

is,

fight like a tiger.

recant every word

my

have said

memorandums to the prejudice of Genera!

I lie I "He is a tall, handsome, proper young

like

a cherubim."

passages which reflect upon him

will

My

gentleman in our rawer breath ? "

matters,''

a flourish to amuse the aide-de-camp, or perhaps he

but,

would blot out

keep them as a memento to prevent

judgments of people.

all

the

upon second thoughts,

my

forming hasty

was Aherne, Sullivan, and even

Madgett, but particularly the two first, that turned me against
him, for I am myself " magnanimous, artless, and credulous," as
P. P.

In fact,

it

used to say, whereas they have been used,

will

not say

to intrigue, but at least to look at people intriguing here of a long

time, which is some excuse for them.
However, I have now made
him the only recompense in my power, by retracting on the same

ground where

gave the offence, for

my

remarks to his disad-

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

64

my memorandum

vantage have not travelled beyond

that

book.

think

handsome.

is

July ^rd.

see to-day that the Channel fleet

sink them

!)

(damn and
that the camps
quantities of arms and
line

are not yet formed in Ireland, but that vast

ammunition are daily imported

equipage.

in the event that

himself to

preparing at

is

number of twenty-one sail of the

with God knows how many admirals

Spithead, to the

camp

[1796.

am

it

is

hope

it

and

appear

will

worthy John Bull

for us that the

expense and trouble.

this

all

into that country, as also tents

glad of that, because

putting

is

see likewise that the

British have taken three of our best frigates, being the entire of a
flying squadron, sent to cruise in the chops of the

damned

Lucie

in St.

Channel that is
But then again the French are defending themselves

bad.

like devils incarnate

that

There are also

good.

is

news to-day of another victory on the Rhine by Moreau,

you

gentleman will

tell

hope

it is

lished

the perpendiculars ,"

true.

July 4th.
room, so that

did not see

camp, who brought

me

him

but

my

the day after to-morrow.

call

has not yet

saw Fleury,

and begged

business,

and
I

we

want

to

change

Confound these delays

my

domicile.

am

bossue " (Anglice, a hunchback),

little "

bed to
of

parted.

her,

and

won't, for

my

lodged

have no great merit

as a ram's horn (which

besides

is

in

virtue forbids

my

it,

house of a

To

tell
is

will

to

out

the God's

a famous illustration) and as ugly as sin

news (Buonaparte's

army, which

go
is

as crooked

rot her, the dirty little faggot, she torments me.

official

to

and so she

resistance, for she

letter) that

has concluded an armistice, withdrawing

lieu's

sick of them.

in the

not march through Coventry with her, that's Jlat."

to-day

gave Fleury,

am

and she wants me

humour and very troublesome sometimes.

truth,

wrote him a polite and

tender note, praying him to lose no time, and which

so

left his

his aide-de-

word, as before, that the General expected

to see a person in order to arrange

would

He
I

but this

which are not yet pub-

Vive la Rcpublique

Called to-day on Clarke.

"

impugn the

all

latter

particularly in the article of cavalry

the

"

Moreover,

/ will
I

see

King of Naples

his troops

from Beau-

gentlemen considerably,

he likewise withdraws his

^T.

THE POPE AND BUONAPARTE.

33.]

Hotham,

ships from

what

Mediterranean, which will tend some-

in the

to the edification of

65

John Bull

and,

he sends Prince

finally,

Pignatelli to Paris to negotiate a peace with the Directory

The French always

that dearly.

enemy

oblige the

to negotiate, which, besides the triumph, gives

advantages.

hope they

may make

as

like

come to Paris
them prodigious
to

good and as haughty a

peace with him as they have done with the King of Sardinia.
Imprimis,

hope they

what they want.

take care to secure the

will

fleet

him an

armistice,

There

and he also sends an ambassador to Paris to negotiate.

now

a pretty batch of Italian ambassadors just

here.

is

Salicetti

Directory that in the conditions

to the

his letter

in

is

see likewise that his Holiness has at last been

obliged to submit, and Buonaparte has granted

mentions

that

granted provisionally to the Pope he did not neglect to avail

himself of the terror which the French arms had inspired through
all Italy.

dare say not indeed

glad that old priest

Many

is

who doubts him

at last laid

heartily

in his turn.

a long century he and his predecessors have been fleecing

Europe, but the day of retribution

all

am

under contribution

besides,

am

strongly tempted

beginning of his sorrows.

Well,

must see

something out of him touching our

already.

It

is

come

is

hope that

to

affair,

at

this

and

but the

if

we cannot make

hinted to Clarke

as

also said, with confidence, that the

taken possession quietly of Leghorn.

last
is

hope that

is

French have
true for fifty

reasons among others, John Bull, I know, has generally a bale or

two of broadcloth and a few cases of hardware stored up there,
and the Republic perhaps has occasion for them, and he has passed
;

sundry wise and humane laws touching French and Dutch property

turn.

I
I

want to see how he

terranean

by

all

will like a little confiscation in his

do not see where he

fleet

now, unless

accounts,

is

in

it

fair

circumference of Bastia and

be

will victual
in his

way
its

and water

kingdom of

his

Medi-

Corsica, which,

to be speedily reduced to the

environs.

Sir Gilbert Elliot, the

viceroy, has found that the air of Corsica disagreed with him, so

he

is

gone to England

be decent
vol.

11.

for the

for his health

It

King's representative to
6

would
fall

not, to

into the

be

sure,

hands of

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

66

What would

republicans and rebels.

[1796.

give that another of his

sacred Majesty's representatives found himself suddenly attacked

with the same complaint

Well,

all in

good

randum, so
July

$th.

think

it

am

suppose

much

devoured

spleen,

and

months, but at present

Only

think, there

do

may

till

De

nections, Charles

my chosen of ten
my bosom certainly

family, for that

at Paris,

Ambassador from

former privations;

Well,

ever

if

my

nearest con-

them

respect
I

would

week with

my business here.
my dearest love and

at all times

not to be replaced.

is

it.

thousand, and
I

loss of the society of

nor child in

rather spend an hour talking nonsense with P. P. than a

my

Time

and wish them sincerely well on every account, but

speak of the

me.

least for

my

la Croix,

any one of them, saving

fine"

the truth of

is

were hanged, at

if I

is

kills

the last two or three

say the Executive Directory are

General Clarke, the friend of

all,

life

moment man, woman,

not at this

is

memo-

have not settled

suffer dreadfully, that

Paris that cares one farthing

sake.

my

the tcedinni vita? in

felt

and that

Time

with Clarke yet, and everything torments me.

never

morning

night, but the

at Paris as in Ireland,

day with the

this

shall see.

in yesterday's

premature.

it is

"'Twas a sad rainy

rains as

we

time,

hear nothing of Moreau's victory, mentioned

do not

our

I find

little

myself

make myself amends for

God of war!" And I will

Ireland, I will

"I will,

by the

him choice Burgundy to drink

ad libitum, and Matty, and Miss Mary, and he and I will go to the
opera together, and we will be as happy as the day is long.
have

here too, and

P. P.

" Visions

0/ glory, spare

Trifling as these

P. P.
I

my

and

am

writing

the horrors
wife,

to

That

"

Evening,

them

dearest love.

all

do

are,

just

now

to

is

choice castle

amuse myself?

they are a great resource to

always fancy

wish

in regimentals.

is

o'clock.

This

aching sight."

memorandums

long to see myself

brigadier I

my

what better can

building, but

me, for when

will give

had

my

am

chatting with

commission, though

(Sings) "Zounds, I'll soon be

choice.
It

was not

the forenoon.

On

for

nothing that

the 26th of

May

have been

wrote to

in

my

Rowan, and Dr. Reynolds, respecting the immediate

^ET.

PRIVATE WORRIES.

33-3

my

removal of

family to France

me by

paper given

see in an English

which carried

vessel

my

an American, the Argus, Capt. Fanning, was carried into

letter,

Plymouth on the 25th of June

my

This event throws

am

last

too angry just

now

this

very morning counting that

letter in

One

by England

me

thing consoles

have said

is

detained.

my

how

to rectify them.

dearest love would have

politics,

hard

is

it

See how their

it.

am

was

my
?

my

fifteen stripes

embarrassed by this

infinitely

my letters I have hardly

my business here, and the

in all

or of

calculated to mislead

appearances were as gloomy as possible.

my

That is pleasant

of the American treaty, but

mentioned one word of

little I

is

there ever anything so distressing

family should suffer for

little

are respected
event.

fruits

to see

Was

about a fortnight.

These are the

and

private affairs into unspeakable confusion,

and

poor

and to-day

Sullivan, that the

67

for at the

time

Well, this

is

wrote,

the second

am indebted for a serious evil to Master John

Bull.
He hunted me out of my own country first, and now he is
and does he'
preventing me from bringing my family to France
think I will forget all that ? No that I won't, no more than his
attempt to press me for a sailor on my passage out to America.
Well, it does not signify cursing or swearing I am in too great a

time in

life

fury to write

get

my

Jidy

and

any

letters,

family will

or whether they will ever get them.

Saw
me my

6th.

tells

God knows now when my

longer.

Clarke this morning

business

General Hoche,

who

confer with the

Directory

is

is

coming up with
;

he

is

almost recovered,

delayed solely by the absence of

that on

all

privacy to Paris to

his arrival

everything will

must be introduced to him, and communicate

with him, and most probably return with him to the army where
my presence would be necessary. All this is very good. I shall

be settled

that I

be glad to be introduced to Hoche

Clarke also told

me

it

he wanted to have

looks like serious business.

my

commission expedited

by the Minister of War, but that Carnot had decided to

I
told him it was the same to me, and also
begged to know when he expected Hoche. He replied, " Every

instantly

wait for Hoche.

day."

then took occasion to mention the state of

my

finances,

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

63

two or three days

that in

my

to prevent

should be run out, and relied upon him

He

falling into difficulties.

on the war some

little

for that I did not

know

seemed a

time longer

my

He

this,

by which

Damn

it

amor nummi, quantum

Crescit

my

true as to me, for

am

me

for

see that

money

am

So here

sure

is

wish

am, with exactly

exchequer, negotiating with the French Govern-

ment, and planning revolutions.

"

carry

a soul in Paris but the Government.

there was not a guinea in the world.

louis in

could

not,

not their forte at present.

two

me

asked

answered,

could

taken aback at

little

[1796.

must say

it

is

truly original.

That

ipsa pecunia crescit."

passion increases as

my

not

is

funds diminish.

Ambassador to-day in Paris, but that

" When
gives me no great concern. Huzza
Vive la Republique
Christmas comes about again, oh, then I shall have money." To be
reckon

the poorest

sure

am

writing most egregious nonsense, mats destegal.

my

Clarke of the miscarriage of

against certain
it

was that

am

my

sad

told

felt.

How

lucky

business to any one

wish you were come with

" in perplexity

Sad

arrival.

by way of precaution

unknown apprehensions which

hardly mentioned a word of

Well, Lazarus Hoche,

Here

lettters,

all

my

soul.

and doubtful dilemma," waiting your

am gnawing my

very soul with anxiety

and expectation. And then I have a vision of poverty in the

" O cives, cives, qucsrenda
background which is truly alarming.
pecunia primum." I think I will stop, for the present, with this
I had like to forget that
pathetic appeal to the citizen Directors.
after leaving Clarke I sat down in an outside room and wrote him
a note, desiring him to apply to Carnot for such assistance in the
premises as he might think fit adding that any money advanced
;

to

me was

that

time

my

to be considered as advanced on public account,

would

I will

call

on him the day after to-morrow.

devour

my

discontents,

"

and

In the mean-

in this harsh

world drazv

Maybe my friend Lazarus, " who is not

may make his appearance by that time. It is, to

breath with pain."

dead, but sleepeth,"

be sure, most excessively ridiculous, " vu

that

and

should be run out of money.

had recrossed the Rhine

at

les circonstances actuelles,"

Clarke told

me

Jourdan

Neuwied and gained another victory

ET.

(EDIPE A COLONE.

33.]

now beyond Offembourg, and

communication between Wurmser and the Archduke

Moreau's victory
has cut off the

Vive

Charles.

is

confirmed

Republique

la

he

is

In order to divert myself, and get rid of a

Julyjth.

superfluous cash,
I

went

am more and more

Nothing can be more perfect

representation of CEdipe a Colone.

Adrien

represented in music.

Lays, Theseus, and

is

Madame

now

believe a dozen times,

with

it,

which

is

am

and

know not how

often.

in the "

"It soothes

delusion.

is

Polynices

have seen

is

is

not the

first

He

ballet,

my

which

reminds

soul

me

excessively

is

Montauciel,

in

theatre

a charming

is

mortal anguish," as P. P. says

to

in

have also seen

Goyon

The

Grand Cousin"

am

piece of acting

Madame Cheron

superior.

the triumph of

It is

it

every time more pleased

without being handsome she

Le Deserteur was the

and of Millot

kind than the

Rousseau

Cheron, Antigone.

places of Kemble, but Adrien

interesting.
I

its

a rare thing to be able to say of an opera.

a delightful actress

my

pleased with that

in

ever saw on any theatre without exception.

many

of

a complete Greek tragedy,

It is

CEdipus

not sure that the GEdipus of Adrien

is

little

night to the opera, where, by the by,

last

go most frequently.

spectacle.

69

if it

what should I do in Paris ? I think I will go

Monroe about the capture of the Argus, and
miscarriage of my letters. Sat with Monroe above an hour, and
like him very much.
Drank a bottle of wine and prosed with

were not

for that,

now and

scold

Madgett

in the

evening at the

Champs

Elysees.

Stupid enough,

God knows.
July
be

8th.

made

ledgments.

Lazarus
Clarke

which
sure

As soon

as I receive

Fixed with Clarke to

him.

is

is

if I

elevate

tells

call

to let

my

me my commission

returned him

must

call

me know.
affair

of

my

spirits,

my

my

will

acknow-

on Carnot to thank

on him regularly every other day.

am

The moment he comes

surprised at the sang-froid with

regiment, but

were made an emperor

Is that in

it,

not yet arrived, and be hanged.

view this

He

Called on Clarke.

out in two or three days.

it

though on some points

favour or not? for

it is

would not

I'll

am

my

temper.

in the least

am

degree

susceptible enough.

be hanged

if I

know.

No

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

matter

for the

[1796-

"Je suis, comme je suis" and that is enough about myself

moment. Moreau has had what other nations would call

another victory, but what

The French

advantage.

we

Mountains, and stormed a redoubt on the summit

"

whose name I know

first

but whose person

Remember

command French

will

besides,

do

not,

to leap into the fosse.

man

shall

my best.

an

content ourselves with calling

troops scaled the highest of the Black

troops, he

that,

the General,

reverence" being the

Mr.

Colonel

le

must be rather brave

have the honour of the sod to support.

Home Tooke

Well,

If

and

I will

had good reason to say that the French

Generals not only gave the command, but the example to their
soldiers.
They are noble fellows, that is the truth of it. Pray God
we may imitate their glorious example. But I have no doubt we
will.
The Irish are a very brave people, and we have a famous
good cause to support. I see in the papers that Lady Elliot is

ordered by her physicians to the baths of Lucca, the

air

of Corsica

These

disagreeing with her also, as well as with her spouse.

removals bode

ill

Emperor has made an

assistance

and what

has given him

kingdom of

for the

Corsica.

see also the poor

Empress of Russia

application to the

assistance, in God's

for

name, do you think she

declaration, addressed to the petty princes

of Germany, calling on them, poor devils, to assist the head of the

empire, and telling them
better ;

After

and

that she

all it is

not believe

is

it is

have a prodigious

will

Rhine, or that of Sambre and Meuse.

affairs.

Legate

that

for Ireland

trouble.

my

effect

do

on the army of the

But to return to our own

reminded Clarke about the Pope, and told him that the

artfully get a line

some

them for her part, &c.

a more decent declaration than Brunswick's, but

it

him

a shame for them not to support

quite surprised at

was Cardinal Antonelli, and that

from him to Dr. Troy,

it

if

we

could

might perhaps save us

Clarke promised to think of

He

it.

also told

me

proclamation had been translated into French, to lay

before the

Directory.

If

they adopt

it,

it

will

be a decisive

proof of the integrity of their principles as to Ireland, for

worded everything as strongly in our favour as

have made no stipulations

for

any return

have

knew how, and

as to France, but left

^ET.

LONEL Y AND DEPRESSED.

33.]

everything to the justice, honour, and gratitude of the Irish people.

am

sure

therefore

my

hope they may adopt

By

gth.

July

with regard to France herself the wisest course, and

it is

my

remainder of

proclamation.

dint of perseverance

When

cash.

always more extravagant

the danger to avoid the apprehension.

Theatre Vaudeville, where

"

Oscar

played Hazard, imitated Talma

Jack Bannister for mimicry,

am

Last night

all

and that

to nothing,

dearest love were here, and P. P.

always alone at these theatres, and that

alone,

all

but

and fall"

my

for

part

in

my

Sad

remains"

Money

it

gone

is

in silver,

Sad

lounged

all

by

myself.
in

all

for the good of the

pay my

Champs

much my

debtor,

if

If

service.
I

wonder

not for what

have suffered on account of her

it

to her,

and

that time

if

will

ever she

is

it

that

my

the small
"

bid his
the

In the evening

society,

might as well

Well, as Kite says,

it.

am

sure

it is

my

country

what
do not grudge
reward me, and I think by

have done, at

liberty.

Well,

least for

To-morrow

at her hands.

go see Clarke, and hear what he has to say

assures me, for

have

have not passed almost six

able she will

have deserved

Elysees, and drank coffee

For

at
I

declare

Otherwise

debts."

my

com-

shine, evapo-

being of dissipated wealth

hope Citizen Carnot may

Arabia Deserta, not Arabia Felix.

tedious months in France,

is

Money

under the ground.

dismal, this solitude.

It is

wish

Mount

or to

"

alone, as usual, to the

be

to,

and

rise

be truly alarming.

will

fear,

Money

clear

treasurer disburse six pounds to

consequences,

me.

scaled

have nobody to speak

mind.

believe

day six crowns

this

who
beats

a bold word.

is

kills

To-day

municate the million of observations which "

rate

He

and had a magnificent view of Paris under

terrible to

is

it

am

at the

Laporte,

fils d'Ossian."

my

Martre,

was

Oscar incomparably.

in

But

feet

Old Batchelor," run into

"

was exceedingly amused by "Hazard

de son pere" a parody of

fils

getting through the

near being run out,

and, like the

am

am

for

himself.

will

He

asked him a second time for greater certainty,

friends in Ireland

know

am

here.

am

heartily glad

was dreaming all last night of Plunket and Peter

Burrowes and George Knox, and I believe it is that which has

of

it.

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

7 2

me

thrown

into the blue devils all this day.

makes the remark

after,

my

the marvellous state of

there

me

"

and

believe he

may

finances

into a state of tender melancholy

Perhaps

is right.

little

contribute to

Shenstone says

for

a close connection between the animal spirits and the

is

Aristotle has

breeches pocket.

remember Swift

as to dreams, that their complexion influences

our temper the whole day

plunge

[1796.

Lord

Croaker

is

Lord

many

fine things

a rhyme for Joker, Poor Dick I"

prodigious affection for the Louis.

will leave off,

while

on that subject.

these are but sickly jokes.

am

well.

That

is

It

won't do.

I find 1 have a

not so bad.

think

have made divers ineffectual

to sing in this day's journal, all for the amusement of

Matty and Miss Mary and P. P.
What are they doing this
evening ?
Oh that I had them all with me, and everything
arranged to my mind. I wish I had my commission, though.

efforts

Oh says this Frog, I will go ride, Kitty alone, &c.

Oh says this Frog, I will go ride, Kitty alone and I.
Oh says this Frog, I will go ride, with sword and pistol by my
Cock ma Kary, Kitty alone, Kitty alone and I.

{Sings)

That quotation

thing from

which exceeds

P. P.

take to be inimitable

do not

recollect any-

know green envy

it.

side,

will

gnaw

his soul at the perusal.

July

10th.

It is in

dull as a post.

there

is

vain to deny

think

it,

my journal

of yesterday

my

thousand

"

Gentle dulness ever loved a Joke."

business.

It

devils, so that I

as

is

raining

all

this blessed

could not go to Clarke's

till

deserve

Well,

day

who had nothing

to

tell

me

let

me

like ten

an hour and

a half after the proper time, and he was then gone out.
Fleury, however,

is

have not seen anything more stupid, and

a sort of pert affectation of being witty, for which

to be kicked.

mind

saw

but that the citadel

of Milan had surrendered, with 2,800 prisoners, and 150 pieces of

Mantua alone remains to the Austrians, and it is closely

besieged by 60,000 men. The French are certainly in Leghorn,
cannon.

but the

official

despatches are not yet arrived, and this

is

all

the

^T.

STUDYING TACTICS.

33.]

73

word I would call to-morrow, and took my leave. I

am sick as a dog of these delays.
July nth. Called on Clarke, who took down my name, and the
day and place of my birth, in order to have my commission filled
news.

up,

I left

and mentioned that

He

answered

why

answered,

Ay, but he

him, that

it

is

clever."

whom

to

my

eternal

le service

am

little

taken aback at

this,

me to speak

ill

of anybody, especially

my

duty to speak without the

to call the

I felt it

"

commission

day

Undoubtedly," and so the matter

which time

after to-morrow, at

be ready.

will

de la Cavalerie" and sat

will

join the regiment.

go walk a

little

Bought the

down

was as good an

wish

may

say or sing with

Maudit

officer

my

to study

"

now

hope

Reglement pour
I

it.

must get a

me

of tactics, so

Evening.

Tactics

a
I

little

think

Tactics

of cavalry as Marshal Schweidnitz.

Sans

l'infernal

cette ecriture,

Et sans la lecture,
Ne peut on, morbleu,

l'esprit fatal

Mit dans sa memoire,

Tout ce bacchanal.

tired

friend Montauciel,

Faiseur de grimoire,

Dont

am

to refresh me.

said,

knew nothing more about

sensible sous officier (non-commissioned officer) to drill

before

and

report, but in a business

Clarke said,

least reserve.

I know one Duckett?

know him. He asked

did

knew merely by

of such consequence as ours

rested.

answered

was disagreeable

of a person

me

desire to

civil,

understood from Madgett and others that he

He seemed

was a blackguard.
"

then asked

did not, nor did

was very

him the business would have

rested with

if it

been done long since.

I

He

which he expects to have done to-morrow.

Manger,

rire et boire,

Marcher a la gloire,
Et courir au feu.

glory in those lines; they are the veritable sentiments of a French

dragoon.

Huzza

{Sings)

I shall

be a dragoon myself one of those days.

Oh, there was a captain of Irish dragoons,

quartered in the town of Kilkenny, oh

Was

CHAPTER

IV.

HOCHE.
Battle of

July \2th.

my

studying
it,

Aughrim.

sitting in

my

cabinet

He brought me
me that the person he mentioned
me at one o'clock. I ran off directly

was arrived and desired to see

Luxembourg and was shown into Fleury's cabinet, where

till three, when the door opened and a very handsome,

remained

well-made young fellow

entered,

and

said,

"

in

Vous

a brown coat and nankeen pantaloons,

ctes le citoyen Smith ? "
I thought

he was a chef de bureau, and

He

Smith."

replied, "

said, "

Oui

Vous vous

citoyen, c'est

replied,

had

for a

"

Oui, citoyen, je niappelle

Wolfe Tone?"

appelez, aussi,je crois

mon

he, "je suis le General Hoc/ie."

I

was

proved to be a dragoon of the third regiment.

to the

a person knocked at the door, who, on opening

tactics,

a note from Clarke, informing

As

veritable ?wm."

"

At

these words

Eh bien,"

replied

mentioned that

long time been desirous of the honour

then enjoyed,

arms I soon did fly, and

tJiere embraced him tenderly."
then
said
he presumed I was
He
the author of the memorandums which had been transmitted to
him. I said I was. " Well," said he, " there are one or two points
He then proceeded to ask me, in case
I want to consult you on."
to find myself in his

company.

" Into his

of the landing being effectuated, might he rely on finding provisions,

and particularly bread

make any arrangements

said

it

would be impossible to

in Ireland previous to the landing,

of the surveillance of the Government, but

if

that were

accomplished there would be no want of provisions

abounded

in

cattle,

and, as for bread,

because

once

that Ireland

saw by the Gazette that

there was not only no deficiency of corn, but that she was able
74

INTERVIEW WITH HOCHE.

^ET.33-]

75

to supply England, in a great degree, during the

scarcity in

once

in

that country, and

might rely

Ireland, he

should not want

assured him that

whoever wanted bread, they

that,

He seemed

it.

alarming

late

the French were

if

with

satisfied

and proceeded

this,

to ask me, might we count upon being able to form a provisory

government, either of the Catholic Committee, mentioned

memorials, or of the chiefs of the Defenders

open here, to come

at the

that force were but

might

but

act,

if it

"

co-operation.

thought

number of troops intended

my

in

saw an

for us,

and

would depend on the force which might be landed

replied that that

if

trifling, I

could not pretend to say

was considerable,

had no doubt of

he, "

Undoubtedly," replied

men

how they
their

not sacrifice

will

themselves when they do not see a reasonable prospect of support

but, if

you may be sure

go,

then asked, did

go

will

men would

think ten thousand

decide them

He

in sufficient force."
?

answered, undoubtedly, but that early in the business the Minister

had spoken to me of two thousand, and that

" No,"
such a number could effect nothing.

had replied that

he, "

replied

would be overwhelmed before any one could join them.

was glad

they

replied

him give that opinion, as it was precisely what

I had stated to the Minister, and I repeated that, with the force he
mentioned, I could have no doubt of support and co-operation
I

to hear

what

thought of the

any trouble

priests, or

replied

was

it

any

effectual opposition

would be able to give us

that their influence over the minds of the

people was exceedingly diminished of

memorandums.

explained

my

this at

all

much

that, with

it

my

instanced

memorials, and

some length

we should

common

discretion,
if

we might

thought

not their support.

mentioned

opinion, but added that in the contrary event I

would be absolutely impossible

for

them

to

avoid

as possible shocking their prejudices unnecessarily,

neutrality at least,
as

and

late,

him, and concluded by saying, that in prudence

as

would give us

not calculate on their

the case of the Defenders, so often mentioned in

in these

me

then asked

likely they

certainly did

assistance, but neither did I think they

common

He

form a provisory government.

sufficient to

and

secure their
this

was

merely

satisfied

to take the people out

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

76

We

of our hands.

He

then came to the army.

thought they would act

asked

replied, for the regulars

[1796.

me how

could not

pretend to say, but that they were wretched bad troops

militia, I

for the

hoped and believed that when we were once organised

they would not only not oppose

us,

but come over to the cause of

him

their country en

masse

their opposition,

and make his arrangements accordingly; that

the safe policy, and

He

; nevertheless,

if it

desired

become necessary,

said he would, undoubtedly,

make

his

it

would come
tion, stores,

in force,

and

the arrangements were

and, for his own

made on a proper

to hear him speak thus

it

sets

my mind

it

was

was so much gained.

arrangements so as to
;

that he

of arms, ammuni-

and bring great quantities

artillery,

on

to calculate

leave nothing to chance that could be guarded against

He

reputation, see that all

scale.

at ease

was very glad

on divers

points-

then said there was one important point remaining, on which

he desired to be

we would adopt

satisfied,

and that was what form of government

the event of our success

in

was going

to

answer him with great earnestness when General Clarke entered,

to request

we would come

to dinner with Citizen

We

Carnot.

accordingly adjourned the conversation to the apartment of the

where we found Carnot and one or two more. Hoche,

some time, took me aside and repeated his question. I
replied, " Most undoubtedly, a Republic."
He asked 'again, " Was
"
I sure ?
that I knew
I said as sure as I could be of anything
President,

after

nobody

in

believe there

me was

who thought of any other system, nor did I

was anybody who dreamt of monarchy. He asked

Ireland

no danger of the Catholics setting up one of

there

chiefs for

king?

"Not

replied,

the smallest,"

This

were no chiefs amongst them of that kind of eminence.

the old business again, but
well to see

him

more than on

map

all

the others.

of Ireland in his hand,

the room.

Hoche

believe

satisfied

Hoche

it

is

looks

so anxious on that topic on which he pressed

me

Carnot joined us here, with a pocket

and the conversation became pretty

Clarke, Hoche, and him, every one else having

general between
left

their

and that there

said scarcely anything, as

related to Carnot the substance of

wished to

listen.

what had passed between

iET.

COUNCIL ON IRISH AFFAIRS.

33.]

When

him and me.

laughed, and

"

said,

77

he mentioned his anxiety as to bread, Carnot

There

plenty of beef in Ireland

is

if

you

hoped they
I told him I
enough of both adding, that within the last twenty
years Ireland had become a great corn country, so that at present

cannot get bread, you must eat beef."

would

find

made a

it

They then proceeded

considerable article in her exports.

to confer, but

found

it

difficult to follow

them, as

it

was

in fact

had not assisted, and

a
Frenchmen.
I collected,
besides, they spoke with the rapidity of
however, if I am right, that there will be two landings, one from
Holland, near Belfast, and the other from Brittany, in Connaught
former conversations at which

suite of

that there will be,

suppose, in both embarkations, not less than

nor more than

ten,

also mentioned, but

fifteen

thousand

most

he succeeds.

We

if

men

twelve thousand was

Carnot

did not hear any time specified.

" It will be, to be sure, a

he say so

And

brilliant operation."

well

said,

may

then went to dinner, which was very

well served, without being luxurious.

We

had two courses and a

dessert.

There were present about sixteen or eighteen persons,

Madame

Carnot, her sister and sister-in-law, Carnot, his brother,

Hoche, Truguet, the Minister of Marine, Clarke, two or three

and Lagarde, the Secretaire-General. I sat by Hoche.

we rose, and Carnot, Hoche, Truguet,

officers,

After coffee was served

Lacuee, and Clarke retired to a cabinet and held a council on

which lasted from six to nine

Irish affairs

time

walked with Lagarde

in the

where we listened to a symphony performed

La

me
is

Reveilliere

La

that

Lepaux, who

is

in the

lodged over Carnot.

Reveilliere has concerts continually,

At nine

the council broke up, and

Clarke he said everything was

;

much

now

Lagarde

which are

walked away with

and that he had himself

but that at last he had

wished him joy, most sincerely, and fixing to

upon him to-morrow

at twelve

we

tells

and that music

settled,

trouble to bring everything to bear,

succeeded.

mean-

apartments of

his great resource after the fatigues of his business,

immense.

In the

o'clock.

gardens of the Luxembourg,

parted.

call

This was a grand day

dined with the President of the Executive Directory of France,

beyond

all

comparison the most

illustrious station in

Europe.

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

7S

am

very proud of

duty, and

because

it,

it

have made no unworthy

Carnot extremely, and Hoche,

like

July

13th.

sacrifices to obtain

Carnot, and to-day

have

Allons

tells

my

in

it

Saw

Yesterday

dined with

should be puzzled to raise a guinea.

last louis,

though Clarke
I

cannot help this morning thinking of Gil Bias, when

my

it.

think, yet better.

he was Secretary to the Duke of Lerma.

almost on

my

has come fairly in the line of

me

it

hand.

Clarke

and
is
I

my

commission

done
will

but

will

my

is

am
out,

never believe him

push him to-day, that

nothing new

made

not yet

is

till

positive.

commission not yet

Damn it for me ; Lord pardon me for swearing" I

charged Clarke with great vigour, and he promised positively for
"

come.

after

to-morrow

Hoche

ing.

at farthest.

called for a

So

must

moment on

was

and

So matters

further questions to propose to me.

however,

wait,

am

tired wait-

Clarke to say that he had no

after studying the language

of the

rest

wish,

birds.

Taking of the Bastile, 1789. No business! Hoche

yesterday praised Sir Sydney Smith, now prisoner in Paris, as
July

14th.

a gallant officer

he

said, " //

a une rude reputation en Bretagne,"

and that there was hardly a cape or headland on the coast which

was not marked by some of

man

his exploits.

like to hear

one

Carnot said they would take care of

and that he should certainly not be exchanged.
Hoche also spoke of
I am glad of that too, for one or two reasons.
he says they know no more of the
the ignorance of the Bretons
brave

him

for

praise another.

some

time,

real state of the

Revolution than the inhabitants of Tartary

that

Government the Convention, and had a report,

when he set off, that the Convention had ordered the Pope to the
I think there is no part of Ireland more ignorant by his
bar.
account. Carnot said he was satisfied that Babceuf's plot was the
they always

call

the

work of the Orleans

Lagarde,

whom

faction.

When

walked

me

garden with

found very conversable, we spoke of the astonish-

ing successes of the armies, particularly of the

assured

in the

army of

Italy.

He

that before the opening of the campaign he trembled

for the event

that the reluctance of the jeunesse to join

colours was almost insurmountable

that

their

the Government was

AT.

WAITING COMMISSION IN FRENCH ARMY.

33.]

obliged to employ the most rigorous

them neck and

It

that.

to

is,

and

be

sure,

Hoche yesterday told

he had got me by heart. Was that
!
! there may be two meanings in that

most astonishing.

Clarke, speaking of me, that

"

by way of compliment ?

Either that he had studied

or that he had fathomed

so flattering.

he

fear

No

Shallow"

matter

business done.

measures, even to tying

and transporting them in that manner on

yet, said he, you see how they fight for all

heels,

army

carts to the

79

me

in

memorials diligently, which

one conversation, which

does " spy into the bottom

no matter

If that

Ha
my

is

once

me

Let

effected,

it is

is

of

good,

is

not quite

this Justice

and get the

see

of very

quence whether I have any talents or not. Huzza

good humour to-day.
Dull as a post all day.
July i$th. Blank

little

am

consein

July
for

Saw

16th.

my

commission

the Minister at

have
but

War

as

could see

a change

me

tells

will write to

to send back the brevet to him, so that

at twelve o'clock.

All that

is

have said already six-and-fifty times,

He

quoth blind Hugh."

it,

the arrete of the Directory

be signed to-day, and that he

will

by to-morrow

it

still,

He

Clarke.

The

arrangement.

in the

tells

me,

shall

very good
"

Would

also, that there is

cavalry of the ci-devant Legion

de Police has been formed into a regiment of dragoons, the twenty-

The Colonel had

first.

given the Directory to understand there

were supernumeraries of men and horses enough to form a second

regiment, which was intended for me.
inspection, that the contrary

ten

men

short of

in the infantry,

its

so

and Clarke

tells

One must

said, of course, I

twelve for this weary brevet.

to

desire

farthest, for I

the twenty-first

In consequence

am

him

to find

just

now

me

am

is

even

to serve

the pay and rank are the

not look a

was perfectly

the best friends in the world, and

home

appeared, however, on

It

fact, for

complement.

same, with less trouble.

;

the

with the rank of Chef de Brigade, which answers to

that of Colonel

mouth

is

am

run out, and

to pay for in three days from

this,

to-morrow at

Madgett on

louis d'or in
I

horse in the

and we parted

to return

Called on

me two

gift

satisfied,

shall

which

is

have

most

my way

two days at

my

lodgings

fearful, for I

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

So

dread

my

"

but Madgett has promised

Hang
Our

those

who

its

a sabre

down

He was

pretty near the

Hoche has

a famous cut of

enemy when he got

He

is

that,

and luckily

the oldest of

is

all,

it

but two-and-thirty, Jourdan

Buonaparte twenty-nine, Moreau about

who

and so

eyebrow, and one side of his nose.

disfigure him.

all

to supply me,

enemy a

laugh a siege to scorn."

place that

his forehead,

five-and-thirty,

Pichegru,

talk of fear

castle's strength will

forgot to mention in

does not at

landlady more than the

bossue of a

little

thousand times

[1796.

and

thirty,

The

about six-and-thirty.

French have no old generals in service it is their policy to

employ young men, and the event has shown they are right.
Moreau and Jourdan continue to drive the Austrians before them
Every Gazette brings new victories, so that now
in all quarters.
we are beginning not to mind them. In the evening the opera
;

Tarare (which

music by
Sultan,
thing,

have seen twenty times).

but the

It is brilliant,

very inferior to that of Gluck.

Salieri

Adrien,

the

in

was magnificently dressed in the Indian costume everydown to his slippers, was completely Indian but I have
;

already remarked

fifty times the scrupulous attention the French

pay to costume. Rousseau, in Calpigi, and Mademoiselle
Gavaudan, in Spinetta, are incomparable. They are the originals
of Beaumarchais. Lainez was Tarare, Mde. Ponteuil, Astasie
altogether, it is a charming spectacle.
In one of the ballets there
"

actors

is

a charming pas de

the air of the Folies

by Nivelon, Duchemin, and Coulon, to

cPEspagne. It is almost as good as the Pas
trois,

Russe, by Nivelon and Milliere, in Panurge.

July
yet

lyth.

Called as usual on Clarke.

come from the

War

Office,

write again to the Minister to have

Hoche

will

leave

endeavour to give
answered,

it

town

me

in

eternal brevet not

it

sent directly.

He

a corner in his carriage

flattering to

at the

same

me

time, I

to

if

me

tells

two or three days, and that he

would be highly

of travelling with him

My

but he gave orders to Fleury to

will

possible.

have the honour

hoped he would give

JET.

me
He

CHEF DE BRIGADE.

33-]

a few days' notice, as

81

had no clothes but habits

said he could not be sure to give

me

bourgeois, &c.

four-and-twenty hours'

made up at quarters.
moment, and the sooner
the better. He then desired me to call every day at twelve, and we
parted.
So, here I am, at single anchor, ready to cut and run. As
notice,

and as

to regimentals,

replied, as to myself, I

money

to

guinea.

am

matters,

sure

think

am

could get them

at a

extremely embarrassed

must write

was ready

have not a

Carnot and demand a supply.

to

have reason to expect that much from the French

Government at the same time, God knows whether I shall get it

or not, and at any rate it is cursed disagreeable to be obliged to
make the application, but what can I do ? Damn the money, for
me I wish it was in the bottom of the sea. This embarrassment
is a drawback on the pleasure I should otherwise feel at the
promising appearance of our business. Sat down and wrote two
pages of a letter to my dearest life and love, informing her very
obscurely of my success here, and of my having obtained the rank
of Chef de Brigade, desiring her to sell off everything, and embark
in the first vessel for Havre de Grace.
I will not finish my letter for
a day or two, till I see how things turn out on one or two topics.
;

do not write

letters

Rowan

or Dr. Reynolds, because, as

were intercepted and carried to England,

run any more

anecdote.

came up
I

to

risks.

The day
to

me and

forgot to mention in

asked

me how

you have been well received

He

liked

particularly."

for their politeness

me

do not

last

like to

place a trifling

dined with Carnot, Hoche's aide-de-camp

vented some compliments on the nation

were ever remarked

its

my

my
"

reception in France.

Yes," replied he,

"

but

answered, the French

and hospitality to strangers.

" but you are here

you are accredited ? " I looked up
in his face with infinite good-humour and did not reply one word.
He repeated his question, and I continued to smile on him with

then struck at

directly

on some private negotiation

all

possible stupidity

and, turning on his

impudent
July
vol.

Yes," said he,

so he found he could
heel,

left

me.

He

was,

make nothing
I

thought,

of

it,

a sad,

fellow.

\Wi.
ii.

"

Rose early

this

morning and wrote a threatening

7

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

82

letter to Citizen Carnot, telling

in

a sartin place

God

copy.

speaking,

money

forgive

the drift of

is

on

twelve

War.

It

it

last

is

clock,

me

embraced

19th).

from the

now

remains

to

be done to-day, and

" To-morrow,

the brevet, and

hardly reply to either of them.

would have thought

this,

would have thought

it,

the day

and

decided, as P. P. used to say.

did think
I

Lough

the

left

saluted

me

as

my heart was so full, I could

am as proud as Punch. Who

so did Fleury, and

It

will

to pass muster.

me

on giving

brother officer

Called at

brevet

I swear,
I shall see Sir Andrew Barton, Knight!' Clarke

to-morrow, at nine,
by nine of the

my

rank of Chef de Brigade, and

(June

be signed by Carnot and Lagarde, which

am

believe, properly

the main point.

is

he has got

for the

bears date the 1st Messidor

French, for

however, he will understand that

and that

it,

At

Clarke.

Minister at

for calling

no language

is

it

me

did not put five pounds

and I have a

in French,

It is written

"

" if he

him

[1796.

of Belfast

That

it.

is

manly and

now write myself Chef de

Brigade,

Armigero."

Huzza!
Huzza
Let me have done with my nonsense and huzzaing, and
mind my business. Clarke asked me, would we consent, in Ireland,
to let the French have a direct interference in our Government ?
"in any

bond, quittance, or obligation

bill,

adding, that

where,

it

might be necessary, as

were not

if it

it

for the continual

was actually

in

Holland,

superintendence of the

French, they would suffer their throats to be cut again

Stadtholder.

by the

undoubtedly the French must

answered that

have a very great influence on the measures of our Government,

in case

we

succeeded, but that

thought,

they would not expect any direct interference

effectual

desire

way
I

it.

in the civil

to have

added

power with

to

send nobody but you."

mean

Republic

in

France

they were wise,

would be to appear not to

I hoped whoever was sent

department, would be a very sensible, cool man, because

could he

in

if

adding, that the most

that, for that reason,

a great deal would depend on

intend

us,

Am

Ireland,
"

his address.

Clarke replied,

That stunned

to begin

me

little.

" We
What

by representing the French

instead of representing the Irish Republic

/ am puzzled

in mazes,

and perplexed with

errors."

AN IRISH MONARCHY.

JET. 330

83

must have this explained in to-morrow's conversation. Clarke

then went on to say they had no security for what form of governI

ment we might adopt

security to offer but

He

Republic.

my

case of success.

in

objected that

we might

Republic, like that of Genoa.

assured him the aristocracy of

He

our blood to establish their power.

after

all,

establish a

establish an aristocratic

we should

Ireland were not such favourites with the people that

spill

had no

replied, I

we would

decided opinion that

we might choose a King

"

Perhaps,

no

security

then said,

that there was

against that but information, and that the people of Ireland were

general very ignorant."

in

asked him,

in

would we choose, or where would we go look

said, "

Maybe

for a

Duke of York ? " I assured him that he, or his

Fleury, who was present, had full as good, and indeed

the

aide-de-camp,

whom
King ? He

God's name,

much better chance, than his Royal Highness and I added,

we neither loved the English people in general, nor his
;

that

Majesty's family in particular, so well as to choose one of

for

them

our King, supposing, what was not the case, that the super-

hung about us. As to the ignorance of our

it was in general too true, thanks to our
execrable Government, whose policy it was to keep them in a
stition of royalty yet

peasantry,

admitted

state of barbarism

Dissenters,
cans,

but

could answer for the information of the

who were thoroughly

and who,

enlightened and sincere republi-

had no doubt, would

direct the public sentiment

He then asked, was there nobody

any chance, supposing the tide should
He asked,
set in favour of monarchy ?
I replied, " Not one."
" Would the Duke of Leinster, for example ? "
I replied, " No
in

framing a government.

among

ourselves that had

that everybody loved and liked the Duke, because he was a good

man, and always resided and spent

his fortune in Ireland, but that

he by no means possessed that kind of character or talents which

might elevate him to that

" Could I think of

nobody ? "

Moira was the only person

station."
I

He

then asked

replied, " I could not

could recollect

me

again,

that

Lord

who might have had

the least chance, but that he had blown his reputation to pieces

by accepting a command against France

and, after him, there

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

84

was nobody."

"

choose one of your own leaders

yourself?

"

replied,

"

Well," said Clarke,

we had no

maybe,

[1796.

after

who knows but

you

all,

will

may be

it

leaders of a rank or description

eminence

likely to arrive at that degree of

and, as to myself,

had the desire nor the talents to aspire so high. Well,

enough of royalty for the present. We then, for the
hundredth time, beat over the old ground about the priests,
and I summed up all
without, however, starting any fresh ideas
neither

that

is

by

telling him, that, as to religion,

ourselves with pulling

down

my

belief

was we should content

the Establishment without setting up

any other that we would have no State

and
sect pay their own clergy voluntarily
;

religion,

but

let

every

that, as to royalty

and

aristocracy, they were both odious in Ireland to that degree, that

I

apprehended much more a general massacre of the gentry, and

a distribution of the entire of their property, than the establishment

of any form of government that would perpetuate their influence

that

hoped

would do

all

this

massacre would not happen, and that

my

that lay in

like to spill the blood,

power to prevent

even of the guilty

because

it,

same

at the

I,

for one,

did not

time, that

the pride, cruelty, and oppression of the Irish aristocracy were so

great, that I

apprehended every excess from the

of the people.

The

at nine,
I

first

me

to

and that he would introduce

From Clarke

must pass review.

where

ended

conversation

Hoche's address, and desired

had an audience of Carnot.

place, to return

conferred on

me by

my

him

call

me

join

my

entirely

spoken to Clarke?"

went to the Luxembourg,

ran

him

me

and

his eyes over

said,

my

was come,

for the high

the rank of Chef de

mentioned

that, as

my

resources

liberty to address

He

asked me,

letter

were

a short
"

Had

not explicitly on that subject.

Clarke, and that he would report

in the

honour

should probably be ordered to

had taken the

I

where

Office,

told

regiment at a day's notice, and as

exhausted,

War

memorial to him, requesting a supply.

then

at the

the Directory, in giving

that

me

on Fleury to-morrow,

acknowledgments

me

Clarke gave

here.

Brigade in the armies of the Republic

General Clarke had told

just resentment

He

and desired me to give it to

upon it to him, and see what

AT.

AT THE WAR

33-]

was

to be done.

very friendly, but

see

my

then took

no

35

manner was

Carnot's

leave.

great certainty of the cash.

and wrote him a note enclosing

to Clarke,

requesting his good offices, &c.

my own

OFFICE.

my

memorial, and

if

ever I reached

adding, that

returned

my

power to render any service

That is a little stroke
to a friend of his, he might command me.
" I have a thing in me that y oil want ; you do me, I do
of intrigue.

you"

country, and had

it

Lofty says.

fair

as

All

in

boldly to the opera, as usual.

Ballet de

Poor

her ankle.

little

was

fair

in

Chevigny

Went

fell

fright, like

in

Renaud, as he

in the ballet

July

igth.

am

pities, for

writing those

the morning, for sometimes

she

is

sleep.

missed a famous

When

Carnot would collect that money was the object of

"

and returned in an

instant with the noggin."

me

tells

the pay

that business
is

letter, I

the waiter

Called on Fleury at

War

arrived, found, like a couple of wise heads, that

so

my

word but Brandy, on which he disappeared

nine o'clock, and walked with him to the

commission

said that

That I made him a harangue, of which

understood not a single

for I

and that

at four o'clock in

quotation yesterday, in the manner of P. P.

should have added,

am,

altar,

a charming dancer.

memorandums

cannot

in

is

and sprained

a good soul as

thought she struck her breast against the steps of the

would have been a thousand

evening

in the

Renaud and the

Pleasant enough.

Rousseau excellent

Psyche.

everything.

All

is

35 francs in

postponed
cash,

When we

Office.

we had

till

and 600

forgot

to-morrow.
in

my
He

mandats, per

month, with three rations of meat, amounting to one and a half

pounds, and three of bread, to four and a

what

shall

haricots,

But in God's name

I know not what amount.
do with bread and meat ? After all I fear I must

consult Madgett, and that

I

half, besides

and wood, to

salt,

will wait, at all

events,

is

do not wish to do. Well, well,

to-morrow, when I will see what

what

till

make upon Clarke concerning trade affairs.

Oh, if the States General would but pay me what they owe me ! "
I am exceedingly embarrassed with my rations.
Went muzzing
with Madgett in the evening.
As we were walking through the
Tuileries, who should we meet, full plump, but my old friend

impression
''

can

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

86

[1796.

Stone, of Hackney, walking with Helen Maria Williams, 1 authoress

of the

"

Letters on France."

Stone ever since

my

judice, but that I

call

was

guard the

have avoided

know anything to his preHe made me promise to

incognito.

on him to-morrow, and as he

my

fairly caught, for I

not that

arrival,

already acquainted with almost

is

him that I am here memorialising the French Government for some compensation for what I
have suffered in their cause, and that if I succeed I mean to settle
in France.
That is the truth, but not the whole truth. Went on
with Madgett, and drank punch told him of my commission,
having first sworn him to secrecy. What shall I do with my
rations ?
To-morrow I will see Clarke, and learn what report he
makes on my letter to Carnot. If they would pay me those 150,
the whole of

history,

will tell

if

would

set

me

at

my ease, but

doubt

it

very much.

want money

sadly.

Called at Clarke's, and saw Fleury,

July 20th.
brevet, signed

by Carnot, and so now

poses Chef de Brigade

me to-morrow

to bring

to pass review,

am

advance, a

and from thence to the Treasury, to receive a

viz.,

and

think

desired Fleury to

him know the

let
it

rations, I

tell

am

that Carnot's

him pay

let

quite at a loss to

Frenchman would soon

Clarke

What
it

is

what
after.

put

it

but

shall

it is

deemed

it,

do not

2s. 6d.

to Carnot, as a

or not, as he pleases.

it,

would consider of

a month's pay

I will

know how

settle

in

nevertheless, if I thought

to-morrow, or the day

It is absolutely nothing.

debt of honour, and

result

at all a compensation.

sterling.

Clarke's

memorial was that he thought a month's pay,

otherwise, he desired that I might signify to Clarke

I

me by

Fleury also told

handsome compensation

reasonable.

is

Commissaire Ordonnateur,

at nine to the

orders, another thing not quite so agreeable,

my

and purFleury

in the service of the Republic.

month's pay, so Vogue la galere

answer to

who gave me my

to all intents

As

to

my

manage with them.

a different thing with

a foreigner.
1
[Helen Maria Williams (b. 1762, d. 1828) wrote several books about
"Letters from France" (in favour of the Girondists), 1790-93;
France
" Manners and Opinions of the French Republic,"
" Politics of France, 1795
" Narrative of Events in France," 1815.-Ed.]
1801
:

DINNER WITH HELEN MARIA WILLIAMS.

JET. 33.]

July

Went

2\st.

Ordonnateur

to pass

my

87

the Commissaire

review, with

obliged to return for an order from the Minister of

War, to receive

my

pay

Wrote

at Paris.

my

to Clarke, putting

compensation to Carnot as a debt of honour, and gave

my

letter to

Fleury.

Called at Clarke's on

July 22nd.

who

General Hoche,

That looks

leaving Paris.

like business.

Went

always huzzaing, like a blockhead.

my

review

600

morning, at seven

my

Huzza

huzza

am

Commissaire and

to the

and from that to the Treasury, where the forms

are terribly slow.

cash,

coming out met

order to talk over our business, and settle about

o'clock, in

passed

Fleury

me to-morrow

desired to see

my

received for

month's pay, 35 francs in

in assignats, worth,

mandats, worth to-day 24, and 300

in

suppose, about 6d.

It is

no great

hang the money.

things, but

Dined very pleasantly with Stone and Helen Maria Williams. All
Stone was very hearty, but H. M. Williams

our politics English.

is

was quite genteel and agreeable.

might, in case of necessity, draw on

Miss Jane Bull completely.

Wrote to Monroe, to know if I

him for ,50. Bed very early

thinking of

my

interview with

Hoche.
Called on Hoche, at seven, and found him in bed,

Jtdy 2$rd.

talking with two generals,

Italy,

very

collect,

much

from what he

that he does not

asked me,
I

to

was

"

whom

said, that

know

When

it

he

little

is

himself yet.

After they were gone,

He

would give

settle that I

friend,

me

"

by

and

a seat in his carriage, but

Hoche

five

means
and that,

all

if

days
that

not,

answered,

have four or

said,

he proposed leaving town in seven days himself,

could, he

in.

to be of our expedition,

would be ready to leave town

arrangements.

going to

is

General Sherlock called

at his orders, but wished, if possible, to

make some

One

did not know.

against the grain.

if

he

he would

should travel with General Cherin, his most particular

who was

to have a

command

in the business,

but to whom,

had not opened himself on the subject. I made

acknowledgments, and asked him, at the same time, whether

as yet, he

appearance at headquarters might not give

from the circumstance of

my

rise to

being a foreigner

some

He

my
my

suspicions,
replied,

he

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

88

would

settle

me

in

[1796.

a village near Rennes, his headquarters, where

should be incognito, and, at the same time, within his reach.

asked him then, was he apprised of the Directory having honoured

me

with the rank of Chef de Brigade

made me

his

compliment.

He

and
presumed I

replied he was,

then observed to him,

should be of most service in some situation near his person

spoke French, as he might observe, very imperfectly

make myself understood, and

could

might be useful

He

replied, "

your regiment

is

General for you

and

besides,

command,

if

in his

Leave

all

that I

nevertheless,

as he did not speak English,

communications with the people of Ireland.

as soon as you join, and that
that to me
;

formed,

apply

will

that will place

you must be
necessary."

you

for the

at

in a situation

once

rank of Adjutantin the

where you

Etat-Major,

may

have a

returned him a thousand thanks

and

Did I think it was

men of
any of them, wished for a revolution in Ireland ? " I
replied, " Most certainly not," and that he should reckon on all the
opposition that class could give him that, however, it was possible
he proceeded to ask me,

"

likely that the

property, or

that

when

the business was once commenced,

join us on speculation, but that

sentiments.

He

then asked me,

it

"

some of them might

would be sorely against

Did

their real

know Arthur O'Connor

"

[Arthur O'Connor was born at Mitchelstown, near Bandon, in the county

Cork, in 1763. Educated at Trinity College, he was called to the Bar in 1788.
Possessing independent means, he gave up his profession, entered Parliament
in 1791, allied himself with Grattan and the popular party
but, despairing of
constitutional redress, flung himself into the revolutionary movement in 1796,
and became a member of the Executive of the United Irish Society. He took
an active part in negotiating an alliance with France, and visited the Continent
Twitted before the Secret
for that purpose with Lord Edward Fitzgerald.
Committee of the House of Lords in 1798 for his conduct in calling in foreign
;

"The

Executive were decidedly of opinion, that by the principles

by the Revolution of 1688, they were justified
in calling in foreign aid, and in resisting a Government which had forfeited all
claims to obedience." The alliance with France was formed in August, 1796.
In February, 1797, O'Connor was arrested for seditious libel, and imprisoned
in Dublin Castle for six months.
Then released he founded the Press newspaper, the organ of the United Irishmen in Dublin. Among his colleagues on
the Press were William Lawless (afterwards a general in the French army),
Lord Edward Fitzgerald, and Oliver Bond. In January, 1798, O'Connor set
aid,

he

said,

of the constitution, as established

From

an Original Drawing; "by a French Artist.

^T.

ARTHUR a CONNOR, LORD

33.]

I replied, I did,

and that

and

E.

FITZGERALD.

89

entertained the highest opinion of his

He

Did he not
some time ago make an explosion in the Irish Parliament ? " I
replied, he made the ablest and honestest speech, to my mind, that
"
ever was made in that House. " Well," said he, " will he join us ?
"
I answered, I hoped as he was foncierement Irlandais" that he
undoubtedly would. So it seems O'Connor's speech is well known
here.
If ever I meet him, as I hope I may, I will tell him what
Hoche said, and the character that he bears in France. It must be
highly gratifying to his feelings. Hoche then went on to say,
"There is a lord in your country (I was a little surprised at this
beginning, knowing as I do what stuff our Irish peers are made of),
he is son to a duke is he not a patriot ? " I immediately smoked
my lover, Lord Edward Fitzgerald, 1 and gave Hoche a very good
talents,

principles,

patriotism.

asked me,

"

out on a mission to France. In February he was arrested in Margate. On his

person was found a military uniform, the key of a cipher correspondence with
Lord Edward Fitzgerald, and 900. He was tried for high treason at Maidstone in May. A brilliant array of witnesses came forward to testify to his

and

character,

to protest their belief in his

Grattan, Sheridan, Erskine, and the

Duke

innocence

of Norfolk.

Lord

He was

Moira, Fox,
acquitted, but

immediately arrested on a new charge of treason, and ultimately sent back a

He remained in prison until 1802. On his release he went
to France, entered the French army, and became a General of Division in 1804.
In 1807 he married the daughter of Condorcet, purchased an estate near
Ndmours, and gave himself up to peaceful pursuits. He died at Bignon in
1852. Ed.]
1
[Of all the United Irishmen, Lord Edward Fitzgerald was and is the popular
idol.
Robert Emmet comes next but the first place belongs to the ill-fated
prisoner to Dublin.

Geraldine. Phillips, in " Curran and his Contemporaries,"

tells an anecdote illuswhich Fitzgerald was held. " Many years after his
death I saw a respectable-looking farmer gazing most earnestly after a youth who
was riding down Sackville Street. His eyes soon filled with tears. Struck with
the scene, I asked him who the young man was.
Lord Edward's son, sir,' was
the answer. Poor fellow he thought every one must know Lord Edward." Lord
Edward Fitzgerald, the twelfth child of the first Duke of Leinster, was born in
London in 1763. Entering the army, he became a lieutenant in the 26th Regiment in 1780. Soon afterwards he exchanged into the 19th, and in 1781 sailed
with his new regiment for America.
He distinguished himself during the
American War, and was appointed aide-de-camp to Lord Rawdon. In 1783 he
returned to Ireland and entered Parliament, living for the next two years at
Blackrock, in the county Cork. In 1786 he entered the Military College at
Woolwich in 1787 spent some time in Spain and Portugal, and in 1788

trative of the affection in

'

9o

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

account of him.

He

hoped

asked

me

[1796.

then about the duke.

replied that

for his assistance, or at least neutrality, if the business

He

once commenced.

endeavoured to do him

the world.

he spoke

and

of,

then mentioned Fitzgibbon, of

believe I satisfied

all

were

men

in

justice, as I

had to the others

Hoche

we

that

will

not meet

with prodigious assistance from his Majesty's Lord High Chancellor

He

of Ireland.
necessary

? "

soldiers for as

told
is

me

then asked me,

many

firelocks as

quantity of arms would be

better,

as

we would

France would send

us.

He

he had demanded 80,000, but was sure of 50,000.

a piece of good news.

with,

"What

more the

replied the

joined the 54th Regiment in

then

That

answered, with 50,000 stand to begin

we should soon have

find

all

the arms in the nation in our hands,

Nova Scotia.

Cobbett,

who was a sergeant-major

in

the 54th, wrote of him in later years " Lord Edward was a most humane
and excellent man, and the only really honest officer I ever knew in the
army." In 1790 he was once more in Ireland, and again a member of Parlia:

In 1792 he visited France, sympathised with

ment.

rebellious toasts,

renounced his

same year he married the

titles,

the Revolution, drank

and was dismissed the army.

In the

beautiful Pamela, the ward, probably the daughter

of Madame de Genlis.
In 1793 he was once more in Ireland, and from his
place in Parliament denounced the coercive measures of the Government.
"The disturbances of the country," he said, "are not to be remedied by
any coercive measures, however strong
nothing can effect this, and
;

restore

tranquillity

to

Government and of

the

this

country, but a serious, a candid endeavour of

House to redress the grievances of the people."

Despairing of constitutional agitation, he gradually drew towards the United

Irish organisation, and in 1796 formally joined the movement.
He immediately
took a foremost place in the Society, and became in fact the military commander.
Arrangements for taking the field on May 23, 1798, had been completed when
a few days previously the house in which Lord Edward had for some time lay
in concealment was surrounded by soldiers.
Major Swann entered Lord
Edward's room. He lay in bed suffering from temporary illness. Swann
surrender.
He refused. A fierce struggle ensued. Fitzgerald,
hand, struck Swann to the ground.
Captain Ryan came to the
rescue of his comrade, levelled a pistol at Fitzgerald, it missed fire, and the second
police officer fell mortally wounded by the desperate United Irishman. A third
called on

dagger

him to

in

Major

upon the scene as Fitzgerald, still struggling in the

seized him around the legs, was forcing his
way to the door. Sirr fired with effect, and Lord Edward, hit seriously in the
shoulder, was disabled.
He was conveyed under a strong guard of cavalry
to prison, and there, after lingering in much pain from his wound, died on
June 4, 1798. Ed.]
officer,

grasp of

Sirr, arrived

Swann and Ryan, who had

From a Miniature

"by

Horace Hone Copied from a portrait -painted

"by "him in 1796-

MT.

A HUMANE REVOLUTIONIST.

33.]

91

adding, that I had the strongest hopes that the militia, who
composed the only real force in Ireland, would give us no opposi" which the
" Oh," said he, "pour V opposition, je nCen
tion.
/
f

me

reader will not expect

to translate literally

as to say that he disregarded

did

He

it.

did not

that in case of a change

undoubtedly establish a Republic

He

which seemed to satisfy him.

had done
it

before, that even if

would not

much

Ireland

in

we should most

my

mentioned

as

reasons,

observed, however, as Clarke

Monarchy

in Ireland

were to be the

system on which France was proceed-

main object was to establish the independence of

any form of Government, though undoubtedly she

as the

ing,

alter the

and

was

it

me very seriously,

apprehend any royalism or aristocracism

assured him

result

but

then asked

Ireland, under

would prefer a Republic.

Ireland,

and

We

assured him, as

then spoke of the aristocracy of

had done Clarke, that what

apprehended was, not the aggrandisement, but the massacre of that

whom

body, from the just indignation of the people,

long and so cruelly oppressed, adding that
deprecated, but what
certainly the spilling

much

as possible

was too
of blood was at

feared

it

was what

all

was much wiser

or to suffer

them

sincerely

He

said,

times to be avoided, as

in Ireland,

it

was not

but that some individuals would be sacrificed, but the

it

likely to happen.

that he did conceive, in such explosions as that

which was likely to take place

and

they have so

to

be supposed

less the better,

to secure the persons of those I mentioned,

to emigrate to England, as they would, no doubt,

be ready to do, than to put them to death

am

in

which

most

/ do not desire to
have the blood even of the wicked upon me." Hoche mentioned also
that great mischief had been done to the principles of liberty, and
additional difficulties thrown in the way of the French Revolution
by the quantity of blood spilled " for," added he, " when you
guillotine a man, you get rid of an individual, it is true, but then
you make all his friends and connections enemies for ever to the
sincerely agreed, for I

like

Parson Adams,

"

Government."

A sentence well

glad to find

Hoche

am humane

myself,

worth considering.

am

heartily

humane temperament, because I hope I

and trust we shall be able to prevent unneces-

of this

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

92

sary bloodshed in Ireland, which

[1796.

my

most sincerely exert

shall

He then desired me to call on him every

two or three days, at seven o'clock, at which time I might be sure
to find him disengaged, adding that he did not wish to mix me
best endeavours to do.

with the crowd, and after several expressions of civility and attention

we

on his

which I set down to the credit of my country,

Hoche more and more. He is one of the finest
conversed with, with a fine manly mind and a fine

part, all

parted.

like

fellows I ever

manly

On my return I found a very

me to dinner for to-day in

figure.

friendly answer from

Monroe, inviting
trade

affairs.

order to settle about

me

should have mentioned that Hoche asked

whether the Defenders had ever sent any one to France to make
representations.

answered,

could not positively say, but

believed not, they being, for the most part, the peasantry of Ireland,

and of course not having the means nor proper persons to send.
At twelve I went and saw Clarke. We were both a little out of

humour about my

application for

money

but our ill-temper was

He

pointed against the Directory rather than against each other.

was sure they would give me nothing. I asked him then

how was I to leave Paris in five or six days, as General Hoche had
that morning given me orders to hold myself in readiness to do ?
This was " Gr Gr Grimgribber" to him. " Well," said he, " but
said he

So far from it, said I, that I ask nothing. I

much
I have spent of my own money, and leave
how

you ask too much."

barely state
it

to Carnot's

honour to determine what he thinks reasonable.

do not

continued he,

see,"

answered,

"

how

came by order

it is

of

to be done, or

De

la

"

But

on what fund."

Croix, the Minister of

Foreign Affairs, and of Adet, the Ambassador of the Republic in

America
offer

on them

De

which

which
;

fit.

had offered me money

;

some proof that

for

my

expenses

an

did not want to extort

way was, therefore, to give an order to

make me such compensation as the Directory might

that the natural

la Croix, to

think

last

had refused

Clarke then

"

began

to

complain of the scarcity of silver,

which I improved by complaining of the scarcity of gold, and we both

agreed that money never was
sempiternally for

money

so scarce as at present."

am

sure

Damn

it,

wished a thousand times

JET-

MUTUAL ASSURANCES.

33.]

was not a guinea

that there

which

is

during

pleasant.

this spar,

At

in the world.

would speak again to Carnot, but

made many

confess

93

last

Clarke said he

see no great hopes,

fine reflections in

my own

mind,

However,

on the gratitude of nations, &c.

after

Chef de Brigade, about to be an Adjutant-General. By

see, however, we are like to reap more glory than profit in

all, I

am

what

this business.

"

f beseech you, Sir John,

That may not

"

1,000."

be,

me have 500

let

Master Shallow."

out of

country will pay me, some time or other, so allons

my

my own

Well,

then took

Clarke up on our conversation of the 18th, relative to a direct

interference on the part of France.

said

if

he meant, by that, to

admit a representative of the Republic into any part of our Government, it was what France ought not to expect, nor we to grant.
That France would certainly have a great influence, but the surest
way to keep it would be not to assume it. That what he said of

Holland did not apply to

and had a

right, if

not so with Ireland.

in the last war.

us.

The French had conquered Holland,

they pleased, to throw

We

it

was
of America

into the sea, but

rather resembled the situation

Clarke seemed satisfied with

all

and

this,

it

pro-

ceeded to ask him, had they thought of a person to reside near the

Government ? He said General Hoche would be there.

he would be moving about, but I meant a sort of Charge

future Irish
I replied,

dAffaires,

who should be

ment would be very

said

hoped the French Govern-

delicate in their choice,

great temper and discretion, as

I

Clarke replied, undoubtedly

stationary.

a proper person would be sent.

and send a man of

much would depend on

Ireland would give that,

if

his conduct.

me what

then observed that Clarke had often asked

security

her independence was once established,

she might not forget her obligations to France, and perhaps hereafter

be found leagued with her enemies.

To which

only security our honour as gentlemen.

return, to

ask him what security he had to

offered to renounce everything, provided

France would not accept the

words,

"

offer

him as the
Now I begged leave, in
give us, that if England
I

offered

France would

He

answered

Our honour as gentlemen," and assured me,

manner, France would be, as

in

sacrifice us,

in

my own

the strongest

believe myself, incapable of such

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

94

[1796.

conduct. I asked him then, whether he thought, if our Government

was once organised, we could borrow money in Spain or Holland ?
He said he doubted it very much, that Holland had no money, and

Spain very

dress

we must only make assignats, and then

It is now two o'clock, and I must go
Monroe's.
"Fine times, Mr. Rigmaroll."

If so,

little.

mandats, like our

betters.

dinner at

for

Nothing but generals and ambassadors.

Well,

be one or

shall

the other/and perhaps both, one of these odd come shortly 's. Dinner at

Very pleasant. Mrs. Monroe, a pretty little woman, with

After dinner, went with Monroe into his cabinet.

Monroe's.

very white teeth.

He

me

tells

he

of 50, in

desired

me

see

if

to

now

just

is

amount

poor, but he offered to supply

sums of ten or

fifteen as I

go to Skipwith, the Consul

he would give

would guarantee, or

me cash
for

my

for

might want

for the

me

to the

it,

or else

United States, and

on Philadelphia, which he

bill

one to the same amount on himself, at a

He

me

same
time ten louis for my current expenses. All this is very handsome
After thanking him, I told him I would avail myself
in Monroe.
of his permission to try Skipwith, but that I was not in any difficulties for some days to come, and consequently refused, with
short date, which he would accept.

many acknowledgments,

the

money he

of town to-night for two days

and, in the

because

me

meantime, see

offered

the

He

offered me.

on the third

am

Consul, so called a considendo,

I will

degrades the dignity of

my

goes out

to call on him,

mean to consult him. Once for all, damn

make no more memorandums about it,

at the

history.

This

is

the

money

that's

flat.

for
It

a long day's journal,

I have run through a

nine pages, and it is now but six o'clock.
good deal of business to-day besides writing these nine pages. I
had like to forgot that Hoche showed me my proclamation

printed and signed by himself.

tion,

and

think

July 24th.

No

(Edipe a Colone.

will

it

It is the

business.

More and more

little

of Paris dearly, and

for distribu-

In the evening the opera, as usual.

especially with Adrien in CEdipe.

min, a charming

one intended

be found to be an honest one.

woman

delighted with that piece, and

Psyche, the ballet, with Duche-

in Psyclie.

how much more should

do love the spectacles

I

enjoy them

if

had

JET.

LETTER FROM HAMILTON RO WAN.

33-]

my

the society of
find myself

happen
July

Damn

Well,

Running about

2$(/i.
it

Saw

Clarke

he

me

a person arrived this week,

heart

is

up

in

my

my

mouth.

dinner.

dearest

left

New

Poor

that

my

had

would

before that time.

am

accidents and misfortunes

any

will

longer, that's

my

out, so I

me

little

Will,

and

Up

my

no harm."

Hamilton Rowan
that

my

walk
I

it

which date
brother

terrible

go walk

me most

tection for

in the

early bed

to settle

all

my

wife

my

Oh

My

and family during

embark.

as

some time

my

The

is

little

shall hear

that

lover

me

had

my
my

gone out

so

much

as an

possible kinds

of

not torment myself

Champs Elysees

to

he was
/ hope my early rising
with him about our journey.
;

"

my letter, which

America

He

is

in

my

from

much

departure.

at ease as
I

me

will

also
last

be a pro-

absence, or in case of the

contest wherein

to come.

tells

December

unspeakable satisfaction, as he

this

good omen before

have

Fantom, and

family were well.

arrived in

me in
My mind is now

to be for

How

dated March 30th, nearly four months

is

worst happening to

it

hope

all

I will

for nothing.

want

Matthew

that gives

expect

babies

my

that agitates

Called at eleven on Colonel Fulton, and got

since, at

and called on Hoche at seven

at six,

had

letter.

he should be obliged to go out

projecting

it is

Home

chagrin.

July 26th.
will do

flat.

me

to-morrow at eleven, and desiring him

in case

kind.

sure

tells

six months.

{Evening?)

know nothing

incident of this

letter

call

me

to leave the letter for

gone

little

my

get

now
Well,

those children.

to-night.

a note, that

dissipate

till

York,

and our darling

soul,

affairs.

Hoche,

To be

the Secretary

dote upon, and their darling mother.

Oh

may

who has a letter for me. My

God I will run off the minute I

in a frenzy

left

life lies in

news of them
girl that I

and

life

my

Please

am

not had one line since

letter

till

that

to travel with

Huzza

Called at Monroe's

is

swallow

am

set off the 30th, in five days.

not proud of that.

things

shall not die

morning on trade

this

all

tells

there

my

hope

yet.

and that we

am

dearest love

a loge with her, Miss Mary, and P. P.

in

95

I
I

am

about to

can rationally

look on this letter as a

Met Aherne

for the first

time

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

96

He

God knows when.

the world that there

has

tells

that rascal Duckett

from Clarke and General Hoche, with

it

dence

and

whom

not this most dreadfully provoking

is

telling all

is

be an invasion of Ireland, and that he

to

is

me

[1796.

he

in confi-

is

Here

have

doomed myself to a rigorous solitude for six months, to avoid the

and now a blackguard is sounding the trumpet,
and proclaiming the business to all the world. I will call on Clarke
to-morrow, and abuse him for his indiscretion in opening himself,
possibility of alarm,

as

know he has

done, and

Met my compagnon de

my

first

arrival

Hoche

believe

beyond

It is vexatious

scoundrel.

bearing.

all

voyage, D'Aucourt, with

he was very

civil,

and

tells

me

am
whom I
he

is

the rank of Chef de Brigade, to be sent out to the

such a

to

also,

in a

rage.

lodged on

applying for

West

Indies.

Well, other people are Chef de Brigade as well as he, but he does

not

know

In the evening the opera, as usual.

that.

by Gluck

Aulide,

Cheron

is

delightful in Iphigenie, but

Tclcmaque, the

he goes,

am

she

is

her

appearance after a long indisposition

first

incontestably the

shall soon bid " adieu to

have spent

first

t/ie

is

as ugly as possible.

village delights."

nection, male or female, that

a farthing about me, yet

it

female dancer in the world

know

Heigho
not

how

am

it is,

dreary months in Paris without forming one con-

five

about to quit

as

He exerted himself of course, and

Madame Gardel {ci-devant Milliere),

delighted with her, and she

some time,

London.

told, to

made

have praised her already.

Vestris took leave of Paris for

ballet.

was, to be sure, astonishing.

in Eucharis,

e?i

Madame

the best of the operas here.

is

it

Iphigenie

that

I
is

find

care a farthing about, or that cares

myself low-spirited, now that

curious enough, but

occasion to remark the same sentiment.

am

am

have often had

as dull to-night as a

cat.

July 2jth.

Clarke

me three
am forced

ordered

but

sorely, for
little

it is

family.

tells

me

months' pay.

this

morning that the Directory have

That

is

" tant de pris

sur Vennemi"

borrow 50 from Monroe, which grieves

breaking in still more on the sacred funds of
It

aired must" &c.

to

is,

however, unavoidable, and so

"

what

me

my

can't be

cannot go down to quarters without some

97

money

my

in

Went

pocket.

de la Liberte

to the

very superb, but

Champ de Mars to see the Fete

am not now in a humour to

my impatience is growing
I want to be off, and
more the time approaches. Paris is as bad to me now
Havre was the first week of my arrival. " Pardonez princesse a

relish fetes.

greater the
as

mon

impatience."

attentive of

Hoche

ciently sensible of

to take

The

it.

froid with which

of success the day

my

my being at a council
my rank of Chef de
There

conduct

business here, so

had very

expectation

little

in fact

came merely

is

one thing

France

in

ducted myself very

well.

"Damn

to

sure.

of war with Carnot, and Hoche, and

my

Brigade, of

may

have to charge myself.

this business.

my

Things have turned out miraculously, to be

Hoche, besides what yet

ing

Sandy Hook, and

Clarke, of

romance.

extremely

is

it

me with him I believe I am not suffifact is, I am surprised myself at the sang-

expectations.

I left

discharge a duty.

Think of

apropos,

regard the progress of

my

beyond

infinitely

hate to be going

follow!

It

must say

my

think in

with

absolutely like a

On

for myself.

do not see an

now

travelling
is

review-

indiscretion with

conscience

which

have con-

have, to be sure, laboured very hard in

I was none of your guinea pigs ; I have

to the command of a vessel.
the hand of a seaman, you dog."
There is
remark here. I owe unspeakable obliga-

me,

served all offices aboard, from cook's shifter

Here, you Tunley, there's

another thing
tions,

wish to

and such as

can never repay, to

my

masters of the General

lost
I have, in consequence, never
Committee
honour or their interests here, as will appear from
;

delivered to the Executive Directory, in which

to

make them

ceeds,

have been instrumental

into their hands,

spirit to

my

support

and
it.

in

rate,

have,

If that suc-

throwing a great

hope and believe they

At any

memorials

have endeavoured

the basis of the National Legislature.

I shall

of their

sight

will

think,

done

my

them, and in part at least acquitted the debt of gratitude

them.

I will

persecution,

never forget their behaviour to

and

tion of Grattan

their heroic refusal to sacrifice

and the Whigs.

places of the aforesaid Whigs,

VOL.

II.

me

If
it

will

game

have talents and

in the

me

duty by
I

owed

hour of

my

at the requisi-

contribute to seat

them

be a proof that with

in the

parties, I

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

98

may

say with

honesty
let
I

me

[1796.

But

be found to be ultimately the true policy.

not be preaching so

much about

myself.

I think

there be six

Richmonds

want to be

honour and

nations, as well as with individuals,

will ever

off! "

want to be

off

in the field!'

do not see what the deuce that applies to, but no matter. " A
!
horse \ A horse ! my kingdom for a Jiorse
July 28th. Called on Hoche early, and saw him for a minute.
I travel with him, and we set off on the 31st.
That is a day later
than

Saw

Clarke.

hoped.

am

Nothing new

there.

months' pay to-morrow.

Consul,

am

to get

after to-morrow.

my

order for three

Called at Skipwith's, the

who gave me 50,

Reynolds,

6$

him again the day

to see

for

which

in Philadelphia, for

gave him a

55.

bill

would have given one

rather than go without the money.

am now

it is

the work of the Government.

into that country,

will settle those

for

ready to march.

see the Orange-boys are playing the devil in Ireland.

doubt

American
on Doctor

Please God,

if I

have no
get safe

gentlemen, and their instigators

more especially. Fete de la Liberte' in the evening.

The
never
saw
anything
like
astonishing.
I
it,
and
I was
crowd most
heartily glad to remark that every one seemed perfectly pleased
also,

and

It is

satisfied.

the

first

fete I

have seen into the

spirit of

which

the people seemed fairly to enter.

fuly 29th.
for

my

Running about

all

the morning,

making arrangements

departure.

July $oth. Called on General Hoche. He tells me I am to

travel with General Cherin, Chef de l'Etat- Major, and that we set

month.

off about the 12th of next

ing.

He

desired

person of

whom

was gone

out.

me

Rameau.

had rather

set off this

Called at the

War

did accordingly, but CheVin

Office,

and got an order

Dined with Madgett, and went

Castor, a dull piece,

did not like

it

morn-

on CheYin, and present myself as the

he had spoken, which

three months' pay.

to the opera.

to call

at

all.

in the

for

evening

and very heavy music, by

should have mentioned that

gave yesterday to Skipwith a packet directed to Holmes and

Raines, Philadelphia, containing two letters, one for Hamilton

Rowan, and the other

for

my

dearest love, in which

repeat

my

&T.

GENERAL CHERIN.

33-]

my

orders for the removal of

family and property with

going with speed and security, so

my

better fortune than

Rigdum

that

it

way

in a

of

have

are all as drunk as so

many

in

a very good quotation, from

is

The monotony

Funnidis.

them

hopes they

will

my pay, "and

upon

insist

to put

possible

all

last.

Received

July 3 1st.
swabbers."

me
am

Skipwith promised

speed to France.

99

of

my

now

just

life

appear

will

from the stupidity of those memorandums, and especially from the

my jokes.

dulness of

how much

cannot express

long to be

" en route."

August

and merry

be the first

however.

am

coming

and merry

be the last,

of August." This is a sprightly beginning,

plaguy musical this morning, but God knows the

out,

Hoche

that

whom

hand of England

resources in

am

to travel.

hope the glory was reserved

all

for ever

and

respects, especially in

for

him

to

Ireland which
garrisons of

hoped there would be no

we were

trusted

that his only

anxiety was about finding subsistence for the troops.

that, as to that, I

which

provisions,
I

Hoche observed

the eve of depriving her.

amputate the

mentioned the immense

men and

Ireland furnished to that country, and of which

now on

difficulty

replied

that

England

and

it

did not occur to me, that

am

went on to say that

to get there, for that

hand on

my arm

we

sure

my
I

and

will

find

difficulty

might have

dreaded that eternal

said, "

Ne

had not a doubt of our

success.

were those Orange-boys ?"

it

was an

affair of

are

now on

the eve of

abundance of everything.

was not how

to subsist, but

fleet.

Hoche

how

laid his

craignez rien, nous y irons

pouvez y compter ; ne craignez rien."

to them,

we

home,

she exported vast quantities of corn to that country.

harvest, so I

was

it

West Indies, and the foreign

reminded him of what I had before

victualled the navy, the

told him, that, in the late scarcity, so far from difficulties at

added, but

me in his carriage
On the way I told

met General Hoche, who took

to General Cherin, with

right

Oh, merry be the first,

Called on Clarke from mere idleness, did not see him

heart.

but,

"

(Sings)

ist.

vous

answered, that being

so, I

Hoche then asked me,

explained

it

to him,

adding

"

Who

that, as

no consequence, which we would

settle

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

IOO
in three

days after our

then told him

and

cannoniers
"

He
not

it,"

we were

fences,

and

By

in bed.

quite unprovided.

bring enough,

will

best, particularly the artillerie fcgere."

then asked

him.

have a sufficiency of

to

said he, " that

me had we many

great plains in Ireland

described the nature of an Irish ditch and hedge to

this

time we arrived at Cherin's,

was introduced by Hoche, and

said

country was intersected with

that, in general, the face of the

he, " ce n'est rien."

Oh," said

of which

artillery,

You may depend upon

and of the

"

arrival.

hoped he would take care

[1796.

whom

one of the generals with

who was
I

indisposed and

remember now he

dined at Carnot's.

is

After a short

was fixed that we set off from the 7th to

the 10th, I took my leave, Hoche and Cherin desiring me to call
on them in the meantime, without the ceremony of sending up my
name, which is civil of them. So now I have " les petites entries."
conversation, in which

August

it

Blank.

2nd, ^rd.

My

time drags

now most

just

horribly.

August
that

it

\th.

may

Called on General Hoche.

No

be the 16th or 17th before we set

My soul's

He

news.
off,

which

is

tells

me

desola-

and eager for the fray" He tells

me also, that when we get to Rennes, he and I will settle the proclamation.
I mentioned to him, that as we would arrive in the
middle of harvest, there could be no doubt about our finding subtion to me.

"

He

sistence.

in arms,

answered he had thought of that himself.

Cherin twice, and saw him for about a moment.

heels in his antechamber for above an hour

petty mortification.
the principals.

One

Called on

cooled

but that

is

my

only a

always find the subalterns greater men than

thing

must keep

in

mind.

As

have begun

by dancing attendance on others, if ever I arrive at any situation, I

must remember the anxiety and vexation I suffered in my time,
and not give myself airs. Called on Clarke. I am out of luck
to-day.
He was engaged, and could not see me, so I left my
name.

Altogether,

am

out of humour.

of our departure which has vexed me.

set off the 16th or 17th.

August

^th.

Blank.

Damn

believe

Cherin

tells

it is

the delay

me we

shall

it.

Terrible!

Terrible!

feel

myself abso-

^T.

HOCHE LEA VES

33.]

is

Champs

the

in

is

most

August
that

weary.

August
version

civil,

gt/i,

loth.

fifty different quarters.

until

Cherin together this morning.

Hoche,

France.

off the

believe, sets

military

The

Mars.

Directory,

grand costume,

assisted in

authorities

The

was a delicious evening.

It

sabres, pistols, and

carbines, of the

This

should be.

is

and

horse-racing,

Foot-racing,

Champ de

the

in

factory of Versailles.

exactly as

course of people was immense, and

that everybody

of complaining

make another memorandum

with the foreign ambassadors.

all

am weary

Fetes to celebrate the anniversary of the sub-

and constituted

were

from

flat.

and no news.

running at the ring

prizes

Saw Hoche and

of royalty in

Ministers,

it

not

will

that's

yth, St/i.

Both very
nth.

Damn

Blank.

something happens

August

it

terribly provoking.

6tk.

am

hear of

Everybody

Stupid as a horse.

Elysees.

talking of our business.

That

101

Dined with Madgett and three other

lutely sick at those delays.

Irishmen

PARIS.

it

manu-

The con-

was very glad to observe

When

seemed pleased and happy.

the Directory

rose from their place to retire, the people forced the sentinels,

observe that circumstance, which

trifling.

After the exercises in the

and

was delighted to
look upon as by no means

got into the centre, in order to see them.

Champ de Mars were

over, the

people retired en masse to the Champs Elysees, where there was

a most magnificent illumination and fireworks.

thing so brilliant in the
elegant

women

missed them.

of Paris

way
made

of coup
it

than

spent a very pleasant,

may

I2tk, i^t/t.

little

boy

part,

never was more

Altogether,

might almost say a happy day.

Saw

Cherin this morning

shall I get over these eternal delays ?

Atigust 14th, i$tk.

my

observing the spectators.

in

be ten days yet before we get

pleased as a

nobody

The French enjoy these kind of spectacles better

gratified

August nth,
it

The Muscadins and

d'oeil.

a point to stay away, but

than any people on earth, and, for

amused and

never saw any-

Put on

my

in his first

off.

Hell

Hoche

hell

he

me

tells

hell

How

set off yesterday.

regimentals for the

breeches

foolish

first

time

as

enough, but not

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

102

Walked about

unpleasant.

show myself

Paris to

Wolfe Tone, Chef de Brigade

huzza

in

Panurge

in

Mme. Gardel and

Citoyen

Opera
Mme. Guenet a

the service of the Republic

Lays, incomparable

in the evening.

[1796.

charming singer

inimitable

worth a voyage from Ireland to America, and

is

it

from America to

Paris, to see that single dance.

have got on regimentals

man.

There

is

in the

Nivelon,

pas

think

russe,

now

begin to write like a very pretty gentle-

a strong report, and

believe a true one, that

Hammond, who was Ambassador from England to the United

is now at Calais, with some proposals for peace on the part

States,

of the English Ministry.

come of

will

it

it is

do not

apprehend that anything

at all

a manoeuvre of

Pitt's, in

order to prepare for

meeting the new Parliament with a declaration that he has been

ready, on his part, to

make

peace, but that the pride and haughti-

Government would

ness of the French

listen to

such as were dishonourable to England.

For

beaten into his senses as yet.

is

it

England

possible for France or

ing their respective Governments

go down

do not speak of the

my
I

no conditions but

John Bull is not at all

part I do not see how

to

make

peace, preserv-

think one or other must

merely of the

nations, but

Governments.

August 16th to 20t/i. The gaps in my journal will demonstrate

how my time hangs on my hands. Called on General Che>in
this morning
found him very courteous
he tells me we shall
;

certainly set off in

ten days

me

viz.,

Well, ten days

the 30th.

for soldiers to complaint He

also that a valet de diambre has presented himself to be

more; however, "'Tis but

tells

hired with him,

in vain

who speaks

English, and has lately been through

England, Scotland, and Ireland

that he has not at

all

the appear-

ance or manners of a domestic, and that he (Cherin) suspects that

he

may be an

He

emissary, slipped at

It is

promises to send him to me, on a message,

days, in order that

&c.

him as a spy.

may

la bonne heure.

sift

him

see in

in

very probable.

two or three

knowledge of England,
the papers, and hope it is true,
as to his

that the French Admiral Richery has sailed from Cadiz, in

company

with a powerful Spanish squadron.

probably

If that

be

so,

it

will

^ET.

HATRED OF ENGLAND.

33-]

bring matters to a

between England and Spain.

crisis

up the Brest squadron, and the Dutch

I think they must be an over-match

fleet,

can produce against them.

"

How

we

merrily

live,

103

were

If that

that soldiers

be,

now

anything John

for
so,

they pick

If

lying in the Texel,

huzza! huzza!

Bull

(Sings)

that soldiers, soldiers be."

am vastly musical and engaging this evening, methinks but God

knows the heart"
August 2ist, 22nd, 23rd. Met Cherin to-day driving about in
"

his cabriolet
I

he stopped me, and asked

answered, "In

He

five

then desired

settle

30th.

me

minutes, and that

him to-morrow at
so perhaps we may

The armies continue

at least the report of to-day

ready to set off?

eleven, in order to
set off before the

The news

that Richery and the Spaniards

is

army

are before Lisbon, and that a French

Spain, in order to enter Portugal

is

in full

march across

that would be a blow to Master

Why

times worse than the affair of Leghorn.

fifty

unhappy Portuguese did not make

I

victorious in all quarters.

Spain

me was

only waited for his orders."

to call on

about our departure

John Bull

their peace at the

the

same time with

cannot conceive, except, as was most probably the case,

they durst not consult their

English.

What an

hate them

own

safety for fear of offending the

execrable nation that

If this affair of Portugal

is

is,

and how cordially

true, there will

not remain

one port friendly to England from Hamburg to Trieste, and probably much farther both ways.
long.
is

Well,

if

always sure.

If our expedition succeeds,

make her pay dear

she has

made

pillages,

and her frauds;

We

head of

think

we

it

will give

for the rivers of

blood

to flow in our poor country, her massacres, her

shall see

my

impossible she can stand this

the visitation of Providence be sometimes slow,

her the coup de grace, and

see

It is

"

Oh

Allors, ce sera notre tour."

We

shall

that I were, this fine morning, at the

regiment on the Cave Hill

Well,

all

in

good

time.

August

24th.

September.
"Patience

is

Saw

Cherin

our departure

is

fixed for the

first

The devil take Henry of Lancaster and thee /"

stale, and I am weary of it."
He asked me to dine
"

with him the day before

we

set off.

Saw

the servant of

whom

he

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

104

me

spoke to

may

he

Damn

found nothing suspicious about him

be a rogue.

me

for

it

August

[1796.

It is

yet, after all,

seven days yet at least to our departure.

The

2$th.

report to-day

war

that Spain has declared

is,

against England, and that the declaration, to speak technically,

contains sixty-three counts.

August 26th
September

so"' Tis but

spleen which

God

in

it is

Here

is

am

Well,

yet.

does not signify swear-

it

for soldiers to complain" To divert the

devouring me, I have been, for some days past,

They

my

are very

life

ill

and opinions on paper, from

done, and probably inaccurate in

the dates, but they are better than nothing.

nearly two books as big as

Saw

this.

no more about our departure than

fully to write a pressing letter to

September 3rd, \th,

to Rennes.

He

my

do, but he

Hoche on

me

have already

to call

He knows
me faith-

promised

he knows nothing

of Clarke's,

on Clarke

is

gone

came home
an order

letter to Clarke, supplicating

immediate departure, which

filled

the subject.

Shee, a relation

advised

a rage, and wrote a

in
for

Cherin to-day.

Called on Cherin

^th.

farther than that Colonel

down

true.

in vain

throwing memorandums of
recollection.

hope

Blank.

1st.

September 2nd.
ing,

Blank, blank, blank, blank, blank, blank.

to 31J/.

gave to his aide-de-camp,

Fleury.

September 6th,
Cherin, informing

yth,

me

Hoche, and desiring to see

are about to move.

Hoche's

as since

Scribbling

This evening received a note from

8t/i.

that he had received a letter from General

me

my

again at

to the beginning of 1792

mind

is

think.

but

it is

hope

no

in

fault of

is

it

God

last I

much ennui in
which is now almost

down

agitated, as

morning, so at

never suffered so

departure,

now and

in the

memoirs, which
;

stupid

enough

I
;

hope we

all

my

life

month.

have brought
but when

my

at present, I can neither read, write, nor

am

at last going to act

mine that

it is

high time,

did not begin long since.

Well,

better late than never.

September

we

set off

gt/i.

on the

Called on Cherin
13th,

and

desires

he promises, positively, that

me

to call on

him the 12th

in

JET.

SUCCESS OF TONE'S MISSION.

33.]

the morning to receive his definitive orders

am

Called on Cherin

2th.

September 13th, 14th,

the point

me now

tells

a few days for him, but

his direction

September

place

the

first

courier, or wait

my

Got

16th.

order and presented

to the Directors

it

whom

a courier for to-morrow, with

is

my

packed up

Took

ijth.

Rennes, and he has promised to

kit as

gay as a

since

was

It is

arrived there

for

good or

At

determine; but
very best of

my

De

seven months and

my

in

have acted,

conscience and judgment, and

conducted myself

ill.

life

all

Croix,

five

the

days

whether

it

have done

and

through, 'to the

I

have not

my

arrival, to

think

certainly did not expect,

have succeeded as well as

la

three o'clock in

country and to myself, the event must

can safely say

my

now exactly

a very important era

evil to

secured

leave of Madgett, Aherne, and Sullivan

thanking them for their kindness, &c.

left Paris.

lark.

wrote two letters of acknowledgment to Carnot and

afternoon

by

wrote, therefore,

Huzza

to-morrow.

There

September

gone

is

night from General

last

may set off with

am tired waiting.

courier, for

first

me by

of the post.

he

hell

have brought Cherin to

last I

hell

a note to the Minister at War, praying an order to

depart, with the

for

At

i$th.

Hell

he has received a courier

Hoche, and

it

by appointment

two or three days.

to the country for

my

hope

about to move.

September

get

so, at last,

on

have been under

some difficulties at times, having not a soul to advise or communicate

I have now done with Paris, at least for some time, and God
knows whether I shall ever revisit it but, at all events, I shall ever

with.

look back on the time

I

believe there

is

spent there with the greatest satisfaction.

my

no part of

conduct that

at least with regard to business.

I

had very

little.

nections.

I visited

and

Paris,

left

after

situation

but,

my

need wish to

to pleasure or

recall,

amusement,

formed, and endeavoured to form, no con-

and was

visited

by nobody, French

months' residence,

seven

acquainted with a single family.

theatres formed

As

That

is

or foreigner,

without

being

The

singular enough.

grand resource against the monotony of

on the whole,

passed

my

time dull enough.

my

Well,

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

io6
if

ever

return, I will

make myself amends.

[1796.

am now

like the

"

who passed forty-five years at Paris without being

known or suspected!' I dare say Mr. Pitt knew I was there, as close
as I kept if he did, it was by no fault or indiscretion of mine. It
is singular enough that, having passed my time in a manner so
monotonous, and not leaving behind me a single person whom, on
Turkish spy,

the score of personal regard,

had reason

Paris with something like reluctance.

before.

Allons

come of

this

voyage.

am now

afloat

But

again

to regret, I yet quit

I

made

let

us

that remark

see what will

CHAPTER

V.

FRENCH HELP FOR IRELAND.

September

On

18th, igth.

the road

no

wooded

well

The second
me" How

New

as

night, for

Jersey, of which

we

it

Looked

my

at

Determined to die hard

of a battle
Luckily,

Travelling

Never made a tour completely to

it.

He

is,

me in
we may meet

Well,

September 20th.

At three

my

the

yet,

and so

" 'Tis

and

Mac Sheehy, who

all

is

slept like a

fishing,

know

dragon

am

arrived,

alone, deliciously,

divers patriotic

hit in vain" &c.

at
"

Rennes, having

pass.

" Well,

till

eleven.

in

hundred and

now I am

in

Arden ;

better place"

He

Went
for

my

tells

me

Rose and sent

has been here some days.

am

do not think that quotation any

I
it

General Hoche

is

I am glad Hoche
Wrote a note to let him
Mac Sheehy to deliver. Dined

and does not return

a fisherman, because

Did

pretty smart riding, but nothing

going on, as he believes, prosperously.

gone out
is

is

more fool I ; when I was at home I was

adjoint,

knew

in a post-chaise

morning arrived

this

fatigue of recruiting"

to bed,

the mail instead of this beast of a

twenty miles in thirty-four hours

great things myself, but let

for

all quiet.

satisfaction but with

passed three nights agreeably without sleep.

to tlie

as

mind.

in

a bad business.

companion

indeed, an agreeable

wish he were beside

courier.

me

often put

sabre and pistols, and was con-

in case

Huzza

not see a single Chouan.

P. P.

delicious

it is

and day, "/ear fell upon

travelled night

there was no quarter with those brigands.

hate

the Chouans were to stop the mail, as they have

if

sometimes done ?
soled.

Passed the

adventures.

second day through the country of the Chouans

till

night.

one myself.

and gave

it

to

and drank a

bottle

and constitutional
107

of excellent claret, with

toasts.

Thought of

P. P.

and

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

108

my

dearest love a thousand times.

myself

find

in the

was glad

"

The gift

to see the

French enjoy

twofold" and

is

"

the nonsense that P. P. and

it extremely, especially Mr.

"
to be P. P.'s grand cheval de

divers

inimitable

thundering dog."

have vented together

indeed, to speak candidly,

"Ah!

company.

do love the dog

will

is

these

no enormous sum

my

and

purse

would

which,

for the pleasure of

were fine times, Mr. Rigmaroll I'''

dearly, that

go to bed, and try

quotations.

delight to recall

this night gladly give one-half of the contents of

his

to

bitter

bataille,"

Punch

as pleased as

Good apartments, Jack? Went

bad I The piece was, to my
Addison's Drummer, very tolerably translated and
:

remember Vellum used

and furnished him with

Vellum.

am

"

in quarters at last.

evening to the Comedie

great surprise,

[1796.

is

the truth of

it.

am

tired

to recover the arrears of sleep

Well,

now, so

which are

due to me.
Called on General Hoche, and sat with him for

September 2 1st.

about a quarter of an hour

very

civil,

but no news as

He

to be for some time Mr. Smith, an American.

Duckett,
to

who

is

here,

it

seems.

know him, and mentioned

said

neither

yet.

asked

me

am

about

knew nor intended

his prating at Paris to all his acquaint-

ance about his influence with General Clarke, and with Hoche him-

Hoche puts any confidence in this fellow, at least

Hoche spoke obscurely, as if there were somebody here who knew and wished to see me but I did not press
self.

So now,

if

it is

not

my

him

for

an explanation, and he did not

fault.

show more.
is here.

offer

it.

few days

Called on Colonel Shee, uncle to General Clarke,

He

tells

me

he was stopped on

this side of Laval, at

may
who
two

by seven Chouans, who robbed him of every

except a box of papers relating to our business, which he was bringing to Hoche, and which escaped their
search, as it were by miracle.
It was most fortunate
This was
but a few days since so I have had a good escape.
I doubt if I
o'clock in the day,

article of his property,

should be able, single-handed, to conquer seven Chouans, armed

with firelocks, as he

no personal

me

his lovers were.

They

offered

him

and he has learned since that the favour was

him, but for a Commissary, who was expected to

injury,

not intended for

tells

^T.

AT RENNES.

33.]

money

pass, with

the

la guerre,

September

comme a

first

day of the

indivisible,

and

imperishable,

Champ de

said he, "

After the review

Did I hear the cannonade ?

you will soon hear enough of

by

Privat,

well-timed

The

Republic.

it

went

was not

came home and went

"

With my hat
I

that."

He

met Hoche.
I

"

did.

answered,

Aye,"
"

and the

by the young men of the

The theatre was free for
the play, there was a grand ball
filled

by Hoche,

to bed, which

man

believe that quotation

which he introduced some

in

is

not correct

as one of P. P.'s quotations, at

any

my

first

had a

ticket

of going to the ball,

was a pity

and

of the very

which

for

well, so instead

so well cock'd,

look'd like a

The
new

off very well.

at the Hotel de Ville, given

I

said

compliments to the General

the ladies of the town, and, after

but unluckily

"

one of Hoche's aides-de-camp, on the

La Vendee,

characters were

Etat-Major, and

of

the troops

In the evening at the Comedie, to see a

termination of the war in

apposite and

say.

we had a grand review of

"

written

French

Vendemiaire, and

first

Mars, with horse-racing, &c,, and speeches from

sooner the better."

piece,

plate or thing of that kind

year of the French Republic, one,

fifth

the constituted authorities.

asked me,

at headquarters with

All very slovenly and

la guerre, as the

This being the

2.2nd.

course the

in the

Dined

troops.

nobody minds a dirty

unsoldier-like, but
here.

pay the

to

Hoche, Hedouville, Mermet, &c.

staff,

for,

hair so well curl'd,

world."

but no matter,

it is

as

good

rate.

September 2yd. At work all the morning with Colonel Shee

making an analysis of the distribution of the troops actually in
Ireland.
The General called in, and sat with us half an hour.
Dined as usual with the Etat-Major. I am now, to all intents, one
of the family, and

we

like

it

of

live that soldiers be," &c.

and moved

my

all
I

kit accordingly.

things.

(Sings)

"

How

merrily

have got rooms at headquarters,

We

are

all

lodged

in

the palace

of the ci-devant Bishop of Rennes, a superb mansion, but not

the better of the Revolution.
into a stable

The

chapel, for example,

and divers other changes of a

is

like nature

much

converted

have taken

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

110
place.

do not know but

said to him, as

desired to

made two

He

had

know

Shee answered,
him.

sleep to-night in his lordship's bed-

Colonel Shee asked

chamber.

me

was exactly

believed

his

know Duckett ? I
neither knew him nor

to-day did

Hoche, that

said to

him, for that

it

[1796.

own

him

to be a blackguard.

intention

that Duckett had

or three sets at him, but that he had always avoided

added that Duckett had

was sent here by the committee of

told
nine,

of the Catholics, as their Plenipotentiary.

people that he

several

who manage the affairs

The impudence of this

be sure, astonish me. I answered that Duckett

was a scoundrel, and if he were to tell so outrageous a lie in my
presence, that I would knock him down on the spot.
I
also
last stroke did, to

besought him to put Hoche on his guard, particularly as to this

same

last story, offering, at the

him

General, and compel

was unnecessary
completely. But

to

for that

am

time, to confront

tell

the truth.

him before the

Shee answered, that

he was sure Hoche saw through him

not yet satisfied

an opportunity myself to

and

believe

matter on

set this

its

will

right

take

footing.

the impudence of the rascal

My brother Ambassador
I'll Duckett him, the scoundrel, if I can
Marry come up, indeed
catch him fairly in my grip.
September 24th. Walked with Colonel Shee in the garden. He
tells me that Hoche has selected the elite of the Army of the

Damn

Ocean, which consisted of 117,000 men, for our expedition; that

the arms and everything were ready, and that

on the marine.

He

might put ourselves

However,

motion
is

2$t/i.

Walked

but

more we

did not press him for specific

away

fast

through our

fingers.

as usual in the garden with Col. Shee.

my own

Shee told

Ireland.

in

filled

slipping

turned the discourse upon

had

are waiting only

believe they are doing their bast.

September
I

in

The season

information.

we

also spoke as if in a fortnight or

me

situation,

and that which

that both the

Executive

Directory and General Hoche were perfectly satisfied as to

and what
inform

me

my credit.

who

was, through a channel which he was not at liberty to

might be perfectly easy on the score of

answered that I was extremely glad they had satisfied

of,
I

but that

MT.

ACTIVITY OF HO CHE.

33.

in

my veracity, and that I dreaded no investigation

my character or principles. I added that I was the

themselves as to
or scrutiny into

inasmuch as

better pleased at this,

to

them

He

in the

assured

same

me

did not

know but

light with that scoundrel

might appear

Duckett who

He

said nothing of myself but the strict truth.

here.

is

again that they were perfectly assured that

had

added that he had

spoken to Hoche about Duckett, and that Hoche said he would

send him back to Paris instantly, but that he desired to keep the

moment, and then despatch him.

fellow here until the last

very glad to hear

because

this,

was

disliked exceedingly the idea of

such a rascally adventurer thrusting himself into our business.

However, he

is

now,

is

collect

spoke

for Brest to

am

in

hurry them

hope that he

will

known, and of course

in general

of our expedition,

The General

delayed entirely by the marine.

to-morrow
powers,

believe, sufficiently

We then

can do no mischief.

which

work Messieitres

from Shee's discourse that we

will

number of our

infantry.

At

les

Commissaires.

have 1,000 cavalry

ready to mount, but the Irish must find horses.

the

sets off

and as he has extraordinary

do not yet know

dinner, Privat, one of Hoche's

aides-de-camp, and author of the piece which was played the other
night, told

me

Gardes Francaises,
day.

He

Hoche and he were private soldiers in the

and were made corporals together on the same

that

also told

me

that Hoche's coup de sabre

was received

in

a duel with a fellow-soldier.

The General set off this morning for Brest. I

God he may hurry those fellows. I dread the equinoctial
By Shee's discourse
gales passing over and finding us unprepared.
I fancy it is intended that we shall make a race for it
Happy-goSeptember 26th.

hope

lucky

in

in that case.

was

joined us at Brest, but he

escorting Richery to
souls,
if

in
tells

hopes the Spanish

me

fleet

would have

they are returned to Cadiz, after

some unknown

latitude.

Damn

their foolish

they will be beaten, and the French also in detail

they were instantly to join, their united

fleets in

whereas,

the Channel

would be stronger than anything England could for some time

oppose to them, and a week would be sufficient for our business.
If

they

let this

occasion escape them, as

fear they will, they

need

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

112

never expect to meet such another.

Well,

five

time

At

or six days.

Brest

am

my

doing

duty

and

if I

me

think, put

"

much more

and

utterly

have done,

am

sure that the

painful than the state

have so long languished.

Let us see what Hoche

courage"

am

A short time now must,

mind.

of suspense and anxiety in which

Time,

I
;

be

will

this.

have not on that

fall.

at least out of uncertainty

worst that can befall cannot be

Once again

fall

my

score the smallest burthen on

I

He

180 miles from

is

me the die is cast, and

Come what come may

events, for

all

desperate as to the event.

and

in the horrors to-day.

us see what Hoche's expedition will produce.

let

absent
!

am

[1796.

say on his

will

return.

The

September 27th.

report

is

that

with some proposition for peace.

Pitt's, if it

be at

true that he

all

Thomas

is

there.

arrival,

possible.

As

fast

as possible

My life hangs

patience.
I

but assure us that everything

had rather stagnate

September 28th,
October

1st,

October

yd.

29///, $ot/i.

Blank

2nd.

on

my

Rennes than

at

is

tion,

which

is

Grenville.

am much

by an

at Paris,

a fetch of

going on as

hands.

Shee

After

all,

of

fast as

my

im-

however,

at Paris.

Blank.

Blank

The Journal des Defenseurs

Thomas

the time, but

is

it is

make no mention

de la Patrie, published

under the authority of the Directory, gives the

arrival of

however, too slow for

is,

terribly

it

Besides, Colonel

has letters to-day from General Clarke, which

his

Grenville

do not mind

lie,

this day, to the

much mind

did not

the report at

pleased with the spirit of the contradic-

official

note.

The

Directory seems fully bent

on humbling the pride of England, and lay down as a principle,

must be one which will

that the peace to which they will consent

ravish from her her maritime preponderance, restore the liberty of

the ocean, give a spring to the Spanish, Dutch, and French marine,

and carry to the highest degree of prosperity the industry and

commerce of these nations, whom England has regarded as rivals
and enemies, when they would no longer submit to be dupes.
the Directory act up with firmness to those principles, and

be not utterly besotted,

think

it

if

If

Spain

impossible but England must be

AT.

MODE OF WAR:

"A HORRIBLE

33.]

reduced within her proper and natural limits

which, be
October

Shee,
officer

was

who

it

ever kept

4t/i, $t/i.

mind,

in

is

a very agreeable old man,

is

of cavalry

now

first

step

to

in chatting with Colonel

and has served as a good

He

thirty-six years.

sitting with him, that

the

the independence of Ireland.

amusement

find great

"3

told

me

last night, as I

General Clarke had written to him that

me nevertheless, he does not tell

me much, if indeed he knows much himself that, however, gives
me very little concern. I shall learn everything time enough. I

he might have

full

confidence in

however, that

collect,

free quarters,
effect

it

will

it is

and commit

gang of

resolved, if possible, to turn in a

thousand desperadoes into England, who

six or seven

all

manner of

devastation.

will live at

If this takes

She has never yet seen the

always remember that 5,000 ragged,

embarrass her extremely.

smoke of an enemy's fire

and

half-starved Highlanders forced their

way

to 100 miles distance of

London, and might, perhaps, have achieved what remained

Pretender had not been a poltroon.

It

is,

if

the

to be sure, a horrible

mode of making war, but England showed the way, by disgorging

so many hordes of emigrants into France, and the enormities which
have been committed

in

consequence, in this country, are such as

any means of revenge it is, in a word,

but strict retaliation.
I am curious to see how England will relish
a war of Chouans in her own bowels. Colonel Shee and I were
employed yesterday in digesting and arranging different routes
from the several harbours, where we might land, to Dublin. I find
to justify France in adopting

We

him very reasonable.

agreed that our

first

object was to get

ashore anywhere, and of course the nearest port to Brest was the

we could make any shift when we were once landed, our

army being composed of veterans, who have been in service in La
Vendee for years, and are steeled against every hardship, having

best, as

been well used to dispense with clothes, shoes, or even bread at

times.

Supposing, however, we had a port to choose,

should be Belfast,

or, at least,

Waterford, or that neighbourhood.

pretty nearly equal.

We

different landing places

vol.

11.

we agreed

as near Belfast as possible

The

coast.

if

He

tells

believe, a

it

not,

distance from Dublin

calculated, however, for,

round the

is

dozen

me Hoche

has

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

114

[1796.

a great magazine of clothing, which he took from the British, at

the time of his famous victory at Quiberon

de

We

pris sur l'ennemi."

that

is literally "

talked a good deal of

my

tant

affairs.

observed that, supposing our expedition was, by any unforseen

accident, prevented,

was a

anxious as to what the Directory

little

me

might determine with regard to

ruined myself, partly in their service

I

had subsisted

entirely

from the Republic but

pay
in
it

my washerwoman

Rennes,

ever got there

place,

country

but

means, having drawn nothing

knew was not

sufficient to

my journey and during my

even my pay nor did I intend
on

looked for indemnification,

again observed,

had almost utterly

I came to France

that since

pay, which he

that,

had not drawn

my own

was to

my
;

my own

on

that

if

stay
it,

as

we

in case

our expedition did not take

me

could hardly suppose the Directory would suffer

to be

utterly ruined,

which must be the case

their service.

Shee answered that he had not the shadow of doubt

I would be employed, as he did not think the

were not retained

if I

in

but in that case

Directory capable of acting dishonourably by a

strong claims on them

and he added, that he was

Clarke would take effectual measures

my

considerable relief to
babies.

little

We

we

it

my

satisfied

Shee told

and indeed

we should

answered,

I
I

I,

spoke but the

This was a

my wife

and our dear

me

he had some notion,

in

for one,
truth.

should be heartily glad

I

added, that

we should

and especially for his long experience

arranging our army, and in that case I hoped

for his talents,

as a military man, in
find for

him a

situation

which might recompense him

the services he should have rendered, and the sacrifice he

quitting his family, and exposing his health, which

and

his person, to the fatigues of a

winter campaign.
I

General

behalf.

succeeded, of selling what property he had in France and

have occasion

firm,

such

then began to build Chateaux en Irlande, as

settling in Ireland.

of

in

mind, on account of

magnificent as any in Spain.

case

man who had

As

he seemed very

took the opportunity to throw

situation

and expectations.

drawn nothing

either

in

perils of

a word or two on

relish this discourse,

my own

reminded him that hitherto

from France or Ireland

in

not very

is

voyage and the

much to

for

made

but,

had

on the contrary,

LOOKING FORWARD.

MT.

33.]

had

sacrificed time, labour, person,

cause of both countries

that

115

and property

had no doubt,

if

in the

we

common

succeeded, of

more attention
was shown to me by the French Government, and by the General,
on our arrival, the greater services it would be in my power to
render to France, to Ireland, and to our friends embarked in the
expedition.
That I believed he knew my zeal and affection for the
cause of the Republic, as well as my gratitude to the Directory and
I left him to consider whether, in framing our government in Ireland,
being amply recompensed

nevertheless, that the

it

might not be desirable

for

France to have,

man on whose principles and attachment

in

an

efficient station, a

she might safely count

circumstance which might be materially forwarded and most probably secured by the attention on the part of the General, to which
I

alluded

an attention which both Catholics and Dissenters would

shown to themselves, much more than to me personally,

as I could have no claim upon it, other than as I stood in the
capacity of their agent, and possessing, as I would venture to say I
consider as

did possess, their confidence.

and

said he

posed

saw

his

with great attention,

clearly the advantages resulting

that everything

satisfied the

me

Shee heard

said

General would see

conduct accordingly.

and that we would

from what

pro-

was perfectly reasonable, and he was

it

desired

in the

him

same

light,

and regulate

to think of all

had

said,

resume the subject once more before our

departure.
October 6th, yth.

conversation

me.

is

He was

memory he

my

like old Colonel

Shee more and more

sole resource against the ennui

Secretary to the late

Duke

cherishes the sincerest regard.

his

which devours

of Orleans, for whose

He

has amused

me

these two days with an infinity of anecdotes relating to that unfortunate Prince, who,

grossly calumniated

and

affection

by

almost begin to believe, has been most

all parties

which Shee manifests

in the Revolution.

for the

can no longer serve or prejudice him,

the goodness of his

own

character.

is

The

zeal

honour of a man who

at least a strong proof of

It is

highly interesting to see

the earnestness and warmth with which he labours to impress

me

with a good opinion of the Duke, and, indeed, from his reports,

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

n6
am

[1796.

not only of his innocence as to the accusation on which

satisfied,

he was guillotined, but as to

his general character as

honour, courage, and probity.

think

man

victim of a double cabal, of the court, and of the Jacobins.

from Hoche, wherein he says that he

letter

and earth to get things

we may

three weeks

and there

scoundrels,
this

to

day expedited

make

persons,

It will

in readiness at Brest,

and there

are

commanders along the coast,

and send on to Brest all seafaring

the military

all

is

find,

in

a scarcity of seamen, but orders have been

is

to

moving heaven

is

and that he hopes

The marine agents

be getting aboard.

diligent search, secure,

they can

for all

Mais

General Hedouville showed the Colonel to-

parlous d'autre chose.

day a

of

see that he has been the

a reward of six livres a-head to the soldiers

which

will

sharpen them up to the business.

be November before we arrive,

Of

course

No

matter,

we

if

are so fortunate as to

we shall have, in that case, a winter camwe are better able to stand it than those
who will be opposed to us. The country gentlemen of Ireland,
with their warm feather beds, their beef and claret, will make, I
think, no great figure before our grenadiers, who have been seasoned

arrive at

all.

paign of

it.

these four years to

manner of hardships and

all

La Vendee, which Hoche

execrable war of
terminating.

"Damn

afraid of death

? "

the band of
little,

my

whereby

we're all militia captains,

have written out about thirty

regiment,

must

it;

if I

am

Hoche on

insense

Good! good
to

tell

for

arrived.

causes

is
is

doubt a

because " when

most

excellent."

a vile quotation,

the God's truth of the matter.

October 8th.

room

his return,

and who's

Irish airs for

to have one, which

and lands are spent, then learning

hold I I meant abo?ninable ! That

both house

privations, in this

has had the glory of

la bonne heure.

many

as stupid as

speculations?

you

horrible suspense

October

must change

my

apartment to-morrow to make

General Debelle, brother-in-law to Hoche,

gth

who

is

just

"

They talk offurther alterations, which

My quotations latterly are as pert and

please, but

how can

quote when

am

in this

to

12th.

The General returned

last

night

eight o'clock, having been absent since the 26th of last

at

month

AT-

"AHRESTS IN DUBLIN.

33-1

117

Colonel Shee saw him this morning for a quarter of an hour

me Hoche

tells
is

bent on going,

is

ready but seamen,

whom

que

coilte

cotite,

he
and that everything

he has given orders to press

all

along

we were aboard
Oh
that we were aboard
or rather, indeed, that we were ashore, after
being aboard. " / 'gin to be weary of the sun." He told Hoche
that we had prepared divers routes during his absence, and took

Oh

the coast, as far as Bordeaux.

that

that opportunity to speak of me,

and

say something handsome, but what

inquire.

suppose he was pleased to

was, of course

it

did not

see an article in a French paper that thirty persons have

in Dublin for high treason.

Who can they be ? Are
my friends of the number ? for there are no names mentioned.

been arrested

any of

God we shall be
be they who they may.
I

hope

in

in Ireland

think General

security for their appearance,

would not

in this case

time enough to liberate them,

and

Hoche

will

fancy that even

Colonel Shee and

be refused.

be pretty

my own
I

bail

have been

reading over the American Ordonnance, and making our observations

on

If

it.

we

arrive safe I will propose adopting

necessary alterations.

made

in a hurry,

October
this

day

i$t/i,

It is excellent, for

it,

with a few

an army that must be

being clear and concise.

14th.

The General

at twelve o'clock.

It

set off, unexpectedly, for Paris,

seems, on his visit to Brest, he had

reason to be discontented with the administration of the marine

however, they promised him

fair,

and he returned to Rennes,

him know how they

leaving orders with a confidential person to let

were going on.

departure

he has

all

This person has written him word that since his

the preparations are slackened, and, in consequence,

set off in a rage for Paris,

days with

full

of the marine.

and

trust will return in a

few

powers to cashier a parcel of those scoundrelly agents

I

have written, by Colonel Shee's desire, a short

address to the peasantry of Ireland, explaining to them the great

benefits

France.

which the Revolution has procured to the peasantry of

This he has translated into French, and gave the copy to

the General to read on his

way

to Paris.

see

by two English

papers of the 13th and 14th of last month, that they are importing
daily

large quantities of

arms, ammunition, and artillery into

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

n8
Ireland.

am

glad of

it,

for divers reasons.

[1796.

hundred pieces of

artillery

rhodomontade,

Derry.

work with

body and
full,

he

as

on the

in Ireland,

man

myself, and that

is

am

fortify

and we would make short

of the greatest activity, and he

soul, in this business.

am

take to be a

These eternal delays

their fortifications.
is

This

walls.

mount one

cannot see to what end they should

we were once

wish

Hoche

then

for

they

It is also said

are going to restore the fortifications of Derry, and to

sure he

is

me

kill
is

but

embarked,

as earnest to the

a great comfort to me.

suppose

be about a fortnight absent.

will

The General

October 15th, 16th.

morning

at nine o'clock.

It

returned, unexpectedly, this

seems he met a courier on the road

with despatches, which rendered his trip to Paris unnecessary.

Colonel Shee

tells

me

despatch the

us, to

to-day that

fleet

it

was intended,

men

with three thousand

after landing

to the

East

Indies
but, in consequence of a mutiny at the Mauritius, that
scheme is given up, and we are to keep both ships and men. I
mentioned to him a report I had heard, that we were waiting for
cannoniers from the army of Sambre et Meuse, which I thought
very odd if it were true he assured me it was no such thing we
have already three companies of cannoniers, and, in short, every;

thing ready except the seamen, to procure

whom

the most positive

and pressing orders have been given by the Minister of Marine and

He

Directory.

landing

told

me

also that perhaps about the time of our

would hear of some combustion

in

England, and that

he hoped, before we had done, we might pay John Bull a

According to

what

this

my

laudable custom,

combustion was to

be.

visit.

did not ask him to explain

It will,

probably, explain

itself

time enough.
October ijth.

Our

expedition, as well as the

has had a most providential escape.

ten, as

life

of the General,

Last night, between nine and

he was returning from the Comedie, with General Debelle,

and Hedouville, a

ruffian,

who was

at him, within five or six yards,

villain instantly ran off,

posted at a corner, fired a pistol

which fortunately missed, and the

but was stopped by two of the aides-de-

camp, who happened to come that way, before he had run one

^T.

ATTEMPTED ASSASSINATION OF HOCHE.

33.]

The

hundred yards.
dropped

On

it.

119

was likewise found where he had

pistol

his being seized and examined, he confessed that

he was hired by a person, whom he described, to assassinate

General Hoche, and was to have fifty louis for his reward. He

who behaved incomno man should kneel to

threw himself on his knees before Hoche,

parably well, and desired him to
him, and

tell

the whole truth

as

him

in quest of the other villain,

to headquarters.

confronted, and the

whom

who
is

set out with

they found

magistrate being sent

in bed,
for,

fired the shot is

from

lately

Paris,

was a Royalist, and that

workman employed

and says he

Teyssierd.

through

all

all

seems the

It

in the arsenal, the

;

in order

commit the murder, he told him that he

it was for the King's service to assassinate
former

of the

is

fifty louis,

determined

Moreau, and of the

latter

Nothing could be better than the General's behaviour

this affair. For my part I do not see what the Royalists

could promise themselves from his death

beyond

the two were

a horse dealer

is

Hoche, which, together with the promise of

The name

a guard

and brought

denying everything, they were both,

latter

to induce the former to

him.

fellow then repeated

long examination, committed to prison.

after a

had not him-

that he

The

and the two aides-de-camp

his story exactly,

other

rise,

assuring

resentment against him.

self the least

fellow

doubt that

Paris expressly to have

at the

this villain, Teyssierd, has

him

assassinated.

same time it is
come down from

do not

at all suspect

the English of assassination, but certainly, at this moment, they

are

much more

Louis XVIII.

interested in Hoche's death than that miserable

In short,

know

of this abominable affair

not what to think of the motives

a few days

may

probably explain

it

further.

In consequence of the affair of yesterday a search

October

was made in the lodgings of Teyssierd, and a case of pistols, two

fusils, and three air guns, were found, the two last articles buried
in the

garden

there were also

several persons in Paris

among

and London.

detest the English nation, to suspect

means of

his papers the directions of

I

should be sorry,

them of such

vile

much

as

and horrible

effectuating their purposes, as that of assassination

yet

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

120

[1796.

they have already done several things in this war as bad, at

Quiberon, and elsewhere.

Cabinet

is

am

much

very

the English

afraid

implicated in this infernal business, and more so as the

General received notice a few days since, from the Minister of

Justice at Paris, to be on his guard, as an attempt

made on

be

by some English

his life

it

may

past

be very magnanimous,

ten

o'clock

Colonel Shee,
sation

expects

my

shall

least

the

but

two to one on board, he

first

now

is

He

man,

for,

till

will give

it

if

we

fall

me

he

no conwith the

in

as the military will be at

out in general orders that

or seaman, of whatever rank, that offers to

officer

That

be instantly shot on the quarter-deck.

flinch, shall

tells

that the General has

determined,

that fight they shall,

fleet,

out

only companion here, and whose conver-

soon set off

fidence in the marine,

English

He was

not very wise.

is

entirely

is

circumstanced, though

extremely amusing and instructive.

find

we

is

is

Chatted a good deal to-day with

last night.

who

Hoche

agents.

too careless of his person, which, as he

was intended to

of Hoche, or, as P. P. would say,

"

manly and

decided."

stout

is
I

had

however, that our valour was tried on terra firma, for I am

of opinion with the Turks, u that God has given the sea to the
rather,

infidels,

and the land to

aller ; nevertheless, if

why

the true believers?

it

are they not this

sea fight

is

our pis

must be, it must. Those damned Spaniards

moment

in

Brest water

They have mortally

offended the English by escorting Richery out of Cadiz, and

now

they are temporising with half measures, which are always miserable policy

whereas,

if

they joined us instantly, we could strike

our blow in security, and the navy of England, or

am

utterly

deceived, would be no longer formidable either to France or Spain.

I

wish

was

at the

head of the Spanish Cabinet

for

one month.

The English had lodged fifty

Shee told me a good
pay the printer here for a copy of the proclamation, which
they foresaw Hoche would publish, wheresoever he was bound. He
story to-day.

louis to

got wind of

this,

and, by Shee's advice, prepared a proclamation

for the Portuguese, and then began to search with great secrecy
and diligence among the priests, for some one who understood
(It was a pity Mr.
Portuguese, in order to have it translated.

MT.

DECEIVING THE ENEMY.

33.]

121

Fitzsimons, of whose talents for the Portuguese

have already

made honourable mention, was not here.) Having thus spread the
report among these knaves, he sent off Shee privately to Angiers,
where there

is

whom

a printer on

he has reliance, and caused the

proclamation to be printed there, taking every possible precaution

that

not a copy should escape.

was very well imagined of

It

Colonel Shee, and I have no doubt but those rascally priests will
take care the story of the Portuguese proclamation shall find

way

to England.

All fair

and Colonel Shee,

affairs,

me

services, assured

All

He

think there

my

we

care, if

when and where

may

is

and

if

ever

do not

my

country

assured

found myself in a situation

There the matter

me.

have no

Have I
not rendered some

which might enable me, he should see the sense

his kindness for

safe in

arrived

in all this.

and have

say essential service, to

Colonel Shee, in return, that

its

my
my

exertions in France had been,

anything wrong or like intrigue

may

of

might be necessary,

it

be of material use to me.

not sacrificed everything to the cause

it

little

spoke with great friendship and regard, and

his representations

service,

talked a

saying handsome things of

after

of what important consequence

&c.

We

he would take

Ireland, to state very fully,

doubt

fair

rested,

entertained of

and there

I will

let

rest.

October igik

Since

my

arrival here

communication with the General

at meals

when we met, and

uneasy at

it

for as there are

we have

began

in

a scoundrel,

first

did not exactly

might not lump us

all

here,

is

a blockhead and the

the General

forming his opinion.

therefore hinted remotely to Colonel Shee, yesterday,

ness at the

great reserve of the

consequence of what

spoke to him of

it

said,

at dinner.

no means confounded

me

The General

he was to mark

me by any

would be immediately observed, and

little,

he

assured him that he by

with the two others

the

if

uneasi-

General towards me, and in

is

that

my

which was indeed but very

it

fact,

little

Mac Sheehy and

know whether

off together, in

least

scarcely even spoken

consequence to grow a

two Irishmen

Duckett, besides myself, and as the

last

have not had the

set

but observed, which

particular attention,

people on making

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

122
inquiries,

which would be very inconvenient, as

necessary that

added

[1796.

absolutely-

much as possible he
how he wished to treat

should remain incognito as

time and place,

that, in

was

it

should see

satisfied me entirely.
Colonel Shee also told me
was a long time a moot point whether our expedition should

This has

me.
that

it

be undertaken or

scheme he had

to a

for India

but that at

with considerable difficulty, General Clarke had managed

our

affair

worth

had the precedence.

fifty

was

not, as the Minister of the Marine, Truguet,

much wedded

very

If

of Truguet's schemes.

we

yet get to Ireland

{At night)

last,

it

so that

it

will

be

have mentioned

above what the General said yesterday with regard to me. To-day,
after dinner, he took Colonel

more

Shee aside and repeated

his reasons

attentive to me, which he

begged of him to
Colonel Shee told him he had done so, and that I

for not being

explain to me.

was perfectly easy on that score. The General then told him he
had appointed me to the rank of Adjutant-General, which will give
me, as a military man, very great advantages and he added that
one reason which kept him under restraint as to me, was the pre;

sence of that rascal Duckett,

letter,

many

and

whom

other

who had

civilities,

to

him an impertinent
He added

which Colonel Shee made the proper

my part.

acknowledgments on

Certainly nothing can be handsomer

than this conduct of the General.

reasons, that he

written

he intended to cashier next morning.

is

am

heartily glad, for divers

resolved to send Mr. Duckett to wander. Colonel

Shee then told me that he expects we

will set off in four or five

days, and that he had requested of the General that

travel together,

we might

and that the General had given orders to

de-camp, Poitou, to that

effect.

The General has

his aide-

likewise read

my

address to the peasantry of Ireland, which he entirely approves

so

Huzza
droll

me

as to

all,
!

am

Shall

at

least, is

going on as well as

an Adjutant-General
I

make

a good officer

have desired ; I will thrive."

We

Why

on

me

in

that,

not

"

could desire.

Well, to be sure, but

It

is

it

life

is

read the King's speech, in which

he announces a desire to make peace, but

told

do not mind

this.

Shee

perhaps at this very hour, there was something going

England which would embarrass them not a

little,

and that

^T.

ADJUTANT-GENERAL.

33.]

we might perchance
ject

but

make

hear of

it

This

in four or five days.

it

time that he has spoken to

least the third

123

me

is

at

darkly on that sub-

We

a rule never to press him for explanations.

talked over the plan of an address to the people at large, in Ireland,

them

inciting

our landing
begin.

now,

tired

think

it

I sat

will

down
make

and so

is late,

the truth of

pedant,

all

my

go

"

too

am

Floyd,

man

great a

Well, that

is

to

but

I would

Jieart,

am, sure

Oh Lord

yet."

acknowledge yo7tr old

a vile stupid quotation, to

"

of snuff!'

stuff.

Damn Homo,

with

marks of him sticking on my

Lord
witty quotations for an

I have

the

Oh

say,

not obliged to quote like a

is

they don't signify this pinch

am

a pretty fellow

Mr. Klinker

but a soldier

it,

to bed.

with their Novids, and Omars, and Blutracks, and

"

By Gad,

a flaming production

it

/ suppose you are

acquaintance, ho, ho, ho."

tell

beside him, and wrote a few pages to

will

to be an Adjutant-General
hi, hi, hi,

on

to establish their independence, to be published

and

Adjutant-General.

my

This day received

October 20th.

orders to set out for Brest

Huzza

the day after to-morrow, being the 1st Brumaire.

I

am

and

and hove

short.

Settled

am

of the General, and

English.

think

like

will

He

not.
will

my

would

not.

go on,

me and

departure

then continued,

Rennes

affairs at

asked

"

is

scurrilous

it is

in the

me had

my own

in

finished.

Gallery alone.
I

occasion for

thanked him and replied

Because

if

you have,

He

if

" I

am

not a

man

was under any necessity

myself of his permission, but that at present

then said,

desire

apply to me, as to your friend, without any reserve."

avail

for the inspection

French than

met the General

again thanked him, and said that

I

as

do tolerably well when

immediately came up to

anything before

it

better in his

it

Last night

October 21st.

you

it

my

my pamphlet, which

Colonel Shee translates

enough.

all

ready at a minute's warning.

have been hard at work to-day on

had

to travel in General Debelle's carriage, with Hoche's cousin

Privat, his aide-de-camp.

instantly,

He

Huzza

to

make

I beg you will, on all occasions, look upon

and treat me accordingly." I thanked him

me

was

professions, but

as your

for the third

friend

time

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

124

[1796.

and so we shook hands and parted. It was very civil of him, and
I desired Colonel Shee to let him know again how sensible I was
of his kindness.

Set out from Rennes, on

October 22nd.

Privat and Marie Hoche.

my way

to Brest, with

Travelled very agreeably through a

beautiful country covered with wood, the very seat of Chouannerie.

The farms

beautiful

to the map, mean,

beyond France
beauties

names whereof I refer

England far

the towns, for the

and the

abominable.

villages

in that respect,

but very inferior

caravan amounts to eighteen

the other

in all

Our whole

Halted at Montauban.

of a landscape.

mostly of the Etat-Major.

officers,

Supped very pleasantly. A furious penury of beds. Privat and

I, to show a good example, lay rough on a mattress on the floor.
Lay awake half the night, laughing and making execrable puns.

We

were not much crowded, there being only nine of us

small room.

of

I like this life

There

things.

all

is

in

one

a gaiety and

men which interests me infinitely.

pay nothing, as the General gave orders to
his cousin, and also, as Marie Hoche told me, to treat
possible attention and respect
all which is highly

a carelessness about military

We

mess together.

that effect to

me

with

all

agreeable.

Once

again,

As

October 2^rd.

Mess pleasant

Two

I like all this

and good accommodations

Shee, and sons of an Irish

destination, I

Halted at Broon, where we

yesterday.

as usual,

name

very fine lads of the

ticularly civil

mightily

at the

slept.

Auberge.

of Dalton, nephews of Colonel

our party, and are par-

officer, are of

and attentive to me
for which,
will be civil and attentive to them.
;

we

reach our

I like

them both,

if

James and Alexander, very much. I wish they could speak English,
which they do but very imperfectly.
Halted at Lamballe.

October 24th.

difference in the behaviour of

my

Whilst we were at Rennes nobody was

attentive to

me

now

the case

seat of honour, lodged single

the rest are obliged to fag.

myself no

airs

on

all

this

I
;

is

can see a very great

companions since we
uncivil,

different.

and

hope

in
I

set out.

but nobody was

am

placed in the

the best chamber,

need not to say that

on the contrary,

whilst
I

give

endeavour to

JET.

ARREST OF RUSSELL AND NELLSON.

33.]

recommend myself

as

much

by a very modest and

as possible

my

guarded behaviour, and have the pleasure to see that

in that

my

comrades

mentioning here, and

them.

It

is

The

alteration in the

that

me

believe they like

on

all

points

amuse me,

and

ought to do, whether or not

the French more and more

plenty,

unnoticed.

think

it

as well as

worth
like

peculiarly incumbent on a foreigner in the French

service to be delicate

what

is

discretion,

so striking

respect, does not pass

behaviour of

125

am

am

at least sensible of

able to execute

I like

it.

their very foibles, of

which they have

whilst the singularities of an

Englishman are

almost always offensive.

October 2^th to 2%th.

As

Halted at

usual.

camp, where we remained one day to repose.

Brieux, Guin-

St.

Belle Isle en terre

and Morlaix. At Morlaix dined with General Harty, an

man, in the service of the Republic.

Irish-

This morning, before we set out, General Harty

October 29th.

showed me an English paper that he had just

Morning Post, of September 24th in which was

sent for me, and

borrowed

the

copied from the Northern Star of the 16th precedent,

an

article

By

this unfortunate article

with the greatest anxiety

Russell and

Sam

is

what

see that

come

to

have long expected

pass.

My

dear friends,

Neilson, were arrested for high treason on that

day, together with

Rowley Osborne,

Haslitt,

whom

and a person,

The persons who

do not know, of the name of Shanaghan.
arrested them were the Marquis of Downshire, the Earl of WestI

meath, and Lord Londonderry, together with that most infamous

of

all

John Pollock. 1

scoundrels,

effect this

It is

heavy misfortune has upon

impossible to conceive the

my

mind.

If

we

are not in

Ireland time enough to extricate them, they are gone

Government

condemnation.
such
I

men

move heaven, earth, and hell

Good God
If they fall, where

to replace

shall

them

My

have spent the happiest hours of

the affection of a brother, a

for the

to ensure

will

poor friend Russell, with

my

life,

man who

and

would,

whom
I

their

find

two

whom

love with

know,

sacrifice

1
[Clerk of the Crown for Leinster a disreputable character. For particulars
about him, see Mr. Fitzpatrick's " Secret Service under Pitt," p. 363. Ed.]
;

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

126

me

his life for

or

my

family

if it

an honest, a brave, and worthy

[1796.

were necessary

fellow,

and Neilson,

a good Irishman, a good

men who have rendered such essential

service to their country.
My heart smites me now for the levity
with which I have spoken of my poor Russell in those memorandums under the name of P. R Well, that levity exists no
longer it is time now to think of other matters.
I
will not
Republican

both of them

expend myself here in empty menaces, which as yet I have not

the means to execute. God, I hope, has not so totally deserted

me

but

may

unspeakable

yet arrive in time to deliver

loss, I

be able to revenge them, and,

secutors

"

my

in

that case,

"woe

see that they have behaved in a

of themselves, and of the cause to which

If,

to
I

my

shall

to their per-

manner worthy

fear they will

fall

Neilson and Russell surrendered themselves voluntarily.

victims.

Wm.

friends.

should arrive too late to rescue, at least

Sampson

acted

with the greatest

spirit,

and particularly

Lord Westmeath, that contemptible cuckold, two or three

times, in the grossest manner.
This most unfortunate of all events
brings to my mind the death of my poor friend Sweetman, which
Keogh.
With
I shall ever regret, and the arrestation of John
insulted

regard to the

latter,

as

have seen the English papers pretty

regularly ever since, and have found

affair, I

am in

no further mention of that

great hopes that he was immediately discharged, and

God

that nothing disastrous ensued.

If

only knows in what state

find the invaluable friends I left

behind me, or

how many

I shall

of them

ever

may

return to Ireland,

be in existence.

am

in

1
[William Sampson (b. 1764, d. 1836) was the son of an Ulster Protestant
clergyman.
A barrister by profession, he gradually glided into politics,
becoming, ultimately, a United Irishman. He was a contributor to the Northern
Star, and acted as counsel for the prisoners in some of the political prosecutions
of the time. Marked for arrest in 1798, he fled to England, but was there
captured and sent back to Dublin. After some months' imprisonment he was
released on condition of leaving the country. Retiring at first to the Continent,
he finally (in 1 806) settled in New York, practising at the Bar, and devoting leisure
moments to literature. He edited an edition of " Curran's Life by his Son,'
and Taylor's "Civil Wars of Ireland." He also wrote his own " Memoirs" and
a book on the "Catholic Question in America." His daughter married Tone's
:

son.

Ed.]

-T.

AT BREST.

33-]

127

unspeakable distress at this moment, the more as

for their

go

I will

relief.

to

Hoche

the

moment

can do nothing

reach Brest, and

acquaint him with this unfortunate event, but, as to him, that

unnecessary, for

Good God

forward.

what

am

do

shall I

sure he
If I

is

am

so

unhappy

and

in that

may postpone
case we may yet

save them.

But

my

misfortune, that should not happen,

Once

hope of revenge.
threatenings.
fit

If they conduct

it.

their trial for a considerable

days since they were arrested.

five

as to arrive too late,

cannot bear to think of

themselves well, they

time,

is

doing his very best to hurry things

It is

my

to

if,

but forty-

unspeakable

only consolation

is

the

again, I will not indulge in premature

If I arrive,

and

arrive too late,

we

shall see

what

is

to be done.

October
this

day

After halting last night at Landerneau, arrived

2,0th.

at

one o'clock at Brest, having been just ten days on the

Ran immediately

road.

to find the General, but he

was gone

out.

Called on Colonel Shee, and informed him of the situation of our

He

friends.

hopes we
send

tells

may

He

me

if

arrive time

tells

me

into Ireland about four

in

little,

enough to deliver them.

God Almighty

a relation

service of the Republic,

probably be

they manage to delay a

who was

of

his,

he

is

in

a general officer in the

by the Executive Directory

months since, is just arrived, and will
sent

Brest in about five or six days.

He

will of course

bring us authentic intelligence of the state of the country.

CHAPTER

VI.

PREPARING TO EMBARK.
November ist, 2nd.
I have been hard at work ever since
my
arrival, on an address to the Irish people, which is to be printed
here and distributed on our landing.

but

me

covet, are, perhaps, at this

let

have hardly time to

eat,

do not work with pleasure from the reflection which recurs to

every instant, that the men whose approbation I could most
I

me,

if

moment on

trial for their lives.

possible, not think of that longer.

the General.

Colonel

Shee

me

tells

that

Well,

have not yet seen

General Quantin has

been despatched from Flushing with 2,000 of the greatest reprobates in the French

army

to land in

mischief as possible, and that

whom we

England and do as much

we have

3,000 of the

are also to disgorge on the English coast.

mode

of

as

detest the inhumanity

same stamp,

It is

a horrible

making war, and such as nothing can possibly justify but

Much
the manner in which England has persecuted the Republic.
I

of punishing

country for the crimes of their

when

recollect the treachery of

rulers, I

England

the inhabitants of a

cannot blame the French

at Toulon, or the miseries

which she has caused in that part of the Republic through which
I

have just passed, on her

especially on her

false assignats

and counterfeit

louis,

but

most atrocious and unheard-of system of starving

the whole French people, a measure so

abominable, and which

produced such dreadful suffering and misery

in France, as justifies

The English
any measures of retaliation, however terrible.
Ambassador is arrived at Paris Spain has at length declared
war against England, and begun, it is said, by taking a manof-war of 56 guns. Damn them why are they not to-day in
;

128

^T.

A STARTLING RUMOUR.

33-]

Brest waters

Corsica

is

129

evacuated by the British, so

all

goes on

pretty well.

Evening.

have just read,

in the Monitenr, the

memorial given

by Lord Malmesbury, the English Plenipotentiary in Paris,

the memoir of Charles De la Croix, and the reply of the Directory,
in

which

is

admirable.

negotiation

an end

at

is

would come of
the Directory

it,

is

have not time to abstract them, but the

for

of the

for the present.

same

have framed their answer.

back,

he pleases.

if

expedition, which,

never thought anything

did not believe Pitt serious

am

opinion, for

My

and apparently

on that principle they

Lord Malmesbury may now go

curious to

presume,

it is

know

the result of Quantin's

the business of which Colonel

is

me indirectly two or three times. I had rather

had followed than preceded ours; for if they commit, as doubtless
they will, great enormities, it may alienate people's minds against
Shee spoke to

it

us

who

make no distinction between one corps

and another. The Spaniards are parading in

troops

will

of French
the Medi-

terranean, to assist us in taking Corsica, after the English have

This fashion of making war puts

me

an age to

my

mind of the
London Aldermen fox-hunting. I have worked this day like a
horse, and I am as stupid to-night as a horse, and in wretched low
evacuated

spirits

it.

every hour that passes

is

like

in

impatience

do not even sleep.

November
November
General's

my

^rd.

At work

4th.

This morning on the parade

first

at

aide-de-camp,

pamphlet.

who whispered me

met Poitou, the

by a vessel

that,

from Liverpool, which was brought

in yesterday, intelligence was

was effected in Ireland that the
people were up in arms, and had seized the arsenal in Dublin and
driven 10,000 English troops, being all that were in the country,
back to England. I was not a little astonished at this piece of
news, and ran off immediately to Mr. Shee, who confirmed it to

received

that the revolution

me, adding that they had found thirty thousand stand of arms in
the arsenal

that the

news was

certain,

and that the General had

written off to the Directory last night for positive orders to

sail,

on

the return of the courier, with what force was ready, without waiting
vol.

11.

10

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

He

for the remainder.

moment

told me, further, that he expected every

the captain of the prize, in order to

he desired

my

met the General

himself,

French, kissing

me

my

with

All this

On

fact.

who embraced me

that

to Joyeuse,

it

would turn

leaving Mr. Shee,

after the

manner of the

me
Shee, whom I

on both cheeks, and wishing

returned shortly after to Colonel

which

in

found very circum-

know not what presentiment

out at least an exaggeration of the

event.

examine him,

had written

assistance, as the General

the Admiral, to have him sent up.

stantial, yet I felt I

[1796.

joy of the
acquainted

doubts as to the extent of this report, and mentioned the

anecdote of a Liverpool captain,

who

seeing the Dublin Volunteers

parade, on this very day, in the year 1779, with their cannon, and
their Colonel, the

down
ing,

Duke

swore before the Mayor of Liverpool, that

in arms,

King,

in

me

he told

that, to

up

little

taken back with this anecdote

he had great hopes the present news was

how-

true, for

knowledge, 15,000 stand of arms had been lately

his

introduced into Ireland.

not see where

asked him was he sure of

money
many people

affair.

that, as

did

could be got to purchase them without com-

municating with so
of the

Ireland was

all

and that he had seen the Duke of Leinster proclaimed

College Green, which he himself certainly believed.

Colonel Shee seemed a

ever,

of Leinster, at their head, immediately ran

to his ship in a fright, set sail for England, and, on his land-

He

replied they

as

must

infallibly lead to a discovery

were purchased by one person,

who knew me, and whom I knew, and that in

time and place I should learn who he was. I said that satisfied me.
In the meantime I cannot form the least conjecture who this person

who was

is:

wealthy,

15,000 stand of arms would cost .30,000, and

amongst

my

acquaintance a

advance such a sum.

man who

is

at

Well, no matter

do not see

once able and willing to

who

it

is.

At

last

the

author of our intelligence arrived, with two other seamen, taken

on their way from Newfoundland, about the same time, eight or

nine days ago. A council was immediately held, consisting of the
General, the Admiral, Colonel Shee, and myself.
said he was an American

Wednesday

Our informer

that he sailed from Liverpool on a

that before his departure

news came by the packet

SPINNING A YARN.

^ET. 33.]

that

Ireland was

all

up

Republic

for a

131

that the Liberty Boys, and

the Weavers were up, and the Clearday Men, and that he had seen

embark

10,000 English troops

before he

the

sum

left

Liverpool, three or four days

at

This was

order to quell the insurrection.

in

it,

of his information

he added, that after they were taken

by the French they had

fallen in with

might be of twenty

and

sail,

two

fleets

one he judged

he counted twelve

in the other

sail

of

and that he heard there was a third fleet below

was not disappointed in finding the news turn out so

line-of-battle ships,

again.

different

from what

it

was

at

reported, supposing even

first

what the

was not, for in the first

place he set out with a lie in saying he was an American, for he
was a Scotchman, with a broad accent. He could not tell the day
of the month that he sailed, nor the burthen of his vessel. The
fellow said to be true, which

certainly

it

10,000 troops he spoke of turned out to be one regiment of Scotch,

one regiment of Welsh, and a regiment of

and

as he said, in four large vessels

he

lied,

attention to his story

positive orders

so there

is

fleet,

staff of the

least

sail

hope

will

produce

immediately.

Dined

a grand

to manifest to the public that there

being the case.

Altogether

do not pay the

it

Admirals and several Captains

army

the land and sea service, which I

who were embarked,

an end of the insurrection.

from the Directory to

and the

this event, for I

at headquarters in state, with the

is

Irish,

or six brigs.

and prevaricated so much that

am, however, heartily glad of

of the

five

am

is

This dinner

affair.

a perfect

harmony between

very sorry to see

is

far

from

Sat late at dinner, and after dinner retired to

Colonel Shee's room with the General, the Admiral, General Debelle,

and Colonel Shee. I did not come in for some time after the
others, and on my entry found Hoche pressing Joyeuse extremely
to be ready for the expedition,
difficulty, particularly

said he

and Joyeuse starting every possible

on the score of the transports.

would go with the men-of-war only, crowding as many men

aboard as they could carry.

Joyeuse then came down to

of the line and five frigates, the best sailors,

seamanship and quick

he

Hoche then

said, in

sailing,

who

five sail

might, by dint of

who were,
who had also

escape from the English,

waiting for them off Cape Clear, and

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

132

morning the report was that two

eclaireurs off Ushant, as every

large ships

and three

him how many men

he mentioned

frigates

were seen

Colonel Shee asked

there.

passage could he stow on the ships

for a short

he said 600 on each of the line-of-battle ships, and

300 on each of the

The General then

ment and

[1796.

That makes in all but 4,500 men.

that his word was pledged to the Govern-

frigates.

said

that the time was even elapsed

which he had engaged himself, that he would go in a single

for

to his friends in Ireland

the Admiral could give

him no more, and he pressed him

again and again in the strongest manner. Joyeuse still hung back,
and I believe he was sorry, to judge by his manner, that he had
frigate

if

spoken of even
as

five ships

of the

line.

At

length he proposed, merely,

think, to gain time, to send out a vessel to reconnoitre,

and

bring positive intelligence of the state of the country, and another

and upon

to learn the actual position of the English fleet,

proposal the meeting broke up.

from any business

which the marine of France

in

Joyeuse wants to prevent our expedition,

India,
is

where there

throwing every

Attempts are even made

and seamen by the

determined to shoot the

concerned.

is

order to get out to

in

to be made, and, in consequence,

our way.

difficulty in

set the soldiers

to

more money

is

this

augur the worst possible event

very

ears,

who

first

but the General

fight

upon the

There has been one duel already between Rapatelle, 1 an

is

spot.

officer

of

the Etat-Major, and a Lieutenant of the navy, in which the former

was

victorious,

having wounded his adversary

all this I see, first,

that

if

we

arrive at

all,

two

in

which

is

From
moment
With 5,000

places.

at this

we shall not arrive in force. No matter.

men our artillerie legere, and Hoche, I have no doubt of success.
Would to Heaven we were, even with that force, on the Cave Hill

very doubtful,

this fine

morning

would soon have

friends out of jeopardy.

I see,

whatsoever of the Spanish

fleet.

parading in the Mediterranean.

beyond
1

in

all

human

endurance.

my

dear and unfortunate

likewise, that there

Damn them

To be sure,
The General

is

no mention

They

are

now

the folly of that

told

me

last

is

night

Note by Tone's Son. The same who accompanied Moreau in 1813, and
whose arms he died. He was my father's Adjoint in this expedition.

MT.

A FAVOURITE WITH HOCHE.

33 .

by

that

this there
" le

playing

were

who

God knows

yet,

Hoche
what

am, at

November

have spent

moment,
but

from being

far

six of us

my

at

pamphlet.

by his orders,
more than five or
Debelle, Marie

and myself.

Chatting with Col. Shee.

6th.

well,

have no stomach

brother-in-law, General

his

Col. Shee, Poitou,

November

Let us see what the

dine every day with the General,

himself,

with

it

satisfied.

the Admiral

for

the greater favour, as there are never

is

England

us.

At work

5th.

to that business.

Hoche,

this

in

hereafter a figure in history,

cured must be endured?

can't be

Directory will say to

which

make

will

behaving incomparably,

is

"

thousand French

suppose he spoke of Ouantin's

This has been an eventful day.

expedition.

celebrated men, and

and

five or six

diable a quatre."

133

am

in great

hopes

we shall turn out Villaret Joyeuse

and get an admiral of our own choosing perhaps, in that case,
we may get out. I asked him whether, when the General said
from something he

said, that

that his

word was pledged to

really the fact, or said

Shee assured

me

it

no matter

for that.

am

object

see, precisely

is, I

time,

mine and

theirs,

the same, and

it

sail

could

we might have
force.

He

ports, as
settle

my

2,500

am

even better pleased

my

single assertion.

we gave up the

carry in the men-of-war

we could
so

transports,

He

how

said

in

carry 6,000, and in ten frigates

armament is to be of that
we must not give up the trans-

see our

added, however, that

with them we could land with 20,000, which would

the business without bloodshed.

were possible,
to

we

of the line

divides the responsibility,

and does not leave anything resting on

asked Col. Shee, supposing
twelve

whoever they are

not afraid of our interfering, for our

have those invisible co-operators, as

many men

Mr.

Hoche had both seen and spoken with

So here are two plots running

that

Ireland. 1

to

he spoke

merely to spur on the Admiral.

some of the leaders in

on at one and the same
I

his friends in Ireland,

it

memorials

would undoubtedly be
for proof; that
1

it

was

Arthur O'Connor.

answered that

best,

and

my own

referred

if

it

him

opinion, never-

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

134
theless,

[1796-

the bringing transports would endanger the success

if

of the entire business,

thought

it

best to secure the men-of-

war, supposing they could carry but 5,000 men, instead of 8,500,

which he had calculated, as with that force we should be able

to

fight

He

out.

it

he

replied

transports also, and so

it

rested.

hoped we would have the

For my part, under present

would prefer the men-of-war with 6,000 or 7,000

men, and with that force to begin with I should have no doubt
circumstances,

of success

however, the business

is

in

Colonel

better hands.

Shee then told me that the General wished to find somebody

who would go directly to Ireland, as he had a safe American
who would sail at a minute's warning, and also bring back the
person who might go, and he was very desirous of intelligence
of the

Mac

state

country at this moment.

the

of

and we agreed that

if

Mac Sheehy had no

despatched to-morrow.

whom

to

objection, he should be

opened the business, as from myself, and he agreed

the General desired

if

in

his

name, and desire him to hold himself

to-morrow, which

informed

it.

the General of his assent, at dinner, and he desired

for

who came,

went immediately and found Mac Sheehy,

without difficulty to go

him

mentioned

Sheehy, and he immediately went for the General,

me

to thank

readiness

in

did accordingly, and to-morrow

see what are his instructions.

Mac Sheehy

we

shall

has behaved very well

in this business.

November
all

desired

me

The General has been

jlh.

day, until

six

to find

o'clock

Mac

in

out on a boating party

the evening.

Sheehy, which

On

his

return

he

did accordingly, and he

told him that he must sail that night, as everything was ready,
and gave him verbal instructions, which in my mind were very
insufficient, and it is the first time I have had reason to find fault
with Hoche. He desired him to go to such persons as I should

name, and learn from them as much as he could, on the actual

moment, the temper of the people,

state of the country at this

the

number and

disposition of the troops, whether the

were expected or desired, and

I asked him was Mac Sheehy to

if

tell

French

so in what part particularly.

them nothing

in return ?

He

A MESSAGE TO IRELAND.

JET- 330

must go into no

said he

135

particulars, but tell them, in

general,

that the dispositions of France were highly favourable to Ireland,

and that both Government and people were anxious for their
He then gave Mac Sheehy twenty louis, and we

emancipation.
parted.

change

brought

Mac Sheehy

to

from head to

his dress

foot,

boots, stockings, waistcoats, coat

made

after the Irish fashion.

my

and made him

equipping him with shirts,
lodgings,

and cloak,

either

all

Irish,

or

then gave him the address of

Bond and Richard McCormick. I desired him to call on

first, and tell him he came from me at Brest, and,
satisfy Bond, I desired him to tell him that when Jackson

Oliver

the former
to

was

seized,

advised

me

purpose,

him

if

and Hamilton Rowan and Dr. Reynolds escaped, he

to do the same, and offered me money for that
For McCormick,

it.

few days before

that a

him alone

wanted

into his garden,

pushing on,

if

possible, for

December

the middle of

Philadelphia, acquainting

them

will satisfy

Dublin

left

desired

for

last,

written to

him with

that he has seen me.

had

him by

my

my

progress.
I

to tell

America,

and acquainted him with

France, and that

him

my

took

plan of

also,

about

brother from

That

think

desired him, in addition

them that he had known me in

was now at Brest that I had the

to the General's orders, to tell

some time

Paris for

that I

rank of Adjutant-General in the army of the Republic, and that

I was in good repute with the General and Government.
I desired
him further to say that an expedition was in great forwardness
at Brest
that I had read some months back with great concern
an account in a London paper of the arrestation of John Keogh,
;

and within these few days, a second account of the arrestation

of

Sam.

Neilson,

Russell,

my

their

deliverance,

entreated

them

of

and

desired

hopes that
finally, I

him

in

to

profit

friends

at

Belfast

of every possible delay which the

in

order to postpone their

to press this particularly, as

him

to

trial,

had the strongest

we should be there to rescue them

collect as many newspapers as he could,

a short time

desired

other

part,

forms of the law could give,

and

my

move heaven and earth to procure

and that I particularly recommended and

that I would, on

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

136

months back,
which Bond would furnish him
for three

or

paper

Dublin.

in

where

with,

being agent for that

as

down

then walked with him

wind, they

fair

days

particularly the Northern Star,

to the quay,

saw him join the Captain, who was in waiting, it being eight
and a fine moonlight night. If they have good weather

o'clock,

and

four

[1796.

will

suffice for

makes ten

may be easily
Mac Sheehy's

however,

will

expiration of that term

business

Dublin

in

days

in four

and four

business,

two

to return,

allow a fortnight, and attend the

with the utmost impatience.

In

this

chose Bond, from his honesty and his close connection

with Belfast, and

McCormick

thousand reasons, especially

for a

being secretary to the Catholics, and his perfect knowledge

his

of the state of the public

will acquit himself well

him

much

as

Damn

it

as

me

for

in

could.

had

the

Dublin.

in

Here

is

hope Mac Sheehy

I encouraged

now dead

a fortnight

like to forget

Mac Sheehy

General desired

members

mind

he has not much to do, and

to learn particularly

new Parliament

new Parliament would not be called

The General then said, " Well, learn who are
for Derry,

understand

who

this.

remember, not Kerry."

In

my

mind,

it

is

the

ob-

next year.

until

the candidates

did not, for

of mighty

The

who were

for the county Derry.

served the

and

loss

an odd circumstance.

little

my

part,

importance

members or candidates for one place or the other

perhaps Hoche has a mind to set up himself. Seriously, I do
are either

not see the drift of his question at

as

always do

nos, nil

in similar cases, to

all.

Well,

explain

will

even leave

itself, for "

Quod

it,

stipra

ad nos."

November 8t/i.
Grimel, the merchant who procured the
American vessel for the General, tells me that Mac Sheehy was
off last night by half-past nine, so that business so far goes on
well.
gt/i.
This day a young man was brought to headwho had been taken on board an American, bound
from Limerick to Portugal. His name is Barry St. Leger he

November

quarters,

is

an Irishman by

C, where

his father

birth,
is

but has been bred

at Charleston,

man

He

of property.

left

S.

Limerick

JET.

IRELAND EXPECTING THE FRENCH.

33.]

the 14th of October, and the account he gives

tory

a great part of

everybody

know myself to be

it I

Ireland expects the French

in

making preparations

them

to receive

perfectly satisfac-

is

the gentry are

the militia, should these last be ordered to the

what

also,

very well believe, that

says that

that every magistrate

twenty men, who are to preserve the peace

raising

adds

He

true.

that

137

it

is

is

place of

in

coast

but he

universally supposed

that the militia would join the French immediately, and that a

great majority of

day persons are

heard that

J.

them

are even

sworn to do so

and that

arrested,

that every

just before his departure

he

Bagwell, M.P. for the county Tipperaiy, had been

taken up, and a Lord Dosforth, as he pronounced

it,

county

in the

Armagh.
There

For this last circumstance he must be mistaken.

Lord Gosford, 1 Governor of that county but he, I am
far from being an enemy to the Government.
I rather

is

sure, is

suppose he

much

is

man's account
tation,

head of the Peep-o'-Day-Boys, and

him

the worse for

is,

if

we

that Ireland

is

arrive.

The

in a state of the highest

and that nothing but our presence

He

the affair at a blow.

sequence,

case so

in that

result of this

is

young

fermen-

wanting to

spoke very rationally, and,

in

settle

con-

begged of the General to have him released from

prison, so that

he has now the liberty of the town.

There

is

The

officers of the navy are

England has in the Channel,
lying Scotch rascal, whom we examined the other day,
l.e saw three (two with his eyes, and the third, I suppose,

another remarkable circumstance.

continually talking of the fleets that

and that
said that

by the second
to

Brest, has

Now

sight).

necessarily

Ireland, the very station

be,

St.

made

Leger, in coming from Limerick

the entire tour of the South of

where the English

and he saw nothing.

The

fleet

must necessarily

privateer that took him, on the

22nd of October, sounded the night before under Cape Clear, and
he saw nothing. The two English sailors whom we examined
with the Scotchman, and
nearly in the

same

[Tone was mistaken

Peep-o'-Day-Boys. Ed.]

track,

who came

at the same time, and

saw nothing, and almost every day

Lord Gosford condemned the proceedings of the

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

138
prizes arrive

Now,

if

and enter Brest without meeting a single

vessel.

how can

all this

the English be in force in the Channel,

possibly happen

we

[1796-

losing

Well, well

they be not, what precious time are

if

my

and

am

And

here,

poor friends in

mad

half

with

of

peril

vexation

their

these

at

lives

eternal

delays.

November

Saw

lot/i.

They

men.

guards they

the Legion Noire reviewed

about 1,800

are the banditti intended for England, and sad black-

They put me

are.

strongly in

mind of the Green-boys

of Dublin.

November wth.
November 12th.

who

can captain,

Blank.

Examined,
only

is

Mr. Shee's apartment, an Ameri-

His account

that Sir

is

he heard, with eleven or twelve

coming down channel,

he, himself,

He

days from London.

five or six

us no great encouragement.
off Ushant, as

at

fell

in

sail

J.

of the

gives

Jervis
line,

with three different

is

and
little

squadrons, two of four ships and one of three, which were standing
to the

to join

westward under easy

Admiral

sail

of the

line,

only chance

is

If that

Jervis.

long as they please,

sail,

when

for,

and were going,

as he supposed,

be

keep us here as

they

make twenty-two

united, they will

and our expedition

to wait for the

so,

will

first

is

but twelve.

In that case our

hard gale of wind which

may

blow them off the coast, and then make a run for it.
November 13///. Went, by order of the General, among the
prisoners

of war at

liberty to as

many

as

Sixty accepted the

Pontanezen, near Brest, and offered their

were willing to serve aboard the French

offer,

of

whom

were

fifty

Irish.

fleet.

made them

left the prison, and they were mustered

same
evening.
I never saw the national chaand
racter stronger marked than in the careless gaiety of those poor
fellows. Half naked and half starved as I found them, the moment
that they saw the wine before them all their cares were forgotten

drink heartily before they

sent aboard the

the instant

made the

proposal, they accepted

it

without hesitation

the Englishmen balanced, and several of them asked, in the true

style of their country, "
justice to others of

them

What would

give

them

"

It

is

but

to observe that they said nothing should

,T.

RECRUITS.

33.]

ever tempt them to fight against their

139

King and

country.

them they were perfectly at liberty to make their choice, as

constraint on

ten

as

begged

not one Scotchman, though there were

When

called for the

warm

little

with the wine, he was very urgent to be

refused to enter, which, of course,

"

difficulty.

English

Poor Pat never thought of eating, but when his

permitted to go amongst the Englishmen

little

my

wine

something to eat at the same time, which

for

ordered for them.

head was a

put no

offered themselves, and, of about sixty Irish,

have observed

several in the prison.

recruits

told

any man. In the event, of about one hundred English,

men and boys

fifty,

and

who

those

flog

prevented, though with

some

Arrah, blood an' 'ounds, Captain dear, won't you

me have one knock at the blackguards ? " I thought myself on

Ormond Quay once more. Oh, if we once arrive safe on the other
side, what soldiers we will make of our poor fellows
They all

let

they hoped

said

answered that

was going with them, wherever

man to go where

was.

it

did not desire one

ready to show the way, and they replied with three cheers.

be observed that

was not

It is

to

never mentioned the object of the expedition

they entered the service merely from the adventurous

of the

spirit

nation and their hatred of the English, without any idea that they

had a chance of seeing Ireland again.

November 14th

to 18th.

have made no memorandums these

four or five days, for several reasons, one of which was

had nothing material

to

insert,

and another, that

my

indisposed with a slight cold in

head, which has

more stupid than ordinary. Yesterday,

ning to embark and arrange themselves,
tell

the General that

my

as
I

wish was to serve with the grenadiers on

Mr. Shee replied that the offer did credit to

who commanded

the grenadiers, that

placed under an inferior

manded by my
rate,

my

begin-

is

desired Colonel Shee to

the advanced guard, unless he had occasion for

see

made me

the world

all

that

have been

officer.

friend Gatine,

wish was to serve

most improve myself, and

in

me about his

my

zeal,

might not

person.

but he must

myself

find

answered that they were com-

an Adjutant- General

that, at

the post of honour, where

that, as to the etiquette of rank,

any

could

we could

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

140

soon

settle that, as I

was

[1796.

General told him his intention was to keep

that

should embark

Fraternite, a frigate).

in

am

same

the

I was a

bird."

my

whom we examined

fellow

in his family,

offer.

and
{La

himself

with

Col.

The

last night.

very glad of that, and

General was very well pleased with

young

me

vessel

glad also to serve with the grenadiers, but

places at once, " without

Mr. Shee

willing to join as a Volunteer.

promised to speak to the General, which he did

should be very

cannot be in two

Shee

Barry

told

me

the

St. Leger, the

a few days ago, has very

come with us as a Volunteer, and I have, by

means of Mr. Shee, fixed him in the General's own guards they
are a most noble company of grenadiers, commanded by Capt.
Bloom, a German, as are almost all the privates, and have distinguished themselves singularly in La Vendee. Bloom has promised
me to take care of St. Leger, and I hope he will do well. If I had
Mat and Arthur here now, I could fix them both. Well, if we get
safe to the other side, I shall perhaps be able to do it there.
We
will see.
To-day I took occasion to disburthen my mind on the
state of our expedition to Col. Shee.
I told him the Spanish fleet
was, as we knew officially, in Toulon, where, it was true, they might
annoy the English commerce in the Mediterranean, which was the
only good they could do, now that Corsica was restored to the
Republic.
That, instead of mitching in that idle manner at
Toulon, they ought to be in Brest waters, which would secure
spiritedly desired to

the success of our expedition beyond the possibility of a miscarriage, and,

for ever.

by that means, cripple the naval power of England

it was true the French and Spanish navies have

That

never co-operated long, successfully

nevertheless, this

did

not

apply to our case, as our operation was simple, and required

only a superiority in the Channel for one week, which would
settle the affair as well as

force

a century

that, divided as

was now, and watched as we were by the

our naval

English,

it

was hardly possible to suppose that we should reach Ireland

in with their fleet, and that, if they were superior, or

without falling

even equal

in

numbers,

infallibly beat us.

That

gave

all this

it

as

risk

my

opinion that they would

might be prevented, and the

MT.

THE SPANISH GOVERNMENT.

33.]

141

matter reduced to absolute certainty by the co-operation of the

Spanish

and

fleet,

absence proved to

that, consequently, their

French Government had

either that the

little

Government was infatuated

that the Spanish

not conceive, and at the reflection of which

England would never forgive them the

out of Cadiz
in detail,

would be that England would beat us

fleet into

in this

mode

To

into the country.

and then send

them soundly, and,

Finally,

said that as

make

all,

such as

a desperate plunge

long harangue, which

all this

That

Richery

of making war,

hoped that in the worst event they would not take us

escaped would push on for Ireland and

could

first,

the Mediterranean, which would beat

manner, destroy us separately.

temper.

insult of escorting

that the consequence of this

to a degree

lost all

me

influence in Spain, or

have detailed

here very immethodically, Col. Shee had nothing comfortable or

substantial to offer in reply. After heartily
in

which

might

still

expected

damning the Spaniards,

was not behind him, he said he had reason to hope we

get over.
I said I hoped it as much as he, but hardly

He

it.

things in too

light.

things should not influence

duty

in the action, if

time,

thought

it

my

we were

suffer ourselves to see

replied that

my manner of seeing
my doing my

conduct, or prevent

forced into one, but that, at the

right to give

The

our departure.

we must not

then said

gloomy a

him

my opinion

same

at full length before

conversation then ended with a second volley

of imprecations from both of us, on the inconceivable madness of

the Spanish Government.

If

they do not pay dear for this system

which they have adopted, there

is

not a drop of water in Brest

we had their twenty-five sail of the line, now idling

in Toulon (damn them sempiternally), with Richery's four or five,
who have got safe into Rochefort, and our own twelve, that would
make forty sail of the line, and then, indeed, our business would be
a party of pleasure. But now see how it is the English, from the
best information which we can collect, are watching us, with twenty-

harbour.

Oh,

if

five sail

of the

we must

fall in

line, in

it

is

hardly possible but

with one of them, and they will delay us, in spite of

us, until the others

and give the

three divisions

come

finishing

up,

and then they

will flog

blow to the French marine

us completely,

and as

for the

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

142

Spaniards afterwards, they

to think of all this

Well, what

ever.

at

but

common

cannot remedy

were King of Spain

if I

Damn them

settle this affair.

within these five days

it

adversary humbled for

does not signify

weeks

for six

think

One good

night in cursing them.

we were

my

grieving

think

would

could spend this whole

happened

thing, however, has

Villaret Joyeuse, the Admiral,

and we have got another in his

hand, all possible impediment

cashiered,

is

Joyeuse was giving, under-

place.

He made

to our expedition.

the

want of seamen, and, since

departure, we have found out that there is more than enough

Directory believe
his

them no trouble. How terrible

same time, how simply and easily

will give

and, at the

might be prevented, and our

it

[1796.

at a stand for

we find already a
But what can we do with twelve

and, as the chiefs always give the ton,

better spirit

rising in the marine.

ships

November
or

22nd.

igt/i to

and

four days, recruiting

have been hard at work these three

writing.

have picked up about

twenty very stout hands, which makes eighty in all, and cost me
five louis, which the Republic owes me. I have finished my address
to the Irish people, one to the militia,

They

are

of them

all in

is

Irish

seamen.

the printer's hands, and, to speak honestly, not one

any great

in writing that

and one to the

things.

about our business that

think

The

once had.

have

my

fact is

cannot write.

lost the little facility

mind

is

so anxious

do not sleep

at nights.

The General has been ill, with a severe pain in his bowels, these
three days we were afraid at first he was poisoned, but it proved
;

to be a false alarm

November
be waiting
fort.

23rd.

he was at the Com6die

I

for Richery,

Though

who

me

still I

time to save them, but

If

quarters,
It is

we

wish

as suspense

friends in Ireland are in

that.

said to be

is

fall in

we were

and

extreme

much

fear

it.

with the English,

and crowd our

tops, poops,

at sea.

be inter-

shall

There

is

besides, the lives of

peril.

it

coming up from Roche-

have the strongest apprehensions we

cepted by the English,

so terrible to

last night.

cannot imagine what delays us now, unless

nothing

my

poor

God send we may be

Well,

we must

let

me

fight

in

not think of

them

at close

and quarter-deck with musketry.

our only chance, but against superior numbers that will not

PATERNAL AFFECTION.

JET-

33.]

do.

Those

but what

my

poor

little

whether we

is

family

that to us

till I

meet again.

shall ever

me

anything befalls

They

pay dear for their folly

was thinking last night of
was as melancholy as a cat. God knows

infernal Spaniards

satisfaction

after, I

but

will

If

reach Ireland in safety, and

have not the

my

country will take care of them, and

every good Irishman

of them.

least

boys

doubt but

my

will find a father in

should happen to be killed at sea,

if I

and the expedition should not succeed,

may become

'43

It is terrible

dread to think on what

rely

on the goodness of

Providence, which has often interposed to save us, on the courage

and prudence of
protect them.
tears

my

wife,

and on the friendship of

My

darling babies

my

eyes whenever

gush into

myself a thousand times the

little

God Almighty

mouths.

this subject.

last

have taken a

my

my

think on them.

words

whom

boy,

little

He

feel

the

repeat to

heard from their innocent

and protect them.

bless

brother to

dote on them.

found

must leave

among

the

young that he will not

be of much use to me but he was an orphan, and half naked. He
was born in Dorsetshire, and his father was an Irish Quartermaster
of Dragoons. He is a natural son. I have rigged him out handand if he brushes my coat and takes care of my
somely
prisoners of war, as

servant

so

is

portmanteau, with the baggage,

it

is all

require.

His name

is

William White.

November
it

2\th, 2$tk.

Colonel Shee

tells

me

to-day that he has

from Bruix, one of our admirals, that we shall

Would

to

God

it

were to-night

There

blowing right out of the harbour.

December.

The

1st of

January

is

left

we

it

will

Sandy Hook.

February

tion,

possible that on the 1st of January next I

more

it is

in

arrived at Havre, and,

Dublin.

days ago,

That looks

Qtcanquam, oh

if

like

be the

The

of

arrive safe at our destina-

may

be once

Vienna, by way of

peace with the Emperor; but, thank God,

of

1st of
1st

General Clarke set off nine

at a minute's warning, for

signs as yet

in six days.

a fine steady breeze

In six days
I

sail

peace with England

Italy.

see

no

on the contrary, Lord

Malmesbury and my old lover, Charles De la Croix, are keeping

up a very snappish correspondence, which the Directory publishes

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

144
regularly.

have been hard at work half

day translating
a Colonel Tate, an American officer,

orders and instructions for

who

offered his services,

[1796.

and

to

whom

rank of Chef de Brigade, and 1,050

this

the General has given the

men

of the Legion Noire, in

order to go on a buccaneering party into England.

some
to

errors in the locality, which, after

little

me from my own

may

least corrected,

which

Colonel Shee, wherein

him that

by the General

is

he

His object

caught.

is

have some reason to think that the scheme has

resulted from a conversation

Ireland,

errors

fellow, with military talents,

play the devil in England, before he

Liverpool, and

Excepting

may seem

ignorance, the instructions are incomparably

drawn they are done, or at

himself, and if Tate be a dashing
well

all,

I told

had a few days since with

if

we were once

thought we might make a piratical

settled in

visit in that quarter,

was we that should have the credit and

example, to pay a visit to Liverpool
myself, with some of the gentlemen from Ormond Quay, though I
must say the citizens of the Legion Noire are very little behind
and, in

profit of

my

fact,

wish

it.

it

should

like, for

countrymen, either

appearance or morality, which

in

last

has been prodigiously cultivated by three or four campaigns in

in their black jackets, will

get safely into Lancashire.

satisfaction

is

may

It is

line.

all

sizes,

little

never

ocean, exposed to

babies,

see, are
all

of which perhaps

a most magnificent coup

always damped by two reflections

and our darling

perhaps

the fleet which rides below. There

of ships of war, of

fifty sail

twenty are of the

thousand of these desperadoes,

edify John Bull exceedingly, if they

Every day I walk for an hour alone on

down on

the ramparts, and look

are about

La Vendee.

Bretagne and

one of

whom

most probably

first,

d'oeil,

that

but

my

my
wife

have never seen, and

at this

moment on the
The remem-

the perils of a winter passage.

brance of the vessel which was wrecked

last

February

at Havre,

may say before my eyes, and of the unfortunate French woman

who was drowned with her two infants, shoots across my mind a

And

thousand times a day.

I lie

awake, regularly, half the night,

listening to the wind, every puff of which

my

babies

my

babies

makes me shudder.

God Almighty will,

Oh

hope, preserve you

*.T.

A TEMPESTUOUS MIND.

33-]

145

and your mother, whatever becomes of me, I dote upon you, you
Well, I am at work for you here, and I am going to
little things.
goes well, there will not be on earth so

fight for you, and, if all

happy a being

my

as

My

arms.

when

shall be,

have you

once more

all

other reflection, which also torments me,

in

the

is

uncertainty of our arrival in Ireland, on account of the English

Sometimes

fleet.

them

off Brest

wish for a storm of

but then

but then

and whose

scarcely

may

lives

know what

think of

poor

wish to wait for those

my

if

we could get them

who are now in

friends

my mind

Altogether

am

Fortunately the measure does not depend upon me.

my own

but for

personal conduct

myself at least without discredit.

and

If I

more

ten times

is

troubled and tempestuous than the ocean on which

orders like every one else, and, of course,

and

family,

little

be sacrificed by our delay.

to wish, and

blow

five or six days, to

my

infernal blockheads, the Spaniards

up from Toulon
prison,

think of

At other times

check myself directly.

damned

gazing.

my

wait

have no responsibility

hope

could

shall

acquit

command

events,

and were sure that Russell and the others could afford the time,
what I would wish would be to delay the expedition until the
arrival of the Spanish fleet, which I would instantly order up
from Toulon

that operation might require, at soonest, six weeks,

and our success would then be certain. But what signifies rr.y
tormenting myself about what I cannot remedy ? The Spaniards
won't come, and be

they

after,

and

all

and

my own

not care!

My

damned

to them,

and we

shall

the liberty of Ireland, the lives of

expectations, will be

mind

is

all

be beat

my

sacrificed

and

first,

best friends,

Well,

getting hardened now, just as

it

do

was

in

when I expected every day to be seized and hanged.

November 26th. To-day, by the General's orders, I have made a
fair copy of Colonel Tate's instructions, with some alterations, from
Ireland,

the rough draft of yesterday, particularly with regard to his

destination,
will

it

he

is

which

is

now

fixed to be Bristol.

be very possible to carry

to burn

it

to the ground.

it
I

If

he arrives

by a coup de main,

in

first

safe,

which case

cannot but observe here, that

transcribed, with the greatest sang-froid, the orders to reduce to

VOL.

11.

11

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

146

[1796.

ashes the third city of the British dominions,

in

amount of 5 ,000,000.
burned without mercy

in

which there is,

But such a thing

perhaps, property to the

war

is

The

British

endeavoured to starve 25,000,000 of souls

all,

they are keeping, at this moment,

friends in prison, myself in exile.

steel

me

against horrors which

my

America

country

they

above

in France, and,

my

in slavery,

It is these considerations

which

should otherwise shudder to think

Yet I cannot but remark what misery the execution of the

which I have transcribed, and assisted in framing, may
produce, and how quietly Colonel Shee and myself sat by the fire
discussing how we might do the greatest possible mischief to the
unfortunate wretches on whom our plans are intended to operate.

of.

orders

Well, they

may thank

themselves

they are accomplices with their

execrable Government, which has shown us the

and there

direful extremities,

exterminate

willingly

again

The

slight affair

be,

it

will

my

name
;

of

and

life,

Yet once

Irish.

It

cannot help

is

no

attempt

families, if the
it

If

it

may

inflict

on the people of England.

much improved by my
Adjutant-General. The truth is, I hate

England

are worth a farthing

my

those

all

is

hated her before

my

exile

hate

will hate her always.

November 27th, 2W1,

tired of

in

never blame the French for any

morality or feeling

promotion to the rank of

her since

way

of them but would

French and

reduced to beggary.

must, and

do not think

the very

man

thousands and thousands of

degree of misery which they

I

the

not a

of such a city as Bristol

conflagration

succeeds, will be

must

both

is

2gt/i.

have no memorandums to make that

always writing and writing.

or, as the

French

say, je iriemiuye de

declare

ma

am

personne.

Yesterday, at dinner, the General was mentioning several deputies,

who, having been

in the

army

before the Revolution, had profited

of the advantages which their situation in the legislative body gave

them, to promote themselves to high rank, and he added,

there

is

He was

Carnot, of

whom

"

Well,

they say so much, both good and

evil.

a Captain of Engineers before the Revolution, and he

is

a Captain of Engineers yet." It is highly honourable to Carnot.

Apropos of the General there is a charming little aristocrat, with
:

^T.

ANGRY WITH HO CHE.

33.]

147

whom

he

In

the hurry of our expedition, he contrived to steal

all

is

perfectly well, although

spend two days and nights with

her relations are Chouans.

all

Mr. Shee and

her.

on what business,

When

they attempted

middle of Rennes, they might well execute

anything happened Hoche, there

was damned

and
a

in

for,

waylay and assassinate him.

man

were

knowing where he was gone, and

we apprehended some of the Chouans might

mortal fright at his absence,

if

off,

an end of our business.

is

God

indiscreet in him, but

in the

it

in a by-road, and,

it

forbid

It

should be the

I have been buffeted myself so often by

would be rather indecent of me to censure
him. (Sings) "'Tis woman that seduces all mankind." I do not
think, however (but God knows), that, under the present circumstances, I would have gone caterwauling for two days among

to accuse him, for

the foul fiend, that

it

Hoche has

the Chouans.

all

own

to do as he pleases with his

tion in the head.

but reasonable.

with us, and

may

about

well.

is

as

never did

they do what they please

for

in vain talking

is

stop here whilst he

?)

sake of a woman, was

for the

life

nonsense

It is all

it

my

in

not

but not to knock our expedi-

life,

was very angry with him, which,

a foolish thing myself

why

the right in the world (and

it

however,

hope he

learn to-day that the Etat-

Major, myself included, does not embark in the same frigate with
the General, and I
I

am

sorry for

for divers excellent reasons.

it,

should be very glad to have gone with him, but

must submit, though

say nothing of

it,

it

vexes

but keep

cared. Well, I

am

to

must take to

mortification I have

will

not be the

for

example

matter be.

Damn

me

it

for

if I

am

cannot,

will

think the

do not know now

plaguy angry, if anybody
I

and

it is
it

not the

certainly

should be taken by the English,

I

can't help myself, so let the

of the Etat- Major gave a grand

dinner to four or five of the Captains of the

twenty at dinner, and very pleasant.

satisfied that,

though

in the business,

me, but

officers

if I

however,

old remedy, patience

met with

How

To-day the

my

to myself,

with him.

embark, and

first

last.

confoundedly

my mind

General ought to have taken

on what vessel

me

fleet

we were about

All the Captains seemed

with the number of soldiers

we have embarked, we

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

148

be a match for the English, but what they fear

shall

them on

may

is

in

the worst which can happen

express the anxiety of

of

up

as well be blocked

get safe, that

my

mind on

them.

this circumstance,

be easily conceived that nothing can exceed

will

meet

to

is

Would to God we were

does it make to the French ? They
Cork as in Brest Harbour and, if we

their return, after landing us.

once landed, what difference

it

[1796.

how deep

siderations

is

a sea-fight

a stake

my

but

Once

the

for all

believe

con-

last

dislike mortally the idea of

we

place, I expect

first

cannot

Only think

it.

have engaged, when one of the

life.

for, in

be worsted,

shall

and perhaps the expedition frustrated, and, in the next place, I

may be killed, and then my poor little babies will reap no advantage
from my death, whereas if it was my lot to fall after our landing,
I

my

should have the consolation of being assured that

would provide
establishment

them, and

for

an object

is

country

can safely say that their future

which

my mind

occupies

at

this

moment much more than any concern about my persafety not that I wish at all to make the idle rhodomontade

important
sonal

of saying that

wish to

and

to educate

should

own

am

fall in

country.

my

darling babies

the contest, at least

If

have

my

my

about

indifferent

and be happy with

live

my

but

if it

may

very

from

far

my

it

it

my
my

should be in

say, in the

friends,

should happen that

wish that

wish,

life,

dearest love and

words of

poor friend Russell

" If

we meet

with a privateer, or lofty

We will not
Poor fellow
concerns.

His situation
trust in

at this

God we

Well,

let

me change

moment

shall, after

spite of the English fleet, to rescue

sufferers.

man

of war,

stay to wrangle, nor to chatter, nor to jar."

one of

is

all,

my

papers.

It is

will

me

a great favour, as

command, General Grouchy, has not seen

need not detail the contents here, as

amongst

is

in

rest of his fellow-

Mr. Shee showed

to-day the proclamation of the General, which

the second in

principal

be yet in time,

him and the

the subject.

my

it

yet.

take care to have a copy

very incorrectly printed

which

is

^T.

THE ADMIRALS OF THE FLEET.

33.]

149

and I found here and there some expressions which put me

mind of my old friend, Captain Poitier.
November 30th. To-day Colonel Shee, who has been alarmed
with some symptoms of the gout, to which he is a martyr, resolved
pity,
in

to

go on board the Fraternite, whilst he

He

move

yet able to

is

may

near sixty, and with a broken constitution, as

is

supposed after thirty-six years'

eager in the business as

service, yet

he

is

bold and

as

he were but five-and-twenty.

if

about.

well be

went

aboard with him, and dined with the Admiral Morard de Galles,

who has succeeded

Villaret Joyeuse,

Bouvet and Bruix.

When

aside for an instant,

rent vessels,
to him,

was

it

to me,

my

likely

and

we might
had

fall

in with the English,

by making such a report of

He

as they merited.

time, that

his family the

and

availed myself of this to observe, that, as

and of course have

happen

to entreat of him, in case anything should

might rely upon

same

and that he got safe to Ireland, to exert himself

family,

just,

and told

might, perhaps, not have another occasion to speak

and therefore

an action,

and two other Admirals,

was about to leave him, I took him
him, that, as we embarked on diffe-

if

his zeal

and

my

friendship,

which

service,

behalf of

services as he thought

assured me, in case of any accident,

and he requested

a similar circumstance befell him,

same

in

at the

would render

assured him, with great truth

and so we parted. I have a

and the very best opinion both of his zeal
Well, now that he is aboard, there is one step gained.

sincerity, I

would not

to do,

fail

sincere regard for him,

and
It

talents.

seems we (the Etat-Major) embark

an 80-gun ship, and the

comfort, however.

who was

squadron

young Frenchman, Adjoint

Adjutant-General, applied to
Crublier,

aboard the Indomptable,

finest vessel in the

me

to-day to be

that

Adjoint,

is

not speak English, so

Dorsan, but
I

told

would speak to him about

will

for

a great favourite with the General, has fallen,

young man's name

so

some

to Crublier, an

my

apprehend, into some disgrace, and does not come with

my own

is

him

it,

which

At

This

do not know him, and he does

I left all

opinion, on which he left

not take him.

us.

me

that to the General, and

did accordingly, mentioning

at liberty to

do as

night, Rapatelle, another

pleased

young

lad,

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

i5o

me

told

my Adjoint, and

he was nominated to be

deal better than the other

consider of

and

it,

let

so

him

told

[1796.

him a great

like

would take to-night

him know to-morrow

the result.

to

like

Rapatelle well enough, but he does not speak English neither, so

shall

be in a

still

If

difficulty.

had Matt here now,

could fix

him in a minute, Captain and Adjoint. Well, if I get to Ireland, I

must have aides-de-camp there, and then I will see what can be
done.

am now Adjutant-General, and of course

if I am not promoted in my own country.

put back,

evening at Grimel's, where

all

General Grouchy,

got hold of me, and

we had

to call

to-morrow

not be

Called in the

the Generals generally go to play

cards and trictrac.

me

will

who

is

second

at the Printer of the Marine,

command,

in

He begged

a long talk about Ireland.

and see

if I

could not find anything geographical relating to that country, and,

at all events, to call

on him to-morrow

at eleven,

which

General Cherin, Chef de l'Etat-Major, told

to do.

promised

me

to-night

embark the day after to-morrow. So I came upstairs,

and packed up my trunk, and I am now at single anchor, and this

that

I shall

business

will, at last,

be brought to a decision.

France exactly ten months to-night.

misspent.

At

all

We will

events,

see

now

have done

in

my

Well,

it

have been

in

has not been time

a few days what will come of

it.

best.

NOTE TO CHAPTER

VI.

a larmee francaise, destinee a operer la revolution

d'irlande.
Rtpublicains
sions, j'ai

Fier de vous avoir

obtenu du Gouvernement

a de nouveaux

succes.

fait

la

vaincre en plusieurs occa-

permission de vous conduire

Vous commander,

c'est etre assure

du

triomphe.

Jaloux de rendre a

une revolution,

le

la liberte

un peuple digne

d'elle, et

Directoire nous envoie en Irlande, a

mur pour
l'effet

d'y

jet.

HOCHES PROCLAMATION.

33.]

que d'excellents Republicans viennent d'y

faciliter la revolution

entreprendre.
lites

II

sera beau pour nous, qui avons vaincu les satel-

des Rois armes contre la R^publique, de

lui

aider a recouvrer

Gouvernement Anglais.
jamais, braves et fideles Ccmpagnons, que

ses droits usurpes par l'odieux

Vous

n'oublierez

peuple, chez lequel nous allons, est

devons

En

le traiter

comme

tel, et

le

l'ami de notre Patrie, que nous

non comme un peuple conquis.

arrivant en Irlande, vous trouverez l'hospitalite, la fraternite

bientot des milliers de ses habitans viendront grossir nos phalanges.

Gardons-nous done bien de jamais

Ainsi que nous,

ils

aucuns d'eux en ennemis.

clatante.

Croyez que

les

vous apres

le

moment

oil,

a Pitt et a ses amis, ce

Par amiti, par devoir,

et

ces

une vengeance
Irlandais ne soupirent pas moins que
de concert, nous irons a Londres rap-

derniers sont les seuls dont

peler,

traiter

ont a se venger des perfides Anglais

nous ayons a

qu'ils

ont

fait

tirer

contre notre liberty.

pour l'honneur du

nom

Francois, vous

respecterez les personnes et les proprits du pays ou nous allons.

Si,

par des efforts constans, je pourvois a vos besoins, croyez que,

jaloux de conserver

commander,

la

je punirai

Les

doit a son pays.

soldat r^publicain

Vous me connoissez
ne manquerai pas a

la

reputation de l'Armee que

j'ai

l'honneur de

severement quiconque s'ecartera de ce

mort sera

le

parole.

J'ai

du

prix du viol et du pillage.

assez pour croire que, pour la premiere

ma

qu'il

lauriers et la gloire seront le partage

fois,

du vous preVenir, sachez vous

en rappeler.

Le

General,

L.
Brest, le

annee republicaine.

je

Hoche.

CHAPTER

VII.

BANTRY BAY EXPEDITION.

December

Received

2nd.

ist,

my

order to embark on board the

Packed up

Indomptable of 80 guns, Captain Bedout.

wrote a long
everything

letter of directions to

my

which

wife, in

thought necessary, and advised her,

directly,
I

and

detailed

any-

in case of

thing happening me, to return to America, and settle in Georgia or

Carolina.

enclosed this under cover to Madgett, and, at two

To-day
morrow

command

hope

by a proclamation
a flame

is in

Well,

it.

we

December

if

in

God we

of the

we

have a most magnificent

expect,

by the

arrival of the

are about to set out at

last.

whole
I

see,

Lord Lieutenant, that the north of Ireland

arrive safe,

we

shall not

do much to extinguish

shall see.

3rd, ^th.

are in force off

As

it is

now

pretty certain that the English

Ushant to the number of sixteen ships of the

frigates,

way

Ireland without falling in with

it

line

seems hardly possible that we can make our

and ten
to

vessel.

the troops, as the highest in rank, but to-

be superseded,

shall

Etat-Major.

We

on board.

o'clock, arrived

them

and, as even the

most successful action must be attended with damages in our

masts and rigging, so that, even if victorious, which I do not
expect,
tion,

we may yet be prevented from proceeding on

considering the stormy season of the year,

devising a scheme, which,

Ireland, can hardly

most four

sail

fail

the expedi-

have been

think, in the present state of things in

of success.

It is this

that three, or at

of the fastest-going ships should take advantage of

moment, as a dark night and a strong gale

from the north-east, and slip out with as many troops as they can
carry, including at least a company of the artillerie legere, and
the

first

favourable

152

^ET.

TONE PROPOSES LANDING IN ULSTER.

33.]

somewhat

steering such a course as, though

out of the

way

of the English

fleet

longer, should be

and land the men

most

that they should proceed

round the coast of Ireland, keeping a good offing

accidents,

153

for

of

fear

the North, as near Belfast as pos-

in

we could land two thousand men in this manner, with as

we could carry beside, I have no doubt but
in a week we would have possession of the entire North of Ireland,
and we could certainly maintain ourselves there for a considerable
If

sible.

many

stand of arms as

time, against

the force which could be sent against us, the

all

consequence of which would be,

first,

that the whole South would be

disfurnished of troops, which would, of course, be sent against us

and

quit

am

also

its

almost certain that the British

station off Brest,

fleet

would directly

where they have been now cruising ten

weeks, according to our accounts, as thinking that the mischief was

already done, and that they were watching the stable
steed

was stolen

mediately set

and landing

off,

and so

two

fires,

this

scheme be adopted,

should hear of

it

in the

South, put the

settle the business

it

is

enemy between

almost without a blow.

If

absolutely necessary that no mortal

but Morard de Galles, Hoche, and Colonel Shee.

The reason of my wishing not to lose an

make the attempt with two thousand men
have given elsewhere

articles within

when the

which case the main embarkation might im-

in

in these

instant,

memorandums,

these few days in the

and likewise to

contrary to the opinion

is,

that I have seen

French papers, including,

among others, a proclamation of the Lord Lieutenant, dated

November 9th, by which I see that the insurrection is ready every
and that they have gone so

instant to explode in the North,

as to break

open the magazine

barrels of powder.

dread,

consequence, their

in

themselves before they are properly supported.

with almost any number of troops, provided
artillery, I

should have no doubt of success.

these two days which

scheme

the Fraternity to state

hammock

committing

If we were there,
we had arms and

After deliberating

have spent on board, and examining

in all possible lights, I

it

went to-day

to Colonel Shee,

with the gout, as he expected.

BOSTON co

at

who
I

<>

my

two o'clock on board

is

confined to his

explained

UIL,

far

and take by force ten

Belfast,

in

Mass

it

to

him

at

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

*54
length,

and he seemed

to relish

it

[1796.

a good deal, and, as the General

dines to-day on board with the Admiral, he promised he would

him and have his opinion. I should have observed,

in case it was adopted, to be permitted to go with
embarkation. We then fixed to meet to-morrow, when he

mention
that

the

it

to

begged,

first

will let

me know

the result, and so

old fellow, at this time of

much

gout, to expose himself with so

Apropos

occasion.

my

of spirit,

fought like a lion in this war

we

He

parted.

and with that

life,

spirit as

captain,

a noble

is

malady, the

terrible

he manifests on this
Bedout, has

Citizen

he commanded the Tigre which was

taken by the English on the 27th of June, 1795, and was wounded in
four places before he struck to three three-deckers, which were on

him

at once.

adopted,

mentioned to Colonel Shee that

rank, especially as the Indomptable

ship,

to-morrow, and
sure

it is

hope

to land, but

eclat

it

will

is

own

till

adopted, as
I

fear

I
it,

he were the

if

above such weakness as to

the success of the measure to his

far

is

undoubtedly lessen

which would attend Hoche

hope he

his

is

must now wait

God my scheme may be

in

so, as, if it succeeds,

some degree the

first

plan was

a remarkably fast sailing

is

our best course under the circumstances.

however, the more

in

my

and he seems heartily bent on our expedition, which

from being the case with most of the marine.

am

if

thought he should be named Commodore, which

We

reputation.

sacrifice

shall see.

To-day the Admiral has given orders that after to-morrow no one
will be allowed to go on shore, which is what the French call lever

The General

la planche.

now seems

sleeps aboard that night, so everything

to "give dreadful note

my

ofpreparation!' I wish, however,

am exceedingly well off aboard,

scheme may be adopted. I

and Captain Bedout is remarkably civil and attentive
Canadian and speaks very good English.
December

$t/i to

8t/i.

The

uniformity of

the road of Brest, does not furnish

I

saw Mr. Shee yesterday, who

tells

me

that he spoke of

my

is

my

life,

much matter

still

in

at

he

anchor

in

for observation.

bed with the gout.

plan to the General,

is

who

He

said at once

was impossible, and that he durst not take on himself the responsibility it would induce. His reasons are good. First, if our

it

STRENGTH OF THE FRENCH FLEET.

JET. 33.]
little

squadron

certainty, be

fell

we must, to a moral
we got even clear, and that the
squadron fell in with the enemy and was

beaten, which would,

would be

laid

detachment

with the enemy,

in

Next,

taken.

remainder of the

155

if

most probably, be the

case, the

whole

and, lastly, that from the state of our preparations,

we must

being victualled and furnished but for a short period,

speedily

fault

on him, as having weakened the main force by the

que

sail, coiite

so that the advantage

coiite,

drawing off the English

would be

fleet

proposed in

we could not

useless, as

afford to wait the time necessary to suffer that circumstance to

This

operate.

of opinion that
the best.

If

last is

the best of his reasons, but

remain firmly

my

scheme is, under all the circumstances, infinitely

we were able to go in force, a la bonne heure ; but as we

are not, and as

have no expectation but that we

beaten, and the whole expedition miscarry,

means

much

shall

look upon

be well

my proposal

and perhaps, with

I speak of, we might succeed, even though the main body
might miscarry. I say perhaps, though in fact I do not doubt it.
As to the General's objection on the score of the hazard, unas the best

to save so

out of the

fire,

the force

doubtedly there

is

great hazard

the actual hazard to be

much

but, in the first place,

look upon

greater on his plan, inasmuch as four

ships have an infinitely better chance of escaping the vigilance of

Admiral Gardner, who

of the

line,

than

is

watching us without with eighteen

fifteen,

of which our squadron consists (not

including frigates on either side)

beat us as surely with our fifteen

sequence

great a measure as that which

;

and as to

sail

our expedition.

we have

in

have no doubt of the superiority of

line,

my

risk,

must submit. Our force

sail,

is
;

at sea,

and

are to

in that respect

of fifteen

that

infinite

we

However,

plan.

ten frigates, and seven or eight transports

of thirty

hand without

and as we are undoubtedly the weaker

cided otherwise, and

In the

no possibility of executing so

is

choose that party which offers us the least

I

fighting, they will

as with four, and the con-

will be, of course, the failure of

next place, as to the hazard, there

hazard

sail

it is

sail

de-

of the

makes upwards

a force which can never escape the vigilance of the

English, unless there should

come a

furious storm for

two or three

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

them up the Channel.

days, without remission, which would blow

And

even

by

so,

all I

[1796.

can see of our preparations, we are not ready

to avail ourselves instantly of that circumstance, so that, in

probability,

if

a storm were to

come

to our

the

relief,

have time to be back again to block us up, or at

us

besides, the elements

memory

of

man

least to intercept

seem to conspire against

known

there has not been

succession of fine weather in this season

all

enemy would
In the

us.

at Brest so long a

and we have had now

we

three weeks of favourable winds, of which, for obvious reasons,

have not been able to

we must look

for the

profit.

wind

Of course, when

this

in the opposite quarter,

prevailing wind in winter, and will block us

the English.

am

weather changes,

my

absolutely weary of

up as

which

wind

westward, and continues there for any time, as

in to the

the

effectually as

If the

life.

is

is

sets

highly

probable, the troops will get sickly and impatient, and what

worse, our provisions of

shall

all sorts

will

be exhausted

is

and so we

be obliged to give up the expedition from downright poverty.

Want

of

ment.

money

is

the great stumbling-block of the French Govern-

These are sad croaking memorandums, but unfortunately

all too true.
Those damned Spaniards
Well, they will

they are

American colonies that is some revenge and Mr. Pitt

may profit now of my scheme for the Sandwich Islands. I have
now done with my scheme, which is undoubtedly liable to the
objections made by the General, but when we have but a choice of
We had a
difficulties, what is the scheme which is without them ?

lose their

grand exercise to-day of great guns and small arms, and both
troops and seamen went through their business with great activity.
I

should like to see the same on board of an English man-of-war.

We
it

did not

fire,

but two other ships, the Nestor and the Eole, did

was a beautiful

evening

sight.

saw Mr. Shee

the gout had got into his

fully out of

spirits,

General thinks the Marine are

time, until the

left

think for the

bad weather

trifling

sets in,

highly probable, our stores of

all

first

for half

an hour

this

hand, and he was dreadtime.

He

me

tells

the

with him, on purpose to gain

when,

if it

holds any time, as

sorts will be exhausted,

business must be given up from pure necessity.

This

is

and the
appre-

XT-

A REINFORCEMENT.

330

He

hended myself.

iS7

also says that Bruix, a rear-admiral,

who

is

charged with the execution of the naval department, and in whose

General had great confidence, has cooled exceedingly

zeal the

within these few days

so

much, that to-day, when the General

on him, and was pressing him on our

of answering him, was dandling one of his
excuse

now

is

we

are waiting for

in

water-colours,

that

must be washed
worthy subject

some
and

It is true

force.
is

little

will

the General

may

we

shall

should

see of those gentlemen,

fail

not get out in

order us out at his

happened us he would have the whole Marine on

I

take two days

a dreadful responsibility to take on himself, for

what

The

children.

charts or plans, which

delay in the present stage of the business

for

begin more and more to think that

Bruix, instead

affair,

called

if

peril,

but

it

any accident

his back, and,

by

think they would rather that

all

than their prophecy not be verified

and, by the by,

it

is always in their power to make us miscarry, so I think it can

hardly be expected that Hoche will go these lengths. A man's
own scheme is always lovely in his eyes, but I cannot help wishing
that we were out safe with even four ships, according to my plan,
and it seems not impossible but we may come to that at length
Our whole business now, not to speak of the English, turns on a

In the meantime the troops keep up their

change of the wind.

health and spirits, and are, at this

moment,

were

all

thousand

in

Ireland

Would

But when

will that

be

We

to

God we

are thirteen

hundred strong.

five

December

and

as well as possible,

every evening dancing on the quarter-deck.

gth,

leave of Brest.

loi/i,

nth.

Four of our

Went

my

ashore yesterday to take

frigates stood out of the goulet that

so there are at least symptoms of movement.

This
morning went on board the Fraternite to see Colonel Shee, and, to
my infinite satisfaction, saw Richery in the offing, standing in for

evening,

the road, where he anchored safely in an hour after.

with him

five ships

It is

brings

we

shall

and the crews of the two others, which are

a reinforcement of the most infinite consequence to us,

have three of the

foul.

He

of the line and two frigates, of which

and, perhaps,

may

line

enable us to force our

way out

at last.

am

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

how

astonished

[1796.

Richery, with his squadron, has been able to elude

the vigilance of the English

he must be an excellent

I presume we shall have him, of course, with

comes aboard to-day, and it is not impossible,

favourable, but

we may

the event, for

am

December

and

The General

us.

the weather

if

is

God send whatever may be

sail to-night.

tired of this suspense.

The Etat-Major came aboard

12th.

officer,

last

night;

we

are seven in the great cabin, including a lady in boy's clothes, the
wife of a Commissaire, one Ragoneau.

army

little

of Commissaries,

their fortunes.

If

we

who

arrive safe,

upon these gentlemen.

little

By what

see

we have a
make

are going to Ireland to

I

think

will

keep

my

eye a

In consequence of the arrival of

Richery, our squadron will be augmented with two

if

not three

and the army with 1,700 men, which, with 13,400 already
on board, will make 15,100 a force more than sufficient for our
ships,

purpose,

as

if,

am

always obliged to add, we have the good

fortune to reach our destination in safety.

made to heave short

and be ready to put to sea the report is we shall make sail at
four o'clock. I am truly rejoiced at it. " I do agnize a natural and
prompt alacrity" Called on my friend Shee, who is better he is
able to-day to write a little.
Recommended my wife and family
December

13th, 14th.

To-day the

signal

is

and protection

to his friendship

He

me.

promised

me

and

have no doubt he

will

that

is

now

my

to do.

am

glad

in
of,

power

in case

of anything happening to

heartily to exert himself in

keep

his

word

Saw Richery

so

this

their behalf,

have done

as I like to observe the countenance of

have distinguished themselves.

{Evening})

all

morning, which

men who

Having nothing

better

amuse myself scribbling these foolish memoplace, I must remark the infinite power of
female society over our minds, which I see every moment exemplified in the effect which the presence of Madame Ragoneau has
on our manners not that she has any claim to respect other than
as she is a woman, for she is not very handsome, she has no talents,
and (between friends) she was originally a fille de joie at Paris.
and I am
Yet we are all attentive and studious to please her
to

employ me,

randums.

In the

first

*T.

UNDER WAY.

33-]

glad, in short, she

not a

band of

is

aboard, as

am

General Watrin paid us a

little.

his regiment,

and

i59

satisfied

she humanises us

visit this

evening, with the

went down into the great

where

cabin,

was playing. I was

have on them. The cabin

the officers mess, and where the music

all

delighted with the effect

was

it

seemed to

with the firelocks intended for the expedition

ceiled

candlesticks were bayonets stuck in the table

and bonnets de

their jackets

the officers were in

some playing

police ;

singing to the music, others conversing, and

the

all

cards, others

the highest

in

At length
I was delighted with the scene.
band went off, and as it was a beautiful moonlight

Once again

spirits.

Watrin and

his

on the water, diminishing as they

was delicious. We are still at anchor

night, the effect of the music

receded from our vessel,

bad

bad

December

At

l$th.

to heave short,

and

right earnest.

There

enemies
as

warm and

is

It is

are

men,

all in

high
ball.

was made

to sail in

signal

is

downsail

now

"

/ hope"

is

as

and the troops are as gay as

least
;

of

May

of

not shine through somebody

With our

would not have the

The

month

may

spirits,

of such as will be opposed to us

destination.

now going

signal

most delicious weather, and the sun

Brilliant says, " he

they were going to a

Z>975

are

morning the

a signal also at the point for four

as bright as in the

We

presently."

we

believe

in the offing.

Lord George

if

11 o'clock this

15,000, or

more

correctly,

doubt of our beating 30,000

is to say, if we reach our

that

flying to get under way, so

one

way or other the affair will be at last brought to a decision, and

God knows how sincerely I rejoice at it. The wind is right aft,
huzza
At one we got under way, and stood out of the gozdet
until three, when we cast anchor by signal in the Bay de Camaret,
having made about three leagues. Our ship, I think, would beat
the whole fleet
we passed, with easy sail, a frigate, La Sur!

veillante,

under her top-gallant

come near us. We are now

we shall set off to-morrow.
December

\6th.

At

sails,

and nothing was able to

riding at single anchor,

and

hope

12 to-day the Fougueux, a 74, ran foul of us,

but we parted without any damage on either

side.

When we

were

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

i6o

[1796.

as close as possible, with the muzzles of our guns touching,

clearly

saw the impossibility of boarding a ship of the line, from the distance between the gunwale of the one and the other. At two,
signal to get under way.
At half after two, made sail, the wind
favourable, but slack.

still

Settled our role de combat.

Chasse-

loup and Vaudray, with their Adjoints, are on the lower deck

Simon and

I,

with ours, on the main deck

the Captain.
I

Cherin,

had rather be on the quarter-deck or poop, where

could see something

however,

full

better

if

believe our ship will behave well

we

December

evitably perished.
I

in

it

be

will

still

two or

events,

Last night passed through the Raz, a most

we were

wherein

difficult pass,

within an inch of

running on a sunken rock, where we must, every

morning, and

all

think, settle the affair.

ijth.

dangerous and

all

are

to encourage

is

but

At

reserve our valour for the shore.

three days must,

We

said nothing.

regimentals, with our laced hats, &c, which

the troops.

believe, with

am

knew nothing about

glad of

it,

for

soul,

my

part,

Captain Bedout told

it.

have

me

till

in-

this

he had

rather stand three such engagements as that wherein he was taken

than pass again through the Raz at night, so

was

serious

if

we had

struck,

it

seems the

we should have gone

affair

to pieces in a

quarter of an hour, as the tide runs furiously at the rate of not less

than 10 knots an hour.

Ours

is

the

first

squadron that has passed

through the Raz, which even single ships avoid, unless

necessity.

we
is

are but eighteen sail in

our number.

five

my

This morning, to

infinite mortification

company

in case

of

and anxiety,

instead of forty-three, which

We conjecture, however, that the

remaining twenty-

have made their way through the Yroise, and that we shall see

them to-morrow morning at the same time, we much fear

some of our companions have perished in that infernal Raz.
;

have nothing

for

it

now but

to wait

This day has passed without any event

the wind favourable, and our eighteen

Two

to-morrow.

till
;

{At

may have

escaped the Raz.

General Grouchy, second

in

command,

We

night.)

the weather moderate,

sail

pretty well together.

of the admirals and the General are with the absent

send they

that

God

Rear-Admiral Bouvet and

are with us.

believe there

MT.
is

A FOG.

33.]

t6i

a rendezvous fixed in case of separation, so to-morrow

We

see.

run on an average

we

shall

or six knots an hour, course

five

W.N.W.
December

At

18th.

Noah

"

damn

it

we

nine this morning a fog so thick that

us.

"

Hazy

aught

know, within a quarter

cannot see a ship's length before

we may

be, for

weather, master

of a mile of our missing ships, without knowing

it

it is

true

we

by the same means, miss the English, so it may be as

well for good as evil, and I count firmly upon the fortune of the
Republic.
How, after all, if we were not to join our companions ?
What will Grouchy and Bouvet determine ? We are enough to
make the attempt, but we must then steer for the North of
Ireland.
If it rested with me, I would not hesitate a moment,

may

and

also,

as

it is I

will certainly

" If

we

are

propose

doomed

it,

to die,

if I

we

can find an opening.

are enough

To do
The

This damned fog

Foggy

continues without interruption.

General Cherin what

He

said

that

(At

and no appearance of our comrades.

day,

all

our country loss ; and if to rise,

fewer men, the greater share of honour."

he

we should do

in case

nighty
I

asked

they did not rejoin

us.

supposed General Grouchy would take the

command with the troops we had with us, which, on examination,

we found to amount to about 6,500 men. I need not say that I
supported this idea with all my might. The Captain has opened
a packet containing instructions for his conduct in case of separation,

which order him to cruise

at the

where he

is

to

days

to remain three more, at the

does not see the

is

for five

off

make

in that case

fleet,

end of which time,

the best of his

way back

am

may

not take on them-

glad to see that Cherin

on that plan, notwithstanding the interference of

who put

December
vol.

11.

in his

igth.

word,

he

to Brest.

whether Bouvet and Grouchy

I

if

by a frigate, he
But we must see

or receive further orders

selves to land the troops.

Fairin,

Mizen Head, and,

end of that time, proceed to the mouth of the Shannon,

is

bent

his aide-de-camp,

thought, impertinently enough.

This morning, at eight, signal of a

12

fleet in

the

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

i6a
offing

now

Branlebas General

am

toilet,

ready, ou pour les Anglais, ou pour les Anglaises.

about a dozen
knows.

made my

rose directly and

[1796.

sail,

so
see

God
we do not move an inch even
but here we lie rolling like so many logs

but whether they are friends or enemies

a stark calm, so that

It is

with our studding

on the water.

sails

It is

most inconceivably provoking

two

frigates

that were ordered to reconnoitre, have not advanced one hundred

now

yards

in

an hour, with

damn

it

to hell for a calm, and in the middle of December.

it

cannot

last long.

be famous news

do our

best,

their canvas out

be the English,

it

At

let

This calm

half-past ten

recognise the signals, and, to

fleet

nine o'clock

Well,
it

them come, we

will
will

think the Indomptable will not be the worst

fought ship in the squadron.

terribly vexatious.

it is

prove to be our comrades,

If this fleet
if

and

all

my

proves to be our comrades, so

la peur, as the French say

we

calm

this

floated near

it

most

is

enough to

infinite satisfaction, the strange

now

nous en sommes quittes pour

counted sixteen

including the

sail,

The wind, which favoured

us thus far, is chopped about, and is now right in our teeth that
If we had a fair wind we should be in
is provoking enough.
Bantry Bay to-morrow morning. At half-past one, hailed by a
Admiral's

frigate, so the

General

is safe.

lugger,

which informed us of the

four of our squadron, the

hundred and

fifty

men

first

loss of the Se'duisant, a seventy-

night of our departure, with five

of the ninety-fourth Demi-brigade, of

whom

happened near the same spot where

we were in such imminent danger. I was mistaken above in saying
that the Fraternite was with the squadron which joined us it is
she saved thirty-three.

It

Admiral

Nielly's frigate,

has thrown us

all

Galles, General

and we know nothing of the

into the greatest anxiety.

low

Admiral Morard de

become of them.

is

wind, too, continues against us, and, altogether,

How

am

in terrible

damned English should catch us at last,

having gone on successfully thus far! Our force leaving Brest

spirits.

after

which

Hoche, General Debelle, and Colonel Shee are

aboard the Fraternite, and God knows what

The

other,

if

these

water was as follows

Droits de

1'

Homme,

Indomptable, 80 guns

Nestor, Cassard,

Tourville, Eole, Fougueux, Mucius, Redoubtable,

-ST.

SEPARATION OF THE FLEET

33.J

Patriote, Pluton, Constitution, Trajan, Watigny, Pegaze, Revolution,

and the unfortunate Seduisant, of 74 guns (17

La

Immortaliti,

Bravoure,

Cocarde,

of the line)

sail

Coquille,

Bellone,

Tartare, and

Surveillante, Charente, Resolue,

Sirene, Impatiente,

Romaine,

Fraternity frigates of 36 guns (13 frigates); Scevola, and Fidele,

armies en flutes, Mutine, Renard, Atalante,
teur,

corvettes,

and Nicodeme, Justine,

Experiment, and Al^gre, transports, making in

day, at

there are missing, this

Seduisant, of 74

and Ajfron-

Voltigeur,

d' Orient,

Ville

43

all

sail.

Suffren,

Of these

the Nestor and

three o'clock,

the Fraternite, Cocarde, and Romaine, frigates,

the Mutine and Voltigeur, corvettes, and three other transports.

December

Last night, in moderate weather, we contrived

and this morning, at eight o'clock, we are but
company, with a foul wind and hazy. I am in

20th.

to separate again,
in

fifteen sail

horrible ill-humour,

and

it

is

We

no wonder.

shall lie beating

about here, within thirty leagues of Cape Clear, until the English

come and catch us, which will be truly agreeable. Let me not
think I amuse myself at night, when the rest are at cards, walking
;

my

alone in the gallery, and singing the airs that

to be fond of

"

The wandering tar, that not for years has

The widowed partner of his day of rest,

On

feel

At

now

ten,

in

hums

the ditty that his Susan loved."

the truth of these beautiful

several sail in sight to

stray sheep.

It is

we have

Captain Bedout

is

Well, hang sorrow

lines.

windward

scandalous to part

such moderate weather as

not our forte.

prest

the cold deck, far from her arms removed,

Still

poor love used

suppose they are our

company

twice in four days

had, but sea affairs

a seaman, which

fancy

see are
is

more

than can be said for nine-tenths of his confreres.

December

21st.

in the offing

stark calm

all

all

Last night, just at sunset, signal for seven

in

high

spirits, in

hopes that

the fore part of the night

up, and this morning, at daybreak,

about four leagues, so

have at

we
all

it is

at length a breeze

are under

sail

our comrades
sr.

iung

Cape Clear, distant

more seen my

events once

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

164

country

but the pleasure

should otherwise

destroyed by the absence of the General,

and of

whom we know

disappeared, and

we

The

nothing.

are

feel at this is totally

who has
we saw

sails

uncertainty.

all in

[1796.

It

not joined us,

last

night have

most delicious

is

weather, with a favourable wind, and everything, in short, that

At

can desire, except our absent comrades.

this

we

are under easy

sail,

here

What

if

us, and then all is over.

company, and seven or eight absent.

under

all

If

we

cruise

our instructions, the English will

be upon

of our force as,

we

write

and there patches of snow on the

the General should not join us

days, according to

five

moment

within three leagues at most of the

coast, so that I can discover here

mountains.

the

We

are

thirty-five

Is that

in

sail

such a separation

the circumstances, will warrant our

following the letter of our orders, to the certain failure of the

Grouchy and Bouvet be men of spirit and decision,

will land immediately, and trust to their success for justification.
If they be not, and if this day passes without our seeing the General,
I much fear the game is up.
I am in undescribable anxiety, and

expedition

If

they

who commands

Cherin,

vain to speak
little

not but

is

a poor creature, to

believe he

is

whom

it

is

brave enough, but he has a

mind. There cannot be imagined a situation more provokingly

mine

tantalising than

reach of
foot

aboard,

on

my

it.

at this

moment, within

view, almost within

native land, and uncertain whether I shall ever set

We are

stood in for the coast

a biscuit ashore

till

twelve,

when we were near enough to toss

now we

at twelve tacked and stood out again, so

have begun our cruise of

obedience to the

my

now, nine o'clock, at the rendezvous appointed

letter of

five

days

in all its forms,

and

shall, in

our instructions, ruin the expedition, and

destroy the remnant of the French navy, with a precision and

punctuality which will be truly edifying.
and, in

all

my

life,

We

opened Bantry Bay,

my

rage never entered so deeply into

heart as

when we turned our backs on the coast. I sounded Cherin as to

what Grouchy might do, but he turned the discourse he is Taata
Enos. 1 Simon is entirely of my opinion, and so is Captain Bedout
but what does that signify ? At half after one, the A talante, one
;

See Cook's "Voyages."

-ffiT.

33

BANTR Y BA Y IN SIGHT.

now again we

of our missing corvettes, hove in sight, so

Oh,

to see the General.

he were

if

Continue making short boards

not hesitate one moment.

wind

This morning, at eight, we have neared Bantry

considerably, but the fleet

Fratemite ;

I believe it is

the

is

pany with

first

it is

hope he

if

he has

a terrible blow to

may

no news of the

and

spirits

All rests

do not

now upon Grouchy, and

game in his hands,

he has a glorious

talents to play

If

it.

he succeeds,

they speak of the expedition,

and laughing

are playing cards

litat-

it is

despondency, and, when they are not speaking of

will

it

countenance of the

at all like the

When

in this crisis.

style of

lieutenant, told

first

either taken or lost, and, in either

us.

turn out well

immortalise him.

Major

instance of an admiral in a clean

Captain Grammont, our

his fleet.

his opinion is that she is

event,

terribly scattered

with moderate weather, and moonlight night, parting com-

frigate,

me

the

foul.

December 22nd.

Bay

are in hopes

Grouchy's place, he would

in

it,

in

they

they are every one of them brave

of their persons, but I see nothing of that spirit of enterprise

combined with a steady

demands.

They

me

stared at

Grouchy was the man

in the

and

difficulties,

responsibility
I

and

and

said nothing,

so

happy as

as

if

difficulties.

will

morning when

this

and began to talk of responsi-

any great enterprise was without

I was burning with rage
however
;

say nothing until

We

to arrive there.

if

get ashore,

it

if

ever

am

Bay by slow

has hung these

five

weeks.

nothing extraordinary happens, to cast

mouth of the Bay, and work up to-morrow morning

delays are dreadful to my impatience.
I am now so near

anchor
these

hope,

are gaining the

degrees, with a head wind at east, where

To-night we

that

said

whole army who had least reason to

regret the absence of the General,

bility

which our present situation

resolution,

in the

the shore that

can

uncertain whether
ances, Bouvet

see, distinctly,

two old

shall ever set foot

on

and Grouchy are resolved

point gained, however.

Two

since eight this morning,

hundred yards

the wind

and
is

am

utterly

According to appear-

to proceed

that

is

a great

we have been tacking ever

am sure we have not gained one

o'clock
I

castles, yet I

it.

right ahead,

and the

fleet

dispersed,

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

several being far to leeward.

[1796.

have been looking over the schedule

and ammunition we are well provided ; we

have 41,160 stand of arms, twenty pieces of field artillery, and nine
of our arms,

artillery,

of siege, including mortars and howitzers

61,200 barrels of powder,

7,000,000 musket-cartridges, and 700,000

flints,

besides an infinite

we have neither sabres

we have nearly three regiments of hussars embarked, so that we can dispense with them.
Messieurs of the Etat-Major continue in the horrors I find Simon

variety of articles belonging to the train, but

nor pistols for the cavalry

however,

the stoutest of them, and Fairin, Chain's aide-de-camp, the worst

me

mind of David in the

Bob, and damn it, I won't be afraid."
he puts

say

little

one

or nothing, as

we were once

if

my

continue very discreetly to

situation just

now

rather a delicate

is

and things turn out

trammels, and perhaps in that respect

shall

soon be out of

may

be better off with Grouchy than with Hoche.

act with spirit, as I

and,
it

if

they do

comes

hope they

same thing

to the

all

If the people

no matter who is General,

Hoche would not save us, so

At

at last.

half-past six, cast anchor

four leagues from our landing-place

still

work with General Cherin, writing and

&c,

to

will, it is

not, all the talents of

Bere Island, being

off

my

mind,

ashore,

my

But I am fighting

Rivals," "

"

in

our printed papers, including

board the Fraternity which

at

translating proclamations,

my

two pamphlets, being on

pleasant.

is

December 23rd. Last night

it

blew a heavy gale from the eastward

with snow, so that the mountains are covered this morning, which
will

render our bivouacs extremely amusing.

It

is

that of the thirty-two points of the compass, the E.

most unfavourable to

In consequence

us.

separated for the fourth time

the

line,

am

sail,

we

is

precisely the

are this

morning

including nine or ten of

with Bouvet and Grouchy, are at anchor with

about twenty are blown to sea

so

sixteen

to be observed,

in

hopes no mischief

and, as usual, right ahead

and altogether
ashore, let

am

and

luckily the gale set from the shore,

will ensue.

and

dread a

in great uneasiness.

what might ensue

this suspense.

us,

after

It is curious to see

am

how

The wind
visit

Oh

is

still

high,

from the English,

that

we were once

sick to the very soul of

things are

managed

in this

^ET.

A PERILOUS SITUATION.

33.]

best of

We

possible worlds.

all

167

are here, sixteen

sail,

great and

up and down in a noble bay, and so dispersed that

not two together in any spot, save one, and there they are

small, scattered

there are

now

so close, that

inevitably run

if it

blows to-night as

We

driving on shore.

it

did last night, they will

each other, unless one of them

foul of

lie in this

prefers

from

disorder, expecting a visit

the English every hour, without taking a single step for our defence,

common one

even to the

mouth
by appearances, we
Brest water, for when we were

of having a frigate in the harbour's

to give us notice of their approach

have

less

there

we had

to dread here than in

signal posts.

four corvettes stationed off the goulet, besides the

I

confess this degree of security passes

The day has passed without

hension.

vessel, friend or

ahead.

to judge

my

compre-

the appearance of one

enemy, the wind rather more moderate, but

still

To-night, on examining the returns with Waudre, Chef

d'Etat-Major of the Artillery,

absence of the missing, that

think

find our
it

means so reduced by the

hardly possible to

attempt here, with any prospect of success

in

Cherin into the Captain's room, and told him frankly

of our actual state, and that

look upon the main object as

thought

now

my

our duty, since

it

make an

consequence,

took

opinion

we must

unattainable, unless the whole

of our friends returned to-morrow, and the English gave us our

own

time,

which was hardly to be expected, to see what could be

best done for the honour and interest of the Republic, with the
force

which remained

me the Legion des

many officers as

as

in

our hands, and

proposed to him to give

company of the artillerie legere, and

come volunteers in the expedition,
remained, which are now reduced, by

Francs, a

desired to

with what arms and stores

our separation, to four

field pieces,

20,000 firelocks at most, 1,000

lb.

of powder, and 3,000,000 cartridges, and to land us in Sligo Bay,

and

let

us

make

would gain

the best of our

way

infinitely in reputation

the loss would be

trifling,

if

we

and

as the expense

succeeded, the Republic

interest, and, if

we

failed,

was already incurred, and

he knew what kind of desperadoes it was composed

what purpose consequently, in the worst event, the

as for the legion,

of,

and

for

Republic would be well

rid of

them

finally,

added that though

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

I

asked the command,

it

[1796.

was on the supposition that none of the

Generals would risk their reputation on such a desperate enterprise,

and that

if

another was found,

would be content

This was the outline of

Volunteer.

my

go as a simple

to

proposal, which I pressed

on him with such arguments as occurred to me, concluding by

observing that, as a foreigner in the French service, my situation
was a delicate one, and if I were simply an officer, I would obey
in silence the orders of

my

my

from

superiors, but,

connections in

Ireland, having obtained the confidence of the Directory, so far as

them to appoint me to the rank of Chef de Brigade, and

Hoche who had nominated me Adjutant-General, I
thought it my duty, both to France and Ireland, to speak on this
to induce

of General

occasion, and that I only offered

nothing better suggested

right to give

my

my

plan as a pis

The

should have an opportunity to press

it.

and to-morrow we

we are

shall see more, if

by a

early in the morning,

I

am now

me

God knows whether

is

sang-froid with which

am

view the

been violently affected, yet

Japan

do

not, however, love

which

surprised

at,

coast.

expected

look at

my

if it

country the

romantic feelings with regard to her.

Bay

superior force, and perhaps

if

hand, yet

Irish ground.
is

the extreme

should have

thing,

enemy

collect a

left

less, for

Another

highly

were the coast of

three days in Bantry

will

we

as

it

is

can in a manner

and

right

not agreeably surprised,

ever tread again on

shall

one thing which

my

war

with him, and

from the English, which

visit

case

did very

discourse rested there,

so near the shore, that

touch the sides of Bantry Bay with

There

opinion, and that as he expected a council of

would be called to-morrow, he would bring

probable.

aller, in

Che>in answered that

itself.

not having

we

are

now

do not land immediately, the

repay us our

In an enterprise like ours, everything depends

victory of Quiberon.

upon the promptitude and audacity of our first movements, and we

are here, I am sorry to say it, most pitifully languid. It is mortifying,
but that is too poor a word I could tear my flesh with rage and
vexation, but that advances nothing, and so I hold my tongue in
;

general,

and devour

and then

now

to

to

fail, if

my

we

have given up

melancholy as

are to
all

fail

hopes.

And

can.

To come

so near
(

every one aboard seems

GROUCHY IN COMMAND.

^ET. 33-]

December

169

This morning the whole Etat-Major has been

2^th.

miraculously converted, and

it

was agreed,

in

full

council, that

General Che>in, Colonel Waudr, Chef d'Etat Major of the Artillery,

and myself, should go aboard the Immortalite, and press General

Grouchy

manner, to proceed on the expedition,

in the strongest

we made a
speak with the Admiral, and in about an hour we were
I must do Grouchy the justice to say, that the moment

with the ruins of our scattered army.

signal to

aboard.

we gave our opinion

decidedly, and like a

favour of proceeding, he took his part

in

man

the ordre de bataille, and

Accordingly,

of spirit

we

he instantly set about preparing

finished

All the time

that, after

believe,

a bold attempt, and

bataille,

at the poverty of our means,

under the circumstances,

of war that was ever held

It is

we were preparing the ordre de

we were laughing most immoderately

and

not

who have seen

all, we shall bring

tried soldiers,

our enterprise to a glorious termination.

truly original.

We are

without delay.

it

more than 6,500 strong, but they are

fire, and I have the strongest hopes

it

was the merriest council

"

Des Chevaliers franqais tel est le

caractere." Grouchy, the commander-in-chief, never had so few men
under his orders since he was Adjutant-General Waudr6, who is
but

Lieutenant-Colonel, finds himself

which

is

now

at the

head of the

and two six-inch howitzers

manded fewer than

when he was a Captain he never comnow that he is in fact General

ten pieces, but

He

of the artillery, he prefers taking the field with four.

fellow,

and

offered,

and command

his

to the proposal
truly unique ;

on

my

proposal last

company,

made

in case

to Cherin.

we

leave

a gallant

me

General Grouchy had agreed

It is

we have not one guinea

marches on foot

is

night, to remain with

altogether an enterprise

we have

have not a horse to draw our four pieces of

in-chief

artillery,

a furious park, consisting of one piece of eight, one of four,

all

not a tent

artillery

we

the General-

our baggage behind us

we

have nothing but the arms in our hands, the clothes on our backs,
and a good courage, but that is sufficient. With all these original
circumstances, such as

believe never were found united in an

expedition of such magnitude as that

we

are

all

as

gay as

larks.

we

are about to attempt,

never saw the French character better

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

170

exemplified than
believe

But

we

morning's business.

this

in

Well, at last

God knows how I long for it.

wind continues without remorse, and

are about to disembark

this infernal

[1796-

easterly

though we have been under way three or four hours, and made
I

believe three hundred tacks,

gained one hundred yards

we do not seem

of good wind would carry us up,

Damn

days.

it

damn

it

of Bantry, and

now

learn from a pilot

my friend

aboard the Admiral, that

my

to

eyes to have

One hour and a half

and perhaps we may be yet two

in a straight line.

Hutchins

whom

lives within

may

found

two miles

him tomorrow I wonder what kind of a meeting we shall have ? When

I saw him last he was a right good fellow, but so many changes
happen in twenty months
At all events, he will be, I dare say,
not a little surprised to see me with a blue coat on my back, and a
national cockade in my hat. At six, cast anchor, having gained
is

home, so perhaps

at

see

think not less than

yards, to speak within bounds.

fifty

rapidity of our progress

is

the more amazing,

when

it is

The

considered

we have been not much more than eight hours in covering that
space of ground, and besides, we have a cool refreshing breeze
that

from the
for

times
it

east,

no man.
it

which
I

is

blows, sometimes

blow and be hanged

whipping the sea

for

say with the Probationary Odes,

it

find

do not wonder to-night

myself pretty much

" tlie

our cavalry.

most

Huzza

spirits

our means, would

in the

let

Xerxes

at

mood

to

it

amusing
is

as

Johnson

extremely copious."

have mentioned already, we have no horses

!

careless fellows in

extravagant

Some-

return to our expedition

find

negative catalogue of our means

In addition to what
for

To
I

"

Well,

freezes, just as it pleases."

I

commit some such rational action.

the more I think of it, the more
says

Well, time and tide wait

truly delightful.

may now

apprehend we are to-night 6,000 of the

is in the most

Europe, for everybody

on the eve of an

enterprise, which, considering

make many people

French half so well as to-night, and

serious.

never liked the

can scarcely persuade myself

that the loungers of the Boulevards, and the soldiers

me, are of the same hemisphere.

To

see about

judge the French rightly, or

at least to see the bright part of their character,

you must see them

-ET.

LOSING TIME.

33.]

171

not in Paris, but in the camp.

It is in the armies that the Republic

the
wind,
seems
just now, at eight o'clock, to
enemy,
exists.
The enemy
relent a little, so we may reach Bantry by to-morrow.
has now had four days to recover from his panic, and prepare to

My

receive us
to

make

the worse, but

are fairly there,

and look about

breath,

which, with

five miles,

suppose we

to deal with

against
I

much

a race for Cork, as

when we

so

think

any

purpose

the devil were in our bodies, and

if

efforts, will

or two to take
is

about forty-

take us three days, and

a brush by the way, but

think

we

are able

force that can, at a week's notice, be brought

body of men in Europe.

have seen a Captain of the Guards in St. James's Park,

who would burn

are not the best dressed

for as

much

as one of our demi-brigades. " There's

not a rag of featJier in our army,

good argument, I hope we will not

Apropos of that quotation,

fly."

We

it.

we will stop for a day

From Bantry to Cork
our

all

may have

We

us.
I

us.

do not mind

it is

inconceivable

how

well that

most inconceivable of all writers, Shakespeare, has hit off the

French character in his play of Henry V. I have been struck with
times this evening

it fifty

a French officer in his

my

to speak of

and

tide,

is

I will

not,

in

will

yet

it

Well,

is

highly probable he never saw

have worked hard to-day, not

boating party aboard the Admiral, against wind

a rough sea.

besides these

letters,

think

and

life.

stop here.

have written and copied

memorandums
I

have but one observation to add

venture to say, one grenadier in the Compagnie

that will not sleep to-night in his

the Archbishop of Dublin in a

hammock more

down

fifteen

pretty well for one day.

bed.

there

Bloom

contentedly than

presume our

has put several respectable characters in no small

fuss,

arrival

but time

show more of that.

These memorandums are a strange mixture.
25th.
Sometimes I am in preposterously high spirits, and at other times

will

December

am

as dejected, according to the posture of our affairs.

Last

had the strongest expectations that to-day we should debark, but at two this morning I was awakened by the wind. I rose
night

immediately, and, wrapping myself in

hour

in the gallery,

my

greatcoat, walked for

devoured by the most gloomy

reflections.

an

The

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

172

wind continues right ahead, so that

absolutely impossible to

is

it

[1796.

work up to the landing-place, and God knows when it will change.

The same wind is exactly favourable to bring the English upon us,
and these cruel delays give the enemy time to assemble his entire
force in this neighbourhood,

and perhaps

than perhaps) by his superiority

in
us,

money,

in provisions

in

(it is,

numbers,

we want

supposing we are even able to effectuate a landing at

same time

that the fleet will

able to land the

day and march

first

infallibly carried

rentre, unless I

but as

the best

enemy

the

if

may be

it

is

if

we

can expect

the

been

we should have

As

trial, for

is

my

fate will

to be shot as an e"migri
killed in the action

for

fight for us.

the sake of striking terror

hanged as a

shall be

are taken,

have us he. must

will

reserved for a

into others, in which case

bowelled, &c.

crush

last, at

Had we

a trap.

directly to Cork,

have the good fortune to be

most assuredly
Perhaps

in

to

by a coup de main, and then we should have a

it

footing in the country

not be a mild one

be caught as

more

in cavalry, in artillery,

everything

in short, in

unfortunately,

traitor,

to the embowelling, "Je nien fiche "

if

and emever they

hang me, they are welcome to embowel me if they please. These

are pleasant prospects
Nothing on earth could sustain me now but
!

the consciousness that

my

For

family

natural feelings so

am

engaged

in

a just and righteous cause.

by a desperate effort, surmounted my

that I do not think of them at this moment.

have,
far,

This day, at twelve, the wind blows a gale,

our situation

is

now

as critical as possible

still

for

from the
it is

east,

and

morally certain

day or to-morrow on the morning the English fleet will be

the harbour's mouth, and then adieu to everything. In this

that this
in

desperate state of affairs

proposed to Cherin to sally out with

all

our forces to mount to the Shannon, and, disembarking the troops,

make

a forced march to Limerick, which

the garrison being,

here

am

pretty certain, on

to pass the river at Limerick, and,

to the North.

showed

it

detailed

to Captain

all this

Bedout and

They
settling it we

is

probably unguarded,

march to oppose us
by forced marches, push
its

on a paper which
all

Simon, and Chasseloup.

all

the plan, but after

find

will keep,

the generals on board

and

Cherin,

agreed as to the advantages of

it

impossible to communicate

MT.

A STORM.

33-1

who

with the General and Admiral,

two leagues ahead, and the wind

sea so rough, that

no boat can

and to-morrow morning

and on

this

it

are in the Immortality nearly

now

is

so

live,

ticable,

173

all

will,

so high and foul, and the

communication

is

imprac-

most probably, be too

late

circumstance perhaps the fate of the expedition and

the liberty of Ireland depends.

cannot conceive for what reason

the two commanders-in-chief are shut up together in a frigate.

Surely they should be on board the flag-ship.

But

Hoche remained,

this is not the

Had

misfortune resulting from this arrangement.

first

General

as he ought, on board the Indomptable, with his

Etat-Major, he would not have been separated and taken by the

English, as he most probably
ties

we now

will render

Our

first

is

insurmountable.

capital error

was

nor should we be in the

difficul-

and which most probably to-morrow

find ourselves in,

Well,

it

does not signify complaining.

in setting sail too late

from the Bay of

Camaret, by which means we were obliged to pass the Raz

night,
fleet,

which caused the

loss of the Seduisant, the separation of the

the capture of the General, and, above

resulting from

this,

all

second error was

and which

when we might have entered and

sail,
is

is

losing an entire

in

in the

all,

the loss of time

Our

never to be recovered.

day

in cruising off the

bay

effected a landing with thirty-five

which would have secured everything

and now our third error

having our commander-in-chief separated from the Etat-Major,

which renders

all

communication utterly impossible.

I see

nothing

before me, unless a miracle be wrought in our favour, but the ruin of

the expedition, the slavery of

Well,

if I

am

to

resistance can

fall,

make

at least
it.

a merry Christmas of

December
gale of wind
frigate

my

country, and

will sell

So now

my life

my own

have made up

my

mind.

have

to-day.

from the

east,

we were

surprised

in a heavy
by the Admiral's

running under our quarter, and hailing the Indomptable with

orders to cut our cable and put to sea instantly

pursued her course, leaving us

first

destruction.

as dear as individual

Last night, at half after six o'clock,

26th.
still

it

idea was that

it

all in

the frigate then

the utmost astonishment.

might be an English

Our

frigate, lurking in the

bottom of the bay, which took advantage of the storm and dark-

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

174

make her

ness of the night to

squadron by

this

stratagem

Admiral should cut and run

signal of

any kind

to

and wished

escape,

for

to separate our

seems utterly incredible that an

it

manner, without any previous

in this

warn the

[1796.

fleet,

and that the

first

we

notice

should have of his intention should be his hailing us in this extraordinary manner with such unexpected and peremptory orders.
After a short consultation with his officers (considering the storm,

we have two anchors out and only

the darkness of the night, that

one spare one

events

till

really the

in the hold),

Admiral who hailed

gale continues, and the fog

length ahead
In

all

so,

Captain Bedout resolved to wait at

to-morrow morning,

is

in order to ascertain

whether

it

all

was

The morning is now come, the

we cannot see a ship's

us.

so thick that

we lie in the utmost uncertainty and anxiety.

we are now left without Admiral or General if
command the troops, and Bedout the fleet, but at all
an end of the expedition. Certainly we have been

so here

probability

Cherin will

events there

is

persecuted by a strange fatality from the very night of our de-

We have

parture to this hour.

two commanders-in-chief

lost

of

we have lost one ship of the line,

we know of, and probably many others of which we know
nothing we have been now six days in Bantry Bay, within five

four admirals not one remains

that

hundred yards of the shore, without being able to effectuate a

landing we have been dispersed four times in four days, and at
;

this

moment, of

we can muster

forty-three

of

all

falling in with the

sail,

sizes but

of which the expedition consisted,

fourteen.

English to complete our destruction

judge of the future by the past, there

be wanting.

will not

in safety to Brest,

There only wants our

is

All our hopes are

and

believe

we

and, to

every probability that that

now reduced

to get

back

will set sail for that port the

I now look on
The enemy has had seven days
to prepare for us, and three, or perhaps four, days more before we
could arrive at Cork and we are now too much reduced, in all respects, to make the attempt with any prospect of success
so all
is over
It is hard, after having forced my way thus far, to be

instant the weather will permit.

confess myself

the expedition as impracticable.

obliged to turn back

but

it is

my

fate,

and

must submit.

Not-

JET.

THE FLEET DISPERSED.

33-]

withstanding

our blunders,

all

the dreadful stormy weather

is

it

175

which have been blowing furiously and

and the
without intermission since we made Bantry Bay, that have ruined
easterly winds,

Well, England has not had such an escape since the Spanish
Armada, and that expedition, like ours, was defeated by the
weather the elements fight against us, and courage is here of no
Well, let me think no more about it it is lost, and let it
avail.
go
I am now a Frenchman, and must regulate my future plans
accordingly.
I hope the Directory will not dismiss me the service
for this unhappy failure, in which, certainly, I have nothing personus.

ally to reproach

enough

myself with

to live as a peasant.

and, in that case,

If

love and darling babies in safety,

and have done with the world

famous, nor powerful, but
shall ever reach

I will

for ever.

may

It is horrible to

buy or

I shall

me

in that case

to think

babies, shall I ever see

rent a

as eager to get back to France as

December

2jtk.

was

what

Yesterday several

come

they rode out the gale.

seventy-four,

made

At two

little

become
and

life

This infernal

all

is

lost I

am

to Ireland.

it

Indomiwas with great

o'clock the Revolution, a

signal that she could hold

consequence of the Commodore's permission,

our

vessels, including the

dragged their anchors several times, and

difficulty

will

Oh my

of.

you again
to

spot

little

neither be great, nor

wind continues without intermission, and now that

table,

be rich

God knows whether

be happy.

France myself, and

my family?
soul, my darling

of

shall

God Almighty sends me my dearest

no longer, and,

in

who now commands

squadron, cut her only cable and put to sea.

In the night

the Patriote and Pluton, of seventy-four each, were forced to put to

sea,

with the Nicomede

to seven

sail

desperate, but I

still

ships,

so that this morning

we

are reduced

Any attempt here is now

we were debarked at the mouth of the
recover all. At ten o'clock the Commodore

think

Shannon we might yet

made

flute,

of the line and one frigate.

if

way, which was delayed by one of the

which required an hour to get ready. This hour we availed
signal to get under

ourselves

of to hold

Generals Che>in and

ships for that purpose

a council of war, at which were present

Hardy and Humbert, who came from

;

their

Adjutant-Generals Simons, Chasseloup, and

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

176

[1796.

commanding the artillery, and Favory,

Captain of Engineers, together with Commodore Bedout, who was
myself

Lieut-Col. Waudre,

invited to assist

was agreed

It

General Hardy, as senior

that,

our force being

officer,

now reduced

two four-pounders, our ammunition

artillery to

being President.

to 4,168 men, our

to 1,500,000 cart-

ridges and 500 rounds for the artillery, with 500 pounds of

this part of the

powder

country being utterly wild and savage, furnishing

neither provisions nor horses, and especially as the enemy, having

seven days' notice, together with three more which

to reach Cork, supposing

more than
crush our

sufficient to
little

army

we even met with no

assemble his forces

in

it

would .require

obstacle,

numbers

had time

sufficient to

considering, moreover, that this province is

the only one of the four which has testified no disposition to revolt
that

it is

rection

the most remote from the party which

and,

structions,

there

which
days,

five

are, to
it

is

ready for insur-

Captain Bedout having communicated his in-

finally,

mount

as high as the

was unanimously agreed

Shannon and
to quit

cruise

Bantry Bay

mouth of the Shannon in hopes to reand when we are there we

join some of our scattered companions
will determine, according to the means in our hands, what part we
shall take.
I am the more content with this determination, as it is
substantially the same with the paper which I read to General Che>in
and the rest the day before yesterday. The wind, at last, has come
round to the southward, and the signal is now flying to get under
way. At half after four, there being every appearance of a stormy
night, three vessels cut their cables and put to sea.
The Indomptable, having with great difficulty weighed one anchor, we were
forced at length to cut the cable of the other and make the best of
our way out of the bay, being followed by the whole of our little
directly,

and proceed

for the

squadron,

one

now reduced

frigate,

and two

to ten

sail,

of which seven are of the

line,

corvettes, or luggers.

Last night it blew a perfect hurricane. At one

morning a dreadful sea took the ship in the quarter, stove in
the quarter-gallery, and one of the deadlights in the great cabin,

December 28 t/i.

this

which was instantly

filled

with water to the depth of three

cots of the officers were almost all torn

feet.

The

down, and themselves and

^ET.

FAILURE OF THE EXPEDITION.

33-]

my

For

about the cabin.

their trunks floated

177

part,

had

just

fallen asleep when wakened by the shock, of which I at first did

but hearing the water distinctly
not comprehend the meaning
;

rolling in the cabin

mounting

beneath me, and two or three of the

in their shirts, as

of the sea,

wet as

if

concluded instantly that the ship had struck and was

ments of the mind are as quick as lightning

moments,

my

was

life

bottom

but

officers,

in
I

an

As

instant.

such a stormy sea,

my hammock,

was soon

knew

all

took

notion of saving

my

part instantly

expecting every instant to go to the

relieved

hy the appearance of one of the

who explained to us the accident. I can safely

had perfect command of myself during the few terrible

minutes which

fate,

in

Baudin,

say that

more

mind

in vain in

and lay down

the move-

such perilous

in

impossible to describe the infinity of ideas which

is

it

shot across

my

As

with water, and that she would sink directly.

filling

officers

they had risen from the bottom

afraid than

which

passed in this situation, and

any of those about me.

verily

was

not,

believe,

resigned myself to

thought was inevitable, and

my

could have died like

Immediately after this blow the wind abated, and at daylight,

a man.

having run nine knots an hour under one jib only during the hurricane,

we found

ourselves at the rendezvous, having parted

with three ships of the line and the

The

separation.

frigate,

company

which makes our sixlh

frigate Coquille joined us in the course of the day,

which we spent standing off and on the shore, without being joined

by any of our missing companions.

December 2gt/z. At four this morning the Commodore made the
signal to steer for

the present

France

perhaps

so there

for ever.

is

an end of our expedition for

spent

all

yesterday

in

my ham-

mock, partly through sea-sickness, and much more through vexa-

At

tion.

ten

we made

prize of an unfortunate brig

Lisbon to Cork, laden with

salt,

On

our

December
posed

am

10th, list.
in

bound from

which we sunk.

way

to Brest.

It will

be well sup-

no great humour to make memorandums.

This

is

the last day of the year 1796, which has been a very remarkable

one

in

VOL.

my
11.

history.

13

CHAPTER

VIII.

BACK TO PARIS.
[Note by Tone's Son. Amidst
the agitation of my
all

the

ill-fated

and

tantalising expedition of Bantry Bay, he

father's

mind during

was aware that

his wife

whom

he had left at Princeton, in New Jersey, on his

departure from America, were, amidst the storms of that wintry season, on their
way to rejoin him. The feelings of the most affectionate of husbands and of
fathers in such a situation can be better conceived than expressed.
In fact,
embarked on an American vessel for Hamburg, we almost crossed him in the
British Channel, in the last days of December and, after a tedious and rough
passage of two months, my mother, with her infant family, landed at the mouth
of the frozen Elbe, and proceeded to Hamburg in an open post-wagon. In
that commercial city, devoted to the British interest, the first news she received
was that of the failure of the expedition, embellished with a thousand exaggerations.
Her anxiety may well be conceived obliged to conceal it, as well as
her name, her only consolation was that she did not hear that of Tone mentioned. Already in weak and shattered health, she was seized with a nervous
fever, and remained in the most cruel perplexity amongst strangers, whose very
language she did not understand. She wrote instantly to Paris, addressing her
letter to Mr. Madgett, and the answer to this letter, which came in due time,
was the first news she received of his safety.]

and three

infant children,

January i, 1797. At eight

and at twelve opened the

morning made the island of Ushant,

goulet.

We

arrive seven sail

the In-

the Watigny, Cassard, and Eole, 74 the Coquille,

the Atalante, 20, and the Vantour lugger of 14.
left

domitable, of 80

36

this

Brest forty-three

We

sail,

of which seventeen were of the

line.

am

we did not see a single English ship of war,

going nor coming back. They must have taken their measures very
ill not to intercept us, but perhaps they have picked up some of our
missing ships. Well, this evening will explain all, and we shall see
now what is become of our four Admirals and of our two Generalsutterly astonished that

in-chief.
178

JET.

INTRIGUE AGAINST GROUCHY.

34.]

179

January 1st to $ist. It is exactly one month to-day since I wrote

a line by way of memorandum. It will be well supposed I had no
great inclination, nor, in fact, have I had much to say. On our arrival

day or two, there was a

at Brest, after a

little

intrigue set on foot

against General Grouchy, with a view to lessen the merit of his

services, in

me

consequence of which he determined to send

to

and Minister of War.

Simon was joined with me in commission, and Fairin was also
despatched by Cherin, who is at the head of this cabal. Grouchy
desired me to state fairly what I thought of his conduct during our
stay at Bantry Bay, to the Government and I was not a little
Paris with his despatches for the Directory

We

pleased with this proof of his good opinion.

of January, at night,
1

We went

2th.

set off

and arrived without accident

immediately to the Minister of

on the 5th

at Paris

War and

on the

delivered

we saw him but for an instant thence we went to the

Directory, where we were introduced, and had an audience for above
They were of
half an hour, at which all the Directors assisted.
opinion on that day, from the latest accounts, that Hoche had
effectuated a landing with that part of the army which had been
separated off Bantry Bay, and in consequence we expected orders
immediately to return to Brest. From the Directory I went to
Doulcet, a member of the Conseil des 500, brother-in-law to
Grouchy, for whom, as well as for Madame Grouchy, I had letters
our

letters

me
Madame

Doulcet invited

from the General.

accordingly, very agreeably.

woman, and her conversation

introduced

me

and

four

spirit of

General Grouchy, and

Mac

dined,

hope

At

succeeded.

by
had an interview with
about a quarter of an hour, on the subject
at eight,

Sheehy's mission to Ireland, the general result of which

endeavoured to impress upon Carnot

manner what
done

charming

des Anciens, and the

went to dinner with the Minister of War, and

Carnot and Lacuee, for

took that occasion to do justice to the

appointment, to the Luxembourg, where

of

and

is

The next day Doulcet

delightful.

to Lacuee, of the Conseil

chosen friend of Carnot

zeal

is

to dinner,

Doulcet

my

I felt

in favour of

also stated in the strongest

Grouchy

so that, so

duty by him. Several days elapsed in

this

far, I

have

manner, waiting

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

i8o

[1797-

continually for news of the General, until at length, on the 15th, he

arrived, with the Revolution 74, at

an end to

my

La Rochelle

so that put at once

expectations of anything further being attempted, at

About the 21st the General arrived at Paris,

had the consolation to learn from his aide-de-camp, Poitou,
that my friend Mr. Shee was safe and in tolerable health.
He had

least for the present.

and

suffered dreadfully from the gout, never having quit his bed during

the whole voyage of a

The morning

He

received

Mac

after his

me

month but once, for a quarter of an hour.

arrival I saw the General for five minutes.

me

very favourably, and asked

Sheehy's expedition, which

particularly about

detailed to him, and,

by his

orders,

He asked me what
him I was sent by General Grouchy
with his despatches, and that I was waiting further orders. Four
or five days after the General was named to the command of the
army of Sambre et Meuse, which was decisive with regard to our
expedition.
I began now to think of my own situation and of that
gave him
I

an abstract in writing next morning.

was doing

of

my

in Paris.

family, of

arrival at Paris

at

whom

told

found a

at length surely time to speak.

it is

letter

from

my

Hamburg, and informing me of her

my

20th of December, with

having decided to
at the

settle in

news of her

arrival

account she gave

me

terrible alarms.

from

weak

Hamburg

and the

America.

The

open waggons.

over in the same

ship, a

I felt

me

into the

most

Hamburg

my

is

In

no better accommoda-

my

sister.

road

wife's letter there is

A person who

young Swiss merchant,

came

just beginning the

no property, thought proper to fall in love with

consequence I received by the same conveyance which

world with

tion

transports of joy

in this dreadful season, a great part of the

affair relative to

in

brother

and by no means to think of exposing herself,

state, and our dear little babies to a journey

an account of an

my

were most dreadfully corrected by the

being through a wild country where there

brought

children,

of her health, which threw

tion for travelling than

her

wife at Madgett's, dated

safe arrival there, about the

wrote to her instantly to remain at

until further orders,

in her present

sister

On my

my

little

or

wife's letter,

one from him informing

and circumstances, of his love

for

my

sister

me

of his situa-

and hers

for

him,

ENGAGEMENT OF MARY

JET. 34.]

and praying

my consent.
which gave

in his letter

There was an

me

me was

wife mentioned to

fore,

my

giving

may be

as

candour and honesty

way

as

wish them.

man whom

wrote, there-

God they

certainly a hazardous step

It is

do not know

con-

of her happiness, which

deeply interested.

consent to the marriage, and trust in

full

happy

in favour of a

air of

181

a good opinion of him, nor did

sider myself at liberty to stand in the

my

TONE.

but, as she

passionately

is

fond of him, and he of her, as he perfectly knows her situation, and

has by no means endeavoured to disguise or exaggerate his own,

am

in

hopes they

best intentions,

They

stances.

may do well. At

and to the best of

all

events,

dispersed.

am

Hamburg

sure

if

under the circum;

so there

month

my little

dated December 27th, with a postscript from

the

first

my

in
for

line

have seen of her writing.

Thank God

eyes.

my

dearest love's health

may

hope, however, mine

despatched three days after the

burg.

But to return to

my

first,

is

first letter.

to prevent her leaving

the 30th

my present

situation,

apply to the Government to permit

me to retire

fast

little better,

received the

On

affairs.

wife,

Maria, being

arrive in time, as well as a second

General Hoche on the subject of

to

my

brought the tears

It

have been most miserable ever since

Towards

fifth.

received a second letter from

one

is

there were five quarters

of the globe, there would be one of us perched on the

the end of the

have acted with the

my judgment,

will, I believe, settle in

more of our family

which

Ham-

wrote to

praying him

from the

service,

my

pay and appointments, and at the same time offering, at any future period when I might be useful, to resume my
situation.
The same evening I had a note from the General
preserving

desiring to see

me

early the next morning,

day, 31st of January,

where he

is

went

and accordingly

to the hotel of the Minister of

lodged, at eight o'clock.

On my

War,

calling on his aide-

de-camp, Poitou, who makes his correspondence, Poitou showed

my

letter,

" Faire

this

me

with a note in the margin, written by the General

une copie pour etre addressee au Directoire, avec la demande

de sa conservation, motive e sur Futility dont

reponse flatteuse, et lui temoigner

ma

il pent etre;

lui faire une

satisfaction de sa conduite."

Nothing, certainly, can be more agreeable to me.

Poitou also

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

l82

showed me,
Directory in

confidence, the copy of the General's letter to the

in

my

From

me

So

Poitou

like a friend

which

who

General Dupont,

worded

hopes

in

in the

flattering

shall succeed in

cold and dry.

is

He told me

what

said

burg, and

my

me

asked

again was

tion as soon as

you

to

my wife and

when

struck
I

had

going thither

settled the affair

do there

there

replied,

family at

them

of

Ham-

to France.

was

it

my

inten-

he was so good as to under-

a person there

is

satisfac-

mentioned Hamburg, and

Well, then, said he, perhaps

take for me.

for

arrival of

my

in the course

intention of going thither to bring

The General seemed

manner

to the Directory in con-

acknowledgments, and

mentioned the

his

transacts General Clarke's business in his

my

returned him

my applica-

he had written

sequence, and he hoped the affair would be settled to

tion.

and

should carry the letter myself to

Dupont would present me

that

most

remarked the more because

and that

to the Directory,

am

is

went to the General's apartment, who received

to his officers in general

absence

which

favour,

strongest manner.
tion.

[1797-

we may find something

whom perhaps you may

him that there or anywhere else where I could be

useful to my own country and the Republic, I was ready to go at
an hour's warning. I added, that when I asked my retreat for the
present, I begged him to remember that, if ever our business was
resumed under any form, I was as ready and desirous as ever to

see.

take

told

my

share in

it,

and that

did not at

honour of serving once more under

he, " is

siderable time,

below, and, in

has resolved,

enterprise

is

me

in

fact,

we

in the

The

affair," replied

difficulties for

money

the

meantime, to

my
I

men

lying idle

them there. The Directory

employ them usefully elsewhere,

cannot even feed

services

resumed, that

but be assured, the

will return

with the

moment

first

the

patrouille

expressed the satisfaction which this assurance

and, after a conversation of about half an hour, in which

found him as

leave

"

the meantime there are 15,000

and

which embarks."

our

despair of having the

and the necessary preparations require some con-

and has accepted

gave

You know

but suspended.

repair of our fleet

all

his orders.

warm and

and to-morrow

steady as ever in the business,

am

to have

my

took

my

letter for the Directory.

jET.

BUOYANT UNDER MISFORTUNE.

34.]

me

This conversation with Hoche has given

memorandums

these

stupor ever since

for, in

fact,

my

spirits to

recommence

mind has been

in a state of

landed at Brest from our unfortunate expedition.

not abated one single

courage, such as

it is, is

an

English papers that they were

the vessel on board of which

were kind enough to promise that

part,

my

see

by

hopes to catch

in

which case they

in

should be properly taken care

They may go and be hanged, and " / do

of.

though

jot,

was embarked,

my

For

Perhaps Providence has not yet given us up.

article in the

183.

not value their chariot

of a rush." Buonaparte has beaten the Austrians for the five-andkilled 7,000 and taken 20,000.
I
fortieth time this campaign
;

mention
in

this,

because

which case we

England

my

may

bring about a peace with the Emperor,

have nothing to do but lay alongside of

and perhaps we are not done with her

affair

dear-,

it

shall

here

is

settled, I will set off for

dear love and our

at Nanterre, beside

my

little

ones,

and

As soon

yet.

Hamburg, and bring

think

keep the com-

munication open with General Clarke when he returns

I

my

plant myself

I will

friend Mr. Shee, in order to

as

and maybe

may be able to do a little mischief yet. I feel this moment

man who is just awakened from a long terrible dream. Who
my lover that I am to see at Hamburg, in God's name ? I feel

like a
is

once more

my

February
of

my

We

ancient propensities revive.

Yesterday morning

1st to 8th.

friend Mr.

Shee from Rochelle.

ran off immediately and

He was

found him at General Clarke's apartments.

see me.

They

It

seems they had a dreadful voyage of

sailed at

fleet.

We soon

which he seems as hearty as ever

Government
shall

will

renew

it

he

came
tells

by and by on a grand

have the co-operation, so long wished

marine.

delighted to

in the Fraternite.

it

one time Tour-and-twenty hours, unnoticed,

very middle of the English

in

shall see.

heard of the arrival

If that

be

so, all

may

scale

yet be recovered.

that he had seen General Hoche,

to our business,

me he

for,

in the

hopes the

and that we

of the Spanish

He

tells

me also
me in

and spoken to him about

manner that the General had the best opinion of me,

and had applied personally to the Directory and to General
Dupont, in whose department such business lies during the absence
the strongest

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

184

of General Clarke, to have

army

continued on the tableau of the

that the General also told

my

burg to bring
observed that
that he
for

me

me

[i797-

him of

my

desire to

wife and family to France

Ham-

go to

Shee

to which Mr.

might be more usefully employed elsewhere, and

knew me

so well, that he would take

upon himself

that no personal considerations should prevent

to

answer

me

going

where

that

waived going to Hamburg, notwithstanding the state of

could be of most service to the cause.

and was ready

wife's health,

in

for

sending

Mr. Shee

my

an hour to go wherever the General

might think proper to order me.

Grouchy's motives

I told

me

then mentioned to him General

to Paris,

and

begged of him,

if

he found an opportunity, to express to General Hoche the favourable opinion

held of Grouchy's conduct.

Mr. Shee told

me

he

was very glad I had mentioned that circumstance, as it gave him

the key to one or two things which appeared unaccountable to him

Grouchy was at present rather down in the General's opinion,

which he now saw must be in consequence of the cabal I spoke of,
that

but that he would endeavour, discreetly, to set him right

so

am in

I have been of use to my lover Grouchy in this business.

I
do not know very much of him, but he behaves like a gentleman
and his conduct in Bantry Bay was as spirited as I could desire,

hopes

and, besides,

him.

then

hate the dirty spirit of cabal which

Mr. Shee, having fixed to

left

call

is

working against

on him again

this

we had not much conversation, being interrupted by a young general who lost a leg at Rastadt,
in the last campaign on the Rhine however, I gave him Mac Sheehy's
report, Grouchy's proclamation to the Irish, and my own opinion at
the council of war held in Bantry Bay I also gave him a memorandum of the names of the Northern Star, Dublin Evening Post,
morning, which

did accordingly

but

and Cork

Gazette,

for the Directory

which
;

strongly pressed

him

to have procured

and he went immediately to speak to General

I am to see him to-morrow at twelve.

was hailed by General Hoche, who was driving
through the Rue Montmartre, and informed me that my affair was
settled
so now I am fixed in the French service, if nothing better

Dupont on

On my

the subject.

return I

offers in

my own

country.

returned the General

my acknowledg-

JET.

"

34.]

THE FATHER OF THE UNITED IRISHMEN"

ments, and so
just

now

we

Altogether things do not look so gloomy

parted.

as they did a fortnight ago.

As

appointments, and

if I

had

to myself,

my

Spaniards and the

If the

Directory act with spirit and decision,

Ireland be independent.

may

all

yet do well, and

family here

could be as happy as

dearest love's

Two

health keeps
successively

have started out of

dreams concerning

horrible

thousand times, and there

I

is

her.

my
I

nights

sleep in a cold sweat, with

have read her two

letters

not a phrase regarding her health that

have not turned a thousand different ways to torment myself

am

my

can at least exist on

man in Europe but the state of my

me in the most mortal inquietude.

the richest

185

in

To-morrow I will
demand of Mr. Shee whether I am to be employed here or not if
not, the moment I receive my appointments I will set out to meet
short,

truly miserable on her account.

her.

If

am

burg to the

come
hope
in

1st

think

of May, which

is

will order

her to stay at

Ham-

about three months, and then

a neutral vessel to Havre, or Dunkirk, and so to Paris.

in

God

in

employed,

have a

shall

letter

from her now

answer to mine of the 13th of January

days since

wrote, and

think

in

it is,

two or three days,

to-day, twenty-six

must soon have an answer.

see

in the English papers that, in a late debate in the Irish Parliament,

the Lord Chancellor

Clare) did

me

(my

of the United Irishmen.

had got
"

me

twice

who

memory.

a monster"

is

by name

now

Earl of

as the father

thought he had forgotten me, but

safe into Ireland, with the blessing of God,

refreshed his

Hoche

old friend Fitzgibbon,

the favour to abuse

if

we

would have

In the same debate he called General

so, at least,

had the pleasure

to be abused in

good company. I wrote a witty note, in an unknown language,

which I please myself to call French, to the General thereupon,
consoling him for the disgrace, &c.
I think I am growing sprightly
once more, but
February gth
Unis,

God knows
to iSth.

the heart

This day

Rue de Tournon, near

removed to the Hotel des Etats

the Luxembourg, as

inconveniently off at Mademoiselle Boivert's,

The

10th instant

letter

from

had the unspeakable

my

have been very

ancient landlady.

satisfaction to receive a

my dearest love, acquainting me that her health was much

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

i86
better

she had received

my

two

settled,

and

trust in

God

and

letters,

marriage was fixed for the second day

[1797-

me my

tells

after: so I

am

Wrote a long

she will be happy.

Before his departure he asked Mr. Shee whether

army of Sambre

to the

he was sure

before, that

General thought

him

it

propose

to

versation
I

et

could be useful

thought we might be

letter in

would

to

like

he answered as

go wherever the

to

on which the General desired

able, in

in

which

mentioned to him that

consequence of

my

sister's

marriage,

communication with Ireland through Hamburg

to open a

is

This was in consequence of a con-

me.

to

To which

Meuse ?

would be ready

had with Mr. Shee,

sister's

hopes she

General Hoche set off for the army on the 13th.

return on the nth.

come

in

which General Hoche caught

at

It was
campaign with the army of Sambre et
order to be near his person and he made application

directly.

fixed, in consequence,

accordingly to the Directory for

my

brevet as Adjutant-General,

and an order

learned, in the Minister's bureau,

that

make

should

Meuse,

in

am

that I

this

to join forthwith.

officer "

designed as the

charged with the General's

That has a lofty sound

Bruix, who is
Major-General de l'Armee Navale, and in fact conducted the naval
foreign correspondence."

part of our expedition,

is

arrived in Paris, in order to confer with

He

the Directory and Minister of Marine.

Mr. Shee that

tells

if

the Government will grant 8,000,000 livres for the navy, he will

engage

in six

months

to have thirty-five sail of the line ready to

put to sea: 8,000,000

livres is

money

will

be found

about ^"350,000.

trust

and

Shee that he had made out some part already, and hopes

The

the remainder.
sail

of the line

that will

make

meantime
all

Spaniards,

and

if

fifty sail.

I see in

Come,

It

is

to secure

believe, will give us twenty-five

all is

twenty-five more,

not desperate yet.

Government

Arthur O'Connor, who,

vassing for county Antrim,

he was

we can make out even

the English papers that

the world in Ireland.

libel.

rely the

and indeed Truguet, the Minister, told Mr.

taken up

it

is

In the
arresting

seems,

is

can-

but, I believe, only for

seems he was walking with Lord Edward Fitzgerald when

arrested.

It is

men were walking

not for nothing that these two young gentle-

together.

would give a great deal

for

an

iET.

ARREST OF ARTHUR O'CONNOR.

34-]

hour's conversation with O'Connor.

body and

see he has thrown himself

revolution of his country.

soul into the

succeed he will obtain, and deserves, one of the

He

the Government.

am now

my

waiting for

gratification

numeraire, 330
from Brest, and
I

may be

my

my

livres
will

it.

en campagne, which amounts to 800

two months' pay, which will make, en
more and my trunk has not yet arrived
;

not be here this month, and before that time

at Cologne,

and

stations in

brevet and order to join, and eke, for

where our headquarters are fixed

my

trunk are two gold watches and chains, and

papers,

first

the truth of

is

we

if

d'entre'e

together with

livres,

a noble fellow, that

is

Well,

all

that

makes

perplexity and doubtful dilemma.

time, if possible,

till

my

me

dear to

life

and so

and

and

flute,

in

my

am

in

must see and spin out the

trunk arrives, or

be in a state of

shall

I called on my
and the Directory have

anxiety thereupon, which will be truly alarming.

friend

He

Monroe yesterday.

is

refused to acknowledge Pinckney,

He

recalled,

who was named

and

leaves Paris in ten days for America,

by him

to Dr. Reynolds,

and to

my

brother.

to succeed him.
I

want to write

If

Mat were here

I think I will leave

I could name him my Adjoint directly.
coming to his own option. He can at any time return to
America so I believe I will write to him to come at once.

now

his

February

igt/i

stant that Robert

to

22nd.

see

by the Courier of the 14th

and William Simms are arrested

Arthur O'Connor's

letter, as

rather confused.

collect

it

He

Antrim, and

for publishing

should seem, for the account

from another paragraph

paper that they were released on the 9th

in custody.

in-

in the

is

same

but O'Connor remains

has proposed himself as candidate for county

have no doubt

will

be returned

and

it is

to the electors of that county that he has been arrested.

for a letter

Govern-

move heaven and earth to keep him out. There is now

any one of my friends in Ireland but is in prison, and
most of them in peril of their lives for the system of terror is
ment

will

scarcely

carried as far there as ever

spierre.

think

to write to Dr.

it

will call

Reynolds to

was in France in the time of Robeon Carnot to-day, and propose to him
have some person on whom we can

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

i88

[1797-

depend sent over from Ireland, in order to confer with the Government here. It may be easily done, and my letter will go in perfect
safety by Monroe.
Allons !
February 2^rd.
to go with

him

me

himself to give

found

Dupont

Called on General

yesterday, in order

Instead of bringing me, he took upon

to Carnot.

what

instructions as to

his instructions very frivolous.

should write.

now on my own

will write

plan.

This day

February 24/A.
letter of eight

on Monroe, and gave him a

called

pages for Dr. Reynolds,

in

which

gave a detailed

account of our late expedition, and assure him of the determination

of the French Government to persevere in our business.

likewise

him a rapid sketch of the present posture of the great powers

of Europe, in order to satisfy him of the permanency of the

offer

Republic, together with a brief view of our comparative resources

Finally, I desire him, observing the

as to England.

most profound

secrecy and rigid caution, to write to Ireland, and by preference,

if

possible,

R.

to

S., 1

to send

proper person to

Hamburg

addressed to the French Resident there, in order to come on to

Paris

and confer with the Directory.

calculate, if nothing ex-

traordinary happens to delay him, that that person

may

be here

by the middle of July next finally, I desire him to assure my

friends that we have stronger hopes than ever of success, and to
entreat them, in the meantime, to remain quiet, and not by a
premature explosion give the English Government a pretext to
Such is the substance of my
let loose their dragoons upon them.
;

letter,

which

have every reason to hope

February 2$th.

whom

will

Walked

go

will

to Nanterre to see

safe.

my

friend Shee, with

spend two days.

February 26th.

At work with Mr.

relating to our business, which

whom

Council of Ancients, with

is
I

particularly connected with Carnot,

ourselves to him.

It is in

Shee, writing a memorial

to be given to Lacuee, of the

am

which

is

acquainted.

the reason

He

is

we address

the form of a letter from Mr. Shee to

General Clarke.
1

little

Robert Simms.

JET. 34

THOMAS PAINE.

February 27th.

Returned

February

Called on Lacuee with the memorial.

2%th.

this

to Paris.

busily engaged with his Secretary.

him

fixed to call on

March

am

day

189

1st,

two or three days.

in

2nd, ird.

much

as

him

Found
him the paper, and

Left

lead the

life

of a dog here in Paris, where

This night, in

alone as in the deserts of Arabia.

downright wretchedness,

memorandum

am come

where

to a tavern,

write

box by myself. It is miserable. I

wonder, shall I ever be so happy as to see my dearest love and our
little ones once more ?
My mind is overgrown with docks and
thistles for want of cultivation, and I cannot help it, for I have not

this

a soul to speak to

in

little

whom

half a dozen Irishmen here in Paris that

sad vulgar wretches, and

pany

have seen, but they are

have been used to rather better com-

Well,

in all respects.

There are about

care a farthing about.

let

me change

the subject.

been lately introduced to the famous Thomas Paine, and

very

well.

vain,

and

to be conscientiously an
;

where

like

him

He is vain beyond all belief, but he has reason to be

for my part I forgive him.
He has done wonders for the

cause of liberty, both in America and Europe, and

well

have

and

find

humour

his

him
is

He

honest man.

discourse than

wittier in

clumsy enough.

He

believe

him

converses extremely

read

from a reply to the Bishop of Llandaff which he

in

his writings,

me some
is

passages

preparing for the

which he belabours the prelate without mercy. He seems

plume himself more on his theology than his politics, in which
do not agree with him. I mentioned to him that I had known

press, in

to
I

Burke
in

in

England, and spoke of the shattered state of his mind,

consequence of the death of his only son Richard.

immediately said that

his

heart,

it

was the

"

Rights of

and that the death of

his son

Man

"

Paine

which had broke

gave him occasion to

develop the chagrin which had preyed upon him ever since the

appearance of that work.

am

sure the " Rights of

tormented Burke exceedingly, but

of a father's grief on his

Paine has no children

Will, or

my

little

spirit,

and
little

Fantom

Poor

has

have seen myself the workings

Oh my
!

Man "

could not be deceived.

babies,

if I

little souls, I

was

to lose

my

dote upon them,

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

190

and on
than

their darling mother,

my own

But to return
I

They

existence.
to Paine

have known to

He

whom

[1797.

love ten thousand times

fish,

him

to advantage

if I

told that

about ten at night, with

is

can very well

have not yet had that advantage, but must contrive,

him

can, to sup with

army.

am

a bottle of brandy and water before him, which

conceive.

thoughts.

a misfortune which

befall other celebrated patriots.

the true time to see

my

are never out of

drinks like a

more

Three days ago

at least

one night before

set off for the

saw sixty stand of the Emperor's

army

presented by General Augereau, of the

taken in Mantua

colours,

They were

of Italy.

and the President of the Directory, Rewbell,

presented Augereau, in return, with the colours of the 62nd demibrigade, which he
fire

had carried over the bridge of Lodi under the

him in consequence

of the enemy, and which had been voted to

by the Conseil des 500. It was a glorious spectacle, and what

rendered it more interesting, the father and mother of Augereau
(his father an old soldier, and his mother a bonne bourgeoise) were
close beside him at the moment, and his brother attended him as
his aide-de-camp.

What

instantaneously in

my mind

expedition

We

perdu."

a crowd of ideas did this group produce

Well,

but no matter.
shall

colours were carried

"

if

Tout

we had succeeded

ce

qui

the fierte with which those veterans presented themselves.

mallieur ont Jletri

mon ante"

Yet

my

my own

were to succeed

father

in Ireland

mind.

"

my

eyes

et le

more than once.

how proud he would be

Well,

find

Le temps

could not be insensible to this

which brought the tears into

thought of

pas

The
see yet what turn things may take.
by sixty old soldiers, and I was delighted with

the spirit of enthusiasm abate daily in

spectacle,

our

in

est diffe're, n'est

all in

of

me

if

we

good time.

Gave Mr. Monroe a letter for my brother, under

cover, to Dr. Reynolds, in which I recommend to him to come to
I wish to God he
France, but without pressing him very strongly.
were here to-night. Monroe will set off in four or five days.
March 6th to 10th. Received a letter from Mary, informing me

March

4th, $th.

of her marriage, and written evidently with a contented heart.

trust in

God

she will be happy.

Enclosed was a

letter

from

my

JET.

A HANDSOME TESTIMONIAL.

34.]

poor dear

love,

about whose health

am

most dreadful anxiety.

in

She has removed to the suburbs of Hamburg, where

be

will
little

Answered the two

not serve

will

me

Maria wrote

better.

angel.

en campagne, 800

March ntk,

= 2,2

~L

officier,

writes like a

my gratification <Tentree

sterling.

In the margin of the order

arrears since the 1st Nivose.

is

She

P. S.

immediately, but the post

Applied to-day and got an order

\2tk.

the following note

little

Received

the thirteenth.

till

letters

hope she

Nota, L'activite

ont /// attestees par

my

for

observed

utilite

de cet

officiers ge'ne'raux."

This

la

et

Bureau des

le

grande

very handsome.

Dined to-day with Che>in, who sets off toI hope to follow him in a
night for the army of Sambre et Meuse.
week at farthest, as I am promised my frais de route by that time.
Came home after dinner, and sat some time alone, and devoured with
the spleen. Opened my desk, and read over all my dearest love's

March

letters.

3th to 20th.

They

alarmed

are

do not think

of our dearest

My

my

constant refuge, but latterly

for her health.

If

could ever survive

babies

little

poor Maria

it,

things,

little

dote on them.

there are two postscripts of her writing

how much

and then what would become

Darling

am most terribly

were so miserable as to lose her

it

is

them all shall I ever have

I
the happiness to see them again ? Well, I must not think of that
now. Sent out for a lemon and sugar, and determined to play the
part of Lord B. " / must have my punch?
Oh that my dearest love
impossible to express

were at the other side of the

"

Quamquam

oh !

"

There

is

love

little

table

where

one thing which

am

remark to-night, and a thousand times before, since

France,

my

viz., "

That

it is

not

good for man

my

alone?

to be

arrival in
If

had

dear and unfortunate friend Russell beside me, to consult on

every occasion,

should no doubt have conducted myself infinitely

better, and, at all events,

ment.

should have had infinitely more enjoy-

have read a good deal

latterly,

In reading, an observation has struck

nobody
to

writing this

have had occasion to

its

to

communicate

consequences.

it

to

but with very

me

very well

cannot discuss

In an hour

it

is

lost,

it,

and

little profit.

but

nor follow

remember

have
it

it

up
no

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

192

more whereas if I had a friend

would have become a principle.
all

the privations

feel is
I

will

have ever

suffered, that

my

my

heart.

difference

would

go to

March

my

21st to 24th.

I shall lose

my

me

is

not

which

my

fault.

make

it
;

my

in

declare

Received

this

day a

of

letter

into the greatest distress.

best beloved wife

my

whom

were here,

situation to-night

am weary

Of

most sensibly

arrival in France, to

If William, if Matt, if Russell

dreary bed

which has thrown

could open myself,

All this

the want of a friend since

could open

what a

whom

to

it

[1797-

Well,

existence.

from

much

my

sister,

fear that

cannot write.

March 2$th. Wrote to my wife and sister, promising to join

them in a month if possible took my place in the diligence for
;

Liege for the 29th, having received

March

26th, 27th 28th.

Blank.

my frais

de route yesterday.

CHAPTER
PLANNING A
March

Set

2gth.

NEW EXPEDITION TO
from Paris at three

off"

the diligence, for Liege

March
from the

IX.

travelled

Breakfast at Soissons

little I

saw of

seems to

in the afternoon,

in

night.

all

2,0th.

it,

IRELAND.

me

supper at Rheims, which,

a delightful spot

visited

the Cathedral where the Kings of France used to be consecrated

it

is

a noble Gothic structure, but

fancy

before that ceremony will be again performed there

excellent red champagne, which
travelled

March

is

called

be some time

will

it

drank some

Vin Ros, and

set off

night again.

all

Dined

31^/.

at

Launay, a

village,

evening at Mezieres, as tired as a horse

and arrived

in

the

got to bed early, and

slept like a top.

April

Slept at Rocroy, famous for the battle gained in

1st.

1643 by the great Conde, in which he annihilated the Spanish

infantry,

and thereby changed the destiny of Europe.

should

have observed that we crossed the Meuse at Mezieres, where

not very considerable.

have seen nothing remarkable

from the high state of
in

it is

have now traversed Champagne, and

;

it is

its cultivation.

flat

country, interesting only

Rheims

is

the best thing

it.

April 2nd.
mont, a place

Slept at Givet, immediately over which

I

should judge impregnable, from

rock, great part of

which

is

inaccessible.

is

Charle-

on a
There are three noble
its

situation

barracks at Givet, one for cavalry and two for infantry.

beginning of the war the Austrians penetrated as

In the

far as the hills

opposite Givet, but, upon observing Charlemont with their perspectives,

vol.

11.

it

held out so

little

temptation to them, that they soon

14

I9; ,

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

194

Crossed the Meuse again, which

retired.

The banks on each side

interesting.

are covered with wood.

Duke de
grate
fertile

and

which

cultivated,

rise

uncommon

rise boldly,

and

in

many places

the

good sense not to emi-

a most delicious spot, on the edge of the river, highly

it is

beginning to grow

is

Passed a chateau belonging to the ci-devant

who has had

Beaufort,

[1797.

which

is

well contrasted

by the

lofty rocks,

bare and perpendicular on the opposite bank to an

height.

Entered the Forest of Ardennes, which brought

my

mind " Well, now I am in

Arden, the more fool I ; when I was at home I was in a better
A most infernal road, but a most romantic country. Dined
J>lace."
at Fumay, which is completely Llangollen I never saw a completer
Welsh landscape for mountains, wood, and water.
Touchstone

immediately to

Breakfasted at Dinant, on the road to which, close to

April 3rd.

the edge of the Meuse,

is

a remarkable sugar-loaf rock, which rises

immense height. The road passes between this sugar-loaf

and an immense pile of rocks on the other side and there is not,
I am sure, a foot more than the breadth of the carriage
the passage was opened by Louis XIV. Opposite to Dinant is Bouvines.
to an

This country
I

have

last

is

a sort of classic ground for a French

Flemish appearance.
fair,

Passed through Ciney, where there was a

not very unlike an English or Irish one

April

slept at

Freneux.

Crossed the Meuse again, and arrived at Liege about

4th.

ten o'clock.

Since

officer.

crossed the Meuse, things are beginning to wear a

On

the road near Liege

of Benedictines, which

is,

is

a most magnificent abbey

in fact, a palace.

At

present, however,

the French have laid their ungodly hands on the revenues, so

not

know how

to Liege put

the Reverend Fathers

me

of the country

is

in

mind of that

to

make

it

not that the face

the same, but that in both cases there

is

a great

number of neat country boxes, extremely well kept, that the

are well dressed, and the gardens highly cultivated

the inhabitants are at their ease, as

manufacturing towns.

Liege

itself is

is

do

The approach

out.

Birmingham

fields

a proof that

generally the case in great

a melancholy dirty

palace of the Prince Bishop has the air of a convent

building, the inside of which forms a court, round

spot.

it is

The

a square

which runs an

JET. 34

LIEGE.

arcade, where there are

even

in the Palais

An

shops of divers

little

is

laid out in shops,

the by,

Duke

of

which has often surprised

English nobleman would not suffer the interior of the

Walked about the town, which

palace to be so shabbily occupied.

nothing remarkable except the number of

offers

By

sorts.

Royal, at Paris, the ground floor of the

Orleans' apartments

me.

i95

little

boys who

exercise the trade of pimping, and handle the caduceus with great

dexterity.

stranger

beset with

is

instant he arrives, three or four of

them

at every corner

them surround him

the

"Monsieur,

monsieur! Voulez vous que je vous conduise ; Quinze ans ; quinze

ans

; la

plus jolie

femme

de la

ville."

under an ecclesiastical government.

magnificent

heap of

The

courts of justice,

it,

was,

and

&c, are held

it

in the

believe,

now

is

Episcopal

company with a Pole named Mokosky, who

found him extremely interesting,
some degree, perhaps, result from the similarity of

Supped

in

was secretary to Kosciusko

which might,

The Cathedral

but the French have demolished

ruins.

palace.

Yet Liege has always been

in

our situations, each of us being banished from our country, and

seeking refuge in France, from the same motives.

Sat late with

him the only pleasant evening I have had on my journey

him very much he idolises Kosciusko, and speaks of him
;

like

as of a

being of superior order; his conversation brought a thousand ideas

my mind.

fresh into

present

there

is

let

me

a time for

all

The country about

Well,

have done with that subject

things,

yet.

Liege, especially the garden belonging to the

bourgeois, is in the highest possible state of cultivation.

I

for the

and mine may come

Thus

far

have remarked no traces of the ravages of war, except a part of

one of the faubourgs, which was destroyed by the

fire

of the

Austrians.

April

$ili.

Duchy

Traversed the

country, the verdure of which

and which
which

The

is

is

not exceeded by that of Ireland,

kept with an exactness and propriety of cultivation

have not remarked even

peasants are sturdy and

tall,

of them wear blue smock frocks

sions,

of Limbourg, a rich parterre

in

the finest parts of England.

well fed

and well clothed

the farm-houses are capital

most
man-

and everything bears the appearance of ease and plenty

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

196

the horses are remarkably well kept

the very finest part of Yorkshire

wind

my

in

German.

is

an open carriage, with the

traversed

Duchy

the

of

appearance of everything, especially the farm-houses,

in the

which

evening at Aix-la-Chapelle,

in

and a snowstorm

face,

in

corn country, well cultivated, but very inferior to Lim-

Juliers, a

bourg

morning

Set off this

6th.

thought myself

but Limbourg has the advantage

in the

Everything now

but too late to see anything.

April

Arrived

in point of cultivation.

in short, I

[i797-

we

Hie finis

arrived at six in the evening.

In the course of this journey,

chartoeque viceque.

we approach

very mean, and grow worse as

in Juliers are

Cologne, where

am

longce,

surprised at

the insignificance of the observations which presented themselves

me

to

in fact,

remarks,

many

my

"

my

journal

Memorandum,

reasons concur to render

mind

is

the counterpart of

is

swim

feathers will

totally occupied

my

tour barren.

by the

state of

to the exclusion of all other objects.

In the

am more unhappy about

of

my

to

live.

eyes, the joy of

I

my

can express.

heart, the only object for

Oh,

my

We

my

life,

were so miserable as to lose you

horrible idea

my
She

are

now

love her ten thousand times

hour of our union.

love,

Let me,

In the next place,

place,

health,

thoughts.
is

I
I

the delight

which

wish

nearly twelve

more than the

I do if I

what should

if

possible, banish this

apprehend that

first

can safely say that since

dote upon her to distraction.

years married, and

first

her than

sea" but

my dearest life's

Paris she has never been one instant out of

left

Kid Codling's

in the salt

have not

the talent for observation, nor perhaps the knowledge, or rather the
reading, necessary

for

perceive that tours, to borrow Sterne's

made like apothecaries' mixtures,

by pouring out of one vessel into another. There are five hundred
Vade Mecums, by the aid of which I see anybody may write a
comparison, as well as books, are

tour

but, for

my

part, I

am

heinously unprovided, seeing that

have not even the Livre des Postes,

journal of the 2nd instant, placed

well-informed tourist

who

will

want of which

for

Fumay

after Givet,

have, in

my

whereas any

only take the trouble, without

quitting his fireside, to open his eyes and look on the map, will see

that

Fumay

precedes Givet, whereby

am

convicted of an unpar-

MT.

COLOGNE.

34.]

donable error in geography, and such as

minds a doubt
of which

cares one farthing for me.

my

mind,

may

comes we
along

all

station,

more.

an execrable
anything

memorandums,

In the last place,

my

when the peace

have been shut up

is

almost impos-

in the

evening at our

from which

it

first

my

therefore refer
for Russell

object

was to get

dearest love and

alone

write these

which have been, and

to the innumerable tours

am

may

so scandalously deficient, notwithstanding that

have spent eight or nine whole days

Paris

wife,

through France and the Pays Bas, for that information

be, written

which

Well,

existence.

whom and

babies, for

little

in

my

was generally so fatigued that

my

compagnons de voyage,

and when we arrived

quite alone,

would be a most delicious party.

and for my wife and Russell, they

diligence,

bed as soon as possible.

my

my

for

am

were to make the tour of Europe

It

say, a part of

shall see

in

sible to see

to

would choose

George Knox dearly

love

make,

remote countries

care one farthing about or that

If

and George Knox.

Russell,

raise in disinterested

In the next place,

without a soul to speak to that

to

may

whether, in fact, I ever visited those

pretend to speak.

197

in

and Cologne, and have traversed

the stage coach between

hundred miles

at least four

of the territory of the Republic.

April

modern

Went

(That

take to be the true style of a

In Cologne

see, as yet,

Cologne.

yth.

tourist.)

to the Quartier-Gene'ral.

The General

be as happy as an Emperor
feel for

across

my

my

dearest

mind.

life

If ever

were not

if it

and

soul,

feel

whom

situation

is

most

am

the campaign

army,

stay,

or, if I

terrible of all events

if I

risk the

and

moment

should

anxiety

at every instant shoots

myself for a

cruel at this

obliged,

travelled

for the increasing

which

moment

enjoy anything, that cruel idea recurs to me, and sinks

My

busy, and could not see us,

Dinner very pleasant.

but sent to invite us to dinner.

nothing remarkable.

with the Adjutant-General Gastines, with

disposed to

me

at once.

just at the opening of

can without disgrace, to quit the

death of

leave

my

my

three

wife

to

little

me

the most

children at

Ham-

burg without the protection of father or mother, depending solely

on the friendship of my sister, who is herself depending on her

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

198

husband, to

whom

am

an utter stranger.

already written twice to

my

my

fault

there

is

and, in that case,

My

no remedy.

Saw
it

Went

is

all

perish,

to the spectacle for

;

we

not

it is

must, and

distracted to-night with a thou-

know not where

CEdipe a Colone butchered

have

will, if possible,

must now see how that can

we must

if

mind

sand opposite thoughts, and

truly miserable

cannot be done with honour,

if it

It is terrible

dearest love that

proceed from Cologne to join her.

be done with honour

[1797.

to fix.

am most

want of other

a wicked punster behind

was truly CEdipe a Colone.

April 8I/1. Mr. Shee is at Bonn,

five

leagues from

idleness.

me

this.

said

He

is

appointed by the General President of the Committee of Administration of the

Bonn

Pays Conquis.

Took

leave of the General, and set

two o'clock in the diligence. Found Mr. Shee in

the gout in his bed, and his brother commissioners at work about
him. Fixed to see him early to-morrow, when I will, if I can,
off for

settle

at

with him what

am

to

do under the present painful circum-

stances.

April

Called on Mr. Shee early, and mentioned to him

gtk.

After turning

present situation.
that

it

in all possible lights,

my

we agreed

should write a letter to the General, suggesting the necessity

of opening a communication with Ireland, and offering, in case he

had not otherwise disposed of me, to go in person to Hamburg

for that purpose.
Wrote the letter accordingly, which Mr. Shee
translated and I signed.
Left Mr. Shee with his commissioners,
and walked about Bonn, which is a charming little town. It was
the residence of the Elector of Cologne, who has a most superb
palace indeed, except the Chateau de Versailles, it is by much
;

the finest
It is

am

now

ever saw

King of England has nothing

it

already a good deal damaged.

metamorphosed

from the town there

but which

is

The garden

it.

I
is

into a park of artillery, in which, however,

there are at present but a few caissons.

first,

like

converted into an hospital for the French soldiers, and

sorry to see

likewise

the

About a quarter of a mile

a second palace, not so magnificent as the

should certainly prefer for a residence

Poppelsdorf, was the Elector's country seat, and has,

it is

am

called
told, a

JET.

THE RHINE.

34-1

handsome jardin Anglais.

199

converted into an hospital,

It is also

Before the war, the road from Cologne to Bonn, being fifteen miles,

was planted on both

sides like

an avenue, but

cut down, and the beauty of the road

the trees are

all

now

This, however,

lost.

is

Opposite to Bonn, on the

least inconveniences of war.

one of the

is

other side of the Rhine, are the Seven Mountains, which form a

Three of them are sur-

very striking and picturesque object.

mounted by

castles,

and furnished,

famous Robert, chef de brigands.

very remarkable here
larger than the

but

The Rhine

me

seems to
Athlone

at

know whether

do not

also the

is

it

Shannon

it is

former days, a retreat to the

in

itself

presents nothing

something, but not much,

the water just

always

On

so.

now

muddy,

is

the opposite bank

abbey of Siegburg, situated on the summit of a hill,

object.
I entered one or two of the

which forms a very striking

churches, in which there are abundance of very middling pictures

Dined with MM. the Commissioners,

windows of the dining-room I saw the
advanced posts of the enemy, on the other side of the Rhine.
and execrably bad

They

statuary.

From

very agreeably.

are only a small

the

detachment of O'Donnel's free corps, dressed

green jackets and red pantaloons, with caps and white

in

Came home

early

and went to bed.

affects

my

What

health.

do

if

if I

a difference would

had

my

the General does not send

April

10I/1.

not at

my mind

continual chagrin and uneasiness of

have spent at Bonn

am

it

make

me
Hamburg

to

belts.

The

degree

in a certain

poor love with

me

well

all

in the

day

What

shall I

Called on Mr. Shee early, and found him engaged.

All the places in the diligence for Cologne were taken to-day, so

must wait

till

to-morrow.

Confound

it

am

in the

utmost im-

know what decision the General will take with regard

my application. Walked round the town and environs two

patience to
to

hours.

It is

fortified

"after a manner;" but they are,

the most peaceful fortifications in Europe.

into a

number of

little

is

fosse

is

believe,

converted

gardens, which are admirably well kept; the

interior of the bastions

which

The

many

form also so

handsome summer-house

gardens, in each of

one of them contains the

Hortus Botanicus, with a delightful house

in the middle.

have

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

200

[i797-

not seen anything so pretty for a long time.

I thought immediately
had that house and garden, with a decent competence, and my
dearest love and our little babies about me, I should be the happiest

if I

man

Spent half an hour contemplating the Sept Mon-

Europe.

in

which appear more and more picturesque and

tagues,

Higher up the

river

is

abruptly, the top of which

extent

do not know

crowned by a

name, but

its

On my return

landscape.

not very high, but which

hill,

is

striking.

it

is

rises

castle of considerable

a noble object on the

discovered a delightful

little

farm-house,

with a patch of woodland behind, and a few acres of excellent land

around

which would

it,

covetous to-day

suit

me

to a miracle.

want everything that

town and environs of Bonn are charming, and

ease

should enjoy this

give to have
I

my

General Hoche
15th

me

poor love with

weary of complaints, which

it is

will

me

to-day

am grown

my mind

were at

What would

come what will,

we meet. I am

Well,

if possible, until

profit

determine.

a good time for

if

Altogether the

trip exceedingly.

little

not speak of her again,

will

think

see.

Let

nothing.

me

what

see

hear the campaign will open the

to propose going to

Hamburg.

cannot conceive a situation much more painful than mine

is

at this

moment.
Returned to-day to Cologne, and dined at the
Quartier-Ge^neral.
Gave my letter to Poitou so to-morrow I supApril

llth.

pose

shall

have an answer.

One way

or other,

shall

know my

destination soon.

April
dinner.

and had,
for

me

to

Saw the General to-day, for an instant, before

He told me he had read my letter, approved of the plan,
in consequence, desired Poitou to make out a permission
12th.

go to Hamburg.

did not like the word "permission?

and therefore took an opportunity to speak to him again after

dinner, when I told him that I did not desire to go to Hamburg
unless he himself thought it advisable, and requested that in that
case he would give

otherwise

it

me

an order,

might appear that

specifically, for that purpose, as

had applied

my

view of the business

directly,

for a cotige' at the

very

He

entered into

and promised me

to have the

opening of the campaign, which was not the

case.

JET.

order
to

HOCHE'S VIEW.

34.]

made accordingly

my

mind.

so

am

in

201

hopes that

affair will

took this occasion to ask him

ticular directions to give

if

be settled

he had any par-

whom

me, or any particular person to

He

me

he

That all I had

assure
friends
that
both
the
my
French Government
to do was to
and himself, individually, were bent as much as ever on the emancithat preparations were making for a second
pation of Ireland
attempt, which would be concluded as speedily as the urgency of
that it was a business which the Republic
affairs would admit
wished

should address myself.

told

not.

would never give up, and that

would try a
also to

fourth,

recommend

and

three

if

expeditions

ever, until they succeeded.

that this determination should be

through the medium of the patriotic prints

people that

satisfy the

we had not

in

lost sight of

they

failed,

He

me

desired

made known

Ireland, in order to

them.

then took

my leave, and we wished each other mutually a good voyage. I

am very well satisfied with the turn which this affair is like to take,
and especially I am infinitely indebted to General Hoche for his
kindness to me personally. On leaving the General I called on
Poitou, and mentioned to

him what

had said about the

likewise wrote a line to the General, requesting

but

order.

de route,

success in this application, as our military chest

At all events, I have money enough

Come, all is not lost that is in danger.
have now the General's word that our business will be undertaken

here

is

heinously unfurnished.

to carry
I

my

doubt

my frais

me

to

Hamburg.

again.

April i$th.
all

To-day the General

set off for Coblentz.

walked

the forenoon about Cologne, and entered divers churches

a procession of priests carrying the host.

To

saw

a devout Catholic

it

must appear very striking, but to me, who am not a Catholic, it was
no great things however, I am glad I have seen it, for one must see
;

everything.

Saw sundry

live Friars

grey, with all their trumpery!'

Dutch

galliote,

" black,

where there was an apartment of four

make a voyage down

white,

and

Visited the port, and went on board

the neatest and prettiest things

another.

and Monks,

ever saw.

the Rhine with

my

little

rooms,

should delight to

dearest love aboard such

Yesterday and to-day above 6,000 men, with a train of

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

202

[1797-

have entered Cologne, including the Legion des Francs

and the 24th demi-brigade of light infantry they are to be incorartillery,

porated and serve with a company of light artillery on the advanced

guard, and as they have been trained to the petite guerre in

Vendee,

think they will be a match for an equal

among

tionnaires,

me

with

He
It

Was

"

him

told

am

"Eh

my

parlous fear

boot what

men

"

It

shall

have to do, but

my

order nor

promised to send

have written a

my

April

army

poor

line to

me

would

about Cologne

just

is

"

By'r lakin, a

my /rats

my

the churches

It costs

me

a very hard

induce

me

to

make such a
must

soul for her.

Yesterday

entered a church

there happened to be no one in

was gazing about,

perceived the

corner of a green silk curtain behind a thick iron lattice

it.

from

have been lounging these three days

the place but myself, and as

and some one behind

de route

at least the order

now, and nothing under heaven but

stupid enough.

I visit all

I know no
know that I have

at stake, every other consideration

sacrifice

14th, 15th, 16th.

alone, for

un brave de plus?

Mr. Shee respecting the money,

love's health could

but when that

give way.

And

and equip.

to arm, clothe,

struggle to leave the

sacrifice

much.

Meuse ? "

et

seems, in the distribution of

have no violent hopes of success.

the state of

who was

liked very

habillement des troupes!'

et
I

have not got

yet, but Poitou has

Bonn, and

charged, being attached to the Etat-Major, with the

at least 80,000

but

whom

bien," said he, "desl

said of him.

Arme'ment, eqtiippement

more than

my connaissatices expedi-

army of Sambre

of the

was,

was handsomely

officers, I

"

several of

the rest Waudre, of the artillerie ttgere,

on board the Indomptable, and

asked me,

when

Met

enemy.

light troops of the

La

number of the

drew

lifted up,

near, in order to discover

who

it

I
proved to be a nun, young I am
saw only her mouth and chin, but a more beautiful
mouth I never saw. We continued gazing on one another in this
manner for five minutes, when a villainous overgrown friar, entering
Poor soul, I pitied her from
to say his mass, put her to the rout.

might

be,

and

handsome,

for

it

and

believe

the very bottom of

tions,

sure,

my

heart,

and laying aside all grosser considera-

should have rejoiced to have battered

down

the gates of the

JET.

STARTING FOR HOLLAND.

34-]

These convents are most

convent, and rescued her from her prison.

infernal institutions, but, at the

peace,

203

Republic

trust the

will

by the by, the people are dreadlast week we have had nothing but

settle that business here, where,

All this

fully superstitious.

Good Friday.
being Easter Sunday, and heard High Mass in the

religious processions, particularly on the 14th, being

Went

to-day,

ceremony was very modest

Cathedral, but the

fancy they have

concealed their plate and ornaments for fear of us, and they are

very

much

in the right of

and heard a Capuchin

After mass, went to another church,

it.

friar

Crossed the Rhine to-day, on

preach.

the pont volant, and took possession of the rive droite in the

There

the land."

but

doubt

it

it

peace with him,

Thus far we

"

of the Republic.

is

great talk of an armistice with the Emperor,

is

too good news to be true.

we

could bend

sources on England.

my

wonder

we had once

If

our attention and

all

all

our

re-

have heard nothing yet about

order.

This day Fairin, aide-de-camp to General Cherin,

April 17th.

me

brought
letter

the order for

my

departure, enclosed in a very friendly

from the General-in-Chief.

my frais de

route, so

Hock.

April 18th.
Shee, to notify

do not see anything concerning

Walked out

Pas mall
Wrote this morning

my intended

diligence for

made

my

By

the time

19th.

April 20th.

think

will

have desired

go no farther

my

Took my

departure.

my

a pretty handsome tour of

April

dearest love, and to Mr.

family to

Coulanges, Sous Chef de l'Etat-

Nimeguen, from whence

Amsterdam.

my

departure.

Called on General

Major, to apprise him of

refused.

evening to a guin-

in the

to

than the frontiers of Hanover, where

meet me.

is

on the banks of the Rhine, and drank a

guette, delightfully situated

bottle of

presume that part of the business

no worse.

It is well it is

to

name

have advanced into the bowels of

place in the

shall proceed,

voyaging

is

finished

by Utrecht,
I

shall

have

it.

Blank.

Set out from Cologne, at

five in

the morning, " by

most of the clocks" on my way to join my dearest love. Dined at

Neuss, an inconsiderable town. At three reached Crevelt, the most

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

204

saw

beautiful village I ever

As

highly cultivated.
spot

on

there

there,

easy to

to the

the country

all

town

it

itself,

around

which greatly enlivens the place

the inhabitants,

but

goods carried

silk

Four leagues

and comfortable.

see, are rich

it is flat,

a most delicious

is

a considerable manufactory of

is

[1797-

it

is

travelled all

night.

April

name,

Passed Guelders, the capital of the Duchy of that

2\st.

in a

broken slumber.

trivance for sleeping

say.

can assure

German post-wagon

concern, that a

am

all

whom

those

it

may

not the most eligible con-

moment ereintd, as the French

made my toilet to refresh me.
threepence, for in Germany the ancient

in.

is

at this

Breakfasted at Cleves, and

Shaved by a surgeon for

fraternity between the barbers and surgeons

still

of Partridge's lamentation on their separation.

wagon

At

at one.

At

public.

my place

my

Nimeguen, which

my

first halt.

Secured

Utrecht diligence for to-morrow morning.

Walked

about the town for an hour

am

is

enchanted with

me

fellow-traveller, assures

and exactitude

that, as

increase.

we

proceed,

never saw

it.

anything so neat and well kept, and a young German,

cleanliness

in

four entered the territory of the Batavian Re-

six reached

in the

Thought

subsists.

Set off again

who

is

my

shall find the

Passed by two or three corps

de garde ; the Dutch troops very handsome, fine fellows, and ex-

tremely well kept.

ragamuffins
officers

is

at their doors

all

will

am

Saw several young DutchI

me

all,

there

charming

to be

find that I
is

had a very
nothing like

with which observation, as

sure never occurred to

anybody

it is

per-

before, I

conclude this day's journal.

April

22?id.

tells

Nimeguen in the Utrecht diligence,

Dutch officer of dragoons, who travels

Set out from

between seven and eight.

with me,

taste.

Well, after

travelling, to dispel prejudice

and

respects.

and with

erroneous idea of Holland.

The Dutch

and our Generals

and windows, who seem to

creatures, dressed well,

fectly original,

remembered, though, that our

chaff before the wind.

hats, like the British,

better in

is

to be

fly like

wear gold-laced

the French plan

women

It

made them

me,

in

a barbarous jargon, worse than

letter is just arrived at the Municipality,

my

own, that

with the news that an

JET.

JOURNEY THROUGH HOLLAND.

34-]

205

it

is agreed upon. I hope

would make a marvellous change for

am

armistice with the Emperor, for four months,

God

in

the news

the better in our

is

there

ing

affairs.

something, after

is

is

red

and

tiles,

made

here and there a chateau of a

by a garden

expects to find there.

It is true it

of an English garden, but

I

like it well

straight lines,

English that of a poet.

superior, but all I

beauties,

which

is

it

enough

No

contend for

much

first

agriculturists in

question the English taste

is,

that the

Dutch

But

it.

know

of their farming, and to hear

is

my

them

is

am

far
its

ridicule

writing an

To

return

the English brag

talk,

they are the

I am no
Dutch farm is,
an English one, and

existed.

eye, everything in a

comparison, neater

that they

is

the world, as well as the bravest, wittiest,

especially that striking

it is,

gar-

all

not without

nothing.

and greatest people which has ever

practical farmer, but, to

which,

Dutch

of a mathematician, the

that

is

attempted to be thrown upon

all

neat-

merits,

an English

in

and by no means merits the indiscriminating

very

beyond

am

its

own

In a

in miniature.

and right angles

never saw such neat farming as in Holland

wisest,

taste.

a bad one

is

has not the picturesque beauty

essay upon gardening, about which

I

Dutch

in the true

has, notwithstanding, its

The Dutch garden

sinuosity.

and regularity agree admirably with what one

ness, exactitude,

all is

by deep and
work

as neat as basket

not sure that, for a small garden, that taste

den

meadows,

small brick farm-houses, covered with

in excellent order

Seigneur, surrounded

and, in short,

tract of

lost in the distance, intersected either

The

not disagreeable.

least, is

wide ditches, or by fences of wicker,

large plantations of willows

tour

view of Holland, notwithstand-

of a Dutch landscape are an immense

the view

my

exceedingly pleased with

in the

all,

monotony, which to me, at

its

features
till

true

than in

and important

article,

make such immense

the fences, to form

plantations of willows

the pasturage seems most luxuriant, and everything, in short, in a

Dutch farm wears the appearance of ease and plenty.

There

is,

however, a striking contrast between the neatness and beauty of

the farm-houses and the
I

saw

several

mean and

rustic

appearance of the owners;

very ordinary-looking boors lodged in

mansions

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

206

[i797

which, with us, would suit a gentleman of from three hundred to

one thousand pounds

sterling a year.

number of these

great

cottages have apiaries of twenty, thirty, forty, and one or two that
I

remarked, of above one hundred hives.

why

see plain enough,

little

never

to have

plenty, might take care.

remark with regard to the orchards

arrived in France, but he
is

little

see, or rather I

expense, and of which their children, of which they

require so
fail

cannot

our poor peasantry have not bees, which

who can barely

about apples

solicitous

made

the same

Normandy, when

in

first

find potatoes for his family

he whose constant beverage

is

we succeed, maybe
we may put my poor countrymen on somewhat a better estabBut to return. The storks here, who are
lishment. We shall see.
water, dreams neither of cider nor mead. Well,

if

never disturbed, build on the barns and churches

work on

their nests

fasted at

Wyck.

it

On

interior of the machine,

The guard

saw

several at

Break-

the back of our post-wagon was painted a

representation of Noah's ark

credit.

a superstition of the country.

is

at

and

Wyck

Nimeguen, very handsome,

thought

no bad

it

allusion to the

the painter intended

if

blue, faced

is

him

sky blue, and, as at

After passing

fellows.

fine

give

it,

Wyck,

observed that there was considerably more corn grown than

had

hitherto seen, but the neatness of cultivation continues invariably.

At seven

in the

nothing, as

evening arrived at Utrecht, of which

saw almost

alighted at one gate, and traversed, without stopping,

a part of the city to the canal, from whence proceeded the barge
for

Amsterdam.

remarked, however, that, as at Bonn, the bastions

were converted into

little

gardens, and

Utrecht they are infinitely more

in

ornamented. The quarter through which

in

mind of Philadelphia, which, to

summer-houses, but at

number, neater kept, and higher

my

eye,

passed put

it

in the exterior of the houses, the footways

trees planted in the streets, the fountains,

of the inhabitants, which

I

am

is

me

strongly

resembles exceedingly

paved with

brick, the

and even the appearance

very like that of the American Quakers.

very apt to see analogies and likenesses between places and

individuals,

that as

it

which

fancy exist often in

may, Utrecht put

me

my

strongly in

imagination only

mind of

be

Philadelphia.

JET.

THE TRAKSCHUYT.

34-]

At

207

eight, set off in the trakschuyt, a villainous barge,

the grand canal packet boat what a

German post-wagon

which

is

to

to a neat,

is

The grand cabin, which is very small,

being hired, I was stowed away amongst the common lumber. We
were about thirty passengers, one half Jews, every man with his
well-hung English chariot.

I thought my entry into the

was suffocated
solemnised
a
by battle. Having nothing but
boat would have been
French money, when I came to pay for my passage the skipper

pipe in mouth.

refused

my

coin,

which threw

me

into unspeakable confusion.

young Jew, seeing my difficulty, offered to change me a piece of

I thanked him, and accepted his
five livres into Dutch money.
offer.
(It is to be observed that at par the Dutch sol is exactly
double the French, consequently 100 French sous should procure 50

traffic,

my Jew knew the course of exchange too well for that

taking my piece of 100 sous, gravely handed me 38

But

Dutch.)

and,

sous d'Hollande,

by which

should have lost exactly 24 sous.

was

at first rather surprised at his

self

immediately,

gravity, required

him out of

looked him mildly

him

impudence, but, recollecting myin the face, and,

instantly to refund.

Jew

as

he was,

with great
this

threw

and he immediately offered me four sous

told him that I perceived he was a Hebrew,

his play,

d'Hollande more.

and that if he would give me one hundred, he should not have the
piece
on which he submitted. All this is matter of inducement.
(How the deuce came I to remember so much law ?) Immediately
after, a man would enter the boat perforce, and sat himself down
;

in the lap of another,

who

threw him upon me, just as

repelled
I

him with great

violence,

and

was endeavouring to compose myself

I had great need.

I rose immediately, and,
him by the collar, was proceeding to inflict an unheard-of
chastisement upon him, to which my adventure of the Biscayneer at
Trenton would have been nothing, when my Jew, who had not

to sleep, of which
seizing

digested his affront and his

which

instantly quit

with great violence.

is
is,

my

loss,

thought proper to

on

Hebrew

All the world knows that a Dutch trakschuyt

a most inconvenient scene for a battle

in the first place,

interfere,

antagonist and attacked the

for,

to

go no

farther,

impossible to stand upright therein, and

it

we

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

208

[1797-

away in bulk, like so many herrings.

more than swear and call names, which

were, besides, stowed

do

therefore,

little

could,

did in

broken French, to the great astonishment of the Dutchman and

terror of the Israelite,

whom

I know not what

make him an example for ever
He demanded pardon with great

threatened with

degree of punishment, which should

to all the posterity of

marks of
truder,

who was

common

My

the

Abraham.

which

contrition,

and the

at length accorded him,

in-

cause of the dispute, being turned out by

first

consent, the tranquillity of the packet boat was restored.

and the smoking continued with great

was devoured with ennui. Opposite me was
Dutchman, with his mistress, I believe so, to divert

sleep was, however, fled,

perseverance, so that

placed a fat

myself, and support the honour of the Republic,

determined to

act the

Celadon with Mademoiselle, who did not know one word of

French.

That did not, however, prevent me from making great

her good graces, and Hans, who perceived he was losing

way

in

ground

very wisely determined to renounce the contest, to

fast,

which he found himself unequal, pulled

and composed himself

ceremony,
fast as

in

The lady

a church

certainly

laid

cap down over his eyes

my

head down, without

the lap of Mademoiselle, and in five minutes was as

and, in this manner,

I

to sleep.

his

followed the example of her two lovers,

at five in the

had no right

in the

Chevaliers Francais tel est

le

morning we reached Amsterdam.

world to tease poor Hans but " Des

caractere ;" besides that he seemed
;

made of penetrable stuff? I will not venture

much of Mademoiselle, who, by the by, was very pretty.

"

not to be

April 23rd.
Neiss, for

am

At

six reached the

Auberge VEtoile

to say as

the Neuss or

in

not sure of the orthography, and got immediately

into bed, of which

night's sleep since

had great occasion

I
I

left

Of

Cologne.

for

have not had a good

three nights,

have spent

two on the wagon and trakschuyt and the intervening one, at

Nimeguen, I passed very badly, from the reflection that I had to
get up very early the next morning a circumstance which always
spoils my rest, and, indeed, was the case the night before I left
Cologne so I may say I have passed four nights without a good
;

sleep,

and that

is

too much, and

am

as tired as a dog.

My jour-

JET.

AMSTERDAM.

34-]

209

ney from Cologne to Amsterdam, including expenses of

me

has cost

about 36

Rose
Dined

cheap and inconvenient.

It

to-day, Sunday.

is,

one

"

drank a bottle of

most excellent
Stadthuys

"Mem.

all

10s. sterling.

kinds,

Very

Hands, but not face."

at the table d'hote very agreeably, at

wine of Lucena" or

rather, indeed,

The

set out alone to see the lions.

a most magnificent building, which perfectly satisfied

the conception
so called,

at ten.

delicate

and

claret,

of France, or

livres

had formed of

presume, because

it

Beside

it.

the

it is

was new when

it

New

was

Church

built

by the

Dutch Republic. Assisted

The people
was much pleased.
remarked that the congregation con-

Spaniards, before the foundation of the

which

at divine service, with

here seemed devout, but

sisted entirely of persons
I

advanced

was the youngest man

and most magnificent

When

in life, or of children.

The organ

in the church.

ever saw.

It is truly a

etiquette of that.

God Almighty

Is

it

on again.

that they think

it

to address

Him

it

believe

the largest

is

noble instrument.

the minister prayed, every one took off his hat, and

read the Scriptures, put

to

when he

do not understand the

would not be respectful

with a hat on

But, surely if

the Scriptures be the word of God,

it is not respectful to listen, no

more than to speak, to your superiors with your hat on. Saw the
tombs of De Ruyter and Van Galen. That of De Ruyter is in the
place where, in a Catholic church, would be the high altar. The
tomb of that brave man occupies it more honourably. He is re-

presented lying, as well as

been

best as

who

is

it is.

monument

am

Galen.

wished at

was extremely

affected

by the

figure of

left

on

his breast.

erected to the

memory

It is

Van

it

is

Galen,

of a brave

man by

his

country

we have but few Van Tromps and De

Dutch navy of the present day. Walked round by

rather afraid that

Ruyters

in the

astonishing neatness.

The

cleanliness

appetite of a prince.
vol.

believe

a glorious recompense, a

the quays, which are kept, as everything else

eat.

he had

first

represented as dead, with his truncheon grasped in his right

hand, and his

Van

an erect posture, but, on second thoughts,

in

11.

Looked

into the cellars

Holland, with

where the

sailors

them might tempt the

thought of George's Quay, and " Ship's

of everything in
I

in

15

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

2IO
kettles cooked
liness, to

here" with some

In point of clean-

humiliation.

little

speak the truth, we are most terribly behind the Dutch.

Coffee-house and the papers.

to be

[1797-

humbled

fated that

It is

my

In the Leyden Gazette

to-day.

national pride

had the

is

mortifi-

cation to read the following observation, relative to the peaceful

disarming of the province of Ulster

"

Quelques menacantes que

a vu

soyent souvent les dispositions des Irlandais, rarement on les

produire de bien terribles

vation
that "

is

We were a
I

am more and more

city of the world to

the

it

infinitely either to

again.

idea of

and grand.

that the obser-

walk

London or

Amsterdam

pleased with

and, in that respect,

in,

it

prefer

the Stadthuys

Visited

Paris.

a most magnificent structure, and one of the few

It is

public buildings which

my

it is,

people easily roused and easily appeased."

is

first

devil of

Fitzgibbon was right when he said

too well founded.

April 24th.

The

effets."

it.

It is

have seen, which completely answered

exactly what

know nothing

ought to be

it

vast,

simple,

world of architecture, but

in the

have scarcely ever been so pleased with anything as with the Stadt-

huys of Amsterdam.

There

is

a set of bells in the

ornaments the front of the building, that execute

pieces of music with an inconceivable precision.
test the

sound of a

bell,

so that

when

was

don, surrounded by five or six churches,

dome which

airs

and short

In general,

at the

Temple

in

de-

Lon-

often wished myself in

Turkey or some peaceable Mahometan country, where bells are forBut the chimes of the Stadthuys are quite another affair.
I stood to-day twice, for nearly half an hour, and listened to them
with the greatest pleasure. The hackney coaches are here fixed on
sledges, and drawn by one horse
they are convenient and ugly,
but the horses are superb. Traversed the Warmoes straat, which
is the Rue St. Honore of Paris, the Strand of London, and the

bidden.

Dame

Street of Dublin.

Cheapside of Amsterdam.

The Kelver
I

straat

may

of commerce from seeing the City of London, but

higher one now, since

of

this city

my

visit to

Holland.

have been before the war

Hammel's, on the Zokkin,

to

be called the

had a very high notion of the dignity

have

it

have a much

What must

Bought a

to say that

the trade

set of duets at

had been

in the

MT.

ENGLISH NEWSPAPERS

34-]

first

musical magazine in the world.

211

Subscribed for a proof im-

pression of a mezzo-tinto of Buonaparte, eight livres.

whether

who

is

but

it is

a very good print.

do not know

Called on the

artist,

an Englishman, one Hodges, and sat half an hour chatting

with him
I

like,

it is

me

he has promised to choose

me

have the cacolthes emendi strongly on

have so

little

money

out a choice impression.

to-day, but luckily

must soon expire

that the disease

for lack

of

nourishment.

Rose

April 2$th.
tobacco stopper^

at

Wrote

to

my

Chid Ralph for mislaying

"

nine.

Changed

her at Groninguen, the 3rd or 4th of next month.

d'or

louis

fifteen

which

is

House

for

my

dearest love, appointing to meet

Dutch money

just sixpence per louis;

is

it

thereby nine

lost

not much.

At

livres,

the Coffee

found English papers down to the 14th instant

nothing

was a great enjoyment to me. Several United

Irishmen acquitted, whose names, however, are not mentioned.
There is a schism in the yeomanry corps, many of whom are

material, but

it

disgusted by the tyranny exercised over the people of the North,

and especially by some proclamations lately published by General

Lake, which I should be glad to see, and which appear to be very
There have been, in consequence, resolutions, counter
violent.
resolutions,

and protests

in short, there is a feud in the

enemy's

camp, and the English Government can count no more upon the
Mr. Pitt has despatched Mr. Hammond to
yeomanry corps.
Vienna, either to negotiate,

or, as I

rather think, to prevent the

The

Emperor from negotiating with the French.

is

universal,

There

is

and petitions pouring

from

in

all

outcry for peace

parts to that effect.

one from the City of Dublin, moved by Grattan, and

seconded by Ponsonby, at an aggregate meeting of the

and carried without a dissenting

voice.

patriots are at last forced to bolt out of the

citizens,

see those illustrious

House of Commons,

and come amongst the people, as John Keogh advised Grattan

to do long since. 1
An attempt was made to declare the county
1

[Grattan and his friends retired from Parliament owing to the coercive

policy of the Government. Twenty years afterwards he justified his conduct.

" The reason why we seceded was that we did not approve of the conduct of

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

212

Armagh

a state of disturbance, but the scheme was defeated,

in

and altogether there seems

spirit rising in that

an inch high on

He

hard.

London,
5,000,

[mi-

to be a faint appearance of a better

do not, however, build

seem determined to die

unfortunate country.

The King and

it.

Pitt

has refused to receive the address of the City of

sitting

on the throne

and the Livery, to the number of

have voted unanimously that

it

inherent

the

is

right

of the City to present their petitions in this manner, and so they

If they carry their point (which they will not) the

are at issue.

King

be obliged to give an answer, which

will

is

the ground of the

stocks were as low as 49J, but Hammond's mission

has screwed them up to 52. For my part, I look on it as a mere

The

dispute.

tub to the whale, whilst the loan

is

negotiating, which

for

is

15,000,000 sterling, but nothing is too improbable for John Bull

Mr. Nisby's
to believe, especially when he desires it. Mem.

opinion thereon.

Having three or

April 26th.
to see the

morning

four days to dispose

resolved

of, I

Convention Batave, and in consequence set off this

at five, in the trakschuyt, for the

Hague.

At Haarlem,

saw a regiment of Dutch troops, preparing for the parade

blue, faced red,

and the men

in general

and accoutrements

uniform

of a very fine appearance

in excellent order.

Travelled

as far as

Leyden with a Dutch Admiral, who had the

politeness

to invite

me

their arms, clothes,

into the state cabin, which he

do not know

his

had hired

for

himself

much

"

name, but he spoke very good French,

Gentlemen of t/ie Jury." I found his

conversation very agreeable his uniform was blue, with a red cape
better Frencli than

you or

I,

and

cuffs,

embroidered

in gold,

and a white ostrich feather

all

round

the United men, and we could not approve of the conduct of the Government.
were afraid of encouraging the former by making speeches against the

We

latter,

and we thought

it

withdraw from both.

better in such a case, as

we could support

There was high treason

neither,

but
. The
nothing could excuse the torture, the whippings, the half hanging.
Government were so abominable, their measures were so violent, that no
They did not treat the people as if they
man would sanction them. :
were Christians. They treated them not like rebel Christians, but like rebel

to

certainly,

dogs "Ed.]

MT.

A DUTCH ADMIRAL.

34-]

He

his hat.

from the Texel, where there are

just returned

is

of the

fifteen sail

ready and

line,

manned for sea. That would

Dutch seamen have manifested

full

be very good, but unfortunately the

such a terrible
there

spirit

of mutiny, insubordination, and

no reckoning upon them

is

sail

the by,

God
we

of the line that

knows, but

making

are

the

of

may

it

said

be a present

to the English.

what he thought of Cordova's

asked the Admiral

away with

have never been

regard to the conduct

in that expedition.

of fifteen

By

Good Hope.

thoroughly satisfied with

Admiral

that

ill-will,

witness their running

infamous behaviour under Admiral

the Jason frigate, and their

Lucas, at the Cape of

213

battle with

Jarvis the other day, when, with twenty-seven sail of the line, he

beaten by

contrived to be

whether he thought

Dutchman

also told

named

is

fifteen, and to lose four ships, and

was through cowardice or ignorance. The

And

bluntly answered me, " Both."

He

right.
ville,

it

heartily glad of

of the canal

me

command

the

to

To

it.

of the

my

return to

my

I felt

are

little

for

they

in the

my

days of

let

for the

own ground

law here

and

There were green

is,

that every

last

have a day's partridge shooting

day

fellow!

They

number.

man

to sport

is

conclude the Dutch are either too

busy or too lazy to follow much that amusement.

I ever

us.

youth, something of a sportsman,

plover, redshanks, snipes, hares, without

disturbed

us pass within

take notice of

ancient propensities begin to revive.

only on his

am

All along the banks

observed a prodigious number of wild fowl, who,

indeed, could hardly be called wild

and grey

Brest.

fleet at

voyage.

twenty yards of them without seeming to

Having been,

was

believe he

that the celebrated navigator, Bougain-

was out was with

God knows what may be

my

dear

wonder, shall

Ireland again

in

friend

Russell.

his situation this day, or

The
Poor

whether

he has not been sacrificed by that infernal Government of Ireland.

Well,
as

let

me

think no more of that.

we approached

The banks

the Hague, are covered with

of the canal,

villas,

they can stand, and kept with an astonishing neatness

local difficulties of situation

contrived to

make

it is

astonishing

of their country.

as thick as

under the

how much they have

They have " turned diseases to

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

214

[1797-

" but to judge of this, it is necessary to be on the spot,

;
and see what they have done.
Nothing short of Dutch patience,
perseverance, and resolution could have commenced, continued,
and concluded the astonishing works which are executed everywhere in Holland.
A Dutchman cultivates his garden with

commodity

a precision inconceivable, and brings

perfection

pumping

and within

which

off the water,

it

to a

of absolute

state

yards he has a windmill built for

fifty

constantly at work

is

and were

it

to cease, he and his garden would be inundated in twenty-four

hours.
to

have remarked twenty

neatest boxes

My

ever saw.

the water,

villas, built literally in

which the master entered by a bridge

Arrived

at the

and they were the

Hague

at five o'clock.

To

journey of thirteen leagues has lasted twelve hours.

same space,
it occupies nearly, as well as I can remember, the same time, and
costs five shillings.
In the Dutch Canal there are no locks the
Monastereven, from Dublin, which

is

pretty nearly the

boat, which

and

is

much

inferior to our

drawn by one

in all respects, is

about three miles an hour

"

Such a place

at the

knows

is

so

packet boats,

many

horse,

Geography,

leagues, or so

will

who makes

many

hours

Set up

off."

who

be careful not to confound with a place

Dined

Glendalough.

regularly

intelligent reader,

of the same denomination in county Wicklow, which

the natives

beauty,

so that here they say, indifferently,

Seven Churches, which, however, the

his

in size,

at

is

called

by

the table d'hote, with nine

members of the Dutch Convention, very plain and respectablelooking men, and put me exceedingly in mind of my old and

much and
feel

ever respected masters of the General Committee.

that sentence.
visited

my

eyes,

sundry places, of which

myself at

last

right side of

in

kept, their

know

not yet the names

found

by a noble avenue, on the

which was a Dutch regiment (the uniform blue, faced

exercise,

our troops

a wood, intersected

white) at exercise, and on the

Dutch

and my pulse beat fast, in writing

After dinner, walked out alone, to see the town

the tears gush in

beyond

they are

all

taller

left

a battalion of French.

The

comparison, with more precision than

and stouter men, better dressed and

arms and accoutrements

in better order.

At

fifty

yards

JET.

DUTCH SOLDIERS.

34.]

distance, to see
blush,
closer

them

together, there

215

no man who,

is

at the first

would not give the preference to the Dutch. But I looked

at them when the exercise was over, arid saw, at once, in the

French, something of a

and animation that spoke that ardent

is their chief characteristic, and
wanted. I would not, after that glance,

fire

and impetuous courage which

which the others totally

hesitate one instant, with our

Dutch

battalion, to attack the

little

we would beat

regiment, which was at least twice as strong, and

was very amusing to me to observe the fierte of our

there was a saucy air of
soldiers, as they marched by the others
civil superiority, which made me laugh excessively, both then and
The physiognomy of the French is sharp, quick, and
ever since.

them.

It

penetrating
the step,

air,

and unmeaning

that of the Dutch, round, honest,

and manner of the former are

are the true stuff whereof to

some important points

make

free

There

soldiers.

are,

You must

be considered.

to

and assured

however,

His hat

property, in the disposition of which he

interrupted or constrained

shape and form, and wear

it

he must try

is
is

it

is

France

for every soldier in

God knows, ragged enough,

by no means
on

to

be

in every possible

When

figure.

satisfied in

ready for every-

is

not so brave as those petits maitres

is

a petit maitre.

but

have seen them,

never saw them but with their

cravat, well

and fashionably arranged, and

on with an

air.

To

be

likewise his absolute

those important, indeed indispensable points, he

and Caesar himself

if it

absolutely in that position which best

becomes, as he conceives, the cast of his

thing,

the

leave

French grenadier permission to wear a very large cravat,

the fashion, tied just as he likes.

they

their hat

cocked and put

Once again, it was curious to see them

In the manner with which they regarded

return.

march by the Dutch.

the others, most of whom were the head and shoulders taller than
they, there was a certain assurance which pleased me exceedingly

Dutchmen looked to me like so many tailors beside them. Saw

a corps de garde of Dutch cavalry, uniform white, faced black, and

the

lined red, buff vest

cockades.

and breeches, buff cross and waist

So many colours had not a good

however, to see the regiment mounted.

effect

belts,

should

black
like,

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

2l6

April

[i797-

Visited this morning the Convention Batave ;

2"]th.

held in the palace of the ci-devant Stadtholder, in the

it

is

room which

was formerly the ball-room, the orchestras whereof are converted

into tribunes, as they are called here and in France, and galleries
with us. The tribunes are open, and no introduction by a member
is necessary.
The room is handsome, but has nothing particularly
striking it is an oblong of, I judge, about 120 feet by 50, illuminated
by six large, and as many smaller windows, over the others, of plate
;

The

glass.

open to the

President
front,

and

is

placed on a banquette, raised four steps,

on the other three sides

railed in

hand are two tables, and

him
is the bar; his table
to
opposite
and

right

velvet cloth, laced with gold,

manner

in like

he wears a

and round

his right shoulder

and

is

his chair

silk scarf

his waist,

on

his

seats for four secretaries

left

covered with a crimson

is

covered and trimmed

of red and white, passed on

and he

furnished with a

is

middling-sized ivory mallet, with which he announces the decision

The

of the assembly by a stroke on the table.

like

it

nobody here minds

On

it.

respective chairmen.

on the

his right hand, but

small kind of pulpit, from which

by the

mallet

do not

gives the President terribly the air of an auctioneer, but

all

floor, is

The members, who

are placed round the three sides of the room

are 126 in number,

there are five rows

of benches, raised one above the other, covered with green cloth

every
all

member

has before him paper, pens, and ink

numbered, and every

reports of committees are read

fifteen days, at

the places are

the election of the Presi-

whose office lasts no longer, the members draw for their seats,
by which means they avoid the denomination of right and left
They receive ten
sides, Government and Opposition sides, &c.
florins a day, which is nearly the same pay as in France, being
dent,

about

6s. 8d. sterling,

English.

my

principle

too moderate

be

for

liberally paid,

liberally

and
in

you can

It is
is,

moderate enough,

insist that

he

be not

When

you pay

whom you employ shall do

his duty,

but receive no fees of

infinitely fewer

if it

that public functionaries should

hands are necessary.

office.

have seen

France the mischief of a different system, where,

for

sufficiently

want of being

able to pay their public functionaries, every one was careless, and

JET.

BATA VIAN CONVENTION.

34-]

217

ten persons were required to do the work, and do

be well done by one, and

Liberality

is,

in

many

extremely decorous
sufficiently kept

which might
the upshot.

in

economy. The members were

manner and appearance, and order is

instances, true

in their

infinitely better, for

example, than

observed very few members

in the

Conseil

House of Commons.

des 500, but not quite as well as in the English

I

it ill,

expense

for the fourth of the

who were not

at least thirty-five

them seemed to me to be forty and upwards they wear no distinctive mark of any kind. Altogether, I
was extremely pleased with the decorum and appearance, both of
the assembly and auditors.
The tribunes were full, but not
crowded there were some women of a decent appearance, and in
years of age, and most of
;

the tribune opposite to the President, which

friends of the

mittee, on

reserved for the

members, there were some very handsome and well

When

dressed.

is

House was,

entered, the

some ordinary

wore a black velvet scarf over

as

we would say,

in

in gold

on the

At

front.

the House resumed, and the President took the chair, as

described.

The

words

his right shoulder, with the

Republique Batave, embroidered

com-

and the President pro tempore

business,

twelve
I

have

question for discussion was, whether the Dutch

people should or should not be obliged, by the constitution, to pay

the clergy.

ought to
there

is

there

is

know

not what

be, their decision.

may

no salary fixed by law

for the priests.

a great deal of religion, there

for the clergy.

The

know very

be, but I

In France, where there

is

is

well

no

what

religion,

In America, where

no salary

settled

by law

Catholic priests and the Dissenting ministers

of Ireland are paid by the voluntary subscriptions of their hearers,

and

after all these

examples

have no doubt as to the incon-

venience of a Church Establishment.

By the

by, there are several

of the clergy members of the Convention Batave

saw to-day one

Catholic priest and three Protestant ministers sitting in their places,

and the

priest

spoke

in

the debate

he made the assembly laugh

heartily.

know

not what he said, but

There are likewise some of

do not vote as a
some of them are patriots, and others aristocrats. All this
information was given me by an honest Dutch patriot, who, seeing

the noblesse in the Convention, and

caste

find they

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

2l8

me

in a

Van

particularly
interest.

It

for the latter,

me

who

Kastacle,

is

the leader of the democratic

The democrats

are for the

and they have succeeded

the plan of the intended constitution

he hopes that

for that

by the people,

rejected

me

informed

that,

my Dutch

but

caballers,

He

primary assemblies.

will

be

likewise

under the intended constitution, the clergy are

God they would exclude

and

friend tells

very reason the constitution

in their

is

the aristocrats

first,

in carrying their point in

to be excluded from seats in the Legislature

to

the honours of

the most distinguished members,

seems the principle which divides the assembly

unity or federalism.

me

me

French uniform, was so good as to do

the assembly, and point out to

[1797-

and from being more

and that he wished

who were

the lawyers also,

intriguers

in the habit of public speaking,

and confounding right and wrong, were often able to confute and
silence honester and abler men than themselves.
I could not help

my

laughing internally at this sketch of

ci-devant brethren of the

Dutch bar. I find a lawyer is a lawyer all over the world. The
most scandalously corrupt and unprincipled body, politically
speaking, that I ever knew, was the Irish bar
I was a black sheep
in their body, and I bless God that I am well rid of them
rot
them
I hate the very memory of the Four Courts, even at this
;

Well, with God's blessing, no

distance.
in a black

gown and

the law go and be hanged,

I

man

nonsensical big wig

I

am

will ever see

so

let

me

again

the profession of

happily done with

To

it.

return

have now seen the Parliament of Ireland, the Parliament of Eng-

land, the Congress of the United States of America, the

Legislatif of France, and the Convention Batave

Corps

have likewise

seen our shabby Volunteer Convention in 1783, and the General

Committee of the Catholics

way
all

those

them.

so that

have seen,

believe as most

men

in

the

and of

all

comparison the most shame-

and abandoned by

all

sense of virtue, principle, or

common

country

1793

many

have mentioned, beyond

lessly profligate

even

in

of deliberative bodies, as

decency, was the legislature of

the scoundrels,

Dined

at

my

lose

my

my own

temper every time

unfortunate
I

think of

auberge ; at the dessert there entered a sort

of a band of music, consisting of four

women

(two of

whom

were

^T.

34.]

pretty)

THE LIBERTY OF THE PRESS.

219

women had

a tambour de

basque, the rest

not

One

and two men.

had

violins

they played and sung alternately, and

observed they sung in parts,

ill.

finished with the Marseillaise

women

of the
I

am

second, and bass

first,

in their patois,

and the

Went

make her collection.

much pleased with better
ballad singers of Ormond Quay,

to the coffee-house,

and read the Paris papers,

the Royalist ones, which were the only ones

with their dulness and

excessively disgusted
liberty of the press

attacks which are

is

made with impunity on

In

is

the indecent

not one of those

Newgate

scoundrelly journalists but would be sent to

for one-fiftieth part of the libels

two years

for

which are published day

with the most perfect impunity

the

Government are

the

England there

could find

impudence

not yet understood in France

scandalous and abominable.

in Paris,

they

prettiest

should have been as

thought at the time of the

and blushed.
viz.,

hymn

then went round with a plate to

not sure that

music

of the

after

day

yet the rascals cry out

that they are enslaved, and call the Directory tyrants and oppressors,

whereas the proof that the most unbounded

more

properly, the

most outrageous

liberty, or, to

license, exists in

speak

France,

is,

and that the authors are

not sent instantly to the galleys. All over Europe there is not a
tyrant whose subjects dare outrage him with such impunity and
it is hard that, in the only Government emanatory from the choice
that such audacious libels are published,

of the people, liberty should be

But would

destruction.

but

would most certainly

All

limits.

encourage

fair

made

the instrument of her

destroy the liberty of the press

restrain

and cool discussion

within just and reasonable

would not only permit, but

but the infamous personalities, the gross and vulgar

but

if

he chooses to employ

head, or his windows,

answer
opinion

would most severely

Liberty of the press, somebody has very well said,

the liberty to carry a stick, which no

doing

No,

it

abuse that disgrace the Paris journals,

punish.

own

it

for the mischief

and

if

ever

is

man
it

in

no breach of

like

breaking his neighbour's

his liberty to

he has committed.
have the opportunity

reduce that opinion to practice

is

should be hindered from

make him

In short,
I

will

am

of

endeavour to

that the Government of a Republic,

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

220

[1797-

properly organised, and freely and frequently chosen by the people,

should be a strong Government.

It is

the interest and security of

the people themselves, and the truest and best support of their
liberty, that the

insulted

Government which they have chosen should not be

with impunity

degraded and insulted

in

who

people themselves

the

is

it

are

the persons of their Government.

would, therefore, have strong and severe laws against libels and

calumny, and

do not apprehend the

danger to the just and

least

reasonable liberty of the press from the execution of those laws,

where the magistrates, the judges, and the jury are

by the people.

The very same laws

regard as tyrannical and unjust,

stitution, I

freely

named

which, under the English con-

would, in a free

It is because the King

names the judges and the sheriffs, because the sheriffs pack the
juries, and a thousand other obvious reasons, that I regard the
English trials, in many instances, as a mockery of justice it is not

Republic, preserve, and even strengthen.

that in theory the law

tyrannical

and, as

is

bad, but that in practical execution

have already

it

is

do not see why tyrants

said, I

alone should be protected by the laws, and liberty

unprotected

left

and defenceless. I hope I am deceived, but I much fear the French

Government will have reason sorely to repent their extravagant
caution with regard to infringing the liberty of the press.

It is less

Government to be feared, or even hated, than

despised and I do not see how one which suffers itself, day after
day, without remission, to be insulted in the most outrageous
manner, with the most perfect impunity, can avoid, in the long run,
In America such gross
falling into disrepute and contempt.
indecency would not be suffered to pass unpunished and surely,
if rational liberty exists upon the earth, it is in the United States.
dangerous

for a

"

Here endeth

now
it

tfie

of the press." I have

soul of the indignation which was kindled in

first lesson on

disburthened

my

by those abominable

wood

in

not find
auberge,

libels.

t/ie

To

liberty

return

walked forth into the

quest of the palace of the ci-devant Stadtholder, but could

it,

must be

so that

somewhat

afflicted

of Voltaire's precepts

in

for

Returned to

to-morrow.

such cases.

"

my

remembered one
Ou bien buvez ; c'est un

with the blue devils

iET.

LAST NIGHT AT THE HAGUE.

34-]

221

Got

parti fort sage;" determined to put.it in practice.

-boots and coat, got into
to enjoy myself.

my

wrapper and

do not see why

without tasting some Holland gin.

The

my

come to the Hague

when alive, whose

should

"

off

and determined

slippers,

liqttor,

I did detest and loathe!' Called for gin, water, and sugar,
on which the waiter disappeared, and returned instantly, with the
Performed the part of Lord B. with infinite address
noggin."

very smell
1

" to the health of

drank
land

" "

dearest love

" "

our friends

the French Republic, with three times three

Republic
"

my

General Hoche, and the army of Sambre

concluded with the utmost

As

April 28th.

am

"

"a speedy

et

The evening

Meuse."

Hague to-morrow,

about to leave the

order to amuse myself in the boat

in

by reading what I ought to have seen whilst I was there.

much see the good sense of my purchase, but I perceive
that class, respectable at least for

its

numbers,

for their facility in parting with their

it

may

am

lower end of the table sat

men,

said they

They and

a long discussion.
tion,

am

of

are celebrated

money, of which, by the by,

next him,

in order,

were farmers indeed looked

and spattered!'

do not

now afflicted with a prodigious

but the company more mixed at the
a member of the Convention, worth a

plum, and a staunch patriot

"

who

not just

Dinner as usual,

quantity.

festivity.

bought the Traveller's Guide,

be supposed

Ire-

and universal acclamations

with loud

Ireland,

to

in

like

were three plain

farmers, in

boots,

the representative of the Convention had

observed he listened to them with great atten-

and took notes of

their remarks.

This

as

is

it

ought to

be.

After dinner a concert, as yesterday, but the band was differently

composed
lish,

"

On

n'y voyait ni tetons ni

beaux yeux."

the performers were men, except one

In plain Eng-

woman, who sung,

by a

agreeably, two or three duos, the other part being performed

little bossu,

about three feet high, but

very soul by his

style of singing

own

music.

and acting

for

who was

penetrated to the

was exceedingly amused by his

also, and, at the end of

he acted

him a trifle for himself. I could not help thinking

what a choice morceau Sterne would have made out of one of
these concerts and this poor little bossu, who seemed a sort of

the concert, gave

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

222

These ambulant musicians are nothing,

enthusiast in his art.

you think of the opera

but

if

two or three among them

whom

equal on their instruments.

Hague

fact, I

remarked

would have been very glad to

After dinner strolled out about the

may say this and that of being in Newgate, but, for

I find Holland as pleasant a place as ever I was in in my

It is delicious.

to cry

ever

"People

part,

life"

will

if

you think of the ballad singers of

other countries, they are highly respectable, and, in

my

[1797-

may

am

tempted, as

Thou almost persuadest me

out, "

walk about the Hague,

to be

Who-

a Dutchman"

be Ambassador from the Republic of Ireland to Holland

not be the worst off of the future Corps Diplomatique.

Re-

demanded of the waiter " if he could help

me to a glass of genever, or so?" (I defy man, woman, or child
to track me in that quotation.) The waiter produced the needful
Lord B., &c.

turned to the auberge ;

April 29th.

dam, saw two

it

was a

Set off this morning

storks,

delightful

the pleasure

I felt

in the

male and female,

at

trakschuyt for Amster-

work building

their nest

emblem of a bon manage, and I cannot express

in observing how intent they were on their work,

and the assistance they mutually gave each other.

How my
dearest love would have enjoyed it
Travelled with the Citizen
Van Amstel, a deputy to the Convention, whom I had already met
!

at dinner,

and who had been pointed out to me when

assembly by

my

Dutch acquaintance,

"

went to the

whose name I know

not,

but

whose perso?t I reverence," as a most excellent patriot and republiWe soon found one another out he tells me that the Comcan.
;

mittee for Foreign Affairs have received an express from General

Daendels, Commander-in-chief, that the preliminaries of the peace

between the French Republic and the Emperor are certainly

signed, and that they have no doubt but that the fact is so if so, it
;

most excellent news, indeed the best we could desire but I have
mighty
good rule, from which I will not now depart, which is to
a
believe all excellent news always four-and-twenty hours after all

is

mankind

is

convinced of

of intelligence, which,

its

if it

He

certainty.

be

true,

gives

me

another piece

regard as scarcely of less

importance than the peace with the Emperor,

viz.,

that there has

MT.

34

MUTINY IN ENGLISH FLEET.

223

that the seamen had

been a mutiny aboard the English fleet
overboard,
and
that they had tried,
Admiral
their
thrown
nearly
;

condemned, and hanged one of their comrades for opposing their

measures. This is too good news to be true, and I long most
anxiously to see it explained. It has been communicated to the
probably learn the truth when

At our

Van Amstel

parting,

the Hague, and offered

me

venience to

over

my head

think

there,

his services if

on which

Neuss, where, by the by,

Dutch inns

night

my wife
;

May

it

and took

three times

my

leave.

my

old hutch in the

very well and reasonably lodged.

my journey

to Groninguen,

where

have

and babies a meeting, crossed the Zuyder Zee

in the

took us just twelve hours.

Arrived at

1st.

Lemmer

at eight in the

off instantly in the trakschuyt for Strobosch

beautiful breeze

all

wife, Russell,

certain, to

the

way

immense

morning, and set

a delightful day and

quantities of

game

all

along

Planned a voyage, to be executed, God knows when, by

the canal.

my

return to

dearest love into the grand

Returned to

am

my

on

mightily.

Set off on

April 30th.
given

me

/ flourished my hands

my

shall

he could be of any con-

in the most graceful manner,"

gallery of the Convention.

like the

"

so

family at Groninguen.

requested to see

ask him to introduce

will

my

meet

Hamburg,

from

Exte>ieures

Comite des Relations

and myself; to

go where we

liked,

hire a trakschuyt for a

and stop when we

aboard our boat, to bring guns, fishing tackle,

month

liked, to live

Sec,

and

in

this

manner make a tour through a great part of Holland. It would

" a very pretty journey indeed, and besides, where is
the money ? "
O Lord O Lord
be delicious

May

2nd.

Slept last night at Strobosch in a six-bedded room,

the other five beds being occupied

genteel and agreeable.

the town extremely neat, like

handsome

as

by

five

snoring

Dutchmen,

Arrived at Groninguen at twelve o'clock

most of those

Dutch towns, but not as

have seen put up at the Nieuwe
all

the

Miinster.

May ird to 6th. Tormented with the most terrible apprehensions

on account of the absence of my dearest love, about whom I hear

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

224

nothing

[1797-

walked out every day to the canal, two or three times a

day, to meet the boats coming from Nieuschans, where she will

No

arrive.

never was so unhappy in all my

Dutch comedy I am enraged to
unjustly the Dutch are treated by other
was but a strolling company, and the theatre was

love

no love

One evening went

every instant, how

life.

see,

nations

this

to the

patched of boards, being a temporary building raised

which

only,

They

here three weeks.

lasts

Merope very decently, and the

translation of Voltaire's

which was the tableau parlant, exceedingly well

than

have seen

played

it

French

in

at

Fair

for the

played, however, a

after-piece,

example,

better, for

Rennes and

Saw

at Brest.

a battalion of Chasseurs in dark green coat, waistcoat, and breeches,

with crimson cape and cuffs

two or three companies were armed

saw them fire at the target very badly,

though they had a machine to rest their firelocks upon, which is a
vile custom
at 1 50 yards not one in ten of them struck a target of
with

rifles,

with which

three or four feet, and not one of them,

The

eye.

fourth

faced pale yellow,

by any chance, the bull'sDutch demi-brigade is here in garrison, blue

and makes a very good appearance there is
;

likewise a regiment of Hussards

in

dark blue, like our sixth

regiment, which looks very well.

May

yth.

At

last, this

day, in the evening, as

was taking

my

usual walk along the canal,

I had the unspeakable satisfaction to

and our little babies, my sister and her
husband, all arrive safe and well it is impossible to describe the
pleasure I felt.
(Here is an end of my journals now, for some
time at least.)
Since I came to France, which is now above

see

my

dearest

love

fourteen months,

have continued them pretty regularly

amusement of my dearest
they become unnecessary
[Tone remained with

Cologne,
article

Paris.

May

As we

we must

are

now

He

for the

together once

more

wait for another separation.

his family for a fortnight, travelling

Holland and Belgium.

went on to

love.

through

then returned to Germany, and they

Ed.]
26th.

see to-day, in the Journal General,

copied from an English paper,

ago, which mentions that a discovery

an

dated about a fortnight

had been made

in Ireland

of

MT.

EVENTS IN IRELAND.

34-]

225

a communication between the discontented party there and the

French
the

Belfast

had turned

that one of the party

rest,

and

on

that,

had been

arrested,

one of them a Dissenting clergyman

had been

that their papers

and impeached
and near

traitor,

his indication, near fifty persons in

and

seized,

all

on the motion of

that,

Mr. Pelham, the English Secretary, they were to be submitted to

House of Commons.

the inspection of a Secret Committee of the

There has been a formal message

All this looks very serious.

from the Government on

is

communication has been had,

that, if

ledge

but even

clergyman

is

Amsterdam

so,

am

but

June
article

2nd, 3rd.

my

part, all

saw

it

in

can say

my

was without

wonder who was the

see him

know-

the Dissenting

a newspaper at

traitor

methinks

Remainder of May.
1st,

it

glad of

heartily

Kilburne, as

Sinclair

should be curious to

June

For

this business.

Blank.

Blank.

\th, Friedberg.

In the Moniteur of the 27th

is

a long

copied from the English papers of the 18th of May, and con-

taining the substance of the report

most of the

above mentioned

acquainted with

the organisation

then when

Ireland.

I left

made by

Committee
was already
however, much more complete
the Secret

facts contained in
is,

The most

100,000 United Irishmen exist

in

it

material fact

the

North of

is

that above

Ireland,

and

that they have a large quantity of arms, and at least eight pieces

of cannon and one mortar concealed.

is

proclaimed long before

an

article

in the

this,

presume that martial law

as I see in the Frankfort Gazette

from England of the 23rd of May,

viz., five

days after that

Moniteur, which mentions two or three skirmishes between

army and some detached proportion of the people, who are

rebels, in which the army had of course the
advantage. I do not at all believe that the people are prepared for

the

denominated the

a serious and general insurrection, and, in short

conceal the fact

do not believe they have the

fear of the army, but fear of the law,

spirit.

should
It is

not

and long habits of slavery,

them down it is not fear of the General, but fear of the
In the meantime it seems Marquis Cornwallis is named to

that keep

Judge.
vol.

why

11.

16

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

226
the

the

[1797-

command in Ireland, and that Lord O'Neil, Mr. Conolly, and

Duke of Leinster have resigned their regiments. The example

of the last has been followed by

militia

this last

circumstance

is,

the officers of the Kildare

all

some

in

degree, consolatory.

June $t/i to 1 itk. The sedition continues aboard the English fleet,
and has reached the army. For the present, however, they seem
to be appeased, but at the expense of dismissing a number of
officers of the navy who were obnoxious to the seamen, and

When
me an

increasing the pay both of seamen and soldiers.

ment

forced to such concessions

is

symptom

of decaying

Dublin, and

in

Belfast

by the Donegal

said that Buonaparte has seized

is

line,

seems to

it

Martial law

and twenty-six

be true

it is

is

inevitable

proclaimed

frigates at

a great prize.

It

Venice
is

militia.

on thirty-two
but

if

In return,
sail

also certain,

believe, that

Harbour.

in Brest

Mas-

on the 21st of

fleet

May.

wish he were safe and well

of the

the half of that only

saredo has sailed from Cadiz with the Spanish

I

in

see that the presses of the Northern Star have been

broken and burnt

it

empire.

a Govern-

To-day

rode out with the rest of the Etat-Major to pay our respects to

who passed by Friedberg on his

Hanau, where he reviews his troops to-morrow I wish I
were there. There is great talk at head-quarters of an immediate
rupture between the Emperor and the King of Prussia, which last

the Landgrave of Hesse Cassel,

way

is

to

supported by the Landgrave.

Time

will

show.

CHAPTER

X.

WITH THE BA TA VIAN REPUBLIC.

"

Written aboard the

De
It

a long time since

is

standing

have been

much

too

Vryheid" of 74 guns, commanded by Admiral

Winter, at the Texel, Jidy 10, 1797.

All

business.

abstract of

have made a memorandum, notwith-

fully
I

employed but the fact is, I have had

can now do is to make an imperfect
;

what has passed, that

is

most material,

in

the last

month.

June

This evening the

Quartier-General at Friedberg.

2th.

me
He

and told me he had some good

Did I know one Lewines ? " 1 I
answered I did, perfectly well, and had a high opinion of his
" Well," said he, " he is at Neuwied,
talents and patriotism.
waiting to see you you must set off to-morrow morning when
you join him, you must go together to Treves, and wait for
further orders."
The next morning I set off, and, on the 14th,
General called

news

for me.

into the garden

"

then asked,

in the evening,

June

14th,

reached

Neuwied ; where

found Lewines waiting

cannot express the unspeakable satisfaction

him.

gave him a

full

account of

thing that had happened since

informed me,
Ireland,

'

in return, of

and especially to

[Lewines, a Dublin

all

my

felt

labours,

have been

in

at

for me.

seeing

and of every-

France, and he

everything of consequence relating to

my

solicitor,

friends

was

now

in

jeopardy there.

sent by the United Irish Executive to

urge the French Government to send another expedition to Ireland.

227

Ed.]

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

228

[1797-

cannot pretend to detail his conversation, which occupied us fully

during our stay at Neuwied, and our journey to

June 17th, Treves ; where we arrived on the 17th. What is

most material is, that he is sent here by the Executive Committee
of the United

People of Ireland, to

assistance in troops, arms,

to take

the

the people

and

field,

their liberty
is

His instructions are to apply

dappui.

part, the

and money, necessary to enable them

assert

complete, and nothing

is

on their

solicit,

the organisation of

wanting but the point

and

to France, Holland,

At Hamburg, where he passed almost two months, he

met a Senor Nava, an officer of rank in the Spanish navy, sent
thither by the Prince of Peace on some mission of consequence
he opened himself to Nava, who wrote off, in consequence, to his
Court, and received an answer, general, it is true, but in the highest
Spain.

degree favourable.

circumstance which augurs well,

is,

that in

forty days from the date of Nava's letter, he received the answer,

which

is

less

time than he ever knew a courier to arrive

shows the earnestness of the Spanish Minister.

in,

and

Lewines' instruc-

demand of Spain ,500,000 sterling and 30,000 stand

of arms. At Treves, on the 19th, Dalton, the General's aide-decamp, came express with orders for us to return to
June 21st, Coblentz ; where we arrived on the 21st, and met

tions are to

He

General Hoche.

told us that, in consequence of the arrival

of Lewines, he had sent off Simon, one of his Adjutant-Generals,

who was

of our late expedition, in order to press the Executive

Directory and Minister of the Marine

of

all

that he

had also sent copies

the necessary papers, including specially those lately prepared

by Lewines, with
strongest manner
parties,

his
;

own

them

observations, enforcing

in

the

that he had just received the answers of

which were as favourable as we could desire

all

but that the

Minister of the Marine was absolutely for making the expedition

on a grand
still

scale, for

be necessary

months

in the

five or six,

which two months,

to which

I,

at the very least,

knowing Brest of

old,

would

and that two

language of the Marine meant four at

least, if

not

remarked the necessity of an immediate exertion,

in

order to profit of the state of mutiny and absolute disorganisation

A FAVOURABLE OPPORTUNITY.

JET. 34.]

229

which the English navy is at this moment, in which Lewines

and we both observed that it was not a strong
heartily concurred

in

force that

military

we wanted

ammunition, with troops

at

moment, but arms and

this

sufficient to serve as

a noyau d'armee,

and protect the people in their first assembling adding, that 5,000
men sent now, when the thing was feasible, would be far better
than 25,000 in three months, when, perhaps, we might find our;

selves again blocked

up

remember

General to

Harbour and I besought the

mutiny aboard the English fleet

in Brest

that the

would most certainly be soon quelled, so that there was not one
minute to lose that, if we were lucky enough to arrive in Ireland
;

before that took place,

looked upon

it

as morally certain that,

by proper means, we might gain over the seamen, who have already
fleet into the Irish harbours, and so settle

spoken of steering the

We

the business, perhaps without striking a blow.

these,

and

we were

both pressed

manner

such other arguments as occurred, in the best

able

Hoche

to which General

precisely in the

same

light

we

did,

replied,

he saw everything

and that he would act accord-

and press the Directory and Minister of the Marine in the

strongest manner.
He showed Lewines Simon's letter, which
ingly,

contained the assurance of the Directory

no peace with England wherein the

"

that they would

make

interests of Ireland should not

be fully discussed agreeably to the wishes of the people of that

country."

This

is

a very strong declaration, and has most probably

been produced by a demand made by Lewines in his memorial,

" that the

French Government should make

condition of peace, that

Ireland,

and the people

all

it

an indispensable

the British troops be withdrawn from

left at

full

liberty to declare

whether they

wished to continue the connection with England or not."

Hoche then

told us not to be discouraged

British negotiator, for that the Directory

by the

General

arrival of a

were determined to make

no peace but on conditions which would put it out of the power

of England longer to arrogate to herself the commerce of the
world, and dictate her laws to

the particulars

all

the maritime powers.

He

added,

making also in Holland for an expedition,

of which he would communicate to us in two or

that preparations were

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

230

[1797-

three days, and, in the meantime, he desired us to attend

him

to
June

24.1/1,

Cologne ; for which place

we

set off,

and arrived the

24th.

June

At nine

2^th.

o'clock at night the General sent us a letter

from General Daendels, Commander-in-chief of the army of the

Batavian Republic, acquainting him that everything was

the

in

and would be ready in a very few days that

the army and the navy were in the best possible spirit that the
greatest forwardness,

Committee

for

Foreign Affairs (the Directory per interim of the

Batavian Republic) desired most earnestly to see him without loss

make the

of time, in order to

definitive

arrangements

and especially

they prayed him to bring with him the deputy of the people of

which Daendels repeated two or three times

Ireland,

In consequence of this
his

bed

in the

waited on the General,

Cour Imperiale, and received

in his letter.

whom

found in

his orders to set off

with Lewines without loss of time, and attend him at

June

27th,

Hague; where we

Tlie

day and

travelled

night.

arrived accordingly, having

In the evening

we went

to the

Comedie,

where we met the General in a sort of public incognito ; that is to

say, he had combed the powder out of his hair, and was in a plain
regimental frock.
at the

Lion

paring in

After the play

we

where he gave us a

d'or,

Holland.

He began by

followed

detail of

full

telling

Governor-General Daendels and Admiral

cerely actuated

rescue

their

into which

on their
the

line,

it

part,

by a

desire

to

him
us

to his lodgings

what was pre-

that

the

Dutch

De Winter were

sin-

effectuate something striking to

country from that state of oblivion and decadence

had

fallen

that,

by the most indefatigable exertions

they had got together, at the Texel, sixteen

and eight or ten

highest condition

frigates, all

sail

of

sea, and in the

embark 15,000 men, the

ready for

that they intended to

whole of their national troops, 3,000 stand of arms, 80 pieces of

artillery, and money for their pay and subsistence for three months
;

that he had the best opinion of the sincerity of

all

parties,

and of

the courage and conduct of the General and Admiral, but that

here was the difficulty.

The French Government had demanded

DANGEROUS RIVALRY.

JET. 34-1

that at least 5,000 French troops, the

elite

231

of the army, should

be embarked, instead of a like number of Dutch, in which case,

if the demand was acceded to, he would himself take the command
of the united army, and set off for the Texel directly

but that the

Dutch Government made great difficulties, alleging a variety of

that they said the French
reasons, of which some were good
troops would never submit to the discipline of the Dutch navy,
and that in that case, they could not pretend to enforce it on their
own, without making unjust distinctions, and giving a reasonable
ground for jealousy and discontent to their army " but the fact
is," said Hoche," " that the Committee, Daendels, and De Winter,
are anxious that the Batavian Republic should have the whole
;

glory of the expedition,

succeeds

if it

they

country

feel that their

has been forgotten in Europe, and they are risking everything,

even to their

last stake

restore the

to

Government
will

is

for, if this fails,

national character.

now

go myself, and,

before the Committee

will

probably then

Both Lewines and

difficulty.

On

now found

the one side,

portance to have

Hoche and

it

in

order

of the French

if it is

acceded

to,

you both to the

at all events, I will present

Committee, and we
tively."

they are ruined

The demand

settle the

matter defini-

ourselves in a considerable

was an object of the greatest im-

his 5,000 grenadiers

on the

other,

it

was most unreasonable to propose anything which could hurt the

Dutch people, at a moment when they were making
unexampled exertions in our favour, and risking, as Hoche himself
feelings of the

said, their last ship

and swore

like a

and

last shilling to

dragoon

it

went to

emancipate

my

us.

cursed

very heart's blood and

up the General and our brave lads, 5,000 of whom

in Europe
on the other hand, I
could not but see that the Dutch were perfectly reasonable in the
desire to have the whole reputation of an affair prepared and
midriff to give
I

would prefer to any 10,000

arranged entirely at their expense, and at such an expense.

not

know what

me with

to say.

did

Lewines, however, extricated himself and

considerable address.

After stating very well our

difficulty,

he asked Hoche whether he thought that Daendels would serve

under his orders, and,

if

he refused, what

effect that

might have on

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

the Batavian troops

Hoche on
not,

never forget the magnanimity of

will

He

this occasion.

[1797-

said

he believed Daendels would

and therefore that the next morning he would withdraw the

demand with regard to

Government at perfect

When

it

fame

that

the French troops, and leave the Dutch

liberty

his

act

as

they thought proper.

Hoche has

a devouring passion for

great object, on which

he has endeavoured to

considered that

is

to

establish his reputation,

is

the destruction of the power of England

that he has for two years, in a great degree, devoted himself to

made

our business, and

memorable expedition,

to

the

greatest

exertions,

emancipate us

including our

that he sees, at

last,

business likely to be accomplished by another, and, of course,

the glory he had promised to himself ravished from him

in addition to all this,

it

is

find, at

same

the

own conduct
might command

his

is

moving one

he

views

is

confess his renouncing the situation which he

an

effort of

It is true

difficulty

he

is

a good citizen ought to

my

however, does not prevent

instance, with great admiration,

This important

it.

very great virtue.

man and

own

preferring the interests of his country to his

that,

in this

step,

time, plausible reasons sufficient to justify

doing exactly what an honest

do

all

when,

considered that he could, by a word's

speaking, prevent the possibility of that rival's

and

the

private

regarding his conduct,

and

shall never forget

being removed, after a good deal of

general discourse on our business,

we parted

late,

perfectly satisfied

with each other, and having fixed to wait on the Committee to-

morrow
ment,

in the forenoon.

if it

June

has

its

All reflections made, the present arrange-

dark, has

its

bright sides also, of which hereafter.

This morning, at

28t/i.

Lewines and

ten,

went with

General Hoche to the Committee for Foreign Affairs, which

found
not

There were eight or nine members, of

sitting.

know

all

whose names

whom

the names, together with General Daendels.

learned were Citizens

great influence

among

them), Bekker,

we
do

Those

Hahn (who seemed to have

Van Leyden, and Grasveldt.

General Hoche began by stating extremely well the history of

our

affairs, since

in the strongest

he had
manner

interested himself in

that

we could

them

he pressed,

wish, the advantages to be

AT.

DUTCH FLEET AT THE

34-]

TEXEL.

233

reaped from the emancipation of Ireland, the almost certainty of

success

if

once made, and the necessity of

the attempt were

attempting

if

it,

at

all,

He

replied to him.

immediately.

It

was Citizen Hahn who

to find the measure

was heartily glad

said he

Hoche

sanctioned by so high an opinion as that of General

originally

have

to

order to have operated a diversion in favour

in

of the French army, which

Ireland

Government was

the object of the Dutch

invaded England,

that

was hoped would have been

it

in

that circumstances being totally changed in that regard,

they had yielded to the wishes of the French Government, and

resolved to go into Ireland

16

of the

sail

80 pieces of

now

made

Texel an armament of

at the

10 frigates, 15,000 troops in the best condition,

line,

artillery,

that a difficulty

they had

that, for this purpose,

the greatest exertions, and had

and pay

for the

whole

months

for three

had been raised within a few days,

in

of a requisition of the Minister of Marine, Truguet,

but

consequence

who wished

to

000 French troops, instead of so many Dutch, to be disembarked in consequence. That this was a measure of extreme
have

5,

risk,

inasmuch as the discipline of the Dutch navy was very

severe,

to

and such as the French troops would probably not submit

that, in that case,

regard to their
relaxation

Hoche

of

own
last

He

night.

immediately replied,

that,

being the case, he would take on himself to withdraw the

of the

it

with

which would be a

This was precisely what General

discipline.

all

told us

they could not pretend to enforce

troops, the consequence of

such

demand

Minister of Marine, and satisfy the Directory as to the

justice of their observations

that head

without a moment's delay.

satisfaction

and that he hoped,

being removed, they would press

on

all

It

was easy

all difficulty

to see the

most

their faces at this declaration of General

which certainly does him the greatest honour.

was beyond measure delighted.

that they hoped all would be ready in a
especially,

on

embarkation

the

lively

Hoche,

General Daendels,

They

told

fortnight,

us then

and Hahn

observed, at the same time, that, as there was an English squadron

which appeared almost every day

it

was very much

at

the

mouth of

to be desired that the Brest

fleet

the Texel,
should, if

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

234

draw

possible, put to sea, in order to

British

fleet,

[1797-

off at least a part of the

Dutch

because, from the position of the Texel, the

was liable to be attacked in detail in sailing out of the port

and even if they beat the enemy, it would not be possible to
fleet

proceed, as they must return to

replied, that the

French

To

refit.

could not, he understood, be ready

fleet

before two months, which put

it

necessity of returning to

he observed

refit,

Hoche

General

this,

out of the question

that,

and as to the

during the

last war,

the British and French fleets had often fought, both in the East

and West

Indies,

and kept the seas

after

that

all

was necessary

being to have on board the necessary articles of rechange ; besides,

was certainly the business of the Dutch fleet to avoid an action

by all possible means. General Daendels observed that Admiral
De Winter desired nothing better than to measure himself with
it

the enemy, but

we

that

all,

myself, cried out against

convoy

it,

his only business being to bring his

safe to its destination.

believe

it

was Van Leyden

Hoche, Lewines, and

to say, General

is

then

member
asked

us,

of the Committee

supposing everything

succeeded to our wish, what was the definite object of the Irish
people
off the

To which we

replied categorically, that

yoke of England, break

it

was to throw

for ever the connection

now

exist-

ing with that country, and constitute ourselves a free and in-

They

dependent people.
reply,

expressed their satisfaction at this

all

and Van Leyden observed that he had

Ireland,

travelled through

and to judge from the luxury of the rich, and extreme

in Europe had so crying a necessity

misery of the poor, no country

for

a revolution.

To which Lewines and

replied, as

is

one great motive of our conduct

religiously the truth, that

most

in this

business was the conviction of the wretched state of our peasantry,

and the determination,

if

object of our visit being

name
I

possible, to

now

amend

it.

The

political

nearly ascertained, Hahn, in the

of the Committee, observed that he hoped either Lewines or

would be of the expedition, as our presence with the General

To which Hoche replied

and he made the offer, on my part,

would be indispensable.

" that

ready to go,"

in a

peculiarly agreeable

to

my

feelings.

It

I was
manner

was then fixed that

i*ST.

HOCHE S

340

should set off for the

especially for

Hague,

my

PLAN.

army of Sambre

et

235

Mense

for

my

trunk,

and

papers, and that Lewines should remain at the

at the orders of the

Committee,

until

my

return,

The meeting then broke

might be seven or eight days.

which

We

up.

could not possibly desire to find greater attention to us, personally,

or,

which was

far

more important, greater

zeal

and anxiety to

forward this expedition, in which the Dutch Government has

"d corps perdu." They venture no less than the

whole of their army and navy. As Hoche expressed it, " they

thrown

itself

are like a

man

stripped to his breeches,

which he throws

buy a

coat."

in the lottery, in the

The Committee

pearance, not unlike

my

who has one

shilling left,

hope of being enabled to

are very plain

men

in

their ap-

old masters of the Sub-committee.

On

our return to the auberge with Hoche, we took occasion to express

our admiration of the singularly disinterested conduct which he

had manifested on

this occasion.

He

then told us his plan

that

had not been lucky, counting

from his expedition against Sardinia, in the beginning of the war
that he had the greatest desire to do something which might give
the Minister of the Marine, thus

far,

iclat to his administration

that he, General Hoche,

had ceded to

the wish of the Dutch Government, principally because he would

press no measure, however grateful to himself, which might cool
their zeal in this great business

and

in the

next place, because he

knew that the instant the Dutch fleet was at sea, Truguet's vanity
would be piqued, and that he would move heaven and earth to
follow them, and instead of waiting to complete the expedition on
a great scale, according to his present system, would despatch
instantly whatever
if

we reached

night after us.

now what

was ready

Ireland, the

He

for sea

French army

so that, in

all

probability,

would be there in a fort-

told us, likewise, that the

Dutch army was not

had been in the commencement of the war that they

had numbers of French among them, particularly in the artillerie
it

they had also a great quantity of Austrians, particularly

of the garrison of Luxembourg, and especially that Daendels was an

legere; that

excellent officer, and as brave as Caesar, on

that he would send

all

whom we

might rely

such plans and papers as might be of

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

236
service to

him

would

speedily meet in Ireland.

all

finished,

we

march

business being

these remarkable expressions

were to succeed and put down the Government,

my army

and when

that instant against Paris,

restored the constitution,

afterwards."

The main

where the audacity of the Royalists seems to have

Hoche made use of

" If these rascals

I

he hoped we

business, and, finally, that

talked of other matters, particularly of the present

state of Paris,

no bounds.

in this

[1797.

break

my

have

sword and never touch

Our meeting then broke up the General set off

I followed him at six in the evening.
;

it

for

head-quarters at four, and

July
told

1st.

me

Arrived at Cologne, where

that, as

found the General.

He

he had expected, the Minister of Marine was

piqued, and had given orders, in consequence, to prepare every-

thing at Brest with the greatest possible expedition

if

just received orders from the Directory to proceed

Paris,

by way of Dunkirk

Brest,

where everything would be ready

month he hoped

to return

be ready so soon,

it

was

it,

Daendels, on which

instantly to

He

my

in

a fortnight, and in a

then ordered

me 50

immediately to the Hague, with

a letter for General Daendels.

he had considered

that he had

that from Paris he would set off for

to be in Ireland.

sterling, with orders

that he had,

necessary, 300,000 at the disposal of the Minister

told

him

that

if

he expected to

wish not to quit him.

and thought
acquiesced.

it

best

He

replied,

should accompany

then took occasion to speak

my mind I mean

on a subject which had weighed very much upon

the degree of influence which the French might be disposed to

arrogate to themselves in Ireland, and which

to fear would be greater than

we might choose

had great reason

to allow them.

In

the Gazette of that day there was a proclamation of Buonaparte's,

addressed

to the

Government of Genoa, which

thought most

grossly improper and indecent, as touching on the indispensable

rights

of the people.

read the most obnoxious passages to

Hoche, and observed, that if Buonaparte commanded in Ireland,

and were to publish there so indiscreet a proclamation, it would
have a most ruinous effect that in Italy such dictation might
pass, but never in Ireland, where we understood our rights too well
;

jET.

HOCHE AND BUONAPARTE.

34.]

to submit to

may

Hoche answered me,

it.

in that respect

be at ease

" I

237

understand you, but you

Buonaparte has been

my

scholar,

but he shall never be my master." He then launched out into a

very severe critique on Buonaparte's conduct, which certainly has
latterly

been terribly indiscreet, to say no worse of

that, as to his victories,

commanded,

troops as he
difficulty

sacrifice

to

what Hoche
it

especially

when

the lives of his

was very

said

true,

it,

and observed

to gain victories with such

the General

soldiers,

but

and

had cost the Republic 200,000 men.

victories

of

was easy

it

made no

that

could see at the bottom

a very great jealousy of Buonaparte.

am

also sorry to see

the latter losing so fast that spirit of moderation which did

as

these

great deal of

him

much honour at first as his victories. Hoche and I then talked

own business. He said we must calculate on being opposed
the landing, by 8,000 or 10,000 men that, if they were not there,
much the better, but we must expect them that the British

of our
at

so

would probably act as they did in America last war retreat, and
burn the towns behind them that he did not desire more than
;

most

twelve, or, at

thousand troops, and had made his

fifteen

arrangements, so that the maintenance of that force should not

cost the Irish people above 12,000,000 livres, equal to .500,000

He

me his instructions for carryLa Vendee, which would exactly apply to our
and, giving me a letter for General Daendels, in
case in Ireland
which, amongst other things, he demanded for me the rank of
Adjutant-General in the service of the Batavian Republic, we

sterling.

then promised to send

ing on the war in

;

embraced each other and parted.

Bonn, and

the next morning, at

dels,

whom

read the
regard to
in

Instantly on

\th.
I

set off that

for the

evening for

Hague, where

my

arrival

waited on General Daen-

found on the point of setting out for the Texel.

letter,

my

morning of

arrived in the

July

He
five,

me

and told

everything should be settled with

rank, and that

advance, to equip

was extremely

me

should receive two months' pay

for the

friendly.

three or four days, whilst

He

campaign.

His reception of

me

stayed with Lewines, at the Hague,

my

regimentals,

&c, were making up,

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

238

and

at length, all being ready,

General Hoche, and

to join

we

parted, he setting off for Paris,

the Texel, to join

for

[1797-

General

Daendels.

July 8tk

Arrived early

in

the morning at the Texel, and went

immediately on board the Admiral's ship, the

Vrylieid, of

74

Found General Daendels aboard, who

Admiral De Winter, who commands the expedi-

guns, a superb vessel.

me to
am exceedingly

presented
tion.

there

pleased with both one and the other

a frankness and candour in their manners which

is

highly

is

interesting.

July

xoth.

have been boating about the

several of the vessels

they are

parably better than the

fleet at

and aboard

fleet,

very fine condition, incom-

in

and

Brest,

learn from

that the best possible spirit reigns in both soldiers

Admiral Duncan, who commands the English

all

and

fleet off

hands

sailors.

the Texel,

sent in yesterday an officer with a flag of truce, apparently with a

letter,

but

with him

by an

fact to reconnoitre

in

for

our

force.

De Winter was

even

he detained his messenger and sent back the answer

officer of his

own, with instructions to bring back an exact

account of the force of the enemy.

This day our flag of truce is returned, and the

July wth.
English officer released. Duncan's fleet is of eleven sail of the
I do not yet exactly know
by sea or land, but I must endeavour to learn it.
July i^th. I have had a good deal of discourse to-day with
General Daendels, and I am more and more pleased with him.

line,

our

of which three are three-deckers.

force, either

His plan
selves at

is,

to place such of our people as

first in

until our battalions are

corps,
it

and he

will give us

that he will

in activity,

may

present them-

the cadres of the regiments which we bring out

1,000 each

that then

we may form a

proper officers to discipline and organise

keep the main army of 18,000 or 20,000 men

and leave the security of our communications, the

rivers, &c, to the national troops, until they

guarding of passes,

are in a certain degree disciplined.

but

we must be brought more forward

for every reason in the world.

great deal of this

in the picture

is

good,

than that,

replied that the outline of his

239

was

plan

but that cases might occur where

just,

necessary to depart from

militia

were to join

to be,

incorporated

"

Certainly not

it

it would be
For instance, if the

occasionally.

they ought not, nor would they consent

us,

Daendels said,
Dutch battalions.
that he knew what the esprit de corps was too

well to think of

it

the

in

that the militia battalions would, in that case,

"

become themselves cadres of regiments

We

settled to the satisfaction of all parties.

administration, and

so that affair will be

then spoke of the

gave him an idea how we had been circum-

we had a
up the country, who

stanced in that regard in the Brest expedition, where

little

army of commissaries, ready

would
public,

to eat

the liberty of Ireland, the interests of the Re-

sacrifice

and the honour of the General,

myself

did not restrain

Daendels replied that

of supplying the

him but

five

army

in

for half-a-crown

and

speaking of those gentry as they deserve.

were to leave

his instructions

to the Irish people

who were

commissaries,

the bread, the meat, &c, and that

the details

all

that he brought with

to superintend the forage,

all

their proceedings should

be subject to his own immediate inspection, and nothing stand

good that was not authorised by his signature that he prided

himself more on his character for administration than for
military talents, and that I might rely on it we should have no
;

difficulties

on that head.

more because

was very glad to hear

have confidence

in

him.

this,

all

the

expedition

If the Brest

had succeeded, we should have had damned work with those

scoundrelly administrations, but
that head as to

what we should

had made up

do.

no means the same uneasiness, and

With

the present.

11

All

is

for

mind on
have by

one of the circumstances

this is

where we gain by the present expedition.

for

my

Dutch

the

But enough of

the best in this best

of

this

all possible

worlds."

fuly 14th. General Daendels showed me to-day his instructions

from the Dutch Government. They arc fair and honest, and I

have no doubt he

will act

up

in

The

to them.

always to maintain the character of a

spirit

of them

is

faithful ally, not to interfere

the domestic concerns of the people

to aid

them by every

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

240

[1797-

means in his power to establish their liberty and independence

and to expect no condition in return, but that we should throw
;

and

off the English yoke,

future

on the basis of reciprocal advantage and accommodation.

public,

Nothing can be more

from what

and honourable, and

fair

up to

shall get

under way to-morrow, and

no questions.

it

but

Several boats

convinced,

his character,

report to-day

that

is,

my

good old

rule, to

ask

of troops have passed us to-day,

men

the

are in the highest

singing national songs, and cheering the General as they

spirits,
;

am

see a bustle in the ship

follow

full

going on board the different vessels

pass

The

his instructions.

which seems to confirm

and the frankness of

see of Daendels,

that he will act

we

when all was settled on that score,

commerce with the Dutch Re-

that,

we should arrange our

it

a noble sight, and

is

Daendels assures

me

found

inexpressibly affecting.

it

that in the best days of the French Revolu-

tion he never witnessed greater enthusiasm than reigns at present

in

the army.

It

is,

to be sure, glorious, the prospect of this day.

The following is our line of battle

Avant garde: Jupiter, seventy-four
:

zies

guns, Vice-Admiral Reynt-

Cerberus, sixty-eight, Capt. Jacobson

Capt. Wiggerts
Capt.
caster

Alkmaar,

Verdoom.

Frigates

Haarlem, sixty-eight,

Capt. Krafft

fifty-six,

Monnikendam,

Delft, fifty-six,

forty-four, Capt.

Minerva, twenty-four, Capt. Elbracht

Lan-

Daphne, sixteen,

and three frigates and sloops.

seventy-four, Admiral De Winter

Lieut. Fredericks. Five sail of the line

Corps de Bataille

VryJteid,

and Capt. Von Rossum

Staaten General, seventy-four, RearAdmiral Story Batavia, fifty-six, Capt. Souter Wassenaer, sixty;

eight,

Capt.

Frigates

Holland

Mars,

and

Capt.

Atalanta.

Five

Ruysch

four, Capt.

Musquettier.

Furie, Capt.
sail

Buschman

of the line and four

Brutus, seventy-four, Rear- Admiral

Hercules, sixty-eight, Capt. Reyscort

Beschermer,

Capt.

sloops.

Arriere garde
ling

sixty-eight,

forty-four, Capt. Kolff

Galatea, Lieut. Rivery

frigates

Leyden,

Admiral De

fifty-six,

Huys

Vries,

Capt. Heinst.

Van

Tres-

Glykheid, sixty-eight,

sixty-eight,

Capt.

Zeegers

Frigates: Embuscade, forty-

Waaksenheid, twenty-four, Capt. Nicrop

Ajax.

MT.

DUTCH EXPEDITION FOR IRELAND.

34.]

Five

of the line and three frigates and sloops, with twenty-

sail

seven

and

sail

fifty

241

of transports, from one hundred and fifty'to four hundred

tons burthen.

Our land

do not yet accurately know.

force I

should have

remarked that two or three days ago Noel, Minister of the French
All was in

Republic, dined aboard us, with his wife.

grand

costume, the shrouds manned, and twenty-one guns fired at his

He was

departure.

dressed, like

a representant du peuple aux

Henry IV.

armies, in blue, with a tricolour sash, and his hat a la

aux

"

with a band and panache, also

Yesterday

trots couleurs."

Ambassador dined with us, with his unchat, &c.

a damned dog, and a dunce, and an English partisan,

the Swedish
is

soon found out, and,

indeed at this present writing,

ten

of English ships of war,

sail

The

understand, a spy.

and

little

big,

Nobody

manner.

fiche, allons

July

It

who have

me

put

have been often regaled

as

To-day,

can see from the cabin windows

themselves off the mouth of the Texel.

the goulet of Brest, where

rascal

He

here seems to

mind them, and

presented

mind of
same

in

in the
so,

"Je m'en

"
!

The human mind,

i$tk.

singular machine.

am

my

or at least

mind,

is

here in a situation extremely interesting,

and on the result of which everything most dear to me as a

man and a citizen depends, and yet I find myself in a state of
indifference, or rather apathy, which I cannot myself comprehend.

My

amusement is reading an odd volume of Voltaire's,

and, for our expedition, I declare
which I found by chance
I think no more of it than if it were destined for Japan, which
sole

indifference,

hend, but so

a
"

bill

my

on

which

it

part, as I

Yesterday

is.

Admiral

moyennant" the

like

to sea

if

my

my

business,

vol.

wrote to

sister,

my

accepted

cannot comprewife,

for
;

It is strange,

enclosing

250
I

have now

understand,

but

florins,

also to General

and to Lewines.

and to-morrow,

the wind permits.

Hove up one
11.

said,

paid into his hands

to set out in the trakschuyt

dam.

De Winter

sum

Hoche, to Mr. Shee, to

finished all

have already

I feel

as

we put

if I

were

from the Hague, to go to Amster-

of our anchors
17

it

was

beautiful to see the

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

242

men

which our chasseurs assisted heartily

at work, in

executed

was

all

General Daendels showed

cadence to the music.

in

[1797-

me

a letter from General Dupont, announcing the immediate de-

Hoche for Brest he also told me that he

would go on board a sloop of war, and not mount the

parture of General

and

Admiral's ship until the issue of the

between the two

fleets is

affair (if

determined.

am

any there may be)

not sorry for that

arrangement

The General

July 16th.

tells

by the Admiral, returned

me

now

just

that a spy, sent out

night with the news that the

last

English fleet is strong twenty-four sail of the line. A few days

ago he said nineteen, but he explains that by saying that five
sail had been detached to assist at the execution of Parker, the
mutineer.
spy,

The Admiral's opinion

that the fellow

is

and that the story of twenty- four

him.

Morning

In the

sail is

lie,

in

Chronicle of the 6th instant

is

a double

which
is

an

join

article

which mentions that Admiral Duncan had demanded a reinforcement, and that

consequence three

in

sail

had

set off to join him,

which, with ten or eleven that he had before, and perhaps two

which he might draw from the Dogger Bank, where they are
stationed to protect the fishery,

sixteen
to the

sail,

and

bring him up to fifteen or

agrees

with

the reports

made

Government, and those of neutral vessels which have

Be

lately entered.

morning

them

may

this calculation

all

that as

it

may, the Admiral 'summoned

the Admirals and Captains

their last instructions,

four guns should

last extremity,

fall

of the

which were, that the

into the line

fleet,

this

and gave

frigates of forty-

that they should fight to the

in which case they
any Captain were to attempt

even to sinking of their vessels,

were to take to

their boats

that

if

hang back the others should immediately

fire on him.
This is resolute of De Winter, and I have every reason
to think his fleet will recond him.
He has in the meantime sent
off a courier to the Government to announce all this, and, if the

to break the line and

wind springs up

in our favour,

we

will set off instantly

without

waiting for the answer.

July 17th.

Yesterday evening the Admiral told

me

his plan,

JET.

RECONNOITRING.

34.]

He

as above set forth.

Received yesterday a

a fine fellow, that

is

from

letter

Thank God, she and

9th.

243

my

is

the God's truth.

dearest

love,

dated the

the babies are well and in

spirits.

and the other,

dated the 13th of June, from Napper Tandy, to which I have
written two answers, which I will not despatch till we are just
setting off.
The wind is as foul as the devil. At Brest we had,
against all probability, a fair wind for five days successively,
during all which time we were not ready, and at last, when we
did arrive at our destination, the wind changed and we missed
To-day

received two letters, one from Madgett,

our blow.

Here

We

wind.

not play us a

damn

for

it

all

is

ready and nothing

are riding at single anchor.

am

in a rage,

can do nothing to help myself.

July

The wind

i8t/i.

cannot be worse.

am

in

wanting but a

Hang

which

Well

is

and
astonishing, and

truly

Hell!

Hell! Hell!

a most devouring rage

morning

sent out in disguise to reconnoitre,

favourable

line

he saw the English

and seven or eight

frigates

Allah! Allah! Allah!

is

fleet,

just returned

An
;

strong twelve

one of the

on the Admiral and spoke him,

signal,

the wind would

going to reinforce the

happened again

fleet

his report

let

of the

frigates bore

down

on which he instantly made

and the whole squadron stood

if

it

officer,

sail

to the

S.W.

conceive what could be the reason of that manoeuvre, for

us clear

Well, what can't be cured must

be endured, as our ancestors have wisely remarked.

is

it,

well

as foul as possible this

is

fair

may

hope the wind

It is terribly foul this evening.

trick.

me

is
I

us stir out.

do not
it

leaves

Perhaps they are

before Brest, perhaps something has

at the Nore.

should have mentioned yesterday,

when the Admiral had determined to fight the

enemy in the manner I have recited, he supposed them to be at
least nineteen sail of the line strong, which does the more honour
to his courage.
It is most terrible to be locked up by the wind as
we are now.
in its place, that

July igtk.

Wind

De Winter and
flute,

foul

still.

Horrible

Horrible

Admiral

endeavour to pass away the time playing the

which he does very well

we have some good

duets,

and that

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

244

[1797-

some relief. It is, however, impossible to conceive anything

more irksome than waiting, as we now are, on the wind what
is still worse, the same wind which locks us up here is exactly
favourable for the arrival of reinforcements to Duncan, if Lord
Spencer means to send him any. Naval expeditions are terrible
for their uncertainty.
I see, in the Dutch papers, for I am beis

ginning, with the help of a dictionary, to decipher a

the Toulon

fleet is at

that

little,

sea since the 20th of June, strong six

sail

two of eighty, and four of seventy-four guns, and six

wish them safe and well in Brest Harbour. There
never was, and never will be, such an expedition as ours, if it
succeeds it is not merely to determine which of two despots shall
of the line,

frigates.

upon a throne, or whether an island shall belong to this or that

state
it is to change the destiny of Europe, to emancipate one,
perhaps three, nations to open the sea to the commerce of the
sit

world

new empire

to found a

to demolish an ancient

And

subvert a tyranny of six hundred years.

upon the wind.

matter

it is

they

fire in

This evening

sail.

above twelve

mouth of the Texel under

The

General assures me, however, that there are not

sail

of the line

The

as usual.

among them,

according to the com-

men, 2,160

all

July

When

a state of our army.

Wind

foul,

Infantry, eighteen

Light Artillery, two companies, 389 Etat-Major,

It is more than sufficient.
Would to God we
13,544.
!

arrived, safe

and

21st, 22nd, 2%rd.

I

is

Cavalry, eight squadrons, 1,650

panies, 1,049
total,

following

452 men, 8,136; Chasseurs, four battalions, at 540

Artillery, nine com-

battalions, of

were

my

had the pleasure to count nineteen

parison of the best accounts which have been received.

160;

Well, no

general incomparably well,

of British vessels, which passed the

an easy

to

a noble spectacle.

July 20th.
sail

ships exercise at great guns and small arms, one or

other of them, every day

and

I feel.

can do nothing to help myself, and that aggravates

Our

rage.

cannot express the anxiety

one

hangs to-day

all this

was

conversation.

at Brest I

well, at
I

pass

our destination.

my time

here in an absolute torpor.

was bad enough, but at least

But here

well, &c.

The Admiral

we had some

tells

me

to-day

MT.

ADMIRAL DUNCAN.

34.]

London, dated the

that he had a letter from

Lord Bridport has put

that

of his ships are

Brest

that Sir

report

still

245
16th,

which mentions

and that three

in for fresh provisions,

That

in revolt.

Edward Pellew

is

his destination

arrived at Falmouth,

for before

is

and that

put to sea

attributes

which, by the by,

to

De Winter believes

to be the case,

That Duncan has applied

want of money.

reinforcement, but that the reply was that they must

the

their duty,

from whence

I infer

the ships at the Nore to sea

arrived,

is

first

and

for a
finish

of the mutineers, in order to reduce the rest to a sense of

trial

guns,

his

that the French fleet appears in a state not likely soon to

is

His report

in

that they are afraid as yet to send

however, the Warrior, of seventy-four

which brings Duncan up to thirteen

England

is,

that

we have twenty

sail

of the

we

wish

(I

line.

had),

besides frigates, with 15,000 troops embarked, and 30,000 stand of

arms, but that our destination

N.W., which

ergo,

is

we want yet

eternity for me.

my wife

a secret.

the Admiral says

six points

Croix

Was

Damn

is

saw

War

in the

French Ministry.

whom

saw

in place of

to all
to

Department,

knew Hoche.

now going on

in place of

Benezech

in place of Petiet.

Of

all

Talleyin Phila-

Charles de

Pleville le Peley to the Marine, in place of

Truguet

Francois de

and Hoche to

these

new men

Sat down immediately and wrote him a

of congratulation, in which
tion

it

Dutch papers that

in the

appointed to the Foreign Affairs,

Neufchateau to the Interior,

only

get out

Wrote

there ever anything so terrible?

Lenoir Laroche to the Police, in place of Cochon

the

to-day, at

on the 21st instant.

rand Perigord, ci-devant Bishop of Autun,

la

is,

we might

of the compass.

July 24th, 2$tk, 26th. To-day

great changes have taken place
delphia,

The wind

not quite so execrable as yesterday and the day

With a N.N.E. wind

before.

is

letter

took occasion to mention the negotia-

at Lisle with the English Plenipotentiary,

Malmesbury, and prayed him,

in case that

Lord

peace was inevitable, to

exert his interest to get an article inserted, to restore to their

country or liberty
prison,

all

the Irish patriots

and assuring him,

profit of

such an

article, as I

who

are in exile, or in

same time, that I should never

never would return to Ireland whilst

at the

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

246

[1797-

The wind has been detestable these

moment the Admiral tells me it is hauling to

she remained in slavery.

At

three days.

this

the northward, and that he will weigh one anchor to-night and

heave short on the other, to be ready to

God send

able breeze.

expedition will succeed

fair

July 27th,

came

Yesterday we had a sort of fair wind, but which

French are
is

we could

so late and was so feeble that

it

fitting

came round

it

much

not

is

better.

sail

sail to reinforce

am weary

for

me.

Well,

595th time).
I

am

he

Damn

beat us, &c.

will

Man

"

no more than money.

avail
"

ass.

Damn

morality,

and

Tis but in vain for soldiers

(Six o'clock.)

see from the

am now

fleet.

Little as I

am

But

complain

sail

It is

times, since

" (for

the

of English vessels,

impossible to express

is

more
I do,

It is terrible to see the

The

am

let the constable be

to

of a Quixote, loving as

still foul.

Suspense

wife and dearest babies, I wish to

selves so helpless.

Fifty

my

mind

at

should suffer less in the middle of a sea-

under way to meet the enemy, with

Ten

cannot

alone in the great cabin,

window twenty-two

moment. I think
fight
and the wind is
this

hour.

to all

it

us an hour of fair wind, and

the variety of innumerable ideas which shoot across

my

fleet is

a poor being in that respect.

is

anchored within a league of our

danger.

appears,

Lord Bridport's

a transport of rage, which

in

money cannot purchase

moralising like an

and

The

life.

now

he

ergo,

and courage

married."

my

it

ever,

may detach, with perfect security, seven

Duncan, who will then have at least nineteen sail

helpless.

millions of
talents

bad as

Everything now depends upon the wind, and we are

describe.
totally

of

out a squadron at Brest, which,

ergo,

against our fifteen

eternity

not weigh anchor

to the west, as

to be only of twelve sail of the line.

twenty-two

am,

Well, " Tis but in vain," &c.

wind.

2Si/i.

at eight in the evening

and to-day

the sod.

days aboard, and we have not had eighteen

to-day, eighteen

minutes of

believe that our

till

profit of the first favour-

am sworn never to
am once more upon

But

sea

began

is

terrible

Heaven we were

whom we

than

to distraction,
this

moment

should be up

in

an

two

fleets

so near, and to find our-

just

now

as

this note,

have

smooth as a millpond.
lifted

my

eyes to look

JET.

ENGLISH FLEET IN THE OFFING.

34.]

at the enemy.

long.

Well,

am now

minutes of a

fair

cannot be that this inaction

it

aboard twenty days, and

wind

we have

Well

to carry us out.

247

continue

will

not had twenty

Well

July 2Qtk. This morning the wind is fair, but so little of it that
we cannot stir. About mid-day it sprung up fresh, but the tide

was spent and it was too late. To

must be a concurrence of wind and
ashore to-day and mounted the
like

Robinson Crusoe

The Admiral went

tide.

Downs

with his perspective glass,

he counted twenty-five

and six luggers, or

vessels

out of the Texel there

sail

sail

of three-masted

cutters, of the English, at

concludes they are about fifteen or sixteen of the

He

frigates.

tells

me

also that his idea

like parity of success, in case of

anchor

that, if there is

is

is

on an enemy's

he

anything

an action, Admiral Duncan

not push the fight to extremity, as he

the rest

line,

coast,

will

and

any of his ships are dismasted, he must leave them that in that
case the action will be a cannonade until night, when both parties
will draw off, sing Te deum, and claim the victory
in which case
he will immediately push off with his convoy and such of his ships
if

as will be in state to keep the sea.

I like

De

Winter's behaviour

much there is nothing like fanfaronade in it and I fancy

Duncan will have warm work of it to-morrow morning. The wind
to-night is excellent, and blows fresh if it holds, as I trust in God
it may, to-morrow, at eight o'clock, we shall be under way, being
the hour of the tide. God knows how earnestly I long for that
very

moment.

hear nothing of our mounting a cutter, as the General

mentioned to me, so
against

my

rather not.

go lucky
"

see

Madam, you know my

July loth,

and

am

list.

1st,

2nd.

if it

what

trade is

is

to be taken in a sea-fight

must

be,

it

On

must

sea-fights at all

to be

war ! "

done

be,

but

had

however, happy

in that case.

(Sings.)

&c.

Blank.

Everything goes on here from bad to worse,

tormented and unhappy more than

that I hate even to

helped.

Well,

do not love your

We shall

August

may happen

expectation.

make

these

memorandums.

can express, so

Well,

it

cannot be

the 30th, in the morning early, the wind was

signal given to prepare to get under way,

fair,

the

and everything ready,

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

248

[1797-

when, at the very instant we were about to weigh the anchor and
put to

wind chopped about and

sea, the

his pilots (for

seems the

it

Nothing can be

left us.

The Admiral, having some

imagined more tormenting.

pilots here are

signal to all the chiefs of the

to

fleet,

know

distrust of

made

Orangists)

all

they thought

if

it

possible to get out with the wind which then blew (E.S.E.), but
their

answer was unanimous

In an hour

of the business.

in the negative, so there

after,

the S. and blew a gale, with thunder and lightning

we were

At

last it fixed in the S.W.,

worst quarter possible, where

it

it

was well

Admiral sent out an

to lose time, the

enemy's

He

force.

of the

sail

pleasant.

is

with a letter

officer

reconnoitre the

fact, to

in

returned yesterday with a report that Duncan's

of seventeen

deckers, which

almost the very

has remained steadily ever since.

addressed to Admiral Duncan, but,

fleet is

so

not caught in the shoals which environ the entry of this

abominable road.

Not

was an end

the wind hauled round more to

It

line,
is

including two or three three-

decided that

we

board the Vryheid and take our chance, which

is

all

remain on

very brave and

no manner of proportion between the good to

be obtained and the hazard to be run a rule by which I am fond

foolish

for there is

to

examine

If General

questions.

Daendels

tion will be at least greatly embarrassed,

thereby

my

and as to

personal concerns,

is

killed,

and perhaps
if I

our expedifail

totally

get knocked on the

head, and the expedition does not take place after, both which

dearest love and our

port

my

terrible

mission,
it is

and that

country

the cast,

babies, left without protection or sup-

cannot bear to think of

fairly landed,

by

little

but

and I
it is

were

but here

my

become of

are at least probable, what will

circumstances

cannot help

it.

If I

it.

killed,

were

Ireland, once

in

they would be taken care of

have no such consolation.

" Slave

I have

set

will stand the liazard of the die."

my

It

is

life

upon

all

sub-

With

a very idle point of honour of General Daendels, but

determined, so there

is

an end of

it.

One

thing more

If

we

should happen to be taken, the rest will be prisoners of war, but

how

will

shall see.

it

be with

Wrote

me

in that case ?

to General

"

Cest une chose a voir"

Hoche, Lewines, and

my wife.

We

Wind

MT.

A LOST OPPORTUNITY.

34.]

Damn

S.W.

still

it

damn

it

damn

it

249

am, to-day, twenty-

five days aboard, and at a time when twenty-five hours are of

importance. There seems to be a fate in this business. Five

weeks,

was paralysed by the

The sea was
and
French fleets to
prevent both the Dutch

believe six weeks, the English fleet

mutinies at Portsmouth, Plymouth, and the Nore.

open, and nothing to

put to

Well, nothing was ready

sea.

that precious opportunity,

and now that

at

against us, the mutiny

is

which we can never expect to return, was

last

we

are ready

is

it

fancy,

is,

moment

Had we

worse.

still

The

but, as I

been

in

force.

At

Ireland at the

we should, beyond a
and God only knows the

at

least

that

fleet,

influence which such an event might have

now do

of the insurrection at the Nore,

doubt, have had

navy.

lost

and we are sure to be attacked by a superior

quelled,

Brest

wind

here, the

have already
as well as

August

had on the whole British

destiny of Europe might have been changed for ever

we

"

Wind

4tk

3rd,

said, that great occasion is lost,

can.

Le vin
foul.

and we must

est tire, il faut le boire"

Proposed to-day to the Ad-

miral to try an experiment in firing shells from the lower-deck

He

it would not answer, but that he would

Nine at night, tried the shell with a thirtysix pounder, and found it answer famously. The Admiral, I fancy,
will profit of this circumstance in case of an action with the English,

guns.

said he thought

try notwithstanding.

and

am

in

August
of county

hopes

it

produce a considerable

will

Down, member

Tennant, 1 of Belfast.

gence which they bring.

and the people

effect.

This morning arrived aboard the Vrykeid, Lowry,

$tk.

of the Executive Committee, and John

am

in

The

there, seeing

no degree delighted with the

persecution in Ireland

is

intelli-

at its height,

no prospect of succour, which has been

so long promised them, are beginning to lose confidence in themselves

and

their chiefs,

They ground

whom

their suspicions

suffered to pass

they almost suspect of deceiving them.

on the great

crisis

of the mutiny being

by without the French Government making the

it, and
I can hardly blame them.

smallest attempt to profit of

1

81

[Tennant afterwards entered the French army, and was killed

3 Ed.]

in battle

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

250

They

held out

British

till

[1797-

the 24th of June, the last day allowed by the

Government

in the

proclamation offering a general pardon,

and, that day being arrived, they have almost entirely submitted,

and taken the oath of allegiance most of them have likewise given
up their arms, but it appears that the number of firelocks was much
less than was imagined.
In consequence of all this the Executive
Committee has doubled its efforts. MacNeven was despatched from
;

Dublin to France, and sailed from Yarmouth on the 7th of July

of course he is, I reckon, long before this in Paris. Lowry, Tennant,

and Bartholomew Teeling came together to Hamburg, where they

arrived about a fortnight ago, and finding the letter
sister

sailed

acquainting her with

England, and

for

which case

my

am

wrote to

my

being here, Teeling immediately

in

his arrival will give

hopes he

get back safe, in

will

courage to the people

the other

two came here. All this is very disagreeable, but in fact the matter
depends upon one circumstance. If either the Dutch or the French
can effectuate a landing, I do not believe the present submission of
the people will prevent their doing what is right and if no landing
;

can be effectuated, no part remains for the people to adopt but

submission or

seems to

me

Dublin.

By what Lowry and Tennant

flight.

to have been a great

suspected

it

very

want of

tell

me, there

spirit in the leaders in

much from Lewines' account, though

but now I am sure of it. However

saw he put the best side out

did not say so to them, for the thing

is

passed, and criticising

it

do no good, but the reverse. The people have .been urgent

more than once to begin, and at one time eight hundred of the
garrison offered to give up the barracks of Dublin if the leaders
will

would only give the signal

the militia were almost to a

man

gained over, and numbers of these poor fellows have fallen victims
in consequence.

to

me

It is

hard to judge at this distance, but

to have been an unpardonable weakness,

cowardice to

let

such an occasion

slip.

With

if

it

seems

not downright

eight hundred of the

garrison and the barracks to begin with, in an hour they would

have had the whole

capital,

and by seizing the persons of half a

dozen individuals paralysed the whole Government, and, in

opinion, accomplished the whole revolution

by a

my

single proclama-

MT.

DUNCAN'S FLEET.

34-]

But, as

tion.

Keogh

said already,

know

not

is

is

it

hard to judge at a distance

for a " coup de

fit

main

; "

he has

got, as

Lewines

tells

me, McCormick latterly into his hands, and besides

Dick

now

past the age of adventure.

is

Emmet

did not

as Caesar of his person.

seems to

It

me

we can hardly expect

occasion missed as

and Tennant say there are now

together

may make

great exaggeration

35,000
for

number that is guessed, as Johnson remarks,

suppose, however, there

and

it is

if

see no sign

we
;

could

Lowry

to see return.

men

in Ireland of

yeomanry
I

am

who

sure there

much by
is

corps,

guess,

all

is

and a

always exaggerated.

50,000 or perhaps 55,000 of

kinds,

know it is, that would make me

once get out of this damned hole, of

not that force, composed as

despair of success

which

may be

as brave

is

to have been such an

but in this account

they spoke very

surprised that

know he

at least 80,000

troops including the militia and

British

am

show more energy, because

and, to comfort

me

still

more,

learn that in

general the westerlyiwinds, which lock us up, prevail during the whole

of this month, before the end of which time

we

shall

have eaten up

our provisions, and probably be encumbered with sick

for

it

can

hardly be supposed the troops will keep their health so long, cooped

up

as they are in transports,

Add
and

where they are packed

like herrings.

to this the chance of a peace being concluded with England,

I

think

am

not too gloomy in saying that nothing can well

be more unpromising than the appearance of things to-day.

have made out a

list

of Duncan's

fleet

from

Steel's list of the navy,

and I see he has two ships of 98, two of 80, two of 74, eight of 64,
and three of 50 guns, besides frigates. Wind still foul, viz., W.S. W.
August'6th, yt/i, St/i. Wind foul. We have now been detained here
so long that our hopes of undertaking the expedition to Ireland are

more than suspect the General

I have remarked him within
these three days frequently examining a map of England, particularly the eastern coast about Yarmouth, and he has asked me
several questions which lead that way.
As Lowry and Tennant
travelled that road very lately, I learn from them that there are
few or no troops on that coast, except a small camp at Ipswich,
beginning exceedingly to relax, and
is

speculating on one elsewhere, for

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

1797.

about half-way, or sixty-nine miles, to London.

In consequence

252

last

night,

when the General and

quarter-deck and cursing

were walking alone on the

the wind, he began to mention his

apprehensions on the score of our provisions running short, as well

as the danger of attempting the passage north about so late in the
season,

and he began

to

moot again the point about Yarmouth. I

we were detained so far in the season

said, that if unfortunately

it

was un-

England, as well

for the

as to render the Irish expedition utterly impracticable,

doubtedly desirable to do something

glory of the Dutch arms as that
in the affair

run over to

all

in

the expense hitherto incurred

That in that case my idea was to

the English coast and debark the army, not at Yarmight not be

lost.

mouth, but at Harwich, or nearer London

possible

to carry

nothing with us but bread for six days and ammunition

to

if

make

a desperate plunge, by forced marches, for the capital, where

not consider

it

impossible to arrive before the

sufficient force to

oppose

us,

did

enemy could be

in

supposing the eastern coast to be as

Lowry and Tennant had represented.

we might defy all the force of England
for, if they were assembled to the number of 100,000 in Hyde Park,
we could at all times make conditions by threatening, in case they
unfurnished of troops as

That

we were once

if

there,

drove us to extremity, to set

fire

to the city at the four corners

defend ourselves afterwards to the

man

last

but with such a pledge in our hands we might

And

dwelt a good deal,

make our own

if

we had the good

seemed to me though very

far

likewise, as a subordinate circumstance, that

if

mentioned

we once reached

large portion of the

mob, and these very desperate

Irishmen to the amount of

many

thousands,

was sure would desire nothing more than to have

of the English.

He

their will

make no
Yarmouth

All these arguments seemed, however, to

great impression on Daendels,

scheme.

fortune

should to a certainty find a strong reinforcement, inas-

fellows, consisted of

who

terms.

from certain yet

at least so possible as to deserve serious consideration. I

London we
much as a

and

had no doubt

cannot say with any great success, on

the glory of such a desperate enterprise,

to succeed, which

that

seems to

me

who

still

to expect

recurred to his

some co-operation

there,

on

MT.

DIFFERENT SCHEMES.

34-]

what grounds

know

ously deceived.
in

my

it

not

He

but

fancy he will find himself egregi-

anything can be done

England

in

main" whereas he

coup de

some time

nonsense.

if

be,

talks of maintaining

in the country, which, with 14,000

asked me,

must

it

men,

is flat

he were to land on the eastern coast,

not be possible for any of the Irish to effectuate a landing

on the other
give

"

mind, by a

himself for

would

If

253

country and join him

side, cross the

them arms

To

most extravagant of

this

tented myself with declaring gravely, that

To

practicable.

be sure

it is

when he would

all

questions

looked upon

con-

as im-

it

most egregious nonsense to suppose

for

an instant that such a measure could by any possibility be executed

by a body of unarmed men, without a single ship prepared to carry

them over. Far from invading England, I wish to heaven they
were able to take the

how such

field in their

a wild idea could for a

much such

a head and
is

it

that

we

return to

my scheme.

men would execute

that Charles XII. with 14,000

Certain

To

yet he seemed to be in earnest.

could effectuate the landing

own country. I cannot conceive

moment enter Daendels' head

but

it,

think

supposing he

readily admit that

requires

it

heart as his to attempt such an enterprise.

will

not try

it.

Daendels' answer at length

Dutch Government would not

consent to it, and that, even if they did, it would require too much
time, as he must in that case new model the army, which I do not
understand.
I think Hoche with 15,000 French grenadiers would
effectuate it, but for the Dutch I cannot pretend to say
it seems
to me, however, at least possible.
From Harwich to London the
was, that he was of opinion that the

distance

but seventy-two miles, which could be

is

marches

in

artillery,

which

is

three days, supposing

in

that case

gi/i.

done

forced

so there

is

us.

But

an end of

this
it.

This morning, the General, Lowry, Tennant, and

myself took a walk ashore

them
mind

made by

horses to draw the

we must bring with

raving, for the thing will not be

August

we had

particularly as to
in Scotland,

for a

couple of hours.

He examined

what they knew of the state of the public

and the

possibility of

meeting support from the

patriots in that country, in case the expedition to Ireland

were so

long delayed as to become impracticable, and that he should decide

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

254
in

[1797-

They answered him

consequence to try an attack on Scotland.

seems emissaries have been sent from the north

of Ireland to that country, to propagate the system of the United
very rationally

it

Irishmen, and that they have to a certain degree succeeded in

some

of the principal manufacturing towns, such as Paisley and Glasgow,

where

societies are already organised, and,

had even advanced so

far as to

by the

last accounts,

they

have formed a provincial committee

nevertheless they observed that these facts rested on the veracity

of the agents sent from the north, the Scotch having sent none of
their

body

in return

that they could not pretend to say whether

the Scotch patriots were up to such a decided part as to take arms

in case of

an invasion, but their opinion rather was that they were

not so far advanced.

As

to the possibility of assistance

on which head Daendels examined them pretty

decidedly of opinion that

thought

Certainly

of.

it

it is

they were
was utterly impracticable, and not to be
a most extravagant expectation. After

discussing the question fully

aboard the

VryJieid^

from Ireland,

we

Texel, where they are tolerably lodged in a

walked over a great part of the

General returning

parted, the

and Lowry, Tennant, and

island,

which

closely,

setting off for the

little
is

We

village.

by nature one of

the most barren, uncomfortable spots that can be imagined

but

such are the inconceivable efforts of liberty and good government,

that this ungrateful soil

is

in a great degree reclaimed, enclosed,

and drained, covered with flocks and herds, filled with neat and
snug dwellings, and supporting five little towns, which are beautiful
The population is inconceivable for the extent, and
in their kind.
I thought of Ireland a
the peasants all well fed and clothed.
thousand times, with her admirable soil and climate, and the vast
advantages which nature has showered down upon her, and which
are

all

ment,
I

blasted

till

my

cannot help

by the malignant

blood boiled within

it,

so

let

me

influence of her execrable govern-

me with

think no more,

rage and vexation. Well,

if

possible,

on that melan-

choly subject.

August

loth,

ntk.

Passed

Lowry and Tennant, and then

couple

of fine lads, especially

two days very agreeably with

returned on board.

Lowry,

whom

They

are a

like extremely.

MT.

A FOUL WIND.

34.]

2 55

make a figure, if ever we have the good fortune to

own country.
August \2th. The General has been making an excursion
The wind is as foul as ever,
ashore, and is not yet returned.
think he will
reach our

and

De

Winter took

memorial to

his

me

into secret

Government

me

and told

consequence, embarked by the 9th

was
and that everything was, in

that the English fleet at that

time consisted, at the very most, of thirteen

could not

make any

having prevailed ever

enemy had had

sail

of the

the Dutch

ment

fleet,

he had prepared a

stating that the design originally

to be ready for the beginning of July,

teen

To-night Admiral

begin fairly to despair of our enterprise.

effectual opposition

sail
;

line,

which

without an hour's intermission, the

since,

time to reinforce himself to the

line,

of the

that contrary winds

now a

so that he had

number of seven-

superiority in force over

which, of course, rendered the issue of an engage-

to a certain degree doubtful

that

by

which might, and probably would, continue

this unforeseen delay,

still

longer, a great

additional consumption of provisions had taken place, so that in

a very few days there would be barely

north about
if

that the season

sufficient for the

voyage

was now rapidly passing away, and,

the foul wind continued a fortnight longer, the voyage would

become highly dangerous, if not utterly impracticable, with a fleet

encumbered with so many transports, and amounting to near
seventy sail, of all kinds
and that, in consequence, even a
;

successful action with the English

would not ensure the success

of the enterprise, which the very season would render impracticable; that, for all these reasons, his opinion

was that the present

plan was no longer advisable, and, in consequence, he proposed

that

it

should be industriously published

that

the expedition

was given up
that the troops should be disembarked, except
from 2,500 to 3,000 men, of the Mte of the army, who, with
twenty or thirty pieces of artillery and all the arms and ammu;

nition,

should remain on board the frigates and one or two of

the fastest sailing transports

that, as the vigilance of the

would probably be relaxed

in

profit of the first favourable

moment

consequence, this

flotilla

enemy
should

to put to sea and push for

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

256

their original destination,

and

[1797-

where they should land the men, arms,

and he would charge himself with the execution of

by this means, even if they failed, the Republic
would be at no very great loss, and if they succeeded, must gain
exceedingly that she would preserve her grand fleet, which was
artillery,

this plan

that,

now

her last stake, and during the winter would be able to

augment

it,

so as to open the next campaign, in case peace was

made during

not

the winter, with twenty

of the line in the

sail

North Sea, whereas, on the present system, to the execution of

which were opposed the superiority of the enemy, extra consumption of provisions, and especially the lateness of the season,
a successful engagement at sea would not ensure the success of
the measure, and an unsuccessful one, by ruining the

render

it

the blow.

least,

These

most

are,

answered that

fresh weight.

did not see at present any solid objection to

propose to his system, and that

all

had to say was that

Batavian Republic sent but a corporal's guard to Ireland,

ready to make one.

It is

most

terrible.

saved by the wind.

So here

is

our expedition

oppression of our tyrants.

The people

Nothing.

in

was

a hopeful way.

and protect the insolence and

can I do at this moment ?

of Ireland will

we were even

now

lose all

it

spirit

and

God only knows

able to effectuate a landing with 3,000

men, they might act with courage and decision.

would, and believe

the

What

confidence in themselves and their chiefs, and

if

if

Twice within nine months has England been

It seems as if the very elements had con-

spired to perpetuate our slavery

whether,

would

certainly, very strong reasons,

and unfortunately the wind gives them, every hour,

I

fleet,

impossible for the Republic to recover, for a long time at

yet, after

all,

it

is

uncertain

hope they
their

hopes

have been so often deceived, and they have suffered such a dreadful

persecution in consequence of what they have already done in

this business

yet their sufferings must have only

perated their minds, and

cannot suppose that

still

if

more exas-

they saw the

arms they would not instantly seize and turn them on

oppressors. I cannot doubt it. At all events, we should at

know

the worst, and

if

their
least

they had not courage to assert their liberty,

jet.

DISCOURAGING PROSPECTS.

34.]

257

they deserve to suffer their present slavery and degradation. But,

once again, I do not believe it. I shall in consequence, so far as in

me

lies,

support the Admiral's plan

our only resource

and, feeble as

the

more

it is, it is still

as

see now,

is, I

it

better than nothing.

We

must now begin, if at all, like the French in La Vendee.

Well, we have a good cause, and they had a bad one we are the
People, and they were but a faction of two provinces we have
powerful means, and, on the present plan, we must use them, all.
All things considered, I do not know but there is something in the
;

my disposition and habits

my part more honest than

proposed expedition more analogous to

of thinking, which

is

a confession on

wise, for I feel very sensibly that there

but, after

all,

my

is

it

and

disposition,

no

is

common

cannot help

growing utterly desperate, and there are times

almost wish for death,
wife and

my

darling

were not

if it

little

babies,

God Almighty

upon mine.

subject on which

must not

it.

which

in

who depend

me

Let

it

am

would

for the consideration of

for ever bless

think.

sense in

my

for their existence

them
quit

But

it

this is a

here.

August i$th. The General returned last night from his excursion, and this morning he mentioned to me the Admiral's plan, in
which he said he did not well see his way, and was proceeding to give
me his reasons, when we were interrupted by General Dumonceau,
our second in command, and a heap of officers, who broke up our
conversation.

am

When he renews

it,

I will

support

De

Winter's plan,

The wind is as foul as ever, viz., S.W., in or

near which point it has now continued thirty-six days that I am
aboard, viz., since the 8th of July last.
(At night.) The General
and I have been poring over the map of England, and he has been

as far as

able.

mooting a plan which,

in

my

mind,

is flat

nonsense

viz.,

to land at

or near Lynn, in Lincolnshire, with his 14,000 men, where he thinks

he could maintain himself until the

fleet could return and bring

him a reinforcement of as many more, and then
London and stand a battle. It is hardly worth while combating
a scheme which will certainly never be adopted it is sufficient to
;

observe that his plan necessarily includes that he must be absolute master of the sea during the
vol.

11.

18

whole time necessary

for its

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

258

execution, which, without going further,

I

presume

it

is

[1797-

saying enough. Besides,

is

hardly to be expected that, with 28,000 men, sup-

posing he had horses to mount his cavalry and draw his

artillery,

which he would not have, that he would be able to force his way
through an enemy's country for above one hundred miles, who

would have time more than

make
But

it

is

already,

it

warm

unnecessary to combat this idea, because, as

will

and

sufficient to collect his forces

the necessary dispositions to give him a

never be attempted

so let

it lie

reception.
I

have said

there.

August 14th. The General is gone off again on a party of pleasure

to North Holland.
He invited me to accompany him, but I have
no stomach for pleasure or enjoyment of any kind, so I refused,
and set off for the Texel to see Lowry and Tennant, and talk over
the Admiral's

new

plan, in order to have their opinion thereupon.

After dinner we walked out to a pretty

little

farm, about half a

mile from the town, where they are lodged, and sat

a hillock, where we had a view of the

below.

then told them that

fleet

down on

riding at anchor

looked upon our expedition, on

the present scale, as given up, and I stated the reasons assigned
by De Winter, and which are unanswerable. I then communicated
his plan, and desired their advice and opinion on the whole, and
especially as to the material fact, whether they thought the people

would join us

if

they saw no more than 3,000 men.

After a long

was that the scheme was practicable but difficult, and that, by great exertions and hazards on
the part of their chiefs, the people might be brought forward but
that for that it was indispensable that the landing should be
consultation, their opinion, finally,

effected in the counties of

Down

or Antrim, but especially the

former, where there were in June last twenty-four regiments of a

thousand

men each, ready organised, with

They mentioned, at the same

sub-officers.

all their

officers

and

time, that if the ex-

pedition had taken place three months ago with five hundred men,
it

could not have failed of success

but that public

spirit

was

exceedingly gone back in that time, and a great number of the

most

active

and

useful chiefs

were either

would considerably increase the

in prison or exile,

which

difficulty of carrying the present

^ET.

HOPING AGAINST HOPE.

34.]

system into execution.

2 59

saw they were a good deal dejected by

the change of the plan and consequent diminution of our means,

my

and did
spirits,

At

best to encourage them.

last

we

got into better

all

consoling ourselves with the reflection that,

if

greater,

and

We

us.

if

we

failed, there

would be the

we should

agreed that

men who have burned

must conquer or die

reason to reproach

our landing, in the case of

be, at

their ships

less

we succeeded
would be the

with so slender a force, the glory of our success

that

we had no

retreat,

and we counted a good deal, and

but

think

we would be able
agreed that we would stop at

with reason, on the spirit of enthusiasm which

We

to raise in the people.

no means necessary

one inch from our purpose.

the inn, where

we

toasts, retired to

August

likewise

to ensure our success rather than turn

After this discussion,

returned to

supped, and, after divers loyal and constitutional

bed at a very

As

i^th.

we

back

it

late hour.

will require

from three weeks to a month

to arrange matters for the expedition on the present plan,

Lowry

and Tennant have determined to go on to the Hague, and if they

have time, to Paris, in order to see MacNeven and Lewines, and to
join with

and

them

endeavouring to procure assistance from France

in

operate with that

armament to cofrom the Texel, and which, by spreading the

a small

especially, if possible, to obtain

alarm and distracting the attention of the enemy, must produce

the most beneficial

should like

it

consequence,

it

was determined

De Winter.

not on board.

armed
Late

project,

Tennant

At

morning that

this

my

arrival, I

of introduction

my

should return

found three frigates and four

which surprised

which he approved highly, and

letters

returned accordingly, but the Admiral was

evening the Admiral returned, and

said nothing of

should

Vryheid and propose the measure to

brigs just getting under way,

in the

wish that

had the time and money to spare, I

well enough, and I think it might do good.
In
if I

immediately aboard the

Admiral

It is likewise their

effects.

accompany them, and

going until

returned from his party.

to

will

told

give

me

him

little.

of our

Lowry and

the Dutch Government.

see the General,

De Winter

told

me

who

is

that the

not yet

English

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

260
frigates

[1797-

having approached very near the road, and stopped two

had ordered out a

flotilla to the entry of the road, partly to protect the commerce,
and partly to give the change to the enemy on the subject of our
or three neutral vessels laden with timber, he

present plan,
in

by habituating them

and

to see the frigates going out

He

his order being that they should never hazard an action.

has not yet received the answer of the Dutch Government to his
Grasveldt,

plan.

thought of

the VryJieid, asked me what I

answered that undoubtedly there was not an

who came aboard

I

it.

equal certainty of success, with our means so mutilated, as on the

was such a probability

original plan, but that, nevertheless, there

as,

comparing the object with the

ment

my

risk,

ought to decide the Govern-

to try the enterprise, and that such

two

was

Grasveldt upon this wrote a letter

friends.

the Committee for Foreign Affairs) in favour of

I

should have observed in

its

setting off yesterday morning, told

part, to

command

undertake the

De

(I

Winter's plan.

place that the General,

me

of
presume to

also the opinion

that he

when he was

was ready, on

his

with 2,500 men, provided he saw

such a probability as would acquit him in the eyes of the world of

downright insanity
that, in

in

throwing away himself and his army

must now

wait, to see the

for that reason,

answer of the Dutch Government

wish we were

all

three at the

Hague

and

We

consequence, he would support the Admiral's plan.

;

and,

perhaps

our opinion might decide them.

August 16th. Went to the Texel to see Lowry and Tennant,

and spent the day.
August 17th. We all three came aboard the Vryheid, in order to
settle about our journey to the Hague, and on our arrival found
things as unpleasantly situated as possible.

see clearly there is

a coolness pretty far advanced between the Admiral and the

manner toward each other is marked with a

The General was the
manifest dryness which bodes no good.
General, whose

first

who spoke

to me.

He

said that with 4,000

men

viz.,

four

two battalions of grenadiers, 1,300

two squadrons of hussars, 400 a company of light artillery, 150 ;
and officers of the Etat-Major, 50 he would
artillerists, 100
battalions of yagers, 2,000

JET.

FRESH DIFFICULTIES.

34.]

undertake the enterprise, but not with

less

ment ordered him, he would go with one

261

Govern-

that, if his

would

battalion, but

give his opinion, decidedly, against trying the measure with less
I replied that undoubtedly the Dutch Government would be decided, with regard to a military operation, by his
I then addressed
opinion, which must necessarily influence theirs.
myself to the Admiral, to whom I communicated what the General
had said with regard to the number of troops which he thought
The Admiral answered at once that it was imposindispensable.

than 4,000 men.

and that 2,500 was the very utmost that he would undertake
transport and that even that force would require eighteen sail

sible,

to

to carry

them

viz.,

cutters.

which might carry 600 men six

and the remaining 100 in six luggers and

six frigates,

large transports, 1,800

At

think this calculation not reasonable.

Brest

we had

250 men on board of each frigate, whereas De Winter allows but

certainly they might carry 200 each.
The Admiral also
100
;

objected to the hussars as being unnecessary and requiring too

much room

for their

baggage, in which

by no means agree with

In short, our expedition seems now, independent of

him.

all

other

same shoal where so many others

mean the disagreement between the

reasons, to be aground on the

have been shipwrecked

land and sea service, about which I can no longer doubt.

pleasant

Atigust

iSt/i.

This morning we have had the same scene repeated

At

which has happened to us once or twice already.

in the

It is

morning the wind came round

to the east

four or five

the signal was

given to prepare to get under way, the capstan was manned,

one anchor heaved, and the other hove short to be ready

tide

wrote to
ten

for the

the Admiral and General prepared their despatches, and

my

At

wife.

came round

nine, at length the

wind slackened, and

to the old point, S.W., where

was an end of the business.

disappointed that

am now

it

stuck

at

so there

have been so often and so long

used to

it

therefore

bore this

To console me, I received a letter from my wife,

me unspeakable satisfaction. Thank God she is well,
and my poor little babies. May God Almighty bless them all

very quietly.

which gave

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

262

August

igt/i,

and
per

Hague

We

I in another.
tot

in

one carriage, and Lowry, Tennant,

arrived safe this evening, per varios casus,

discrimina rerum.

August
the

Yesterday morning the General and Gras-

20th.

veldt set off for the

first

Government had

place, that the

that,

told me, in

rejected the plan proposed

to transport 2,500 men,

viz.,

and ammunition, and had determined to

;

He

Breakfasted with the General.

2\st.

by the Admiral,
design

[i797-

and the arms,

stores,

persist in their original

however, in consideration of the lateness of the

had prepared a memorial, which he showed me, for a

new arrangement, which is shortly this To sail out and fight
Admiral Duncan.
If the issue of the battle be favourable, to
season, he

pass over immediately 15,000 men, or as

many more

send, in everything that will swim, to Scotland

first

instance,

we can

as

to seize, in the

on Edinburgh, and march right on Glasgow, taking

every possible means to alarm the

enemy with

the idea that

we

meant to penetrate by the North of England, which is to be done

by detaching flying parties, making requisitions, &c, on that side
;

meantime behind the canal which joins the

the Clyde, having our right at Dumbarton and

to maintain ourselves

Frith of Forth to

our

left at

Falkirk, as well as

present either the

map

can remember, for

me

or the memorial before

the vessels in the Clyde, and pass over the

army

I
;

have not at
to collect all

to the

North of

Ireland ; to send round, whilst these military operations were going

on by land, the frigates and such transports, as few as possible, as

might be necessary to carry over the artillery, stores, &c. Finally,
that the English would probably be alarmed

own

which would very much

He

by

all this

for their

country, and perhaps recall a part of their troops from Ireland,

facilitate the success

added, in addition, that

who commands

the

army of

we waited only

of the enterprise.

for

General Dejean,

the North, in order to settle with

him

the military arrangements, and that the Government would pro-

bably be decided
to wait upon

Van

did accordingly.

and

in a

day or two.

In the meantime he desired us

Kastacle, President of the Convention, which he

Van

Kastacle received us, of course, very

said that, in case the

Government had any questions

civilly,

to pro-

MT.

FATAL DELA YS.

34.]

pose to

us,

took our

263

he would send to request our attendance

on which we

leave.

August 22nd, 2^rd.

Breakfasted

all

We had

with Lewines.

whom

had seen

a good deal of conversation on the state of

Ireland, but nothing new, as

and answers on

his part

Van Leyden,

three with

Secretary to the Committee for Foreign Affairs,

consisted entirely of questions on

it

ours.

He

was so good as to give us

English papers from the 1st of July to the 10th of August, with

which we retired to our lodgings and

August

Hard work

24th.

set ourselves to

at the newspapers.

devour them.

we have found

All

Roger O'Connor 1 surrendered himself, and was

discharged about the middle of July Arthur O'Connor the 3rd of
July, his sureties being Fitzgerald and Emmet and it should seem,
remarkable

is

that

though

it

is

not very clearly expressed, that nearly

if

not the

God

whole of the other State prisoners have been also enlarged.

Almighty send

If

we

arrive,

they

will

be of use

if

we do

not,

at least they are not languishing in prison.

August

The General has submitted his plan to

who approves of it entirely in a military point

2$th, 26th.

General Dejean,

of view, provided the frigates can get round to meet us

but of

some unforeseen accident, I think there can be little

doubt, inasmuch as the Admiral himself, who seems at present cool
enough in all that concerns the expedition, has already, in his
this,

barring

project of the 10th instant, not only given his opinion in favour
of the possibility of effectuating with frigates the passage

about, but even offered to

plan

is

now

command

the expedition.

The

North

General's

before the Government, with General Dejean's appro-

and he tells me he has strong hopes it will be adopted.

August 2jth to 2,otk. The General set off, 27th of August, on
his return to the Texel, where we followed him next day, and

bation,

arrived on the 30th.

new system, rendered indispensable by the

course of events, has been mentioned to me to-day by the General,
which will probably oblige me to make a course to the headquarters of the army of Sambre et Meuse, and from thence to
September

1st.

[Brother of Arthur O'Connor, afe.-ED.]

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

264
Paris.

Admiral Duncan's

one

of the line

sail

favour,

fleet

would be madness

it

has been

so that, even

terrible inferiority of force

come round

in

our

venture an action with such a

in us to

reinforced to twenty-

the wind

if

[I797-

which we have now,

in addition to

in

consequence of the delays occasioned by the wind, not above ten

The

days' provisions remaining for the troops on board.

posed

in fact,

is,

but an improvement on the last one,

plan proto land

viz.,

the troops and quarter them in the neighbourhood, so as to be able

to collect

them

hours

in forty-eight

to appear to

have renounced

the idea of the expedition, but in the meantime to revictual the

fleet

with

month

diligence

all

and secrecy, which may occupy probably a

it by one or two vessels,

to endeavour even to reinforce

which might

in that

time be got ready for

us to the time of the equinox,

enemy

who
all

besides,

is

it

All this will bring

sea.

be impossible

will

it

is

for the

probable, have relaxed

consequence of these manoeuvres

vigilance, in

When

will

when

to

in

his

keep the

sea.

ready the troops are to be re-embarked with the

made

greatest expedition, and a push to be

as already detailed.

"

present idea, which

we

Capot me, but

shall

General talks of sending

it

instantly for Scotland,

wears a face"

Such

probably lick into more shape.

me

to the

Hague

to

is

the

The

confer with the

Dutch Government and General Dejean, from thence to Wetzlar,

to communicate with Hoche, and from thence to Paris, to open the
Minister of Marine.

affair to the

and, besides, w/iere's

tJie

money ? "

so well employed during this

am

"

very pretty journey indeed,

Well,

do not see how

vacant month

so, in

can be

God's name,

ready.

September 2nd, $rd.

me my

This day the General gave

tions to set off to join General

Hoche

at Wetzlar,

instruc-

and give him a

copy of the memorial containing the plan already mentioned. In

addition, he gave me verbal instructions to the following import
that, in addition to the

follow up the
troops,

now

first

in the

written plan,

it

might be expedient to

debarkation by a second

5,000 of the French

pay of Holland, with which reinforcement the

army, being brought up to 30,000 men, could maintain itself in

Scotland in spite of any force that could be brought against them

SETS OFF TO JOIN HO CHE.

JET. 34.]

and by that means

employed on

that they might even penetrate into England,

force the

enemy

to a peace

265

that 25,000 might be

and the remaining 5,000 detached into Ireland, from

this service,

whence it was morally certain that a great portion of the troops

would be withdrawn to defend England itself. That, if General
Hoche would in that case take the command of the united armies, he
(Daendels) desired nothing better than to serve under him

if not,

he was ready to serve under any other French general, being a

senior officer, in which case each
discipline, administration,

He

chiefs.

&c,

to

army

was, as to

matters of

all

remain under their respective

mentioned Chaumont as a proper person,

in

case

Hoche declined to command the expedition Macdonald to command the French troops, and himself, of course, the Dutch. He
;

desired
tell

me

Hoche

likewise

but

was matter of great confidence

this

to

that in case he approved of the plan, he should write to

them

the Directory,

recommending

ment strongly

to the adoption of

to

it

to press the

Dutch Govern-

that to this effect the Direc-

tory should write a letter to the Committee for Foreign Affairs at

them extremely for what they

had hitherto done, and the great exertions they had made, and
exhorting them to continue the same laudable zeal, reminding
them that France was now negotiating with England, and if it
the Hague, flattering and praising

were not

for the interests of

her

allies,

could have an honourable

peace in an hour; that the success of the enterprise in question

would exceedingly strengthen her hands, and

infallibly secure the

Dutch possessions in both Indies finally, to

make them feel that it was incumbent on them to make every
effort on their part to second the Republic at a time when she was
exposing herself to war merely for their interests, when she could
by renouncing them secure that peace so necessary to herself in

restitution of all the

all

respects at this

desired

me

moment.

to explain to

Hoche

In addition to

all

this,

of communication on the part of the French Government

the Batavian

Republic being

Daendels

the necessity of a greater degree

in

that of

utter ignorance of the state of

preparations at Brest and elsewhere, and whether any or what

degree of support or co-operation

might

be expected, which

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

266

naturally threw a certain degree of

[1797-

damp, and had a

sinister effect,

their operations.
With these instructions, I set off the same
day with Lowry and Tennant, who determined to take this opportunity to go to Paris
the General accompanied us as far as
Alkmaer, where we lay this night, and pursue our journey at six

on

next morning.

These eight days

September \thto 12th.

Alkmaer and Wetzlar.

spent on the road

came by Brussels, though it was

out of my way, in order to accommodate my comrades, whom I
put into the diligence for Paris on the 8th. At Brussels we heard
the first rumour of the conspiracy of Pichegru, CARNOT, and the
downfall of the Royalists, on the 1 8th Fructidor. Having sent
them off, I proceeded by Liege to Juliers, where, luckily, finding
the Courrier des armies^ I got with him into the mail, and, travelling
day and night, arrived at length at headquarters extremely
fatigued, my journey from Brussels having cost me, one way or
'twixt

other, about 150 livres.

September

i$t/i.

This day

returned from Frankfort

and has

saw General Hoche, who

he has been very

a cough, which

still

makes me

ill

is

very

distressing to the last degree to hear.

much

fear

he

if

Daendels' plan and the

will scarcely

was able

map

should be

anything were to happen

to him,

throw off his present

immediately explained to him the cause of

tion as

him

should not

my part, if in three months he were in a rapid

He is dreadfully altered, and has a dry, hollow

most sincerely and truly sorry

but

for

consumption.
cough, that

just

with a violent cold,

seriously uneasy about

he does not seem to apprehend anything himself, but

be surprised,

is

my

arrival,

illness.

gave him

of Scotland, and such further elucida-

in conversation.

He

shook

his

head

at the idea

of a second embarkation at the mouth of the Clyde, and observed

that

if

we got

safe into Scotland the British

would immediately

detach a squadron of frigates into the Irish Channel, which would

arrive to a moral certainty before the

Dutch

frigates,

which were,

according to the plan proposed, to go North about, and that they

would thus cut us

the officers

whom

off

from

all

communication with Ireland.

Daendels named, he observed

that "

As

to

Chaumont

JET

34-]

was

as

WITH HOCHE.

much of a

general as he was that bottle," pointing to one that

stood on the table before him

good

officer,

267

" that as to

knew he would not

but he

was

Macdonald, he was a

go."

replied that as to

entirely of his opinion,

and looked

the second embarkation,

upon

that, nevertheless, I thought well of the

it

as inexecutable

England

project as a measure against

her most extremely if

would not

lose a

man

it

succeeded, and

it

would embarrass

if it failed

the French public

that

nor a shilling; and that consequently it was,

thought, a measure which should be adopted, or at least very maturely

weighed, as

it

might be

for

He

example, in his hands

susceptible of

me that he would take it into

his most serious consideration, and let me know the result in three
or four days in the meantime, I am to attend to his orders.
Our
conversation ended by his desiring me to give him a note of the
great improvements.

then told

principal events which took place

I lay at

the Texel, and so

September 14th.

we

on board the Dutch

fleet whilst

parted.

have read

day a great number of the

there can be no doubt

this

pieces relative to the last Royal conspiracy

of the guilt of Pichegru and several others.

It

seems

that, so far

back as three years ago, when he commanded the army of the

-

Rhine, he was in treaty with Prince Conde to proclaim Louis

XVIII. and march upon Paris

obstinacy of Conde,

who

and, had

share in the business, which Pichegru

dition, the treason

it

not been for the stupid

made an

would have taken

Pichegru could ensure

it

refused to let the Austrians have

for

effect

any

indispensable con:

that

is,

so far as

have no doubt but he would have

found himself speedily deserted by his army, as was that scoundrel

Dumourier before him. Such treachery in a man of the situation,

character, and high reputation of Pichegru is enough to put a man
out of humour with human nature.
If I had any doubt of his
guilt, the proclamation of Moreau to his army would decide me
where he mentions that papers had fallen into his hands, which
proved the

fact of the

correspondence

which papers he had trans-

mitted to the Directory on the 17th Fructidor, the day before

Pichegru and the other conspirators were arrested.

is

the stronger, inasmuch as

This testimony

Moreau has been the pupil and

friend

268

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

of Pichegru, and

is

moment on bad terms

at this

[1797-

with the Direc-

With regard to Carnot, who surprises me much more, and

who has made his escape, I see nothing to prove his guilt in the
tory.

There are two Directors, Carnot and

pieces as yet published.

Barthelemy, about seventy Deputies of both Councils, and as

journalists, transported
is

that

Republic

make

by order of the Corps

they will be sent to Madagascar.

is

triumphant

many

Legislatif ; the report

For

this

time the

hope to God they may know how to

a proper use of their victory.

CHAPTER

XI.

DEATH OF HOCHE. CAMPERDO WN.

The

September l$tk, \6th, 17th.

alarming

the extent that

I do.

should hold out long

seems determined to

look on

it

his

am

here,

at

most

least, to

as a moral impossibility that he

As

do.

for his physician,

have no great

have the most serious alarms

for

should be sincerely sorry for every reason, public and

private, that
I

in a

is
it

he persists to remain at the army, as he

if

faith in his skill, and, in short, I

life.

General's health

and nobody here seems to suspect

state,

we should

God knows when

in addition to

it

may ever

find

much

my

aggravates

it,

and

an opportunity, which,

personal regard and love for him,

stance which very

on which

affair is

impossible to speak to him about

or whether

my

Urgent as the

lose him.

have found

a circum-

is

To-day he

uneasiness.

has been removed by four grenadiers from one chamber to another,

for

he

is

unable to walk.

It is terrible to

fellow, in the very flower of his

My

heart bleeds for him.

him by

am

see a fine

told that the late attacks

of his present

illness.

Is it

and are the probable cause

spirits,

not strange that a

man who

death a thousand times with intrepidity in the

to General Daendels to apologise for

that I found
affair,

it

my

field

silence, letting

as yet impossible to speak to

partly on account of the state of his health,

on account of

his

has faced

should sink

Wrote yesterday
him know
General Hoche about

under the calumny of a rabble of miscreants

mand

made on

the Royalists in the Convention, and the journalists in their

pay, preyed exceedingly on his

our

handsome

youth and strength, so reduced.

and partly

being so extremely occupied, as well by the com-

of the two armies of the Rhine and

Sambre

et

Meuse

as

by

the late events in Paris, promising at the same time to write again
269

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

270

in three or four days,

and entreating him

tinue his preparations on the system

ture from the Texel.

in the

we had

did not in this letter

which

[i797-

meantime to con-

settled at

let

my

depar-

him know the very

There is a
rumour here that Massaredo and Jarvis have had a fight off Cadiz,
and that the latter had the worst of it. It is too good news to be
true, and consequently I do not believe it.
I remember the last
dangerous state

in

consider the General to be.

drubbing which the Spaniards got from Jarvis was,

in like

manner,

preceded for seven or eight days by the report of a grand victory.

Le Tourneur and Maret

(Treilhard,

think,

my

not look, in

and two others

This does

in their place.

mind, like a speedy termination of the negotiation

Merlin de Douai, late Minister of Justice, and

with England.
Frangois

are recalled from Lisle,

and another) named

de Neufchateau,

nominated to replace

late

of the

Minister

in the Directory

Interior,

Barth&emy and

are

Carnot.

no man in France so obnoxious to the Royalists as

Merlin de Douai of course his nomination is a proof that they

There

is

moment completely down.

are at this

September

i8t/i, igth.

well founded.

He

All

is

quiet at Paris.

My fears with regard to

Hoche were but too

died this morning at four o'clock.

His lungs

seemed to me quite gone. This most unfortunate event has so

confounded and distressed me, that I know not what to think nor
what will be the consequences. Wrote to my wife and to General
Daendels instantly. Yesterday Simon, by the General's orders,
after communicating with me, wrote to the Minister for Foreign
Affairs,

and of the Marine, but

September 20th,

broken

my

Lefebvre,

know not

The death

21st.

to

what

of General

effect.

Hoche having

connection with the army of Sambre et Meuse, where

have no longer any business,

to set off for Paris, which

o'clock,

who commands

and travelled

all

in

I applied this
I

day

(20th) for an order

obtained instantly from General

chief per interim.

Set off at four

night; arrived at twelve on the 21st at

Coblentz, and at night at Bonn.

September 22nd.

This

is

the 1st of Vendmiaire, the anniversary

of the establishment of the French Republic.

friend Mr. Shee,

whom

Called early on

my

found occupied preparing for the fete

THE MUNICIPALITY OF BONN.

jET. 34.]

which

on the occasion.

to be celebrated

is

at the fite,

twelve, assisted

where Mr. Shee pronounced a discourse as President

At one accompanied

of the Commission Intermediate.

grande

to the

cession

At

271

place,

where the

the pro-

Municipality planted

the Tree of Liberty under the auspices of France, and proclaimed

The same ceremony has taken

the Re'publique Cis-Rhenane.

and other

at Cologne, Coblentz,

the country between the

cities,

and the idea

Meuse and Rhine

into an independent

between France

Republic, in order to terminate the differences

and the Empire as

state with the

in

constitutional toasts,

which

After the ceremony, dined

to that territory.

Commission Intermediate, the Municipality of

Bonn, the constituted

journal,

place

to erect

is

authorities,

and drank sundry

and

loyal

&c, but not too many, as appears by

this

am peaceably writing at my inn. After dinner

me he had just received intelligence, from a

Mr. Shee told

quarter on which

he

very

much

relied,

negotiation

that the

with England was knocked on the head, which,

if

it

be

true,

upon
him to-morrow early, and show him sundry papers, &c, and came
home soberly and wrote to General Daendels. I had promised
a very pretty woman at dinner, whose name I know not, but
whose person I reverence, to meet her to-night at a grand ball
as

highly probable,

is

excellent news.

is

given by the Municipality, but

will

Settled to call

deceive her like a false

and go to my innocent bed yet she is very pretty for

all that, and speaks very pretty German-French, and I am sure
has not one grain of cruelty in her composition, and besides,
traitor,

"

la guerre,

comme

to-morrow, and
Besides,

so, "

all

la guerre

"

but then,

women

must

Oh, cruel fate that gave thee to the

have just received a delightful

love, written three

with

a,

letter

from

my

set

off

Moor !

"

dearest

months ago, which has put me out of conceit

so, as before, I will go to my virtuous

but herself

bed.

N.B.

November

21st.

It

is

to-day upwards of two months

made a memorandum, which is downright scandalous

for many important circumstances have happened in that time.
The only good in my journals is, that they are written at the

since

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

272

[1797-

moment, and represent things exactly as they strike me, whereas,

."
when I write after an interval of some time
But I am going
into an essay on journal writing, instead of

my

endeavour to take up, as well as

memory

my

can, from

me

Let

business.

the thread of

history.

October

1st,

thereabouts,

or

my

the satisfaction to find

spirits

body
I

he

am

went to Lewines, who

all

is

and

Pleville

le

in

is

little

Paris,

where

had

babies in health and

high favour here with every-

but acknowledged as Minister from Ireland, and

heartily glad of

integrity

arrived in

wife and

it,

Peley,

for

He

talents.

have an excellent opinion of

his

has the entrees litres with Barras,

Minister

for

the

and

Marine,

whom

Talleyrand

saw in Philadelphia, when we were both in exile.

In a day or two we went
together to the Minister for the Marine, in order to ask him to
Minister for Foreign Affairs,

Perigord,

me

give

to beat

a note of introduction to Barras, but

into his

it

we were not

able

head that we did not want him to present

me

formally to the Directory as an agent from some foreign power.

him down in my own mind for a dunce. In conrefusal, we determined to go ourselves to the
Luxembourg, which we did accordingly two or three evenings

On

which

I set

sequence of his

We

after.

Madame

found Barras at home, giving favourable audience to

Tallien,

whom

with

where they continued,

he retired into an inner

room,

have no doubt, very seriously employed

On his return, we presented ourselves,

him the memorial, which General Daendels had
entrusted me with, for General Hoche, and, at the same time,
detailed to him fully all the verbal instructions I had received
for

and

about half an hour.

I

delivered

from General Daendels.

told

me

in reply, that

He

heard

me

very attentively, and

he expected General Debelle, brother-in-

law to General Hoche, in town every day, who had the thread
of our affairs in his hands, and that, on his arrival,
address myself to him.
conversation between

We

him and Lewines.

he has Barras's word, that

if

peace with the Emperor, they

should

then took our leave, after a short

Lewines

the Directory can

will

tells

make

me

that

a separate

never quit England until our

MT.

TALLEYRAND.

34.]

This

independence shall be recognised.

length on their

273

going a very great

is

part.

Debelle arrived, and

October $th, or thereabouts, General

immediately waited on him, agreeably to Barras's orders.

telling

him

make a

note of

a day or two

was instructed to

that I

all

which

it,

army of Sambre

it

et

me

short time after, he told

that the Directory were determined to take

that most probably

to

did accordingly, and delivered to him

Some

after.

me

he desired

do,

After

generally,

up our business, and

would be Simon, Adjutant-General

Meuse, and who was

in the

in the

same capacity

who would be charged

fact that Debelle knew

with us in the expedition to Bantry Bay,

command.

with the

saw

clearly the

nothing of the determination of the Government

however,

received his information thankfully, and told him, as indeed the

had a very good opinion of Simon, and that

fact was, that I

they were decided to try an expedition on a small

not desire a better General to
the

army

in a

day or two

command

after,

and

it.

if

would

scale, I

Debelle set off for

have not seen him

since.

As it was now
little of my own affairs, I applied
to General Hddouville, whom I had known at Rennes and Brest,
and who has just been nominated to the command of St.
time to think a

Domingo, to obtain me an order to stay in Paris, in order to

follow up the affair wherewith I was charged by Generals Hoche
and Daendels, and to leceive the arrears of my appointments,
which are due to me.
General Hedouville charged himself

my

with
forget

it.

business,

a manner so friendly, that

in

Luxembourg, and presented me

whom

Besides speaking to Barras, he brought

he spoke of

Reveilliere received

me
me

in

to

La

Reveilliere

shall never

me

to the

Lepaux, to

terms of great commendation.

with attention, and desired

me

to

La
draw

my request, and to get it certified by

War and for Foreign Affairs. In consequence,

up a memorial stating
the Ministers at

on
October i$tk General Hedouville introduced
Ferigord,

day

to

vol.

who

signed

Scherer,
11.

my

me

to Talleyrand

memorial immediately, and the same

Minister at War, to
19

whom

he presented

my

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

274

memorial.

Scherer took

but from that to this

concern about

cumstance of

memory
him

The peace

is

we

his part

my

be

If that

so, it is

more about

shall see

fancy

conditions of the peace, strictly speaking,

great object and wish being confined to

The

desire.

Yet

it

Cisalpine Republic

is

is

bad,

a great satisfaction

think any reasonable

is

acknowledged, and

got the Rhine for our limit.

Emperor, which
everything.

degree

Emperor, and England

see that they are as favourable as

we have

in the last

my

the prostration of English tyranny.

me to
man can

shabby

it.

With the

have nothing to do,

to

attribute to the cir-

having spoken respectfully of

at last concluded with the

only remains.

directly,

being attached to General Hoche, whose very

memorial.

in Scherer, but

it

Nov. 21st) he has given himself no

Scherer abhors, and to

my

in

and promised to expedite

it,

(viz.,

which delay on

it,

my

[1797-

could be helped, but

if it

Venice goes to the

we cannot

get

General Berthier was the bearer of this great news.

Firing of cannon, bonfires, illuminations

Paris

was that day

in

great glory.

The day

after the proclamation of the peace,

saw an

arrite

of the Directory, ordaining the formation of an army, to be called

HArmee
Bravo
the

d' Angleterre,

This looks as

army

and appointing Buonaparte

if

of the Rhine,

they were in earnest.

who

to

command

it.

General Desaix, of

distinguished himself so

much by

defence of Kehl against Prince Charles, in the last campaign,

his
is

ordered to superintend the organisation of the army until the

arrival of Buonaparte.
It is

All this

singular enough that

in its place the

is

famous news.

should have forgotten to mention

famous battle fought on the nth of October,

under Admiral Duncan, and the Dutch,

between the English

fleet,

commanded by De

Winter.

memorandums on

It

shows the necessity of making

There never was a more comby the English. The fleets were
equal in number, but they had the advantage in number of guns
and weight of metal. De Winter fought like a lion, and defended
himself to the last extremity, but was at length forced to strike,
the moment.

plete victory than that gained

as were nine of his

fleet

out of sixteen, whereof

it

consisted.

/ET.

BATTLE OF CAMPERDOWN.

34.]

275

With him were taken the Admirals Reyntzies, who is since dead,
and Meurer. Bloys lost his right arm, and Story is the only one
who came off clear the two last were not taken. I cannot conceive why the Dutch Government sent out their fleet at that
;

season, without

opinion
Pitt,

is,

that

motive or object, as far as

it is

direct treason,

and so think Barras,

and that the

Plville le Peley,

can learn.
fleet

My

was sold to

and even Meyer, the

Dutch Ambassador, whom I have seen once or twice. It was well

I was not on board the Vryheid.
If I had, it would have been a
pretty piece of business.

the English
I

for this is the

mock myself of them.

fancy

am

not to be caught at sea by

second escape

have had, and by land

CHAPTER

XII.

BUONAPARTE.
November ist to %rd.
My brother Matthew joined me from
Hamburg, where he arrived about a month ago.
It is a great
satisfaction to me, and I hope he arrives just in time to take a part
in the expedition.

November 4tk

me
me

to

This day General Hdouville brought

gt/i.

me

to General Berthier, and presented

in the

We

warmest manner.

he promised to speak of

me

had very

him a memorial of about

parte, offering

my

recommending

conversation, but

little

whom

he

sets

after, I called,

and

to General Buonaparte,

off to join, in three or four days.

left for

to him,

Two

days

five lines,

services, &c.

It is droll

addressed to Buona-

enough

should be

writing to Buonaparte.

November
Desaix,

to

20th.

who

is

Yesterday General Hdouville presented

arrived within these few days.

possibly desire to meet a

me

more favourable reception

a good deal as to the

localities

me

could not

he examined

of Ireland, the face of the

country, the facility of finding provisions

on which

informed

him as well as I could. He told me that he had not directly the

power himself to name the officers who were to be employed in
the army of England, but that I need not be uneasy, for I might
rely
"

should be of the number.

to have another offer at

I

His expression at parting was,

Laissez moi faire, nous arrangerons tout cela"

desire

it.

I like

of his confreres

and

John Bull before

Desaix

at least as well if not better than

have yet seen.

sincerity in his

I die.

may happen
God knows how

So

There

manner, from which

able.
276

is

any

a soldier-like frankness

augur everything favour-

^ET.

AFTER CAMPO FORMIO.

34-]

November 21st

This day we,

2$th.

to

277

Lewines, Lowry,

viz.,

Tennant, Orr, Teeling, and myself, gave a grand dinner at Mdots,

to General Desaix, Hddouville, Watrin, Mermet,

one or two of

and Dufalga, and

Watrin and Mermet we

aides-de-camp.

their

asked as being friends of General Hoche, and embarked in the

Our dinner was superb, and everything

we had the fort of Kehl represented in the

expedition of last year.

went

off

very well

compliment to Desaix.
November z6tk to 29th. This day received

dessert, in

months, so

now

December
ratification

am

at

my

ease as to cash

my

2,330

This day was a grand

1st to loth.

arrears for four

livres.

fete, to receive

the

of the treaty of peace by the Emperor, which has been

brought up by Buonaparte in person to the Directory.

It

was

superb, and I was particularly pleased with Barras, the President's,

speech, wherein reigns a spirit of the most determined hostility to

England.

As

as

far

can observe,

all

parties

in

France are

sincerely united in this sentiment.

December wth and

\2th.

Called this day, with Lewines, on

General Desaix, and gave him Taylor's

us to be under no anxiety

map

that the French

of Ireland.

He

tells

Government will never

till they humble her

quit the grip which they have got of England,

to the dust

that

it

is

their wish,

and

their interest (that of all

means, and powerful ones, particularly

devote them
a

all

little later,

Government now had

money, and they would

as of Ireland), that the

France, as well

to this great object

it

might be a

little

sooner or

but that the success of the measure was inevitable.

Barras has lately, in one or two different conversations, gone as

far

with Lewines as Desaix with me.

December
morning, to

Talleyrand Perigord sent

15th.
tell

on our business

him
;

for

Lewines

this

that the Directory were positively determined

that the arrangements were

concluded upon,

all

and that everything would be ready for April next, about four
months from this. All this is very good.
December 14th
gave him a

to

letter

iyth.

Called with Lewines on Desaix, and

from General Daendels.

Desaix repeated the

assurances which Talleyrand had given on the

5th,

and

told us

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

further, that

[1797-

Buonaparte and the Directory were now occupied

in

the reorganisation of the Marine, and the funds, and that,

when

was arranged, the military part of the business would be

easily

that

Finally, he desired us to set our hearts at ease

settled.

we

everything was going on as well as

December iZth

me
the

Chantereine.

He

lives

small, but neat,

and

all

Rue

house

is

most

classical taste.

and

well

He

for that
it.

General Desaix brought Lewines and

to 21st.

morning and introduced us

this

could possibly desire

is

to Buonaparte, at his house in

in

the greatest simplicity

his

the furniture and ornaments in the

about

five feet six inches high, slender,

made, but stoops considerably

he looks at

least ten

owing to the great fatigues he underwent in

immortal campaign of Italy. His face is that of a profound

years older than he

his

thinker, but bears

is,

no marks of that great enthusiasm and unceasing

by which he has been

activity

so

much

distinguished.

It is rather,

my mind, the countenance of a mathematician than of a General.

He has a fine eye, and a great firmness about his mouth he speaks

to

manner and figure. We had not

much discourse with him, and what little there was, was between
him and Lewines, to whom, as our Ambassador, I gave the pas.
We told him that Tennant was about to depart for Ireland, and
was ready to charge himself with his orders if he had any to give.
He desired us to bring him the same evening, and so we took our
leave.
In the evening we returned with Tennant, and Lewines had
a good deal of conversation with him that is to say, Lewis insensed
him a good deal on Irish affairs, of which he appears a good deal
low and hollow.

So much

for his

uninformed
is

for

example, he seems convinced that our population

not more than two millions, which

listened,

that

but said very

When

little.

Tennant might put

which

Hoche

answered, that

knew

since

my

To which

He
I

finished he desired

few days, and then,

was not an Adjutant-General.

had the honour

in that capacity.

to speak French.
I

was

off his departure for a

turning to me, asked whether

Buonaparte

nonsense.

is

all this

to

then asked

replied, that

arrival in France,

To

be attached to General

me where

had learned

had learned the little that

about twenty months ago.

He

then desired us to return the next evening but one, at the same

GOOD NEWS.

JET. 34-]

hour, and so

we

As

parted.

to

my

French,

was the purity or the barbarism of

it

and

attention,

as

shall

279

my

never inquire,

am

ignorant whether

diction which

drew

his

must remain as an

it

be investigated by the learned of future ages.

historical doubt, to

Good news to-day

December 22nd.

The merchants

of Paris

have presented a famous address to the Directory, encouraging

them

war with England

to the

to advance

offering

sincerity)

and (which

money

the criterion of their

is

The

purpose.

that

for

Directory, of course, received them with the greatest respect, and

made a

flourishing reply

which, as well as the address, they trans-

mitted immediately to the two Councils, where the news was

received with great applause and satisfaction.

great consequence; not so

livres, as

much on account of the money (25,000,000

sum is very convenient just
spirit

have

affairs)

which dictates the loan, and, above

men

(no bad

in the establishment of the

Govern-

of the confidence which,

judges in such
ment.

regard this as of

understand), though that

now, as on account of the

all,

it

have no doubt but,

seems, the monied

in this point of view,

it

produce

will

mind of every thinking man in England. It

prove that the Republic and Directory have taken an assiette

a great effect on the

will

may

or aplomb which
discussions with
latterly,

embarrass

J.

Bull not a

the Great Nation, as the

little

his future

in

French have begun

and not without great reason, to call themselves. This,

is the money to which Desaix alluded the other

without doubt,
day.

December 23rd.

Called this evening on Buonaparte,

by appoint-

ment, with Tennant and Lewines, and saw him for about
minutes.
to the

Lewines gave him a copy of the memorials

Government

in

February, 1796 (nearly two years ago), and

which, fortunately, have been well verified in every material

He

everything that has taken place in Ireland since.

fact,

also

him Taylor's map, and showed him half a dozen of Hoche's

which Buonaparte read
or three days, with such

possessed

of,

five

delivered

over.

He

by

gave

letters,

then desired us to return in two

documents relating

to Ireland as

we were

and, in the meantime, that Tennant should postpone

his departure.

We

then

left

him.

His manner

is

cold,

and he

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

speaks very

little

it

is

[1797-98.

dry as that of Hoche, but

not, however, so

seems rather to proceed from languor than anything

perfectly

however, to us

civil,

or heard from him,

We have now seen

it is

but,

He

else.

is

from anything we have yet seen

impossible to augur anything good or bad.

man in Europe three times, and I am

how little I have to record about him. I am sure
I wrote ten times as much about my first interview with Charles De
la Croix, but then I was a greenhorn
I am now a little used to
the greatest

astonished to think

and that

see great men, and great statesmen, and great generals,

has, in
is

some

degree, broke

a droll thing that

next chance,

grievous

Yet, after

Brest,

my

from
is

all, it

expedition

the charm.

hope, will be with the Arme'e d'Angleterre

but

I arrived in

Well, the third time, they say,

Vive la Republique
is

admiration.

should become acquainted with Buonaparte.

This time twelve months,

to Bantry Bay.

down my

make no memorandums now

have nothing to

at

My

lions

all,

which

write.

January 1st. I wish myself the compliments of the season

a merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Received a letter
from

my

me

wherein she informs

sister,

length received a letter from

my

my

that

brother William, of

father has at

whom

have

not heard since 1794 he is alive and well, in the service of the
Mahrattas, with a liberal appointment of 750 per annum, and
;

this is the

knows.

whole of what she

It is

tells

me, and,

or at least a copy of

it

express the satisfaction

suppose, of what she

Well,

not to be sunk

we

his letter,

do not even know the date. I cannot

news, which is certainly not

feel at this

diminished by the reflection that he

Poor fellow

most provoking that they did not send her

we may meet
are, to

my

be

is

yet

not in the British service.

:

for

our family,

sure, a strange set, for

and

see, are

proof of

by myself.
Wrote to my sister, desiring her, of all love, to procure and forward
me a copy of Will's letter. One or two things have happened
lately which gave me, personally, some pleasure The Minister of
which, see the history of

life

opmions, written

Foreign Affairs has written to the Minister of Police, that whereas

Pitt

may

probably endeavour to slide in some of his emissaries

under the character of Refugee United Irishmen, none be permitted

^T.

IRISH REFUGEES IN PARIS.

34-35.]

to remain but such as

some confidence

may vouch

for

281

which shows they have

me, and the Minister of Police has given his

in

The first use I made of it, was to apply for

the liberty of two lads, named Burgess and McCan, who are
detained at Liege, and I hope they are enlarged before this. Another thing is, a young man, whom I do not know, named McKenna,
who was recommended, as he says, by Tallien, applied to Buonaorder in consequence.

Buona-

parte to be employed as his Secretary and Interpreter.

parte, after

to me,
this is

some

and that I should report thereupon to him, Buonaparte. All

very good
I have not seen the General since, but expect I
;

shall in a

few days.

January 2nd

who

discourse, gave him, for answer, to address himself

at last returned to Paris

is

my

Called on

to 6th.

old friend General Clarke,

his close connection with

has thrown him out of employment, and

for I

have a very good opinion of him.

whom

with Buonaparte, to

he

strongest manner, for which

parte,

tells

me

he

I feel

and Clarke answered,

thanked Clarke heartily

"

In me, by

for all this, and, at the

cede him the pas on

Bay

of our Bantry

occasions

all

was very glad

pity he

not employed.

January 6th

means

time, ex-

my

wish to

a great deal of Hoche,

expeditions, and parted the best of friends in

the world
is

we talked

all

same

plained to him the nature of Lewines' mission, and

who

Carnot

am heartily sorry for it

He is, however, very well
has spoken of me in the

most sincerely obliged. Buonaamong other things, asked him whom he had most confidence

in as to Irish affairs,
I

to see Clarke,

Saw Buonaparte

to i^th.

and

this

it is

a great loss and

evening with Lewines,

him a whole sheaf of papers relative to Ireland,

including my two memorials of 1795, great part of which stands
good yet. After Lewines had had a good deal of discourse with
him, I mentioned the affair of McKenna, who desires to be employed
as

delivered

Secretary.

thought he had

Buonaparte observed that he believed the world

fifty secretaries,

whereas he had but one

there was an end of that business

the

man was

fit for,

mention the desire

and

all

let

however, he bid

him know.

of course

me

see

what

took this opportunity to

the Refugee United Irishmen

now

in Paris

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

282

had

to bear a part in the expedition,

and the

He

of in case of a landing in Ireland.

that purpose, a
telling

him

of their names.

list

utility

me

then observed that

to give

Finally,

that General Desaix had informed

on the tableau of the Amite

they would be

answered that they would

be undoubtedly employed, and desired

all

[1798.

me that
he said

d' A?igleterre ;

him

in, for

spoke of myself,
I

was carried

" I was."

did not pretend to be of the smallest use to

him whilst we were in France, but that I hoped to be serviceable to

him on the other side of the water that I did not give myself to
him at all for a military man, having neither the knowledge nor the
;

experience that would justify

me

charging myself with any func-

in

Mais vous etes brave" said he, interrupting me. I replied

when the occasion presented itself, that would appear " Eh
"

tion.

that,

We then

said he, " cela suffit"

Men"

January \\th

to

took our leave.

There has been an 18th Fructidor

22nd.

Holland, and some of those

whom

saw

at the

Hague

in

head

at the

now in arrestation, particularly Becker and Hahn. It

was Hahn who drew up the proclamation which was to have been
of affairs are

published on our landing, in case the expedition had taken place.

It is three

here, told

the fact

months, at

least, since

Meyer, the Dutch Ambassador

me that this event would take place and

me to have been full as necessary in Holland

Lewines and

is, it

seems to

as in France.

If the late

Government was honest, which

much

doubt, they were evidently incapable

in the

maritime

out

De Winter

affairs

to

Vischery,

be sacrificed on the

General Desaix

nth

of October, without

can hear of from any

whom

Daendels had

did accordingly, without prying at

the nature or object of his mission.

however,

a person in

as

the utmost confidence, which

all into

very

Some time since Daendels sent up Adjutant-General

who brought me a letter, desiring me to present

quarter.

to

conduct

of their country, and especially their sending

rhyme, reason, or apparent object, that

him

witness their

From

the conversation,

could collect that the French Government were deter-

mined, at length, to speak intelligibly to the Dutch, and give them

to

know

conduct.

must adopt a more decided and energetic line of

Desaix's expression was, " Puisque vous ne voulez pas

that they

MT.

FRANCE AND THE DUTCH REPUBLIC.

35.]

283

vous faire une constitution, on vous priera a'en accepter que, et j'esp^re

que vous ne la refuserez pas."

could likewise see that the support

of the French was in a manner set up to auction between the party

that

is in,

and the party that wants

The party now uppermost

to get in, in Holland,

and

learn from Vischery absolutely

exceeds the faculties of the Dutch Republic to accomplish

they promise twenty-five,

it

is

at least

it

eighteen, or perhaps twenty

heaven and earth to bring

to bear.

it

certain they will

If the late

sail

fleet

fleet

of

of at least

of the line at the Texel, in which case the English

would have been obliged

North Sea

move

Government had

Winter, there might have been, by April next, a

twenty-five

how-

probable they will have

is

not sacrificed, either through treachery or incapacity, the

De

was

offered twenty-five sail of the line for the

approaching campaign, which

ever, if

was to be paid in maritime support.

very glad to find that the price

for

to

keep one, of

at least thirty sail, in the

they would not hazard an equality of force

and

then what a powerful diversion would that have been for our projected campaign
I

This

is

one of the

of the incapacity,

fruits

rather think, the treachery of the late

or,

as

Dutch Government. Well,

hope now they are in a great degree regenerated, and especially

as France has interfered with a high hand, that they may conduct
I

themselves better for the future.

for their interposition

they had a right,

on

if

cannot blame the French at

this occasion

all

having conquered Holland,

they pleased, to have thrown

Zuyder Zee.

Instead of that, they

organise their

own Government, and frame

the

left

Dutch

their

it

into the

at liberty to

own

constitution.

After nearly three years of independence, they are not further

advanced than they were the

first

month

the plan of the Consti-

tution which they devised having been rejected

majority of the people.

in

crisis like

Under

by an immense

these circumstances, and especially

the present, where great and active energy

is

so

necessary, the French are justified in retracing their steps, and

obliging the Dutch to accept a

years' experiment, they have

Constitution, since, after three

shown that they want

or integrity to frame one for themselves.

heartily

it

were otherwise

for

am

either talents

Individually, I wish

most

sorry to see a people incapable

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

284

[1798.

Dutch have had in their

be against them, I must once

to profit of such a great occasion as the

hands

but

if,

unfortunately, the fact

more acquit the French for their interposition and, I think I

should do so, even in the case of my own country, if she were to
show similar incapacity in like circumstances, which, however, I am
far from apprehending.
I do not
know how Daendels may
stand now, but I hope well for I have an esteem for him, and
;

should be sorry
services

and

if

he were to lose the confidence that

know he has no

Well, time will show

January

of Irish refugees

considerably

is

Independent of Lewines, Tennant, and Lowry, of

increased.

whom

decidedly with the

Blank.

The number

1st.

is

great devotion for Daendels.

23rd? to 31st.

February

Meyer

have procured.

sacrifices

new men, and

his past

have spoken, there are Teeling of Lisburn, Orr of Deny,

M'Mahon

Down, McCan and

of county

Lowth, Napper Tandy, and

Maguire,

who was

my

sequence of

sent

letter

my

brother.

Burgess

There

of
is

county

one

also

by Reynolds from Philadelphia, in conto him by Monroe, and one Ashley, an

Englishman, formerly Secretary to the Corresponding Society, and

one of those who was tried with Thomas Hardy

high treason.
is

We

in

London

for

do very well except Napper Tandy, who

He began some months ago by caballing

all

not behaving correctly.

against

gone

me

off,

with a priest of the

no one knows whither

intrigue are not worth

Tandy took on him

at which Lewines

to

and

my

summon

by himself and Quigley.

and when

who has

It is sufficient to

say that

know

not what

I called

offer."

three times to

know

In consequence of

have had no communication since with Tandy,

also lost

rest of his

since

Lewines refused to attend, but

"whether any person had anything to

I

is

appeared, there was no one found to bring

forward a charge against me, though

manceuvre,

who

a meeting of the Irish refugees,

were to be arraigned, on

I went,

this

of Quigley,

the circumstances of this petty

recording.

charges,

name

ground by

countrymen

he

is,

mean behaviour with all the

fancy, pestering the Government

this
I

here with applications and memorials, and gives himself out for an

MURAT; THOMAS MUIR.

^ET. 3S .]

man

old officer, and a

285

of great property in Ireland, as I judge

from what General Murat said to me in speaking of him the other

He asked me did I know one Tandy,
night at Buonaparte's.
"

un ancien

militaire, n'est ce

pas ? "

could not say that he was exactly

said

un ancien

"

did

know him, but

militaire, as

he had

never served but in the Volunteer corps of Ireland, a body which

resembled pretty

much

beginning of the

Revolution."

I told

priitaire"

stances

him

the

Garde nationale of France at the

"

Mais

He

here.

famous Thomas Muir, 1 who

two or three very

un

was always

believed he

By

and there the discourse ended.

showing himself off

dest

trfe

ricJie

pro-

in easy circum-

this I see

how he

is

has got lately a coadjutor in the

arrived at Paris,

and has inserted

foolish articles, relating to the

United Irishmen,

in the Paris papers, in

is

consequence of which, at a meeting of the

United Irishmen, now in Paris, with the exception of Tandy, it

was settled that Lowry, Orr, Lewines, and myself should wait

upon Muir, and,

after

thanking him for his good intentions, intreat

him

not to introduce our business into any publications which he

might hereafter think proper to make.

him a few days

ever

met,

since,

but of

all

Accordingly,

we waited on

the vain, obstinate blockheads that

never saw his equal.

[could scarcely conceive such a

He told us roundly that he knew

much of our country as we did, and would venture to say he had
that he
as much the confidence of the United Irishmen as we had
very
respectable
individuals,
were
but
could
only
had no doubt we
know us as such, having shown him no powers or written authority
That he seldom acted without
to prove that we had any mission.
and
when
once
he
had
taken his party, it was imreflection,
due
degree of self-sufficiency to exist.
as

possible to change
relative to the

him

and

that, as

to

what he had

United Irishmen, he had the sanction

of,

written,

he would

most respectable individual of that body, who had, and

deserved to have, their entire confidence and approbation, and

say, the

whose authority he must and did consider as

1

[Thomas Muir

(b.

for sedition in 1793.

in

France. Ed.]

justifying every

1765, d. 1798) was transported from Scotland to Botany

After two years' banishment he escaped, and took refuge

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

286

had

he

syllable

So

name.

for

we did not ask his

we were
we gave Mr. Muir

re infectd, except that

he had neither license nor authority to speak

notice, that

name

Tandy

to be

that, after a discussion of nearly three hours,

come away

obliged to

This most respectable individual

advanced.

we presume

of the body

[1798.

we saw any
of which we complained, we should be

of the People of Ireland, and that

productions to those

in the

similar

if

obliged

to take measures that would conduce neither to his ease nor respect-

we could not suffer the public to be longer abused.

we parted very drily on both sides. The fact is,
Muir and Tandy are puffing one another here for their private

ability

On

for that

these terms

advantage

they are supporting themselves by endorsing each

may

other's credit,

and

reputation.

This conversation has given the coup de gr&ce to

Tandy, with

his

completely

Coventry.

in

issuing, if

countrymen

so say, accommodation

and he

here,

is

now

in

bills

of

a manner

These details are hardly

He deserves
may be question of the business hereit.

worth writing, but as there

after, I

thought

February 2nd
parte

might as well put them down.

to lot/t.

Lewines was the other night with Buonaplace, which I think from his

when a conversation took

relation of

it,

worth recording.

Since the 18th Fructidor, the

degree, more

Jacobins are, in a certain

tolerated

at

On

Vendome

by Government

who had been

than formerly, and some of their leaders,

with Babceuf, venture to show themselves a

that evening a person called

tried
little.

on the General from the Minister

of Police, and spoke to him for a considerable time in a low voice,

so that Lewines did not hear what he said, but

it

appears by the

was probably relative to some overtures from the

chiefs of that party for Buonaparte all at once sprang into the
middle of the room with great heat, and said, " What would these
sequel that

it

gentlemen have
lutionised

Europe
enough

will

France

Italy

is

is

revolutionised

revolutionised

Switzerland

Holland
is

is

revo-

revolutionised

But this, it seems, is not

know well what they want they want

soon be revolutionised

to content them.

the domination of thirty or forty individuals, founded on the

massacre of three or four millions

they want the constitution

^T.

BUONAPARTE AND THE JACOBINS.

35.]

287

of 1793, but they shall not have it, and death to him who should
did not fail to reduce them to order when we had
demand it.

We

but 1,500 men, and we will do it much easier now when we have
We will have the present constitution, and we will have
30,000.

no

other,

know

it.

and we have common sense and our bayonets to maintain

these persons, in order to give themselves

some

little

consequence, affect to spread reports of some pretended disunion

between the Government and the Legislative Body.

From

perhaps, a

moment where

they are so good as to count

me

for

He

What

add, since

it

seems

in the affair, that I

and esteem with the Govern-

calumny

is

in a boudoir,

No we

Europe and posterity to judge me.

assistance of those gentlemen who
;

may

that fears

have done has not been done

leaders of the people

something

perfectly in union of sentiment

ment, and they with me.

such perfect harmony

there reigned

between the constituted authorities, and,

am

It is false.

the foundation of the Republic to this day, there never was,

call

will

below me.

and

and

themselves chiefs

we acknowledge no

for

it is

not have the

chiefs or leaders but

those pointed out by the Constitution, the Legislative Body, and

the Executive Directory
or attention.

them,

if

For the

and to them only

others,

necessary, and, for

we know

my

part,

we pay respect
how to deal with

will

very well

declare for one, that

if I

had

only the option between royalty and the system of those gentlemen,
I

would not hesitate one moment to declare

have neither the one nor the other

will

and the Constitution, with which,

fere,

He

they shall soon be

spoke to

made

this effect, as

if

we

for

will

But we

a King.

have the Republic

those persons pretend to inter-

sensible of their absolute nullity."

Lewines reported to me, but

in

of the greatest animation, and with admirable eloquence.

two or three words he dropped, Lewines concludes that

present Minister of Police, will

a strain

From

Sotin, the

probably not continue long

in

office.

February wth.

In conversation to-day with General Clarke, I

mentioned to him how happy

was when the news of the armistice

I began to be

between Buonaparte and the Austrians arrived, as

extremely uneasy at his situation.

Clarke assured

me

was quite

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

288

right in that respect

[1798.

that the fact was, the division of Joubert

was

completely beaten out of the Tyrol by the peasants, with no better

arms than chance furnished down

to clubs

and

sticks,

with which they

charged the French like madmen, and drove before them the very

same troops who had so

Austria.

often defeated the best disciplined forces of

Of such an uncertain

nature

is

the courage of armies, and so

much are they disconcerted by a mode of fighting,

to which they
o

from that

different

had been accustomed. That the Venetians were

rising

en masse, and Trieste was retaken, so that the communication with

That, if the army had met
Italy was exceedingly embarrassed.
with the least check in front, it was ruined, and every step that
Buonaparte advanced increased his difficulties, and multiplied the
I was glad to hear my own opinion
probabilities against him.

confirmed by Clarke,
character,

February \2th

March
if

who

is

1st.

at the spot

event has taken place of a magnitude scarce

at all inferior in importance to that of the

The Pope

is

of experience and

on the moment.

Blank.

to 2%th.

An

man

a military

and especially who was

dethroned and in

exile.

to this great event are such as to satisfy

a special Providence guiding the

French Revolution.

The circumstances

affairs

my mind

relating

that there

is

of Europe at this moment,

and turning everything to the great end of the emancipation of

mankind from the yoke of religious and political superstition,
under which they have so long groaned.

Some months

ago, in the

career of his victories, Buonaparte accorded a peace, and a generous

one, to the

Pope

it

was signed

at Tolentino,

brother to the General, proceeded to

from the Republic.

of the number, that

Many
it

Rome

and Louis Buonaparte,

as the

first

was unwise to

let slip

so favourable an

opportunity to destroy for ever the Papal tyranny

seem the necessity of following up

but

close the impression

should

it

made on
I

have

was made with the Cabinet of Rome.

One

Austrian armies, overbore

said already, peace

Ambassador
I was

people thought at the time, and

all

inferior concerns, and, as

would have thought that so narrow an escape might have prevented

the Pope from rashly embarking into a second contest with the
Republic, holding, as he did, his very existence dependent on the

THE POPE DETHRONED.

35.]

breath of Buonaparte,

who might

with a single word have annihi-

But Providence, for its own wise and great purposes,

the happiness of man, and the complete establishment of civil and
religious liberty, seems to have utterly taken away all sense and
understanding from the Pope and his councils. After a fruitless

lated him.

attempt to trepan the French ambassador into a fabricated

surrection, they procured a

windows of

his palace,

tumultuous

and within the

mob

circuit of his jurisdiction

the guards were immediately called out and began to

ambassador rushed

and some other

out, attended

officers, all

spective situations, in order,

which

palace,

in

is,

all

received with a running

if

he recovers his

feet,

the

by Generals Duphot, Sherlock,

possible, to restore tranquillity, or

nations,
fire

fire

dressed in the costume of their re-

at least the neutrality of the enceinte of the

assert

in-

to assemble under the

which

ambassador's

privileged ground.
levels

Duphot

They

to the

are

ground

though dreadfully wounded, and whilst support-

ing himself on his sabre a corporal advances and discharges his

The ambassador and his suite escaped the fire,

by a miracle, and regained the palace by a back way,
leaving the body of Duphot at the mercy of his assassins, who
covered it with wounds, and had even the barbarity to pelt it with
stones.
The unfortunate Duphot had commanded the grenadiers
army
of the
of Italy, and was the next morning to have been
married to the ambassador's sister-in-law. That no doubt might
piece in his bosom.

as

it

were,

who authorised this massacre both the captain, who

commanded the guard, and the corporal who committed the murder,
remain as to

were rewarded, and the

latter promoted to the rank of sergeant.

But now the measure of the folly and wickedness of the Papal
government was filled even to running over. The ambassador

instantly quitted

Rome

with his family, announcing these events

who gave orders to General Berthier to advance

with the invincible army of Italy on the ancient capital of the
world. A few days put him in quiet possession of Rome, from
to the Directory,

whence
fled,

all

the

assembled
vol.

11.

those concerned in the late abominable transaction had

On

Pope alone remaining.

in the Capitol, formally

20

his arrival, the

Roman

people

deposed the Pope and declared

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

290

[1798.

themselves free and independent, choosing a provisory

govern-

ment under the ancient Roman names of Consuls, Praetors, and

^Ediles.
Two or three days after the Pope left Rome, attended by
two French aides-de-camp, and where he is gone to I do not yet
know. Thus has terminated the temporal reign of the Popes

What

an existence of above 1,000 years.

after

changes

this great

and almost unparalleled event may produce on the moral and

political system of Europe I cannot pretend to conjecture
but
;

they must be numerous and of the

last

me

fatality

once more to be an absolute

importance.

and guilty Government into

fortunate

attempts at the precise time when

all

It

seems to

which drove that un-

this

most

frantic

of

all

the potentates of Europe

were obliged to receive the law from the victorious Republic

without friends,

or support, without pretext or excuse, to

allies,

wantonly commit a most barbarous outrage on the person of a gallant

officer,

on the dignity of France, and the allowed rights of

civilised nations, is

such a degree of infatuation as

am

all

utterly at

a loss to conceive, especially in a court so long celebrated for the

depth of

its

cunning, and

So

ever wind might blow.

who

the Pope,

ance.

How

God

is

The

bless us, I've

wealth,

It

is

But

fact

from Heaven, O

many

is

certain,

Lucifer,

fine things

and Babylon," &c.

"

Of

and

means are gone,

a sad downfall for the

"

Son of
on

this

the Pope's ten

He

knocked off four already"

disappeared, and

all

the

with what-

will

Revelations have

Prelate in partibus, his

his

however

in steering

and pleasure disposed of

himself deposed without effort or resist-

subject, touching the " Beast

horns,

is,

art thou fallen

Morning !"

the

it

and address

has so often at his

crowns and monarchs,

"

its art

is

now a

his cardinals, his court,

nothing remains but his keys.

Servant of the Servants of God."

scorn to insult the old gentleman in his misfortunes: Requiescat

in pace!

March

me

2nd.

to send

on a

Received a

letter

from General Daendels, desiring

on Aherne to him, without

secret mission.

testimony to

my

to be attached to

The

loss of time, to

good conduct during the time

him

in Holland,

which

be employed

a very favourable

letter also contains

I

had the advantage

certificate

am

very proud

^ET.

LORD MOIRA.

35.]

of and

will

structions to set off in a

March

Gave Aherne immediately

carefully keep.

^rd.

have seen lately

his

in-

very few days.

in

the paper called the Bien

Informe two articles relating to Napper Tandy, which are most

They describe him as an Irish general,
ridiculous rhodomontades.
to

whose standard 30,000 United Irishmen will fly the moment he

This must come
it, and other trash of the like nature.

displays

directly or indirectly from himself

for

remember some time ago,

at a dinner given to him, Madgett, and myself, by Aherne, as soon

warm

with wine, he asserted he would answer himself for

yeomanry of Ireland, who were at least 30,000 men,
precisely the number above stated. This is sad, pitiful work, puffing
a man's self in this manner, especially when it is not true.
March 4th. On the 19th of February last, as I see in the Courier
of the 26th, Lord Moira made a motion of great expectation in the
Irish House of Lords, tending to condemn the vigorous measures
which have been pursued by the British Government in that
I was exceedingly
country, and to substitute a milder system.
disappointed at his speech, which was feeble indeed, containing
little else than declamation, and scarcely a single fact, at a time when
as he got

raising all the

thousands of crimes of the most atrocious nature have been perpetrated for
like ours,

can

tell

months over the whole face of the country. In times

half-friends are no friends.
A man in his situation, who

the truth with safety, or even with danger, and does not,

a feeble character, and his support

is

must speak out ALL, boldly, or be

silent.

which
of

facts,

not worth receiving.

Independent of

is

He
this

cannot but consider as a timid and unmanly suppression

which at

through Europe

this great occasion especially

if

possible

should be sounded

by every man having a drop of genuine

Irish blood in his veins, there

to the virtues of the King,

is

introduced a strained compliment

and a most extravagant and fulsome

eulogium on the magnanimity of his Royal Highness George

Prince of Wales, which completely disgusted me.
indeed, to

come out with

pretty time,

a panegyric on the royal virtues, and the

virtues of the princely heir,

when

laying the country waste with

and
and with sword.

his ministers

fire

his
"

army are
/ hate such

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

292

Li

His lordship, at the conclusion of this milk-

half-faced fellowship."

and-water harangue, comes to his conciliatory plan, which

check the army

798.

in their barbarities,

pation and parliamentary reform.

to

is

and to grant Catholic emanciamusing to see the

It is really

wry

various shifts, and struggles, and turns, and twists, and

faces

the noble lord makes before he can bring himself to swallow this

This kind of conduct

last bitter pill.

time

but

it

is

downright

never do well at any

will

His

folly in times like the present.

lordship has mortally offended one party and not at

all

satisfied

the other, as will always be the case in similar circumstances.

am

sorry for

because

all this,

esteem him personally

politically,

must give him up, the more so as HE OUGHT TO HAVE KNOWN

BETTER. But if Lord Moira speaks in this half-and-half style, the
I

Chancellor, on the other side, appears not to have been so reserved.

He

openly

calls the

be treated as such
Adjutant-General

armament

United Irishmen
;

Hoche's

at the Texel,

and says they should

me by name,

he mentions

in

rebels,

and says

am

as having been

and

expedition,

accredited envoy at Paris from that accursed Society,

as he

is

again

in

the

moment an
who had also,

at this very

pleased to say, their envoys at Lisle,

by whose

insidious

was that Lord Malmesbury's negotia-

and

infernal machinations

tion

was knocked on the head. He also makes divers commenon a well-known letter written by be to my friend Russell, in

it

taries

79 1, and which, one way or other, he has brought regularly before

the House, at least once a session ever since, and which figures in
1

the secret report

From

all

made by

Secretary Pelham in

infers that the design of the

United Irishmen

from Great Britain, and that consequently

of Lords was also,

large majority.

can hardly,

the Chancellor, but

conduct on
least

one.

this occasion

man who

is

all

to separate Ireland

measures to destroy

I think,

declare

be suspected of partiality to

have a greater respect

than for that of Lord Moira.

an open and avowed enemy

like a

last

and lawful of which opinion the

Lord Moira's motion being rejected by a

that infamous conspiracy are fair

House

the

these facts, and divers others which he enumerates, he

for his

He

he takes his party, such as

expects no quarter, and

is

is

at

it is,

therefore determined to

JET.

CHANCELLOR FITZGIBB ON.

35.]

Had Lord Moira

give none.

attack, on that
cellor did to its

293

brought as much sincerity to the

most atrocious of all Governments, as the Chandefence, though I am far from thinking he would

have been able to influence the decision of the House of Lords, he

would

at least

Instead of that,
for to repeat

it

have been able to scandalise

once more,

in terrible

especially when, as in the case of

perfect safety to his person.

all

no mean,
with

it

friend Fitzgibbon.

very wise, under

it

had

If the people of Ireland

the circumstances of the case.

any doubts

my

to

cannot think

man

are,

is

Lord Moira, he may do

But to return

be sincere,

his speech

There

silent.

Europe.

all

lost himself:

now

times as ours

must speak out the whole truth or be

Though

to

it

he has trimmed, and by trimming has

as to the determination of the

French Government to

support them, he has taken care to remove them

on the reception their envoys have met with

all

by dwelling

If the United

there.

Irishmen, groaning so long under a horrible persecution, might be

supposed to relax a

little in

their resolution,

he has been so kind

by showing them that a simple

Society has had such influence with the

as to raise their drooping spirits

emissary from their

Executive Directory, as to outweigh

the offers of his Majesty's

all

Ministers to obtain peace, and even to cause the sending

his

ambassador

feelings

in a

in short,

manner

he has

let

certainly not the

out the grand secret that there

regular communication between the patriots, or, as he

call

is

and that
most

all

fearful

the efforts of

the

is

which they are determined to pursue

common

that

it is

attained

to stop the progress of this

event have been and continue to be vain.

Whether

candid avowal of such important facts coming from such

authority, be likely to raise the spirits of the adherents to

English Government, and to extinguish

the patriots,

On

is

object of both,

in concert until

Government

his

pleased to

them, the rebels of Ireland, and the French Executive

the independence of our country

this

away of

most grateful to

is,

the whole,

I confess,
I

more than

all

hope

the

in the breasts of

can bring myself to believe.

do not think the Chancellor's speech that of a

profound and temperate statesman

take care to submit, or cause

it

such as

it

is,

however,

I will

to be submitted, to Buonaparte,

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

294

and one or two other Republicans

by the contents

Society that he alludes

however he came by

who

think will be edified

what he says of Lewines

presume, are the envoys of this pernicious

thereof.

and myself, who,

here,

With regard

[1798.

to, his

it, is

to

information, wherever he got, or

enough

correct

what

relates to

me,

is

quite right; and as to Lewines, though he certainly was not at

Lisle artfully undermining

Lord Malmesbury,

do admit he was

doing his best to defeat him at the Luxembourg and elsewhere, and
I

hope and believe with

may

What

success.

weight his representations

have had, we cannot exactly know, not being

the Directory

may

but without vanity he

in the secrets of

reasonably conclude

some weight they certainly had, and if it was they which

turned off my Lord Malmesbury, according to the Chancellor's
that

Lewines

assertion,

may

boldly say that he has, in that instance,

The

deserved well of his country.

fact

is,

our best here to serve the cause of liberty

much good nor

neither done as

pleased to lay to our charge

as

he and
in

much

have both done

Ireland, but
evil

we have

as Fitzgibbon is

and, for example, in the present

do not think in my conscience that it was we who

hunted Lord Malmesbury out of the country. Allons !
March $th to 20th. It is with the most sincere concern and
anxiety that I see in the late English papers that Arthur O'Connor
instance, I

has been arrested at Margate, endeavouring to procure a passage

for

France

the circumstances mentioned indicate a degree of

rashness and indiscretion on his part which

seems he

Quigley the
I

It

from London in company with four others,

viz.,

set off

astonishing.

priest,

who was some time

since in Paris,

have no great reason to be an admirer

ing Society

whom

Binns of the Correspond-

name

of Leary.

Quigley called himself at

Captain Jones, and afterwards Colonel Morris

for his servants.
stable,

and of

Alley, also of the Corresponding Society, and his

servant of the

them.

is

Their

first

first

the others passed

attempt was at a place called Whit-

where the vigilance of the custom-house officers embarrassed

They then

of which

it

hired a cart, which they loaded with their trunks,

seems they were

sufficiently provided,

and crossed the

country on foot for twenty-five miles to Margate.

It

does not

^T.

ARREST OF ARTHUR O'CONNOR.

35.]

much mystery of their intended

appear they made

be that as

may,

it

at

295

destination

Bow

Margate they were arrested by the

runners, Fugin and Rivet,

who had

followed them a la piste from

From Margate they were brought back with

London.

but

Street

their

luggage to London, where they were examined two or three suc-

and

cessive days before the Privy Council,

Since their committal several other persons have been

the Tower.

Mr. Bonham, a Mr.

arrested, particularly a Colonel Despard, a

Evans.

It is

enterprise,

committed to

finally

men

inconceivable that five

should attempt such an

and with such a quantity of luggage

equally

is

it

incredible that they should bring papers with them, of which the

newspapers say several have been found, and especially one

in the

great-coat pocket of Quigley, purporting to be an address from the

Executive Directory of England to that of France, and desiring

the latter to give credit to Quigley, as being " the worthy citizen

whom

they

had lately

should not believe

it

These

seen."

possible

expressions stagger me, or I

last

any man

living

would leave a paper

of such consequence in such a careless extraordinary place.

Other

newspapers, however, say that no papers have been found, but the
expressions above quoted shake

me

a good deal.

may be
may be

that O'Connor has said that his friends

he has nothing to

fear.

God send

it

much afraid he will find

man of his situation, character, and
it

otherwise.

intentions

London
at

It

is

certain

before they set

as soon as they did.

The

the

report

Heath, and Lawrence, which

10th of April.

am

is

very

cannot conceive
is

Bow
is,

it.

any treachery

Government had notice of

for

off,

but

talents being caught in so

Maidstone by a special commission

Buller,

so,

time only, will explain whether there

in the business.

said

dreadful to think of a

It is

extraordinary and unaccountable a manner.

Time, and

It is also

easy about him, as

Street

officers

their
left

that they will be tried

consisting

expected to

of

sit

Justices

before the

expect that event with the most anxious

solici-

tude, but fear the very worst, for a thousand reasons.

March

21st to

2<\th.

This day

headquarters at Rouen, where

Etat-Major,

till

further orders.

received

am

my orders

to set off for

to remain at the suite of the

There

is

at least

one step made.

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

296

March

25th.

Received

my

a lofty sound, to be sure, but

the Minister at

my

March

War

God knows

for leave to

War

of service from the

Adjutant-General in the Arme'e d'Angleterre.

Office, as

settle

letters

[1798.

the heart

remain a few days

This has

Applied to
in Paris, to

family, which he granted.

26th.

kind, as well for

March 17th, from

news of the most disastrous and afflicting

see in the English papers of

Irish papers of the 13th,

me

The

individually as for the country at large.

English Government has arrested the whole Committee of United

Irishmen for the province of Leinster, including almost every

know and esteem

Emmet, MacNeven,
I

Amongst them

in the city of Dublin.

been found.

are

Dr. Sweetman, Bond, Jackson, and his son

warrants are likewise issued for the arrestation of Lord

Fitzgerald,

man
;

Edward

McCormick, and Sampson, who have not, however, yet

It is by far the most terrible blow which the cause

I know not whether in the

would be possible to replace the energy, talents, and
integrity of which we are deprived by this most unfortunate of
events.
I have not received such a shock from all that has passed

of liberty in Ireland has yet sustained.

whole party

it

since

Ireland.

left

Government

view.

What

It is terrible to

will

a triumph at this

tions, following so close

think

my

mind.

or think longer on this dreadful event.

is

doomed

every point of

to destroy them.
!

These arresta-

on that of O'Connor, give

strong suspicions of treachery in

country

of, in

move heaven and earth

moment for Fitzgibbon
I

rise

to very

cannot bear to write

Well,

if

our unfortunate

to sustain the unspeakable loss of so

many

woe be to their tyrants if ever we reach

I feel my mind growing every hour more and
our destination.
more savage. Measures appear to me now justified by necessity,
which six months ago I would have regarded with horror. There
Government has drawn the sword, and will
is now no medium.
not recede but to superior force if ever that force arrives. But it
brave and virtuous

citizens,

does not signify threatening.

vidual,
peril

Judge of

when Emmet and Russell

are

my

of a violent and ignominious death.

satisfy

me

for the loss of the

two men

feelings as

in prison,

and

What

in

an

indi-

imminent

revenge can

most esteem on earth

JET.

WHOLESALE ARRESTS.

35.]

Well, once more,

and

sacrificed,

hope

If they are

to do, in Ireland,

March

by

arrestations

last

Government

others.

$oth,

The

2<^th.

28/^,

27///,

followed up

will

now

Called with Lewines on

2,1st.

seem to be

Talleyrand, the

army, and met with a gracious reception.

off for the

opportunity to
as

him

tell

that

my

all

any calumnious
had observed
on that head

we

He

replied that

if

more so

as poor

latterly with dirty cabals

We have,

we

but

find

the other

it

is

Government.

made up

pitiful

army, where

my

ourselves easy

received,

and with

solemnly declare

work, and

am

is

to

Adjutant- General and

heartily glad I

by the French

these are our sole

be forgiven.

am
it.

hate

getting off to the

If I

would dirty

I could record some anecdotes which are

enough were it only for their singular meanness but I will
let them die and rot
my conduct will stand the test, and to

paper with them,

curious

not

commit

scorn to

attention,

be out of the reach of

I shall

believe

is

best to content everybody,

impossible, whilst one of us

well

This

have been tormented

and factions which

God knows, done our

no attention, the

it

our favour.

in

Lewines and

offences, but also they are offences not to

such

dirty intrigues

such as he himself

we might make

he had, he should pay

opinion of Government being

paper.

little

that he had heard nothing disadvantageous with

regard to us, but even

pleasant, the

some

desired was that he would judge us, not after

report, but after our conduct,

it.

setting

took that

had reason to think that Lewines

the fact, were exposed to

is

and that

here,

not

stop at nothing.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, to take leave previous to

I,

will

can scarce write connectedly.

March

and

it

This blow has completely deranged

their enemies.

go well with

me I

does not signify threatening.

it

ever arrive, as

297

that

trust.

of, it is

When

man knows he

has nothing to accuse himself

not very difficult to bear the malevolence of others.

April

1st,

2nd.

Lewines waited yesterday on Merlin, who

is

him a
Merlin received him with

President of the Directory for this trimestre, and presented

letter of introduction

from Talleyrand.

great civility and attention.

Lewines pressed him, as

far as

he

could with propriety, on the necessity of sending succours to

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

298

[1798.

Ireland the earliest possible moment, especially on account of the

late arrestations

and he took that occasion to impress him with a

sense of the merit and services of the

much on every

himself so

men

for

whom

he interested

account, public and personal.

replied that, as to the time or place of succour, he could

nothing,

Merlin
tell

he was sincerely sorry

his friends,

brave and virtuous patriots

that,

for the situation

to
is

much

to comfort him, "

England on

a?iy

grand news.

It

is

more

far

honour.

good

and

direct

explicit

me

to

is

This

than

communicate the news.

whatever the rest of our countrymen here

is,

Lewines

him

any

Lewines made the proper acknow-

yet got.

ledgments, and then ran off to

fact

tell

That France never would grant a peace

terms short of the independence of Ireland."

we have

assurance

many

of so

however, though he could not

enter into the details of the intended expedition, he would

thus

him

being the secret of the State ; that, as to the danger of

it

doing his business here

wish others of them

fair

and

whom

well,

and

may

like a

name had

could

The
think,

man

of

half as

principles.

April 3rd.

Lewines

is

determined to take a journey to Holland

Hamburg, on his private affairs he will probably

off
the
same time I do. He waited, in consequence, to-day
set
about
on Barras, who, by the by, it seems has been looking for him these
some days. From Barras, in the course of conversation, he received
a confirmation of the assurance that Merlin had given him two
days ago, " that the French Government would never make peace
with England until our independence was acknowledged," which,
or perhaps to

indeed, Barras

had promised himself, conditionally, before the

peace with the

that

Emperor.

Lewines spoke of

tioned,

the

French

My name
me

as

happening to be men-

he thought.

Government were

sensible

Barras replied,
of the merits of

All this is damned fine, as poor Will

we shall see. Apropos of Lewines' private
affairs
he has been now on the continent for the public business
above fifteen months, at his own expense, to the amount of at least
500 sterling, during which time his colleagues at home have not
thought proper to remit him one farthing and it is now in order to

Adjutant-General Smith.
used to say.

Well,

MT.

LARMEE UANGLE TERRE.

35.]

299

raise money that he is going to Holland. It is to me unaccountable

how men under whose good faith and authority he came here, can
so neglect their engagements, the more so as MacNeven, when he

was

here,

undertook to remind them of their duty, and that proper

remittances should be made.

It is

the less excusable, as several

of the individuals concerned are not only in easy, but in affluent

So, however,

circumstances.

is,

it

and what

better,

is

Lewines

is

accused here by some of his countrymen and fellow-sufferers of

own

neglecting, if not sacrificing, the public cause to his

interests

which accusation, by the by,

in

myself included

have the honour to find

but as to that, "je m'en fake."

To be
!
man who has

Allons

anything could shake the determination of a

sure, if

private

made up his mind on our question, it would be the pitiful and

mean persecution which he and I find ourselves exposed to here, for
some time back. There is no sort of desagrement that we have not
suffered.

Well,

long run,

it

vocation,

it is

no matter

that will

done our best

that the pleasure

all

we have

be seen whether

will

for the country.

formerly

in

felt

pass away, and, in the

not,

each of us in his

Certain

it

is,

however,

pursuing this great object,

is

But once more, no

matter it is my duty to go on, and go on I will, arrive what may.
I hope yet to do some good and prevent some mischief, and I
foresee sufficient grounds to exercise me, both at one and the
considerably diminished by recent experience.
:

At

other.

all

events,

will

do

my

and then, come what may,

conscience,

duty, and
I

discharge

my

can abide the conse-

quences.

April \th.
ceived

This day, at three o'clock, having previously

my letters

set off for the headquarters of the

April

$th.

re-

of service, order to join, frais de route, &c,

After travelling

all

Armee d'Angleterre

at

night, arrived at twelve

Rouen.
next day,

and took up my lodgings at the Maison Wattel. Met General

Kilmaine by accident, who invited me to dinner where I found
General Lemoine, and Bessieres, Commandant of the Guides
;

of Buonaparte, &c, &c.

April
dirty.

6tk.
It

Comedy

in the evening.

Strolling about the town, which

is

large, ugly,

and

wears, however, a great appearance of manufacturing

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

3oo

and commercial
is

activity, which, I

have no doubt,

The Cathedral

considerably augmented.

[1798.

in

time of peace,

a beautiful relic of

is

Gothic architecture.

and Notre Dame, of

Paris, as well as several others in

and elsewhere, but

prefer the inside of the

to

them

It is

all.

have seen the inside of Westminster Abbey,

a magnificent coup

between the body of the church and

who had more money than

taste,

dceil.

choir,

Germany
Cathedral of Rouen

But, what is provoking,

some pious Archbishop,

has thrown a very spruce colon-

nade, of pure Corinthian architecture, which totally destroys the

harmony of

the building, and ruins what would otherwise produce

a most magnificent
tecture

is

April

more

This

specimen of Grecian archi-

little

truly Gothic than all the rest of the edifice.

On

yth.

effect.

a second inspection of the Cathedral this day, I

find that the Corinthian colonnade,

which

described in terms of

is

such just indignation in yesterday's journal, turns out to be Ionic,

but

one

all's

head

and, moreover, he

April

Sad

The Archbishop

for that.

in all the dialects of Greece,

8t/i.

trash

and

I still

all

hold to be a block-

the orders of architecture;

a fellow of no taste.

is

Heard
a long

part of a sermon, this being Easter Sunday.

parallel,

which

thought would never end,

between Jesus Christ and Joseph, followed by a second, equally

edifying,

Him

comparing

one lay three nights

belly of a great

fish,

church was

of

how

full

in

how

with the prophet Jonah, showing

the

the tomb, and the other three nights in the

&c.

at all

women, but

which

I profited

did not see twenty men.

people can listen to such abominable nonsense.

should have mentioned

in its place, that

The

exceedingly.

Lewines

wonder

Apropos,

called,

a day or

two before we left town, on Buonaparte, to endeavour to interest

him in behalf of our unfortunate friends now in arrestation, and try
whether it would be feasible to obtain a declaration from the Directory, similar to that which they issued in the case of the patriots
of the Pays de Vaud, for whose safety they
of Berne personally responsible.

was

totally different

situation

England

to follow
it

was not

the aristocracy

with regard to the Swiss, France was in a

up the menace by
so.

made

Buonaparte replied that the case

striking

She was a power of the

instantly

first

with

rank, and the

JET.

BUONAPARTE AND LE WINES.

35.]

Republic must never threaten

Under

in vain.

301

these circumstances,

he thought any interposition on the part of the French Government, in favour of the Irish patriots, might injure them materially,

more the English Government against them, and

same time, do them no possible service. In this
reasoning Lewines was obliged to acquiesce, and, in fact, the
by inflaming

still

could, at the

argument
to think

is

Lewines, however, has the consolation

unanswerable.

he has

nothing untried, on his part, to rescue our

left

unfortunate friends from the peril which menaces their

a melancholy comfort, but

April gth

still it is

This day

to i$th.

some

It is

lives.

comfort.

have got lodgings, by order of

Adj. -Gen. Boulant, Provisoirement CJief de FEtat- Major, in the

house of Citizen Bigot.

Mine host

me

invited

It is

been President a mortier

His father has been,

regime,

a large hotel, and

in the ci-devant

I believe,

and they have

all this

my

that

which he always
with

all

my

well lodged.

He

lost

host

is

has

Parlement de Nonnandie.

Maire de Rouen, under the ancien

a considerable property besides lying

eleven months in prison during the terreur.

from

am

to dinner, which passed tete-a-tete.

It is

easy to judge

no great admirer of the Revolution,

qualifies with the title of malheureuse.

soul, aristocrats of his description,

forgive,

who were

really

something before the Revolution, and who find themselves now

nothing or worse

weakened

his

he seems a

besides,

timid temper, and

mind

if

strangely administered

it

weak

was a

however,

terrible corvee to

has asked

me

be company.

sat

be not

of a gentle, not to say

and

first

times

am

him out with great

no great stomach

for

another dinner

He

civility,

me, and we parted very good

glad of that circumstance,

have

when men of

stations in the law.

again for the day after to-morrow,

I

his fears

must have been

so, justice

France, in

in

capacity could arrive at the

right

man

rather fancy his sufferings

is

though

friends.

when

there

for, in truth, I

tete-a-tete.

My

his

down-

landlord

it

He
is

to

have
is

bore.

April 16th

to 20th.

in the bilboes" but there

pass
is

my time

here "worse t/ian the mutineers

no remedy, so

be endured" as the poet sweetly sings.

"

what

can't be cured

must

Seeing, yesterday, in the

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

3 2
papers, an

Lord Edward Fitzgerald had made

that

article,

[1798.

escape from Ireland, and got safe into France,

his

wrote immediately

to the Chef-de-Bureau in the police, charged with the Foreigner's

Department, to know

the report were true, and, in that event,

if

praying the Minister to show Lord Edward every attention, &c.

but

am

afraid

evening along the

river, to see

month

they cost 13,000

my

to think since
to find here,

in the

papers of this day, as well as in

seems certainly to be

that Buonaparte

the

command

is

am

weeks or a

utterly

departure from Paris.

hoped

is,

in three

livres apiece, or .541 13s. 4d.

Apropos of the expedition,

sterling.

what

the batteaux plats which are building

judge the whole might be ready

at farthest

Toulon

at

my

whom

and the report

brother Matthew's

to set off in three days to join him,

of the inconceivable

a loss

at

Desaix,

armament which

is

letter,

and take

preparing in

the ports of the Mediterranean, the destination of which

knows.

this

There are ten of them, four of which are

here for the descent.

launched.

Walked out

too good news to be true.

is

it

nobody

Buonaparte's guides set off from this on

It is certain that

the road to Paris three days ago.

In

the meantime

it

seems

General Kilmaine commands, per interim, the army of England.

All this

that

"

confess utterly deroutes me.

The

troubled emotions"

Egypt

is

/ am

lost in sensations

prevailing opinion in the Paris papers

the object of this armament, and that the

concur with us

in the expedition.

If

it

were not

ness, I should like extremely, in that case, to

But

Desaix.

that is " castle building."

What

our

for

of
is,

Turk is to
own busi-

be with General

when

if,

all

was

embarked, Buonaparte were suddenly to turn to the right on Gibraltar,

and surprise Lord

But

mornings.

am

St.

afraid

His lordship would,

sible.
fires,

and

it

may

an exertion.
vation

Vincent with a
he won't

one of these
is,

make

Well, time will show more, which obser-

take to be a very safe one on

fleet

between two

Spaniards might

my side.

It is

not a fortnight

since the Directory passed a decree, conferring the

both

fine

however, pos-

in that case, find himself

be, at last, those miserable

But no

visit

the thing

command

of

and army to Buonaparte, with orders to render himself

at Brest in ten days.

How

is

that to be reconciled with the present

^T.

reports

Bull
will

THE EGYPTIAN EXPEDITION.

35.]

At any

for I

am

rate, all this is well calculated to

sure

am

puzzled with a vengeance.

torment myself no more with conjectures,

time will explain

myself

April 2\st
parte

is

which

embark

It

at Toulon,

Civita Vecchia,

by Desaix.

With regard

The

of the expedition
to consist

I learn,

is,

commanded by Buona-

another at Genoa, by Kleber

parte, in person

Syria.

command

preparing in the Mediterranean.

of three divisions, one to

only lose

papers mention that Buona-

last Paris

decidedly set off to take the

is

In short, I

which

in

all.

The

to 2$th.

puzzle John

and the

object declared

to this last country, in

third, at

Egypt and

is

which Palestine

is

in-

cluded, I see to-day an article in the Telegraph which has struck

me

very much.

It is a proposal to invite the

Jews from

all

quarters

of the world to return to their parent country and restore their

ancient temple

it

has not struck

far different point of view.

once, mentioned to

me

me

so

event take place

in his
;

and

own

lifetime

remember

opinion, which, however, seems this

was

at that time, in 1793.

probable, that the Jews

It

is

may be

The French

restored.

will

his,

Testament, that he did

and mine, of seeing

day

now

Combining

this

is

for his

than

far less visionary

it

not only possible, but highly

once more collected and the temple

is

a giant's stride

and consequences of which

the Hercules

this great

laughed at him heartily

made

am

at

after ten years of

once into

at this

comprehend.

moment

see every

war and the defeat of

the despots of Europe united, the French Revolution

begun

political, as in

founded on an attentive

New

utterly unable to calculate or perhaps to

day more and more, that

naturally take care to stipulate for

advantages in return, and there

Asia, the extent

in

remember Whitley Stokes, more than

an opinion of

study and meditation of the Old and

not despair, even

much

What

yet in swaddling bands.

is

all

but yet

a people

intended measure with the downfall of the Pope,

already accomplished,

have no doubt but a person who had made

the prophecies and revelations his study (Stokes, for example),

might build very extraordinary systems.

know nothing

For

my

part

happily

of Daniel and his seventy weeks, nor of St. John in

his island of Patmos.

leave divinity to those

who have

a turn

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

that way, and confine

world.

my

[1798.

humbler speculations to the

state of this

do not see the prodigious good sense of the Great Turk

and encouraging, as he seems to do, this grand opera-

in abetting

I do not think the neighbourhood of the French will be

wholesome for the crescent but that is his affair. Moreover, if the

tion.

Jews are restored, as

their wealth

is

immense

Europe and

in

in

Asia

incalculable, the Republic will of course exact certain " shekels

of
gold" before they consent to the elevation of the Tabernacle, which
will

far

be convenient.
it is

would

had a good map of Asia to see how

from Jerusalem to Madras, for

Once again

Carnatic.

have a great eye upon the

myself utterly

lose

in the

contemplation

of the present position of the Republic.

What

we

fault of ours

unfortunate Irish are

better yet.

It is

is

Wm.

to our independence

Hamilton,

party.

in

On

who married

has arrived, a few days since, in Paris.

London,

no

we may be

a great consolation to me, the assurance of Merlin

and Barras with regard

April 2$th.

But that

miserable pigmies

count upon

J.

He was

it

firmly.

Russell's daughter,

obliged to

fly

from

consequence of the arrestation of O'Connor and his

his

way he met Lewines

at Brussels,

and

an English paper, of the 3rd, that the Revolution in

saw in
Ireland was
also

commenced, having broken out in the South, and that General

Abercrombie and the army were in full march to suppress it. Both
he and Lewines believe it. For my part I do not it is, at most,
some partial insurrection and so much the worse. I wrote, however, to General Kilmaine to request an order to join him at Paris
in case the news was true, which, however, I am sure it was not.

My

brother writes

me word

that there

Lewines at the Hague, who has made

a person waiting for

is

his escape with plans, charts,

and other military information, and that Lewines

him, in Paris every day.
returned.

Who

can this be

is

expected, with

wish Lewines was

CHAPTER

XIII.

WAITING AND WATCHING.

April 26th.
lish ones,

see in the Paris papers to-day extracts from

of a late date,

by which

it

appears, as

Eng-

suspected, that

the news of an insurrection in Ireland was, as yet, premature

nevertheless, things in that country
close.

mount

There

is

seem

be drawing

to

a proclamation of Lord Camden, which

fast to
is

tanta-

war and the system of police, if police

it can be called, is far more atrocious than it ever was in France in
the time of the terreur. There is, however, no authentic account of
any hostilities, except at a place called Holy Cross, where the
people were easily dispersed by the Cashel Fencible Cavalry, and
a party of the Lowth Militia, with the loss of three killed, and about
twenty wounded and prisoners but that is nothing.
I see it is
the policy of Government to employ such Irish troops as they
to a declaration of

can depend upon, to avoid, or at least lessen, the odium which

would

fall,

otherwise, on

the

English

and Scotch.

seem, however, that they cannot reckon on

the same papers, there

is

a report, but

all

it

is

should

It

the troops

for, in

only a report, that

had refused to march against the

What they ought to do, if they were in earnest, would be

several regiments of militia

people.

march and then join them. On the whole, notwithstanding the

menacing appearance of things in Ireland, it is my belief that there
will be no serious hostilities there, unless the French arrive.
Then,
indeed, it would not be Lord Camden's proclamation which would

to

stop our Revolution.

is

I see, also, in

transferred to Maidstone,

will

come on immediately.

expectation.
VOL.

II.

where
I

the papers, that Arthur O'Connor

his trial,

and that of the

others,

attend the result with the most anxious

Whatever may be O'Connor's

21

fate,

he

will at least
35

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

306

sustain the dignity of his situation,

bear

it

and

in the

[1798.

worst event he will

man.

like a

April 2jtk.

am

sadly off for intelligence here, having nothing

I see to-day, and

Lawrence Parsons, has
resigned the command of the King's County militia in consequence

but the imperfect extracts in the Paris papers.

am

very glad to see

it,

my

that

friend, Sir

of the sanguinary measures about to be adopted by the English

Government,

in

which he

take no share.

will

be imitated by every country gentleman

His example should

in Ireland

Alarming as the

neither the sense nor the virtue to see that.

of Ireland really and truly

no doubt on

my mind

the danger as

much

that

is

but they have

to the English Government,

state

have

their present policy to exaggerate

it is

as possible in order to terrify the Irish gentry

out of their wits, and, under cover of this universal panic, to crush
the spirit of the People, and reduce the country to a state of slavery

more deplorable than

They take

history.

Ireland will escape

measures.

good
bears

They

any former period of our deplorable

therefore prefer force.

Ireland

is

renounce her sovereignty, at

subdue.

It is a

most

If

and

least she will

infernal policy, but

see

that

if

they adopt lenient

it

succeeds, well and

the material sufferer

the actual calamities of war

all

They

a chance against nothing.

them without a struggle

if it fails, still

that of

it is

she that

England must at last

desolate what she cannot
if

no new one

for her to

In this point of view the conduct of the English Govern-

adopt.

ment, though atrociously wicked,

is

by no means

deficient in

system

They have begun by seizing almost the whole

the People, and now they are about to draw the

and arrangement.
of the Chiefs of

sword

in order to anticipate the possibility of assistance,

reduce them to that

they

Am

may

state, that, if assistance

be unable to profit by

it.

and to

should at length arrive,

In this lastdesign, however, I

sure they will find themselves mistaken

the spirit

is, I

think,

too universally spread to be checked now, and the vengeance of the

People, whenever the occasion presents
terrible

Ireland

men by

What

and sanguinary.
!

The only

itself, will

only be the more

miserable slaves are the gentry of

accusation brought against the United Irish-

their enemies,

is

that they wish to break the connection

UNITED IRISHMEN AND THE LANDLORDS.

/ET. 3s.]

with England,
their country

other words, to establish the independence of

or, in

an

307

object in which surely the

men

of property are

Yet the very sound of independence seems to have

them out of all sense, spirit, or honesty. If they had one

most interested.
terrified

drop of Irish blood

one grain of true courage or

in their veins,

genuine patriotism in their hearts, they should have been the

to support this great object

them

Government would never have dared

the English

first

the People would have supported

to attempt

the measures they have since triumphantly pursued, and continue

to pursue

our Revolution would have been accomplished without

a shock, or perhaps one drop of blood spilled

succeed,

if it

does succeed, only by

and sanguinary contest

all

war

for the

which now can

the calamities of a most furious

Ireland,

in

whenever

does

it

The armies will regard

each other not as soldiers, but as deadly enemies. Who, then, are
to blame for this ?
The United Irishmen, who set the question
take place, will not be an ordinary one.

afloat, or

gentry,

liberty for

Government and

the English

who

resist it

If

an individual, the question

does England so pertinaciously

for love of us

That

is

honest Irishman.

But,

an agrarian law.
in June, 1795,

when

resist

may

Why

be soon decided.

our independence

Is

we

it

are

stood alone, should determine every

will

be

now

said, the

United Irishmen extend

to a distribution of property,

know not whether they do

tained no such ideas.

the Irish gentry

it

it

they go

will

because she thinks we are better as

it

single argument, if

their views farther

their partisans, the Irish

independence be good for a country as

was forced
If they

or no.

am

and
sure

to leave the country, they enter-

have since taken root among them,

accuse themselves.

themselves parties in the business

Even then they made

not content with disdaining to

hold communication with the United Irishmen, they were

the foremost of their persecutors

even those

who were

denominate themselves patriots were more eager to

among

pleased to

vilify,

and,

if

they could, to degrade them, than the most devoted and submissive
slaves of the English Government.

What wonder

if

the leaders of

the United Irishmen, finding themselves not only deserted, but

attacked by those who, for every reason, should have been their

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

3 o8

[1798.

supporters and fellow-labourers, felt themselves no longer called

upon to observe any measures with men only distinguished by the
superior virulence of their persecuting spirit
issue, lose their property,

If such

men,

the

in

they are themselves alone to blame, by

and most sacred of duties the duty to their

country. They have incurred a wilful forfeiture by disdaining to
occupy the station they might have held among the People, and
which the People would have been glad to see them fill they left
deserting the

first

a vacancy to be seized by those who had more courage, more sense,

and more honesty

and not only

desertion they furnished

justice, policy,

Besides,

if

and

their

so,

but by this base and interested

enemies with every argument of

system of confiscation.

interest, to enforce the

the United Irishmen succeed, there

can doubt but that a very short period

from a contest

evils inseparable

and that

is

no rational man
do away the

will suffice to
in

seven years or

when she can

after the

independence of Ireland

apply

her energy to cultivate her natural resources

all

is

established,

commerce, agriculture, and manufactures

will

The example

of America

knows

On

it

well

it is

is

an evidence of

one reason why she

the other hand,

if

she will

and England

so eager in the contest.

will

be the consequence to Ireland

eternal prostration at the feet of her tyrant without a prospect

of ever being able to

to

sacrifices

purchase her liberty.

this truth

is

trade,

the English party succeed and the United

Irishmen are put down, what

Her

in order to

her

be augmented to a

degree amply sufficient to recompense her for the

be undoubtedly obliged to make

less,

whom

defeat

is

rise.

What,

the perpetuation of their slavery?

have a great and

which

sacrifices

then,

is

to be said of a faction

extermination, and whose victory would be but

At

least the

United Irishmen

glorious object to terminate their prospect,

almost any means they

may

take to attain

it.

and

The

best that can be said in palliation of the conduct of the English

party,

is

and indepencountry to the pleasure of revenge, and their own

that they are content to sacrifice the liberty

dence of their

personal security.

They

places, their patronage,

among them who,

in the

see Ireland only in their rent

and

their pensions.

bottom of

There

is

rolls, their

not a

man

his soul, does not feel that

he

^T.
is

THE ENGLISH FACTION.

35.]

a degraded being

names

the

and

them on

that forces

him

to confess that he

money everything

honourable heart

one of the most active

Who

warmest passions, are equally engaged.

has sold for

is

Their dearest

to revenge.

he brands with

It is this stinging reflection

traitors.

which, amongst other powerful motives,

in spurring

whom

comparison of those

in

of incendiaries

interests, their

man

can forgive the

a voluntary slave, and that he

is

that should be most precious to an

that he has trafficked in the liberties of his

and that he is hired and paid to commit a

daily parricide on his country ? Yet these are charges which not
a man of that infamous caste can deny to himself before the sacred
children and his own,

tribunal of his
I

have already

At

own

conscience.

said,

have a grand, a sublime object in view.

enemies have not as yet ventured,

least the

in the

United Irishmen, as

accusations, to insert the charge of interested

that

is

may

the case they

Their

long catalogue of their

motives.

Whilst

be feared and abhorred, but they can

and I believe there are few men who do not

look upon contempt as the most insufferable of all human evils.
Can the English faction say as much ? In vain do they crowd
never be despised

together,

and think by

infamy.

The

their

numbers

to disguise or lessen their

public sentiment, the secret voice of their

hearts, has already

They

condemned them.

own corrupt

see their destruction

rapidly approaching, and they have the consciousness that

no honest man

they

fall

their

own dung ;

they ?

those

my
my

who have

them.
seen

"

when

They shall perish

them shall

like

say, Wliere are

"

From April 27th

for

will pity

two decades,

to

May

ijth.

have spent the

family at Paris.

Having obtained leave of absence

last

twenty days deliciously with

During that time we received a

letter

from

brother William, dated from Poonah, the 7th of January, 1797,

sixteen months ago, at which time he was in health and spirits,

being second in

command

of the infantry of the Peschwa or chief

of the Mahratta state, with appointments of 500 rupees a month,

which

is

which

this

about 750 sterling a year. I cannot express the pleasure

account of his success gave us all great as has been his

good fortune

it is

not superior to his merit.

Six years ago he went

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

[1798.

to India a private soldier, unknown, unfriended, and unprotected

he had not so much as a

of introduction

letter

courage like his were not made to rust in obscurity

his

way

and eminence, and

to a station of rank

he has forced

have no doubt

The

that his views and talents are extended with his elevation.

war

first

in

we

India

He

hear more of him.

shall

me

never having received a letter from

but talents and

complains of

being addressed to

(his

by which I see that one I wrote to him in

on the point of sailing for America, never
was
June, 1795,
came to his hands. I wrote to him on the 8th instant, in as clear a
James

Bell, in Dublin),

when

manner as I durst venture, mentioning simply that my adventures

had been nearly as romantic as his own that in consequence of
my political conduct I had been obliged to go into exile in America,
;

after

narrowly escaping with

come

to France, where, after

Adjutant-General, which

year would settle

to write to

my fate

my life
some

from Ireland

time,

had

then held, and that

Bishopsgate Street, London

had

thought about one

good or evil.

definitively for

me under cover to Mr.

that since

risen to the rank of

him

desired

G. Meyer, at Mr. Edward Simeon's,

and

also, in case

of meeting an Ameri-

can ship at Bombay, to Mr. Benjamin Franklin Bache, at Philadelphia

which everybody added a postscript,

this letter, to

sent

Meyer at Hamburg, to be forwarded to his brother at London,

and so by way of the India house to Leonard Jacques, Esq., at
Bombay, who is, it seems, William's agent, and to whom he desires
to

Bell to address his answer.

will ever

It is

reach him, having so

very uncertain whether

many

difficulties to

way, and our name being a suspicious one

at

any

rate

certainty

His
I

letter

see she

days

my

father,

so one

my

letter

English post-office

mother, and Bell can write to him with great

way

was enclosed

and

in the

my

encounter in the

or other
in

am

one from

in

my

father are in health

after the receipt of Will's letter

hopes he

will

hear of

us.

mother to Mary, by which

and

spirits.

Two

we were agreeably

or three

surprised

by one from poor Arthur, of whom we had no news for a long time,
viz., since Mat. parted from him at Philadelphia some time in July
last, at which period he spoke of making a voyage to the West
Indies,

where he had been once already.

His

letter is

dated from

HOME NEWS.

JET. 35.]

Hamburg, where Meyer had shown him

We

friendship.

answered

directly to Paris,

Poor

fellow,

he

where

is

it

and

judge he

may

now two years and

when I sent him home

It is

Susannah, Captain Baird, to notify to

departure for France.

and he seems

his age,
I

It

was a

my

my

friends

commission

delicate

it

Russell, Neilson,

in Belfast, those of

my

When

arrestations took place in Ireland, in September, 1796,

Tom

a half
in the

immediate

boy of

for a

have acquitted himself well of

to

have heard no complaint of his indiscretion.

dear friend

month.

arrive in about a

but sixteen years of age, and what a variety of

parted at Philadelphia

and

possible kindness

all

immediately, desiring him to come

adventures has he gone through

since he

3"

at least

the

first

my

when

and so many others were arrested

friends in Dublin

who were

in the secret,

dreading the possibility of the Government seizing on Arthur, and

by art or menaces wringing it from him, fitted him out and

sent him again to America with the consent of my father and
either

mother,

who were with

reason afraid for his personal safety.

America, where he arrived after

my

Europe, he met with Mat, and after some

board a sloop bound

for the

West

Indies

little

on

time embarked on

his return

voyage he again met with Mat., who was on the point of

Hamburg

in

consequence of

my

In

wife and family had sailed for

instructions.

At

from

this

sailing for

Philadelphia

they parted, and what poor Arthur's adventures have been since
I

know

He is,

not.

however, safe and sound, having supported him-

two years without assistance from anybody. When I

saw him last he was a fine, manly boy with a beautiful countenance.
I hope and trust he will do well
if we ever come to have a navy

self these

in Ireland

not yet

we

he

is

the very stuff of which to

know what we

shall

shall or

Perhaps

see.

make

a Jean Bart.

do

can do for him, but when he arrives

may be able to accomplish something,

is now Minister of the Marine, and

through Admiral Bruix, who

with

whom

became acquainted

at Brest at the time of our last

expedition, the nautical part of which he in effect conducted.

see in the papers that Bedout,

board of which

West

Indies,

who commanded

the Indomptable, on

I was embarked, is returned from a cruise in the

and promoted to the rank of Rear-Admiral, which his

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

312

services have well

channels
as

may

sincerely

fix

hope he may,

superstitious, yet

Perhaps by one or both of these

merited.

be able to

[1798.

him, especially

if

Bedout takes a

in the present expedition.

part,

am

not

cannot but remark the singularity of the circum-

my family, should

stance that Mary, Mat., Arthur, and myself, with

after such a diversity of strange events

be

all

reassembled in France

and that precisely at the same

time we should have the happiness of hearing from my father and

on the eve of

this great expedition,

mother, and especially from Will, after a silence of above four years.

one of the singular

It is

and happy.

well

"

ends his sermon.

May

18th

traits in

the history of our family, and

we shall all meet together yet

Which that we may do," &c. &c, as the parson
Well, we shall see.

increases the confidence

that

I feel

Dined to-day with Adjutant-General Rivaud, Chef

d'Etat-Major par interim of the army of England

there were also

General Marescot of the Engineers, and Adjutant-Generals Boulant

The last
and Dugommier.
Toulon, and was afterwards
Pyrenees
over

is

son to Dugommier,

killed,

who

commanding the army

the dinner was very pleasant

all

retook
of the

the war was talked

At

the characters of the Generals canvassed, &c.

the battle

of Jemappes the French were 50,000, the Austrians 18,000; the

French

lost 3,500 killed

and wounded, every man of

whom

might

have been spared, as the enemy's position could have been turned,
in

which case they had no choice but to evacuate

be taken prisoners.

Dumourier, that

it

It is to

arms and the

of the soldiers, both of which were sunk very low

the

in defence

It is certain that

Duke of York and

his

Houchard might have taken

his

famous re-

Dunkirk. There was but one passage

open by which he could possibly escape, and Jourdan with

was

within half a league of

spirit

by a succession of

whole army at the time of

treat, or rather flight, from before

sion

of

was absolutely necessary at that time to gain a

victory in order to raise the credit of the French

unfortunate events.

their redoubts or

be observed, however,

it

when Houchard's

his divi-

orders overtook

him, commanding him to halt instantly on pain of immediate destitution.

In consequence he was obliged to stop short, and had the

mortification to see the English

army

defile quietly before

him, every

jet.

BUONAPARTES MOVEMENTS.

35.]

man

By

he could have made prisoner.

whom

of

313

account

this

On

appears that Houchard at least was justly condemned.

whole

got over this day pretty well.

May
is

it

the

igth.

do not know what to think of our expedition.

whole left wing of the army of England is

certain that the

It

at

march back to the Rhine Buonaparte is God

knows where, and the clouds seem thickening more and more in
Germany, where I have no doubt Pitt is moving heaven and hell
to embroil matters and divert the storm which was almost ready to
fall on his head.
In the meantime Treilhard, principal negotiator
this

moment

in full

at Rastadt, is elected into the vacant place in the Directory, in the

room of Francois de Neufchateau, and Sieyes goes to Berlin as

Ambassador Extraordinary, taking Rastadt in his way. Perhaps
we may be able to arrange matters I look for great things from
his talents and activity. The Toulon expedition, of which so much
was lately said, is no more spoken of, and the others from Genoa
;

and Civita Vecchia are said to be given

The

up.

fact

is,

that the

gazettes speak in such various and contradictory terms with regard

to these expeditions, that

impossible to

it is

make anything out

of

draw is, that they know nothing

whatsoever of the matter. Nearer home, however, there has been
an expedition, the failure of which has vexed me, not on account
of the importance of the affair for it was a trifle but for the
them.

The only

conclusion

sake of example.

command

flotilla

of about thirty gun-boats, under the

of Muskein, an officer

who had made himself

La Hogue

tion in this kind of petite guerre, sailed from

the Isles

Marcou

brigade.

he had on board a detachment of the 4th demi-

appears, however, that on their arrival before the

It

islands, five sail only attacked,

range of

fire

a reputato attack

in

and the remainder kept out of the

consequence, after a cannonade of three or four

fall back, having lost six men
The outcry is now against Muskein,
of La Hogue say, smells not of musk.
"
upon him, and sing them to filthy tunes ;

hours, the five sail were obliged to

killed

and

fifteen

wounded.

whose conduct, the wits

They have

"

made

and the report

is

ballads

that he

is

Lacrosse takes the command.

dismissed, and that Rear-Admiral

I

know

Lacrosse, having seen

him

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

314

in our last expedition,

where he commanded Les Droits de I'homme,

and distinguished himself

Edward

in

an action with two frigates under Sir

the French navy, and

wound which he
But to return to
troops,

first,

at this

is

He

is

one of the boldest

moment

officers in

room by a
Vandam.
principally on two

confined to his

received in a rencontre with General

I am sorry for it,
may have a bad effect on

this check.

that

it

the spirit of the

and perhaps disgust them with maritime expeditions

What

secondly, on the score of reputation.

well say,

and

Pellew, which ended in his driving one of the frigates,

being himself driven, ashore.

accounts

[ I79 8.

you are going

to conquer England,

may

and,

the English

and you cannot con-

Isles Marcou
It is a bad business, take it any way.
I
wonder will the Directory examine into it ? If they do not seriously

quer the

establish a rigid responsibility in the Marine,

of opposing England
corps,

and

by

sea.

see nor hear of

do not order this thing better

May 20th.

During

my

it

is in

vain to think

There is a bad spirit existing

any means taken to correct it
in France?

stay in Paris

in that
" T/iey

read in the English papers

a long account from the Dublin Journal of a visitation held by the

Chancellor in Trinity College, the result of which was the expulsion of nineteen students,

and the suspension

for three years of

my

Whitley Stokes. His crime was having communicated to

Sampson, who communicated to Lord Moira, a paper which he had
previously transmitted to the Lord Lieutenant, and which contained
the account of some atrocious enormities committed by the British
troops in the South of Ireland. Far less than that would suffice
friend

him in the Chancellor's opinion, who, by the by, has

had an eye upon him this long time for I remember he summoned
Stokes before the Secret Committee long before I left Ireland. I

to destroy

do not know whether to be vexed or pleased at this event as it

regards Whitley I only wish he had taken his part more decidedly
for, as it is, he is destroyed with one party, and I am by no means
;

clear that

he

is

saved with the other.

He,

like

Parsons and Moira,

have either their consciences too scrupulous or their minds too

little

ours.

enlarged to embrace the only line of conduct in times like

They must be with

the People or against them, and that for

THE ENGLISH NEAR OSTEND.

ALT. 35.]

3i5

down without the satisWith regard to Stokes, I

faction of serving or pleasing any party.
know he is acting rigidly on principle for I know he is incapable
of acting otherwise but I fear very much that his very metathe whole, or they must be content to go

physical unbending purity, which can

accommodate

itself neither

to men, times, nor circumstances, will always prevent his being of

any service to his country, which is a thousand pities, for I know

no man whose virtues and whose talents I more sincerely reverence.
I see only one place fit for him, and, after all, if Ireland were independent,

believe few enlightened Irishmen

being placed there

mean

at the

would oppose

his

head of a system of national

I hope this last specimen of Fitzgibbon's moderation

him a little of that political energy which he wants for
I have often heard him observe himself that nothing sharpened
men's patriotism more than a reasonable quantity of insult and

education.

may

give

ill-usage

by

he

may now

be a living instance, and justify his doctrine

his practice.

May

21st

Rivaud, Chef de l'Etat-Major,

that the English have landed about 10,000

doubtedly with a view to bombard

morning

this

near Ostend, un-

and burn the shipping and

it

small craft preparing there for the expedition.

ber must be extremely exaggerated

me

tells

men

believe the

be that as

num-

may, he says

it

more than enough

English.
to render a good account of 10,000
Championnet commands in that division, and Bessieres is in the town, where there is
a garrison of about 700 men, which is not by any means enough.
6,000 French are already collected, and that

If

they

suffice,

however, to prevent the

a coup de main that

will

be

sufficient

is

enemy from succeeding by

;

for a very

few days

will

bring together a force which will

make

attack with a vengeance.

meantime Rivaud has despatched

In the

the English

remember the

expresses to the Directory and to General Kilmaine,

To-morrow

in-chief.

May

will let us

know more

Commander-

of the matter.

Yesterday passed without any news.

To-day

the journals announce that the English have attempted to

bombard

Ostend

22nd, 23rd.

that to this effect they landed 4,000 men,

who were almost

immediately attacked and defeated, the General wounded and

THEOBALD WO'LFE TONE.

316

[1798.

taken, with 2,000 men, besides 300 or 400 killed or wounded, five

or six pieces of cannon, and about forty boats.

journals mention, the news having

we must wait

course

Rivaud,

in

speaking of this

is all

that the

Of

the telegraph.

the next courier.

till

made a remark which

affair to-day,

He

think worth recording.

come by

the particulars

for

This

French generals of to-day

said the

undoubtedly had not the extent and variety of knowledge of those

under the old rigime, but they made up

superior intrepidity
soldier,

who

and where the

intrepidity

is

for that deficiency

chiefs are intrepid, the

always follow them, and un-

itself, will

doubtedly beat any troops they meet with.

Rivaud

right.

is

There

is

by

French

have no doubt but

a very circumstantial account, in the

journal of to-day, of the arrival of Buonaparte at Toulon, which

cannot yet bring myself entirely to credit

give his speech to the army, which seems, however, to

what apocryphal

On

manner.

at least, if

the whole,

it

they go so far as to

be genuine,

me some-

not in his best

is

it

doubt the authenticity of the

intelli-

gence, as well as of another article, which comes from Dunkirk,

and mentions the English being

the line and 400 transports.

off that coast with eight sail of

That seems

to

me

rather too

much

400 transports would easily carry 60,000 men, with their horses,
stores, and artillery, for so short a passage.
That the English are
off the coast

well believe, but not in such numbers.

May 24th, 2$th. It is certain that Buonaparte is at Toulon, and

embarked since the 14th his speech, as I suspected, is not as it
was given in the last journals. The genuine one I read to-day, and
;

there are two sentences in

first,

it

which puzzle

at the beginning of the address,

form a wing of the army of England

end, he reminds

name

to sustain

does that mean

he
;

me

tells

He

it.

apparatus

In the

the troops that they

in the second,

towards the

them that they have the glory of the French

What
in countries and seas the most distant.
Is

he going after

all

to India

a short cut to London by way of Calcutta

suspect

completely.

has

all

his savants

?
I

Will he

said, I never paid

make

begin foully to

embarked with him, with

their

As for Egypt, of
much attention to the

that can hardly be for England.

which so much has been

MT.

"DEVOURED WITH ENNUI.

35.]

be

God

wish to

3i7

were with him

I might
be able to co-operate with Will, and perhaps be of material service
but what would become of my family in my absence ? I am in

If

report.

it

for India, I

more perplexity

moment than

at this

arrival in France.

I will

May

26th.

whom

letter to

write to Bruix

have been

my

in since

have a good mind to write to the Minister

War, or of the Marine,

Allons

Why

know.

happy-go-lucky
my

have changed

at

not to Barras

mind, and written

day a

this

General Kilmaine, acquainting him with Will's present

situation in India,

and offering to go thither

the

if

Government

thinks that

my services can be useful, requesting secrecy and a speedy

answer.

know not how this may

turn out.

It is

a bold measure.

My only difficulty is about my family; but if the Directory accepts

my offer, I hardly think they will refuse to pay my wife one-half
of

my

appointments during

my

My

ing

blood

is

escaped the voyage, and

considerably abated

"

fast.

My May of life

thrice already

my

if,

is fall-

after

all, I

have narrowly

rage for such an expedition

nevertheless, under all the circumstances, I

it,

on due

rests

shall

go

almost

is

reflection, my duty to make the offer, and

now with the Government to decide a few days, and I
probably know the result. In the meantime there is no more

have thought
it

confess

that, I will

would be singular

It

Twice or

were to go out to India.

is

cooling

to the sear, the yellow leaf."

do

age for enterprise

cheerfully, notwithstanding that the

over with me.

If they

absence.

question or appearance here of an attempt on England than of one

on the moon, and

last

am

in

consequence devoured with ennui.

The

papers bring no further news of Buonaparte and his expedi-

tion,

which seems to be

Nelson has joined Earl

much

facilitate

still

St.

at

Toulon

but

see that Admiral

Vincent before Cadiz, which

the sortie of the Toulon

fleet, in

tion should be to pass the Straits of Gibraltar.

will

not

case their destinaI

see also that

it

was a body of only 300 French, of the 46th and 94th demi-brigades,
who defeated the English before Ostend, and made 1,500 prisoners.
It was a most brilliant exploit.

May

The English having appeared in force before

Havre, and attempted to throw some bombs into the city, Adjutant27th, 28th.

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

318

[i 79 8.

me

General Rivaud, Chef de l'Etat-Major, determined to send

mands the division. In consequence, having received

made up my kit, I set off post, and ran all night.

May
At

off

moment's warning to join General Bethencourt, who com-

at a

Arrived this morning at Havre about four o'clock.

29th.

who

twelve, waited on General Bethencourt,

This being the Fete de

politely.

orders and

received

la Victoire, all

me

very

the officers in

garrison accompanied the General to the Municipality, in order to

full

The

ceremony.

assist at the

by the

cordially received

On my

very bad.

saw two corvettes working out of

God send them well over it. I

lodged in the same hotel where

How many

in France.

May

scenes have

put up at

my

landing

first

witnessed since

This morning at four o'clock there was a heavy

jpth.

cannonade to the southward, which continued

ten.

discourse,

perceived was most

In the evening the Spectacle

military.

return home,

the basin, in order to put to sea.

am

made an excellent

President

of animosity against the English, which

The weather

is

hazy, so that

we can

at intervals until

see nothing distinctly.

walked out on the batteries three or four times, but could make

nothing of

it

I fear,

made

after dinner the tour of the

ramparts with him and Captain Gourege,

enne, a 44,

now

ashore.

am

in the

He

in the basin.

who commands

Vlndi-

thinks the corvettes are driven

as melancholy as a cat

upon these news.

I see, too,

papers that the system of persecution goes on without inter-

mission in Ireland
at Clarke's, in

the Government has seized five pieces of cannon

King

in Bridgefoot Street.

no

Dined

however, the worst for our corvettes.

with General Bethencourt, and

Street,
I

and

know

not

how many

trouble, for I never can forget his kindness to

gether,

am

water, with General Bethencourt.

Babylon

batteries,

my

Alto-

father.

devoured this evening by the blue devils, and

be on the batteries again to-night at

And a

a great mind

pike staves

hope sincerely poor Clarke may come to

thousand fragrant

to cry.

Ten at

and delivered

from the General.

"

must

being the hour of high

Heigh ho

When

as

I sat

in

Mercy on me, I have

posies."

Took a walk alone around the

commandant of the place a message

night.

to the

Home

ten,

and to bed, where

slept like a top.

XT.

AT HAVRE WITH GENERAL BETHENCOURT.

3S-]

May

My

list.

fears

319

They

were too true about the corvettes.

and immediately
fell in
the captain of the Vesuve, of thirty-two guns, took fright and ran
He fired but two broadhis name is l'Eccolier.
his ship ashore
with a squadron of

English

five

frigates,

His comrade, however, who commanded the Confiante, and

sides.

whose name

Diamond within

was not

until the rest of the

that he

ran his ship ashore,

for

two hours

This

Diamond

pistol shot for three hours,

squadron were closing

fast

where he continued to defend himself

so that the English could not succeed in their

attempt to burn her

their shot.

manner
and it
around him

Pevrieux, fought his ship in another guess

is

he engaged the

but she

affair

is

twenty-four

carries

dismasted and torn to pieces by

the more honourable for him, as the

is

and

pounders,

twelve

ship

his

In the meantime there are two corvettes gone, though

pounders.

some hopes the Vesuve may be got

there are

All this does

off.

not promise violently in favour of the invasion, and indeed the

English seem by the papers to have no longer any uneasiness on

What

that score.

Twelve

will

be the result after

all,

God

only knows.

at night; rode out with General Bethencourt,

the tour of

Returned
selves.

and batteries.
well
having met with nothing worse than ourposts

the different

in perfect safety,

"

Dan

caught nothing in his

at that foolish quotation as

June

Read

1st.

which astonishes

Laughed immoderately

net."

we rode away.

morning an

this

and made

" All's

me more

than

article

a Paris Journal

in

can express.

It states that

General Daendels has fled from the Hague, and has been proclaimed a deserter by the Dutch Government.

It

seems orders

were given to arrest him, which he avoided by flying into France,

and

it is

supposed he

is

now

The

at Paris.

true reason

is

said to

be his having given his opinion too unguardedly on the measures

of his Government.
it

astonishes

This

me most

is

the whole of the article, and

perience, I

would say that Daendels

citizen,

there

if

Lewines, dated

is

May

Judging from

completely.

one existing
4th,

is

confess

ex-

man and a good

by a letter from
obscure in some parts,

an honest

and

and which

my own

is

learn

from a prudent caution, that parties run exceedingly high in

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

320

Holland, so that

must conclude he

Go now and make

revolutions

is

[1798.

a victim to his principles.

Daendels was obliged to

fly to

France ten years ago, from the fury of the Orange faction
he was beheaded

his absence

in

In 1794 he

effigy.

in

returned

another memorable instance of the

and was appointed to the chief command of

triumphant with Pichegru

caprices of fortune

Now,

the Batavian army.

France, with the

name, t avoid, as

Democratic party.

when,
parties
loses

is

again obliged to fly to

conclude from circumstances, the fury of the

It is

me

with

a great proof of a man's integrity

times of revolution, he

in
;

1798, he

in

disgraceful epithet of deserter attached to his

is

but certainly what he gains on the score of principle he

on that of common sense.

In order to do any good, with any

man must make great sacrifices, not only of

what is much worse, I fear of his conscience also.

party, a

but

bring his mind to

this,

pursue, which

to quit the

is

least evil

there

who does

the honestest man,

is

He

field.

the most good to his country and the

sort of

off the

good against the bad, and

This

he can expect.

register

and he must be

my

political situation,

have preserved

am

it,

in case, as I

should ever present

itself;

If ever

principles,

may

have already

will ever

be the case.

women
men submit

have begun to arrest the

Irish rings.

Will the

practice

said, that the occasion

am

panied by an absolute demonstration of his

will

how my

see

it

it is

man

and therefore

very slight

is

sincerely sorry for

him, and will never give him up on any charge that

apprehend

to set

am thrown
may act.

of which, at this day, there

Poor Daendels

appearance indeed.

afraid that

God knows how

my

opinion beforehand, that

square with

is

the balance be in his favour,

if

at

He must

cost him.

but a melancholy speculation for a

the only practicable one.

in effect,

by chance into a
Thus far, at least,
will

is

beginning of his political career, but

be found,

it

running account with his conscience, where he

keep a

at the

If he cannot

the best politician, and

is

for evil there will be, in his despite,

judgment,

his

but one line of conduct for him to

times himself the instrument thereof, whatever

all

by both

sacrificed alternately

guilt,

is

not accom-

which

do not

see also in the papers that they

in Ireland

to this, or

for

is it

wearing United

humanly

possible

ON THE RAMPARTS.

^T.

3S-]

for

them

it

to resist ?

much

as

speaking,

now

my thoughts that way, and avoid

hate to turn

as possible.

321

have already done

could do to serve

my

that,

all

country in France.

humanly
can only

wait the event.

June 2nd.

Last night walked

round

all

and

the ramparts,

Went
La Heve, which is

inspected the state of the works with General Bethencourt.

the rounds with him, as far as the battery of

above a league from the town, among the rocks, and returned at

one

"

morning.

this

this afternoon there

How

"

live that soldiers be

We

conjecture

it

is

the

flotilla

fire

of

endeavouring to return, and having, as we

is

suppose, fallen in with the English, has taken shelter under a

has continued until an hour after dark.

General to the Batterie de

which did not succeed,

la

little

Be that as it may, the

Walked out with the

of cannon at the point.

fort of four pieces

All

has been a heavy cannonade to the southward,

opposite the Pointe de Dives.

Muskein, which

we

merrily

Neige, in order to try an experiment,

for setting fire to the

enemy's

by a

vessels,

kind of combustible machine, attached to an eighteen-pound shot.

It will

We

never answer.

ourselves to-night.

June
six the

$rd.

do

are not sure that

not, however,

we may not be attacked

apprehend

Last night passed over quietly, but

it.

this

morning

at

cannonade recommenced at the Pointe de Dives, which is

We can see the fire
this.

about seven leagues to the southward of

There are

from the tower.

distinctly

which

five frigates,

relieve

each other alternately, and there are generally three at a time on

the poor

little fort

flotilla.

At one

of four guns

with great violence, and the fort

is

and the

4th.

Yesterday

Rivaud, informing
I

answered

tinued
vol.

still
11.

it

see no traces of Muskein's

still

holds out.

The

still

am

fire

continues

astonished

me

shells,

it

slackened soon

tide beginning to ebb, the frigates retired, but

bombketch continued to throw

after two, when she fell off also.
June

we

At night.

not torn to pieces long since.

after one,

for

o'clock, whilst I write this, the fire

from time to time,

till

half

All quiet for the rest of the day.

received a letter from Adjutant-General

that

might return to Rouen when

to-day, letting

before the place,

him know
I

that as the

considered
22

it

my

pleased.

enemy

con-

duty to remain

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

322

Nominated the

until further orders.

despatched the

letters

8.

Citizens Fayolles, Captain of

and Favory, of the Engineers, to be

Infantry,

[179

my

Adjoints, and

So

of nomination to the Minister at War.

now I am fairly afloat. " If 1 had bought me a horse in Smithfield.

I were manned, horsed, and wived" I had like to have forgotten.
This is His Majesty's birthday. (Sings.) " God save Great George
our King."
Well,
ill,"

"

&c.,

June
all

myself extremely loyal on the sudden, methinks.

I feel

God knows

Many

the heart.

a body says well that thinks

&c, &c.

"

the forms.

a man."

my

Last night went

$th.

/ brought

rounds as Adjutant-General, in

in the boar's head,

and

quitted

me

like

do not see, myself, that this quotation is extremely

apposite but no matter.
I like the idle activity of a military life
well enough, and if I were employed in an Irish army, I should
I

make
here
at

a tolerable good officer

is

all

terribly against

the outposts, which

R/publique.

report in

is

morning

this

an English squadron

in the

made myself understood

my

sufficient for

sally

purpose.

is for, I

am

Vive la

sure.

it,

The

that the Toulon fleet has beaten

is,

Mediterranean, and taken four

Would I could see

"

but the difference of the language

do not know what that

Havre

the line.

However,

me.

sail

of

quoth blind Hugh."

June 6th, yth, 8th. Citizen Fayolles,

Rouen, so I am something more at my

my

Adjoint,

ease.

is

arrived from

Yesterday the enemy

appeared before Havre, and from their manoeuvres we expected an

In consequence

attack.

furnaces heated.

all

the batteries were

was stationed

three o'clock in the afternoon they bore

cannon shot
off again

but after some

so

we were

battery at the Pointe la

to answer as

many

manned and the

About

in the Batterie Nationale.

little

down upon

time, hauled their

quit for the night.

As they

Heve they threw about

passed the

half a dozen shells,

shot the battery had fired at them, a toute volte,

but neither the one nor the other did any damage.
the shells fall in

within two
wind and stood
us,

the water, and

all

the shot.

saw three of

Two

of the latter

passed very near the bombketch, but the distance was entirely too
great,

and

wonder the General does not give orders never

but at a distance to do mischief.

If the

enemy waste

their

to fire

powder

JET.

ENGLISH FLEET OFF HA VRE.

35.]

foolishly, there

is

a fine sight, and

should have enjoyed

know whether he

it

more, had

it

my fancy at

is

was

is tried,

not been for

souls,"

defy any

man

am

very

and

but the fact

was

reste, it

and

is,

when I found myself at my battery, and

enemy bearing right down upon us, and as I thought to

right glad of

saw the

times.

brave or not until he

from boasting of myself on that score

far

it,

that

begin the cannonade, though

perfectly easy, yet neither did

satisfied, as far as
I

Au

on futurity and the transmigration of

which presented themselves to

to

ours.

no reason we should waste

certain " speculations

323

man

should have done

resolution.

my

cannot say with truth, that

duty

well,

was

and

am

can judge of himself, that

in that situation

The crowd and

disconcerted

feel at all

and without any great

effort

of

the bustle, the noise, and especially

the conviction that the eyes of the cannoniers were fixed on the

me

chapeau galonne, settled

at

once

it

the etiquette in such

is

cases that the General stands conspicuous on the parapet, whilst

the cannoniers are covered by the fyaulement, which

ing for him that commands.

is

easier to

where the danger

is

much

the

all

an honest man,

faith of

cannot truly say

my

stay

and one

it

than

for

was sorry when

There were eight

brig,

amus-

fire,

six in the evening before the English stood off ; and,

them decidedly turn their backs.

frigates, two bombketches, one
Vive

truly

had time to make

less.

these and divers other wise remarks during

was

is

have no doubt that

behave well on the parapet, exposed to

in the battery,
all

Nevertheless,

sail, viz.,

cutter.

it

on the

saw
four

Huzza

Thus far our arms have with success been

For though we have not fought, yet have we found no
enemy to fight withal!' Huzza ! Huzza I
fune gth to 12th.
Yesterday I read in the French papers an
la

R^publique

"

crowned.

account of the acquittal of Arthur O'Connor at Maidstone, and of

his being taken instantly into

means

to send

him

complaisant jury.

custody again.

Undoubtedly

to Ireland, in hopes of finding there a

Quigley, the priest,

is

found guilty

it

Pitt

more

seems he

has behaved admirably well, which I confess was more than I

expected his death redeems him. Alley, Binns, and Leary, the
;

servant, are also acquitted

and discharged.

O'Connor appears to

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

34

have behaved with great intrepidity.

[1798.

On being taken

into custody,

he addressed the judges, desiring to be sent to the same dungeon

with his brother, who, like him, was acquitted of high treason, and,

The

him, was arrested in the very court.

like

judge, Buller,

commission expired when the

answered him coldly that their

sentence was pronounced, and that the court could do nothing

second

triumph of O'Connor

article in the

is

almost totally destroyed by a

same paper, which mentions that Lord Edward

Thomas

Fitzgerald has been arrested in

most desperate

My satisfac-

He was instantly committed.

farther in the business.

tion at this

resistance, in

Street, Dublin, after a

which himself, the magistrate, one

Swann, and Captain Ryan, who commanded the guard, were

I cannot describe the effect which this intelli

severely wounded.

gence had on

my

me

it

brought on, almost immediately, a spasm in

stomach, which confined

very

but

little,

me

all

day.

honour and venerate

uniformly sustained, and, in this

knew

Fitzgerald but

his character,

which he has

miserable wretches by his side are the gentry of Ireland

rather be Fitzgerald, as he

Of

first

would

now, wounded in his dungeon, than

What

head of the British Empire.

Pitt at the

the

is

What

last instance, illustrated.

a noble fellow

family in Ireland, with an easy fortune, a beautiful wife,

and family of lovely children, the certainty of a splendid appointment under Government, if he would condescend to support their
measures, he has devoted himself wholly to the emancipation of

and

his country,

sacrificed everything to

only consolation

is

charge against him, and

The

imprisonment.

will

at

be obliged to limit their rage to

not the

first

There

fortune between

of

Henry

fruitless

who has

Fitzgerald

his country.

VII.,

is

Poor fellow

He

sacrificed himself to the cause of

a wonderful similarity of principle and

him and

who

his

strongly inclined to think that Fitz-

gerald was organising an attack on the capital.

is

My

even to his blood.

and county of Dublin are proclaimed, and

I combine this with the late seizure of

city

When
Clarke's, I am

under martial law.

cannon

it,

the hope that his enemies have no capital

his ancestor

lost his

Lord Thomas,

head on Tower Hill

in the reign

for a gallant

attempt to recover the independence of Ireland.

but

God

JET.

THE ENGLISH FLEET OFF HA VRE.

35.]

send the catastrophe of his noble descendant be not the same.

everything for him,

dread

If the

tions of revenge.

and

my

only consolation

blood of this brave young

the hand of his enemies,

it

is

man be

shed by

no ordinary vengeance which

will

content the People, whenever the day of retribution arrives.

cannot express the rage

moment
it

sets

me

June

but what can

my own

at

feel

do

Let

me

Yesterday evening, about six

\%th.

o'clock, the

They were immediately manned, and the furnaces

enemy keeping a cautious distance, nothing ensued.
ceased firing

the

enemy

enemy

batteries.

We fired two or
fell

short,

did not return one gun, and stood off

This morning, at eight o'clock,

three guns

heated, but the

three shot from the Batterie du Nord, but observing they

at eight.

more

half mad.

approached again almost within random shot of the

we

helplessness at this

possible think no

if

in specula-

is

was roused by two or

dressed myself in a hurry and ran to the batteries,

any of my comrades the

more than a random
shot from the line. The gunboats had opened their fire, but to no
effect of at least one hundred shot, not one reached aboard, though
where

enemy

arrived before the cannoniers, or

were, as the evening before, something

By what

the guns were admirably pointed.

always begin to

fire

powder

that the English

I can observe, we
They complain here

a great deal too soon.

is

better than the French, in the propor-

Yet we

on them at full one-third

two or three shot from the
batteries merely to show the gunboats that we were there to
support them, but without any expectation of reaching the enemy,

tion of near

two to

more than the

who

all this

one.

distance.

We

fire

fired

time never condescended to return us one gun.

After

fire ceased, and the enemy stood off.

I
do not well conceive the object of these two visits last night and

about half an hour the

this

morning.

It is

with the evening tide

been running over

men whom,
most esteem.

in

now eleven a.m., and we expect them again

maybe then we shall see something. I have
;

my mind

the

list

of

my

friends

and of the

without being so intimately connected with them, I

Scarcely do

in exile or prison,

and

in

find

one who

jeopardy of his

is

life.

not or has not been

To

begin with, Russell

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

326

[1798.

my friends, at this moment in

MacNeven and J. Sweetman, my old
fellow-labourers in the Catholic cause Edward Fitzgerald, Arthur
and Roger O'Connor, whom, though I know less personally, I do
and Emmet, the two dearest of

prison on a capital charge.

not less esteem

prison

Sampson, Bond, Jackson and his son, still in

Robert and William Simms, the men in the world to whose

friendship

am most obliged, but

just discharged

Neilson, Haslitt,

McCracken the same McCormick, absconded Rowan and Dr.

Reynolds in America
Lewines, Tennant, Lowry, Hamilton,
Teeling, Tandy, &c, and others, with whom I have little or no
acquaintance, but whom I must presume to be victims of their
patriotism, not to speak of my own family in France, Germany,
;

and elsewhere.

Stokes disgraced on suspicion of

gloomy catalogue

man

for a

virtue.

to cast his eyes over.

It is

Of

all

my

John Keogh who has escaped, and

how he has had that inconceivable good fortune is to me a miracle.
political connections

Ten at

night.

enemy keeps

the

wearying to be
to lose

my

"

won't

my

see but

have been these two hours at the

but

at a

To-night

patience.
it

ended

soul's in arms,

in

was almost sure we should have

and eager for

indulge me, which

I would not have tJie

Confound them, they tease

nothing.

is

blood, even

It

not that

is

am

for I

fray" and the enemy

the

unkind.

unreasonably for their destruction

"

batteries,

most prudent distance. It is downright

continual expectation of an attack, and I begin

in

had a brush, but

me

thirst

Parson Adams,

like

me"

of tlie wicked upon

Apropos,

should remark that the cannoniers of the town show the greatest

zeal

they were this morning the

remarked among them several

collets

on the

first

to desire nothing better than to begin the

laughing at
I

and

in favour of their

my part I was on my parapet, and

my own wit, or rather Sheridan's, in

made from

Acres, in the

Clodliall

now, or that

Courage

Vive

la

I could be

Republique

"

forgive the jeunes

and nonsense

For

courage.

tion

frivolity

and

who seemed
cannonade. The fact is,

that the French are a most intrepid people,

gens a great deal of their

batteries,

noirs (royalists),

Rivals "

shot before

could not help

a bright quota-

" Oh, that

I was aware! "

I were

at

Allonsl

MT.

STATE OF THE FRENCH NA VY.

35.]

June

\$th,

\\th,

327

Last night, at the Com^die,

16th.

who has been here

much encourage me on the present

had a

conversation with General Kilmaine,

these two

days, which did not

posture of

our

affairs.

May,

He

began on the subject of

offering to

go to

India.

He

my

26th of

letter of the

had not answered

said he

it,

because the Directory not having communicated to him the object

of the Toulon expedition,

he had made the

if

offer,

on

my

would have looked as if he were fishing for information

the same time, he would keep it in his mind, and mention

part,

it

but, at
it if

he

him it was not a thing that I pressed,

or wished to give for more than it was worth my object was
merely to inform the Government that, if nothing were likely to be
done in Europe, and an attempt were to be made in India,
saw a

fit

occasion.

told

if

they

thought

that,

could be of any use,

under

was ready to go

General Kilmaine answered, that

in

that, in the

services

twenty-four hours.

time would

short

see the object of Buonaparte's plan

my

circumstances,

the

let

us

meantime, there

was a supplementary armament preparing at Toulon, of two ships

of the line, with some frigates and transports, and if it were destined
for India we would then see what was to be done.
This conversation naturally introduced

the subject of the grand expedition

against England or Ireland, of which, from Kilmaine's report,

The Marine

not see the smallest probability.

absolute nullity

end of

the late Minister, Pleville

his ministry,

had disarmed

all

le

is

in

do

a state of

Peley, towards the

the ships of the

line,

so that,

when he was pressed by the Directory, it appeared that nothing

was ready, and, in consequence, after about a month's shuffling, he
was obliged to resign. I mentioned that I had better hopes of the
present Minister, Bruix, who, besides being a
talents

and

activity,

was

in

man

of acknowledged

a certain degree bound in honour to try

the expedition, having taken so active a part in conducting the

and been even

indirectly implicated

by

his

enemies in

its

last,

failure,

which ought naturally to pique him to make the greatest exertions.

Kilmaine said, " That was all true but what could Bruix do ? In
;

the

first

place,

he had no money

in the next, the arsenals of Brest

were empty, and what stores they had

in other ports

they could

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

328

[1798-

not convey thither from the superiority of the naval force of the
enemy, which kept everything blocked up finally, that of fourteen
;

of the

sail

now

line,

in the port

state to put to sea

of Brest, there were but three in a

that the Government, towards the end

Pleville le Peley's ministry, being

real state of the Marine,

army

of

apparently uninformed of the

had ordered him (Kilmaine) to have the

prepared, in consequence of which he had marched about

men towards

17,000

the coast, where they

remained,

still

viz.,

six demi-brigades of infantry, one regiment of dragoons, one of

and one of chasseurs, besides the artillery, but that there

was no manner of appearance of anything being done by the
Marine." All this is as bad as can be.
I then asked whether he
hussars,

could

me

tell

the determination of the

Government with regard to

Hoche for the last

the cadres of regiments formed by General

expedition, and whether the Irishmen

employed

in

them

the Directors

authorised

that,

by no

law,

He

said he

in

fact,

and

if

now

Paris were to be

in

had spoken of

it

twenty times to

the existence of those cadres was

there was any question about them,

the consequence would be their immediate suppression

expedition took place, the matter would be managed

that, if the

but, in the

meantime, nothing could be done, the constitution being express

against employing foreigners, and that jealousy carried so far that

the Directory were obliged to refuse the offer of a regiment of

hussars

made

to

them by the

situation of those

that

was

would be reduced to great

the

same

itself.

young men now

afraid, if

which

fact

for

remember
adopting a

mentioned that the

was very painful, and
something were not done in their behalf, they

so reasonable in

principle

Cisalpines,

blame the French

myself, and, in truth, cannot

then

in Paris

He

difficulties.

time, the conduct of

many

said he felt all that

at

of the Irish in Paris was such

as to reflect credit neither on themselves nor their country.

That

there

was nothing to be heard of amongst them but denuncia-

tions,

and

rest

were

their

which

if

every one of them, separately, spoke truth,

rascals.

At

the

same time

there

favour: hitherto they had asked nothing

in

some degree saved

their

credit

all

was one thing

the
in

for themselves,

except

one,

named

MT.

35

IRISH REFUGEES.

329

who appeared in the light of a mere adventurer that

Tandy had also applied for assistance, and that he (Kilmaine),
believing the poor old man to be in distress, had signed a paper to the
O'Finn,

Minister at War, requesting he might be employed.

that

was heartily sorry

account he gave

for the

of our countrymen, which

me

answered

of the conduct

had some reason to believe he had not

exaggerated, having been denounced myself more than once for

my

no other

offence, as I believe in

held

the French army, which caused heartburnings amongst

them

in
;

that the misfortune

mounted too

their ideas

among

influence

conscience, than the rank I

was that they came into France with

had a certain degree of

high, from having

the people at home, and

finding

themselves

absolutely without any in France, their tempers were soured and

their ill-humour vented itself in accusations of each other.

then

took occasion to ask the General whether, in the worst event, of a

general peace, leaving Ireland under the British yoke, he thought

Government would do anything

the French

for the Irish patriots,

who had suffered so much in their cause, and who, by the number
of men they employed, and the quantity of money they had cost
England, had served as a powerful diversion in favour of the
Republic, without putting her to the expense of one shilling, and

mentioned the example of England

of Nantes,

who had

received with open arms, and given

encouragement to the French Protestants with

all

possible

far less reason

The General answered,

in the present instance.

after the revocation of the Edict

"

than

that in the event

mentioned, he had no doubt but the French Government would

give every possible encouragement to the Irish refugees."

observed to him that

then

had been thinking whether the islands

in

the Gulf of Venice, Corfu,

&c, did not offer a convenient occasion

for affording a settlement, and especially as their destiny was yet
unsettled
at the same time, that I merely threw it out as a hint
for him to think of, having myself no definite ideas on the subject.

He

said

ended.

he would turn
All this

not to despair.
not what

is

it

in

his

mind, and so our conversation

as discouraging as

It is

my

motto, but

should do to-day.

It is

it

can well

if it

be.

were not

now

am

for that

sworn

know

twenty-eight days since

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

33

Buonaparte

sailed

from Toulon, and the only certain news we have

from the Mediterranean

by

reinforced

1798.

Lord

that

is

St. Vincent's fleet

Portugal (these last Portuguese)

that he has

has been

England, and four from

six sail of the line from

left

eighteen

sail to

blockade Cadiz, and has passed the Straits of Gibraltar with sixteen
sail,

of course his prime vessels

the French fleet of thirteen

there

that be so, and he falls in with

if

sail,

encumbered with a large convoy,

an end of the Toulon expedition, even supposing, what

is

hardly think possible, that the French, with that

not be utterly defeated.
its

It is dreadful.

place that General Kilmaine told

Irish

me

should

should have observed in

that denunciations of the

had even reached the Government, and had of course lowered

the nation in their esteem

not implicated, of which

how

inferiority,

it

was with regard

he added that Lewines, however, was

am

heartily glad.

did not ask him

to myself.

The news
June 17th, iSt/i.
by the papers and partly by

partly

are of the last importance.

As

have received this morning,

letters

from

my wife and

brother,

suspected, the brave and unfor-

tunate Fitzgerald was meditating an attack on the capital, which

was to have taken place a few days after that on which he was
arrested.
He is since dead in prison his career is finished
gloriously for himself, and whatever be the event, his memory will
;

live

for ever in

For

gallant fellow.

it.

who remain as yet, and may perhaps soon

way to lament his death is to endeavour to

Among

his papers,

it

seems, was found the plan of the

insurrection, the proclamation intended to be published,

others,

by which those of the

far escaped,

and several

who have

leaders of the People,

have been implicated, and several of them

Among others I

see

us,

follow him, the only

revenge

He was

the heart of every honest Irishman.

Tom Braughall, Lawless, son of Lord

thus

seized.

Cloncurry,

Curran, son of the Barrister, Chambers and P. Byrne, printers, with

several others

whom

cannot

matters
ties

All

recollect.

death of the brave Fitzgerald, has,

the insurrection has formally

it

this,

including the

appears, but accelerated

commenced
Wexford

of Leinster, especially Kildare and

the French papers are very imperfect, but

in several coun;

the details in

see there have been

JET.

INSURRECTION IN IRELAND.

35.]

At Monastereven, Naas,

several actions.

immediately

the three last

in

been skirmishes generally, as

vantage of the army

Killcullen

at

to

Castledermot

where appears to be

Cork

militia

were surprised

bear arms against their country

Carlow four hundred

burnt; at

is

were killed

villains

be expected, to the ad-

at first to

is

Clane, and Prosperous,

ancient neighbourhood, there have

at Prosperous the

The

and defeated.

my

33i

fifty

Irish,

in return, in

their principal force, they

is

it

said,

county Wexford,

have defeated a party

of six hundred English, killed three hundred and the

Commander,

Colonel Walpole, and taken

This victory,

small as

it is,

red coat

will give the

five pieces

of cannon.

people courage, and show them that a

no more invincible then a grey one. At Rathmines there

is

has been an

affair

of cavalry where the Irish had the worst, and two

named Ledwich and Keogh were taken, and I presume immediately executed. I much fear that the last is Cornelius,
of their leaders

eldest son to
shall regret

be

my

him

sacrificed

Keogh, and a gallant lad

friend, J.

sincerely

but

how many

Ireland be

before the fortune of

be so

if it

other valuable lives must

decided

Dr.

Esmonde and eight other gentlemen of my county have been

hanged at Nenagh the English whip the most respectable inhabitants till their blood flows into the kennel. The atrocious barbarity
;

of their conduct

was a

is

only to be excelled by the folly of

rebellion, as they call

it,

quelled

never yet

by such means. The eighteen

thousand victims sacrificed by Alva

five

it

in

the

Low

Countries in

years and on the scaffold did not prevent the establishment of

the liberty of Holland.

From

martyrs of the liberty of Ireland

revenge their

fall.

In

all this

cumstance which looks well.

latterly

the blood of every one of the

will spring, I

hope, thousands to

confusion of events there

is

one

The English Government

no detailed accounts, but

cir-

publish

say, in general, that all goes well,

and that a few days will suffice to extinguish the rebellion at the
same time they are fortifying the pigeon house in Dublin in order to
;

secure a retreat for the

Government

in case

of the worst, which does

not savour extremely of the immediate extinction of the rebellion-

These are
ance.

all

What

the details
will the

I recollect,

and they are of the

French Government do

last

import-

in the present crisis ?

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

332

After

all their

aid appears to be indispensable

no means but numbers and courage

instruments,

and

nition,

fear

but which, after

true,

it is

[1798.

have

for the Irish

powerful and indispensable

require

all,

they are but poorly provided with

arms and ammuThey have

either.

an army of at least 60,000 disciplined men to deal with for, to their

immortal disgrace and infamy, the militia and yeomanry of Ireland
;

concur with the English to

own

and, to

rivet their country's chains

my great mortification,

see

some of

my

and

their

old friends in

the number; Griffith and his yeomen, for example, in county Kildare,

and Plunket

in the

They may

House of Commons.

for this base prostitution of their character

day of

and

retribution arrives, as arrive I think

yet be sorry
If ever the

talents.

must, they will

it

fall

unpitied victims, and thousands of other parricides like them, to the

which

just fury of the People,

What must

do now

the English seem to have given up

may go

port, so I

be impossible to restrain.

will

it

General Bethencourt returns this evening

with honour.

I will

idea of an attack on this

all

apply

for

an order to join

General Kilmaine at Rouen, and when we are there

we

will see

farther.

June

igtk.

This evening at

five set off for

Rouen, having taken

leave of General Bethencourt last night, who loaded

Arrived at

ties.

five

in the

me

with

civili-

evening and met General Rivaud.

General Kilmaine

is

General Grouchy,

who commanded

also arrived

so

shall see

Amite

the

him to-morrow.

expiditionnaire in

Bantry Bay, and to whom I was much attached, is also here. I

had written him a letter two days ago from Havre to felicitate him

on

his

command of the cavalry of the army of

me he was delighted to hear I was emapply for me to be his Adjutant-General,

appointment to the

England.

Rivaud

tells

ployed, and intended to

of which

am very glad,

for a variety of reasons.

and on the General-in -chief to-morrow morning.

the Toulon expedition

To-day

is

June\ 20tk.

age

have

more than half the

I

it is

of inclination, and,

birthday.

career of

may

No

on him

news yet of

inconceivable

my

yet been able to do.

I will call

Well,

my
it

am

thirty-five years of

life is finished,

and how

little

has not been, at

least, for

want

add, of efforts

had hopes two years

AN INTERVIEW WITH GROUCHY.

MT.

35.]

ago

that, at the period I write this,

have been discharged, and the

To-day

evil.

may

ever.

all

find

him

Nantes

on which, he thinks,

command

of this

at least 3,000

and he speaks as

little

if

Called this

men

His idea

subject.

and

privateers of

with 20,000 mus-

he meant to apply

What would

armament.

for the

not give that he

I once endeavoured to be of
saw him unjustly misrepresented
our return from Bantry Bay, and he does not seem to have

should succeed in the application

service to General
after

duty called

of ardour for our

full

to try an embarkation aboard the corvettes

kets can be stowed,

good or

the details and talks of going to Paris in

two or three days to press the Directory upon that

is

my

will persist to the last.

morning on General Grouchy

he has read

country would

think, however, I

have neglected no step to which

me, and, in that conduct,

my

debt to

fate of Ireland settled for

more uncertain than

it is

safely say I

business

my

333

forgotten

it

Grouchy when

He

dition.

be more friendly and affectionate

for nothing could

than his reception of

said

me

to-day.

We

talked over the last expe-

he had shed tears of rage and vexation

fifty

since at the recollection of the opportunity of which he

deprived
himself

and there was one thing which he would never pardon

that he did not seize Bouvet by the collar and

overboard the
landing.

times

had been

He

moment he attempted

to raise a difficulty as to the

also mentioned his intention to apply for

Adjutant-General, of which
believed he would have the

army of England,

am

command of the
command of

in case the

me

to be his

very glad, and added that, as he

fourth division of the

besides his

Nantes was included,

in

throw him

the cavalry in which

Government

relished his offer,

would be at hand to execute our plan, making,

at the

same

he

time, a

and elsewhere, to divert the attention of the

he shows the same zeal and ardour in our cause

great parade at Brest

enemy.
that

and

In short,

had occasion to remark

look on

to him.

it

him during the

in

as a fortunate circumstance for

From General Grouchy

went to

visit

late expedition

me

to be attached

the General-in-chief,

Kilmaine, and mentioned to him that, under the circumstances

especially as there

thought

it

my

was no appearance of any event

at Havre,

duty to return near him to receive his orders.

had

He

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

334
said

[1798.

same time to tell me

Government would do nothing and he
from the Minister of Marine which he had received

did very right, but he was sorry at the

much

that he was

afraid the

read

me

this

very morning, mentioning that, in consequence of the great

a letter

superiority of the naval force of the

enemy, and

difficulty of escap-

ing from any of the ports during the fine season, the Directory were

determined to adjourn the measure until a more favourable occasion.

my

and

him that if the affair was adjourned it was lost. The present crisis must be seized, or it would
be too late that I could hardly hope the Irish, unprovided as they
were of all that was indispensable for carrying on a war, could long
hold out against the resources of England, especially if they saw
I

lost

temper at

this,

told

France make no

whatsoever to

effort

assist

them

that, thus far,

they had been devoted to the cause of France, for which,

they had

if

not been able to do much, at least they had sufficiently suffered

but
if,

who

in the present great crisis,

own

resources

months

could say or expect that this attachment would continue

it

that

might be too

were overpowered

they saw themselves abandoned to their

now was
late,

in the

the

moment

and the

to assist

them

in three

forces then sent, if

the Irish

meantime, find themselves unsupported,

and, in their turn, be overpowered by the English.

General Kil-

maine answered that he saw all that as well as I did but what
could he do ? He had pressed the Directory again and again on
;

the subject, but they were afraid to incur the charge of sacrificing
a handful of the troops of the Republic, and would not try the

He

enterprise except on a grand scale.

then showed

me two

dif-

an embarkment of 17,500
men, the second for about 9,500, both of which he had sent by his
aide-de-camp to Paris, and expected his return. I answered that I
ferent plans

he had prepared, the one

for

should be heartily glad that either one or the other were adopted,

but that

saw

infinite difficulties in the

of opinion that 5,000

men

50,000 that could not.

fantry, with

way, and had always been

that could be sent were better than

added that one demi-brigade of

two or three companies of

might be better than 20,000 men

light artillery at this

in six

months.

He

light in-

moment,
shook

his

head and replied he was morally certain the Directory would

MT.

THE LOSS OF HOCHE.

3S .]

attempt nothing on so small a

He

scale.

then gave

we

papers, and after settling to dine with him,

papers,

first

ville, at

St.

of

death of General Hoche

am

poor

Hoche

the loss of his friendship and influence

in Ireland in

fishing boat.
fellow.

a month,

if

friend,

It

If

we

shall

my

that

friend

the French
I

see in the

General Hedou;

for I shall

return to Paris after the

now

is

that

we

feel

he were alive he would

he went only with

fear, after all,

see, likewise,

me

parted.

sincerely glad

me on my

never forget his kindness to

be

my

the safe arrival of

all,

Domingo, of which

335

his litat-Major in a

not easily meet with his

Daendels

returned in

is

triumph to the Hague, where he has smashed the Dutch Directory

Government, and framed a new one,

like a pipe stalk, dissolved the

at the

head of which he

All this certainly, with the

himself.

is

approbation of the French Government, and, as

appears, with that

it

Dutch people also. Charles De la Croix, who was the support of the late Dutch Directory, is recalled, and General Joubert,
who was of the opposite party, continued in the command of the
French troops in Holland. I do not see my way clearly in all these

of the

movements

however,

and, to say the truth,

me

very

little

countries.

have the best opinion possible of Daendels,

my

anxiety for Ireland at this

first

to propose a

we

monument

establish our liberty,

memory

to his

"

hour of his death, clears everything

hint like the leaving

of

it."

she

not

one physician could be found

enough to deliver
barous scoundrels

her.
!

It

The

villains

was a

lady,

inhumanity

in

in

she shall have her

full

London, which

night of her huswill it

in

be believed

Dublin hardy

the pusillanimous and bar-

who was

peril.

not even of her ac-

said to be inconsolable for the death of Fitzgerald.

beautiful and unfortunate

If

do not think there is a

the annals of mankind. She is

quaintance, that assisted her in her

parallel instance of

be the

in his life became

is

The

band's arrestation she was taken in labour, and

I will

his conduct, at the

Nothing

Poor Pamela

she has been ordered to quit in three days.

it

leaves

Quigley has been executed, and died like a hero

reach Ireland, and that

ever

hereafter?

moment

leisure or inclination to think of the politics of other

creature

Well,

if

I well believe

Ireland triumphs

share of the victory and of the vengeance.

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

336

There

is also,

which gives

[1798.

under the head of Waterford, 2nd of June, an

me

the highest satisfaction, inasmuch as

it

of the

Irish,

enough are

still

them a consistency which

at large to

was

conduct their

afraid they wanted.

an extract

It is

The

leaders

and give

affairs

from the proclamation of the Supreme Committee, as

the French papers, consisting of three articles.

proves that,

many

notwithstanding the death, exile, and arrestation of so

article

it is

called in

invites all

first

Irishmen, absent from their native country, to return instantly,

if

that be impossible, to transmit

money

or,

succour in their power, in

all

or otherwise, in order to assist their countrymen in throw-

The second

ing off the yoke of English tyranny.

Irishmen in the British service to quit

forfeiting their rights as

enjoins

all

instantly under pain of

All Irish in the British

Irish citizens.

who shall be taken with arms in

their hands, to be shot instantly.
The third is a solemn promise
to recompense all soldiers and seamen who abandon the enemy to
service,

now employed

it

in Ireland,

join the standard of their country

ships brought in to be the

all

property of the captors, and preference to be given in the distribution of the national property to such as shall act in conformity with

These three

the present proclamation.

of the highest

articles are

importance, as they show the existence of something like regular

authority

among

the Irish.

curious that they are contained

It is

almost verbatim in the memorial

Directory two years ago.
I

am

anxious to see the

than any Irish news

as the

is

till

winter

them

moment

In

all this

afraid

business

suited to their former zeal

and

me

All

and energy ?

five or six

dread

a state

enemy.

than

that

is

my

do not see one

their opinions ?

be the cause of their passive submission, at

said to Russell

date

have thus far, as well

What

me more

Have they changed

2, 3, 4.)

It is later in

have every reason to hope

effectually.

about the North, which astonishes

Are they

militia

be overpowered before that time.

in at this

Executiye

their eternal degradation, supported the

that the French will assist

may

delivered to the

effect this will produce.

If the Irish can hold out

they

Vide Second Memorial, Articles

have yet seen. The

yeomanry, to

mind

syllable

can express.

What

can

moment, so little
remember what Digges
this

years ago

" If

ever the South

HASTENING TO

JET. 3S .]

PARIS.

337

would rather have one Southern than twenty Northerns."

Digges was a man of great sense and observation.
He was an

is

roused

Was

American, and had no local or provincial prejudices.

in his opinion

very

little

time

will let us see.

If

he right

it

should

what a mortification to me, who have so long looked up

with admiration to the North, and especially to Belfast
It cannot
changed
their
principles
it
they
have
must
that
be
that
be
circumprove

so,

stances render

June 20th

all

exertions on their part as yet impossible.

to loth.

consequence of the
for a fortnight

called

on

me

Having determined
news from Ireland,

from General Kilmaine.

the next morning after

the Minister of

War had

Paris in all haste.

me
me

late

to set off for Paris, in

I

got leave of absence

My Adjoint, Citizen Favory,

my

arrival to inform

despatched an order for

me

waited upon him in consequence.

to

me

that

come

He

to

told

was the Minister of Marine who had demanded me, and gave
at the same time a letter of introduction for him.

it

VOL.

II.

23

CHAPTER

XIV.

A LAST EFFORTS TONE'S DEATH.

BY TONE'S SON. 1
IN order to give a

clear

and

full

narrative of the third

expedition for the deliverance of Ireland,

ascend somewhat higher.

man

When

it

will

and

last

be necessary to

Carnot, the only able and honest

in the Councils of the Directory,

was proscribed, and when

General Hoche died, the friends of a revolution in that Island

lost

Those two great statesof which they perceived the

every chance of assistance from France.

men and
full

warriors, earnest in the cause,

importance to the interests of their country, and to the exten-

sion of Republican

principles,

had planned the expeditions of

Bantry Bay, and of the Texel, on the largest and most

effective

which the naval resources of France and Holland could afford.

The former failed partly by the misconduct of the navy, and

scale

partly

by the indecision of Grouchy, of that honest but wavering

twice held the fate of Europe in his hands, at Bantry

man who
Bay and

at Waterloo,

and twice

let it slip

through them, from want

[William Theobald Wolfe Tone, Tone's eldest child (there were in all
who died in 1804, aged sixteen, and a younger son,
who died in 1806, aged fourteen), was born in Dublin in 1791. In 1810 he
became a cadet in the Imperial School of Cavalry at St. Germains, and in 1813
joined the Grand Army in Germany, being then a sub-lieutenant in the 8th
1

three children, a daughter,

He was at the battles of Lowenberg, Goldberg.

regiment of Chasseurs.
Dresden, Bautzen, Muhlberg, Acken, and Leipzig. On Buonaparte's fall he
left the French service, settled in New York, and became a captain in the
In 1825 he married the daughter of William Sampson
United States army.
In 1828 he died of consumption, leaving
{ante), and in 1827 left the army.
one child, a daughter. His daughter and widow were living in New York in
1858. Ed.]
338

from a drawing" by

'.

Tooe.

AN ADVERSE

JET. 35-3

The second

of resolution.

INFLUENCE.

failed

339

only through the fault of the

elements.

On

the death of Hoche, the French

Government

succeed him, the most illustrious of their warriors

recalled, to

he who

after-

wards wielded the destinies of Europe, and who then, under the

name of General Buonaparte, was

Commander of the age and yet

already acknowledged the

first

was an age fertile in great

chiefs.
But he who, before the age of thirty, had already achieved
the immortal campaigns of Italy subdued that beautiful country
founded one Republic (the Cisalpine), and extinguished another
(Venice) humbled the power of Austria, and compelled her, by
his private authority, to liberate Lafayette from the dungeons of
Olmutz, and acknowledge the French Republic by the treaty of
:

it

Campo

Formio, was more than a mere General.

with extreme reluctance that

nature of

my

subject, to point out

any

my

first

wounds

of him

insignia of the legion of honour, and

and devotion to the

fidelity

last

perious voice of truth compels

bore

my

first

arms

who decorated me with

whom

moment

me

however,

errors in the conduct of the

whom

sovereign, chief, and benefactor under

and received

It is,

myself called upon, by the

feel

the

served with constant

of his reign.

But the imand

to attribute to the influence

prejudices of General Buonaparte, at that period, the prime cause of

the failure of the third expedition for the liberation of Ireland.

The

loss of

he died
of his

in the

still

Hoche was

irreparable to the Irish cause.

Although

and his deeds, eclipsed by those

now nearly forgotten at that period

prime of his youth

greater rival, are

they were competitors in glory, and formed two opposite parties in

the army.

The Generals and

for a long time, to

men were

officers

of the two Schools continued,

view each other with

dislike.

Both these great

both eager for their personal fame, and for

and bent on raising her to an unequalled rank
amongst nations. But Hoche was an ardent and sincere Republican he could sacrifice his own hopes and prospects to the cause of
liberty, as he nobly proved, when he resigned to Daendels the command of the Texel expedition. Buonaparte always associated in
his mind the power of France and his own aggrandisement
nor
ambitious

that of France,

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

34

[1798.

could he be satisfied with her being raised to the pinnacle of power

and

was the guide of her march and the ruler

Admirably formed by nature for a great adminis-

prosperity, unless he

of her destinies.
trator

and organiser, he meditated already

in his

mind those

vast

creations which he afterwards accomplished, and which required an

unlimited authority for their execution

he loved the prompt obe-

dience and regulated order of absolute power, and

to the tumultuous

and wavering

ment, whose energy

of

its parties,

by the disunion
of persuading instead of command-

so frequently counteracted

is

and the necessity

when

scarcely disguise, even then,

it

This feeling he could

was most necessary to conceal

no man who ever rose to such power, perhaps, ever made so

Stern, reserved, and uncommunicative,

for

little

a secret dislike

felt

a Republican Govern-

In short, he never was a Republican.

ing.

it

conflicts of

use of dissimulation.

he repelled with haughty disdain the advances of the Jacobins

and the Emperor Napoleon, the future sovereign and conqueror,

might already be discerned in the plain and austere General of the
Republic.

But circumstances,

at this precise period, rendered that

the best which he could pursue.

was extinct

in

France

bit

and

head of

affairs,

bridle of a ruler.

of democracy

the People were weary of the successive

revolutions which had placed so

racters at the

The enthusiasm

conduct

many weak and

and longed

The mean and

worthless cha-

hand and the

members of the

for the firm

rapacious

Directory, who, in expelling their colleague Carnot, had driven

credit

thought to make

He was
pulse,

all

and respectability from their councils, sought support, and

this

young and popular

courted by every party.

He

chief their instrument.

felt,

however, the public

and judged that a premature attempt would be hopeless.

was then

that, giving up, for the

began to meditate a
aggrandisement

moment,

his designs in

Europe, he

brilliant project for his personal glory

in the

East

It

and

a plan to regenerate those regions, and

be the founder of a new Empire, by means of the victorious arms

of France.

This plan was only defeated by the battle of the Nile,

and the resistance of

To

St.

John d'Acre.

the enterprise against Ireland, the favourite object of Hoche,

ALT.

BUONAPARTE AND IRELAND.

35.]

and to prosecute which he was ostensibly

Though

but strong repugnance.

might

prostrate, for ever,

it

he

felt

a secret

the liberation of that country

the power of England, and raise the

Republic to the pinnacle of fortune

did not yet wish, as

recalled,

34i

would render

(a

circumstance for which he

his services needless),

no prospects of aggrandisement to him

it

it

offered

strengthened that

Republican cause which he disliked, and the principles of the Irish

leaders,

when he

investigated

the business, appeared to him too

closely allied to those of the Jacobins.

Neither did he ever

suffi-

means and importance of that country his

be seen in my father's memoirs, was slight
and inaccurate. The Directors, who began to fear him, and wished
to get rid of him, entered willingly into his views, when he proposed
to use this expedition only as a cover, and direct their real efforts to
the invasion of Egypt
It is asserted that he said, on the occasion,
" What more do you desire from the Irish ?
You see that their
movements already operate a powerful diversion." Like every
selfish view, I think this was a narrow one.
The two most miserable and oppressed countries of Europe always looked up to
Napoleon for their liberation. He never gratified their hopes yet,
by raising Ireland, he might have crushed for ever the power of
England, and, by assisting Poland, placed a curb on Russia. He
missed both objects, and finally fell under the efforts of Russia and

ciently appreciate the

knowledge of

it,

as

may

of England.

And

it

may

be observed, as a single retribution, that

an Irishman commanded the army which gave the

last

blow

to his

destinies.

When my

father

was presented to him, and attached to

as Adjutant-General, he received
into

him with cold

civility,

his

army

but entered

no communications. His plans were already formed. Ostensibly

a great force was organised on the Western Coasts of France, under

the

name

of the

Army

of

England

but the flower of the troops

were successively withdrawn and marched to the Mediterranean

the eyes of Europe were fixed on these operations, but, from their
eccentricity, their object could not

spatched, as

may be

and employed

in

be discovered.

My

father, de-

seen in his Journals, to headquarters at Rouen,

unimportant movements on the coast,

in the

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

342

bombardment of Havre, &c,

heard, with successive pangs of dis-

appointment, that Buonaparte had

he had arrived at Toulon

that he

left

Paris for the South

had embarked and

powerful expedition in the beginning of June.

remained as mysterious as

[1798.

But

sailed with a

his destination

General Kilmaine was

ever.

command

of the disorganised

whence

all

the best troops were withdrawn.

man by

birth,

relics

of the

that

left

in

army of England, from

That

an

Irish-

and one of the bravest Generals of the army of

Italy,

whose cavalry he commanded

officer,

campaigns, was, from

in the preceding

the shattered state of his health and constitution, unfit to conduct

any

active enterprise.

When Buonaparte departed from the coast of France all fortune

and conduct seemed to disappear with him from the councils of
the Republic.

The

Directors were neither cruel nor bloody, like

the Government which had

preceded them.

But the Jacobins,

though they might well be feared and hated, could not be despised.

The

rapacity of the Directors disgusted

of France

their prodigality

encouraged

its

internal

capacity disorganised

its

wasted

enemies

all

the friends and allies

resources

its

their

humbled, but not subdued.

;

and

improvidence

armies and fortresses, and

defenceless against the reviving efforts of adversaries

turned the fate of arms

weakness

their

left

in-

them

who were

Suwarrow and Prince Charles soon

Austria re-entered the

lists

and, in the

short space of about two years, the very existence of that Republic

which Hoche and Napoleon had

in jeopardy, her conquests

left

triumphing and powerful, was

were gone, her treasury was empty, her

all sides.
Such was
when the Conqueror of Egypt returned to save

armies were naked, disorganised, and flying on

the state of France

and restore

it.

In the meantime the Irish Cabinet succeeded in

its

infernal

purpose of driving the People to premature insurrection.

The

leaders of the United Irishmen had organised a plan for a general

rising.

But

traitors

were found

the gallant

arrested

capital

secured.

Nevertheless,

Kildare, Carlow, and

in their councils

Lord Edward Fitzgerald

some

the

districts

exasperated
in

they were

killed,

all

and the

peasantry

in

the North, rose in arms

AT-

A REIGN OF TERROR.

3S-]

343

against the intolerable excesses of the soldiery quartered

But these

them.

arms or

naked crowds, without

partial insurrections of

union or concert, which

leaders, without

upon

my

father

They were

so often deprecated, could lead to no result.

had

succes-

by the overpowering forces directed against them,

and the reign of terror was established without check or limitation.
The state of France, in the worst days of Robespierre, was never
more prostrate, nor did its government pursue its bloody measures
with a more unsparing hand. The whole population were abandoned to the absolute discretion of an infuriated, licentious, and
sively crushed

the meanest agents of authority exercised

control
power
without
individuals were half-hanged, whipped,
a
and picketed, to extort confession, without trial, in the very
capital, in the courts of the castle, and under the roof of the
undisciplined soldiery

Viceroy

the country blazed with

resounded with the shrieks of torture

neither age nor sex were

spared, and the bayonets of the military drove men,

children,

those

naked and houseless, to starve

who

in the

women, and

bogs and fastnesses

trusted to the faith of capitulations were surrounded

citizen,

however innocent or

and

down their arms

deem himself

slaughtered by dragoons in the very act of laying

and no

and

nightly conflagrations,

inoffensive, could

secure from informers.

The noble

resistance of the small county of

to be particularly noticed.

the Irish

It

Government about the success of

little district,

Wexford deserves

was such as to alarm

for a

moment

their measures.

That

comprising about 150,000 souls, surrounded by the

sea and mountains, and secluded from the rest of the Island, had

imbibed but a small share of the prevailing revolutionary

its

population had not

much communication with

and were remarkably quiet and happy.

Edward Hay,

that

above two hundred United Irishmen.

been deemed, from

this

more

easily,

and

its

limits,

in the districts

afford,

It

it

with less

is

stated

did

by Mr.

not contain

may, perhaps, have

very circumstance, that

could be provoked within

and prepared than

It

before the insurrection

spirit, for

their neighbours,

if

an insurrection

the People less organised

of the North would be subdued

risk,

a striking example to the

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

344

[1798.

The soldiery were let loose, and committed

some time every excess on the innocent peasantry. A noble
lord, who commanded a regiment of militia, was distinguished
by the invention of the pitched cap ;* another officer, worthy to serve
under him, by the appellation of " the Walking Gallows" 2 But
why recall facts which are engraved on the hearts and in the
rest of the Island.

for

memory

of every Irishman

At

length,

goaded to madness, the

Wexfordians, to the number of 20,000 or 30,000, rose

pikes, staves,

and scythes, and

in

two

in

arms, with

or three actions, seized on

the chief towns, and drove the soldiery out of the county.

moderation towards their persecutors,

was

as

remarkable as

bearance,

and

even

their

courage

delicate

their

in the

the

in

and

moment

Their

of victory,

Their

field.

generosity

chivalrous

who fell
The noble

towards the ladies and families of the aristocracy

was most amiable and admirable.

above mentioned, was taken, and even he was rescued by
their hands,

for-

into
lord,

their

leaders from the infliction of the pitched cap, which he so well

deserved.

In recompense, he engaged, on the close of the insur-

them

him
loose, and afterwards sat on the court-martial which condemned
them to be hanged. It required all the means and all the efforts
of the Irish Government to subdue this small district. At one
rection, to obtain a capitulation for

time they trembled

in the walls of

should penetrate there.

success,

and

it

was not

till

if

Dublin

they would

lest

let

the Wexfordians

Several battles were fought, with varied

the royal forces surrounded

sides that they broke through their toils,

them on

all

and threw themselves into

the mountains of Wicklow, where their leaders successively capitu1

[The pitched cap, " made of

linen, or thick

brown paper, was fastened with

pitch to the victim's head, and could not be torn off without tearing out the
hair, or lacerating the skin" (Lecky).

Ed.]

[Lieutenant Hepenstal, of the Wicklow militia, " was accustomed to extort

confessions by tying a rope round his prisoner's neck, flinging him over his
shoulder, and holding him thus suspended till the half-strangled victim disclosed
*

his aims.

The

epitaph written on
'

him

is

well-known

Here lie the bones of Hepenstal,

Judge, jury, gallows, rope and all'"
(Lecky). Ed.]

JET.

RISING IN WEXFORD.

35.]

Provoked and

lated.

irritated as these innocent

remarkable that only two instances of cruelty

their prisoners

345

people were,

the

it is

massacre of

Scullabogue, and on the bridge at Wexford,

at

And

occurred on their side during the insurrection.

these were

both perpetrated by runaways from their main army, whilst the

remainder were fighting.

The

indignation of the unfortunate Irish was just and extreme

against that French

them

aid,

Government which had so repeatedly promised

and now appeared to desert them

When Lord

Cornwallis,

who was

in their

utmost need.

sent shortly after to put an end

to the system of terror, which desolated the country, succeeded to

the Viceroyalty, 2,000 Volunteers from this very county of

offered their services to fight the French,

the British

Wexford

and formed the flower of

army which invaded Egypt under General Abercrombie.

Their petition, a model of native simplicity, energy, and indignarecorded in the Appendix of Hay's

tion, is

"

History of the Insur-

Wexford."
But weak and improvident as the Directory were, they must be

rection in

acquitted of the charge of betraying their

that their treasury

The

allies.

fact was,

and arsenals were empty, the flower of

their

army and navy were gone to Egpyt, the remainder were totally
disorganised in short, when the insurrection broke out in Ireland,
;

they were entirely unprepared to assist

incapacity had

suffered

peculations and

The

feelings of

everything to

it.

fall

Their indolence and

and

to decay,

their

had wasted their remaining means.

father on the occasion may be more easily

profusion

my

On the 20th of May Buonaparte had

embarked from Toulon. On the 23rd the insurrection broke out.
As the news of each arrest and of each action successively reached
conceived than expressed.

France,

my

father urged the generals

and Government to

gallant and desperate struggle of his countrymen,

them the

necessity of availing themselves of the favourable oppor-

tunity which flew so rapidly by.

without delay
wanting.

and

it

assist the

and pressed on

By

They began

their preparations

but money, arms, ammunition, and ships,

all

were

the close of June the insurrection was nearly crushed,

was not

till

the beginning of July that

my

father

was

called

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

346

[1798.

up to Paris to consult with the Ministers of the War and Navy

Departments on the organisation of a new expedition. At this
period his journal closes, and the public papers,

and a few private

lections,

letters, are

my

sole

my

mother's recol-

documents

for the

remaining events.

The plan

new expedition was

of the

tachments from several ports,

to despatch small de-

the hope of keeping up the

in

and distracting the attention of the enemy,

insurrection,

some favourable opportunity should occur

body, under General Kilmaine.

was quartered

1,000 men,

Hardy, with

up

3,000, at Brest,

quarter

sail,

first

if it

9,000,

remained

had been taken

of these expeditions was

the insurrection was completely subdued in every

the People were crushed, disarmed, disheartened, and

disgusted with their

all its

Humbert, with about

purpose at Rochelle, General

and Kilmaine, with

But, long before the

time.

in

General

this

This plan was judicious enough,

in reserve.

ready to

for

until

main

for landing the

allies,

and the

Irish

Government had

means, and was fully prepared for the encounter.

collected

Refugees

from that unfortunate country, of every character and description,

arrived

in

actions and

crowds, with their blood boiling from their

sufferings.

When

recent

they saw the slowness of the

French preparations, they exclaimed that they wanted nothing

Government would only land them

again on the coast, the People themselves, without any aid,
would suffice to reconquer their liberty. This party, more gallant
than wise, were chiefly led by an old sufferer in the cause, James
Napper Tandy. Their zeal was often indiscreet and unenlightened,
and they did more mischief than good. Napper Tandy boasted
that 30,000 men would rise in arms on his appearance, and the
but arms, and that,

if

the

Directory were puzzled by these declarations, which contradicted

my

father's constant assertion, that 10,000 or 15,000

would be absolutely necessary

The
and

final ruin

in the

of the expedition was hurried

indiscretion of a brave but imprudent

This anecdote, which

is

French troops

beginning of the contest.

not generally known,

by the precipitancy

and ignorant
is

officer.

a striking instance

of the disorder, indiscipline, and disorganisation which began to

*T-

3S .]

prevail in the

HUMBERTS EXPEDITION.

347

Humbert, a gallant

soldier of fortune,

French army.

but whose heart was better than his head, impatient of the delays
of his Government, and fired by the recitals of the Irish refugees,

determined to begin the enterprise on his

own

and
Towards the

responsibility,

thus oblige the Directory to second or to desert him.

middle of August, calling the merchants and magistrates of Rochelle,

he forced them to advance a small sum of money and

wanted on military requisition

all

that he

and, embarking on board a few

and transports, with 1,000 men, 1,000 spare muskets, 1,000

guineas, and a few pieces of artillery, he compelled the Captains to
set sail for the most desperate attempt which is perhaps recorded
frigates

Three Irishmen accompanied him

in history.

Tone

Bartholomew Teeling, of Lisburn

1

my uncle, Matthew

and Sullivan, nephew

whose name is often mentioned in the [Autobiography].

On the 22nd of August they made the coast of Connaught, and,
landing in the Bay of Killala, immediately stormed and occupied
to Madgett,

that

little

town.

Strange and desperate as was this enterprise, had

it

been prose-

was begun, it
might have succeeded, and Humbert, an obscure and uneducated
soldier, have effected a revolution, and crowned his name with
cuted with the same spirit and vivacity with which

immortal glory.

The

insurrection

it

was scarcely appeased, and

embers might soon have been blown into a flame

its

but, landing in

a distant, wild, and isolated corner of the island, instead of pressing

[Bartholomew Teeling (b. 1774, d. 1798) distinguished himself in Humbert's
expedition by his bravery and humanity. After the defeat of the English at
Castlebar (ante, p. 6), he was the bearer of a flag of truce to General Lake.
1

" You,
His escort was fired on and killed, and he himself taken prisoner.
said General Lake, " are an Irishman.
I shall treat you as a rebel.
Why have you been selected by General Humbert on this occasion?" Teeling replied with dignity, " In order to convey the proposed terms of truce to
you in language which you can understand
and as to your menace, you
cannot be ignorant that you left many British officers prisoners at Castlebar."
General Hutchinson interposed, apologising to Teeling for the conduct of the
troops in firing on the flag of truce, and begging that it might be attributed
to laxity of discipline at a moment of excitement.
Teeling was then sent
back to the French lines. After the surrender at Ballinamuck, he was claimed
by Lake as a British subject. Humbert remonstrated, but in vain. Teeling
was taken to Dublin, tried by court-martial, and hanged. Ed.]
sir,"

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

348

[1798.

rapidly at once, as he was strongly advised, to the mountains of

Ulster, the centre of the United Irish organisation,

and

calling the

people to arms, he amused himself during a fortnight in drilling the

who

peasantry of the neighbourhood,

flocked to his standard, and

enjoying the hospitality of the Bishop of Killala.

That

prelate

rendered a most signal service to the Irish Government by thus

At

detaining the French General.

the battle of Castlebar he

defeated a numerous corps, which had been directed in

against

him under General Lake.

but cannot vouch

On

for the authenticity of the

soon as his Irish auxiliaries had

fired their

all

haste

have heard

this occasion, I

anecdote

that

as

muskets, they flung

them away as useless, and rushed to 'the charge with their pikes.
For a few days a general panic prevailed but the Viceroy, Cornwallis, marched in person
all the forces of the kingdom were put
in motion, and Humbert was speedily surrounded and confined
behind the Shannon by twenty times his numbers. At length he
perceived the trap into which he had fallen, and attempted what
he should have done at first to force his way over that river, and
throw himself into the mountains of the North. But encircled, on
the 8th of September, at Ballinamuck by an entire army, his small
;

band, after a gallant resistance, were compelled to lay

The French were

arms.

exchanged
cruelties

received

their

to composition, and shortly

but the Irish were slaughtered without mercy, and the

afterwards exercised

render the

remote

down

name

districts

of General

on the unresisting peasantry

will

Lake remembered for ages in those

Of the Irish who had accompanied

of Connaught.

Humbert, Sullivan escaped under the disguise of a Frenchman, and

Matthew Tone and Teeling were brought

and

in irons to Dublin, tried,

executed.

The news

of

Humbert's attempt, as

may

well be imagined,

threw the Directory into the greatest perplexity.

determined, however, to hurry
at least the division of General

as possible.

The

all

Hardy

report of his

They

their preparations,

first

instantly

and sent

off

to second his efforts as soon

advantages, which shortly

reached them, augmented their ardour and accelerated their movements.

But such was the

state of the

French navy and arsenals,

JET.

35.]

that

it

GENERAL HARDY.

was not

349

September that

until the 20th of

tion, consisting of one sail of the line

expedi-

this small

and eight

under

frigates,

Commodore Bompart, and 3,000 men under General Hardy, was

sailing.
The news of Humbert's defeat had not yet

ready for

reached France.
Paris

was then crowded with

Irish emigrants, eager for action.

In the papers of to-day, and in later productions,

mentioned that no fewer than twenty-four United

embarked

in

General Hardy's expedition

of the United Irish in Paris,

The mass

erroneous.

and

is

specified

have seen

it

Irish leaders

and Lewines, an agent

by name.

This account

is

of the United Irishmen embarked in a small

Napper Tandy

fast-sailing boat, with

They

at their head.

reached, on the 16th of September, the Isle of Rathlin, on the north-

west coast of Ireland, where they heard of Humbert's disaster

they merely spread some proclamations, and escaped to Norway.

Three Irishmen only accompanied

he alone was embarked

my

Hardy's

father in

the Admiral's

in

vessel

the

flotilla

Hoche

the others were on board the frigates.

and MacGuire, two brave officers,

service,

and a

friend Russell,
fore,

These were Mr. T. Corbett

who have since died in the French

third gentleman, connected

who

be improper

in

is

yet living, and whose

me

by marriage with his

name it would, there-

to mention.

In Curran's Life, by his son,

I find

an anecdote mentioned which

must have been derived from the authority of

is

this

gentleman.

It

stated that on the night previous to the sailing of the expedition

a question rose amongst the United Irishmen engaged in

in case of their falling into the

it

whether,

enemy's hands, they should

suffer

themselves to be put to death, according to the sentence of the law,

or anticipate their fate

by

their

own hands

tained, with his usual eloquence

view

in

which he had ever considered

justifiable

that one of the

considerations,

it

murder, the Irish

That Mr. Tone mainin no point of

suicide,

he could hold

company suggested

that,

from

it

to be

political

would be better not to relieve, by any act of selfGovernment from the discredit in which numerous

executions would involve

proved.

and animation, that

This anecdote

did not understand

my

is

it

an

idea which Mr.

substantially correct

father.

Tone highly ap-

but the gentleman

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

35

At
and

[1798.

the period of this expedition he was hopeless of

in

its

success

the deepest despondency at the prospect of Irish

affairs.

Such was the wretched

his departure

Government, that before

indiscretion of the

he read himself,

Bien Inform^ a Paris news-

in the

own

paper, a detailed account of the whole armament, where his

name was mentioned

in

letters,

full

with the circumstance of his

being embarked on board the Hoche.

hope of

secrecy.

He

had

all

There was,

therefore,

no

along deprecated the idea of those

attempts on a small

scale.
But he had also declared repeatedly
Government sent only a corporal's guard, he felt it his
duty to go along with them. He saw no chance of Kilmaine's
large expedition being ready in any space of time, and therefore
determined to accompany Hardy. His resolution was, however,
deliberately and inflexibly taken, in case he fell into the hands of

that

if

the

He

the enemy, never to suffer the indignity of a public execution.

did not consider this as suicide

an act which,
but merely

regarded as a weakness or frenzy

mode

And, indeed,

of his death.

in usual cases,

his constitutional

and nervous

sensitiveness at the slightest idea of personal indignity

sufficed to determine
It

was at dinner,

little

in

him never

our

own

to bear the touch of

my

house, and in

would have

an executioner.

mother's presence, a

before leaving Paris, that the gentleman above mentioned

proposed that the Irish should leave to the Government

shame and odium of

ludicrous,
"

he

as choosing the

and he applauded

say nothing more

The

their execution.
it

highly.

you never spoke

after the gentleman's departure,

"

My

idea struck

the

all

him

as

dear friend," he said,

better in your

life."

And

he laughed very heartily at his

idea of shaming the Irish Government by allowing himself to be

hanged, adding that he did not at

all

understand people mooting

the point whether they should or should not choose their

own

That he would never

please God, they should never have his

deaths, or consulting on such an occasion.

advise others, but that, "

poor bones to pick."

at

Brest,

This conversation

but such were certainly

my

may have been

father's

feelings

repeated

on the

subject

At length, about the 20th of September,

1798, that fatal expedition

LAST EXPEDITION TO IRELAND.

JET. 35.]

from the Bay of Camaret.

set sail

the British

frigates

and Biche, schooner, and

To avoid

aviso.

Bompart, an excellent seaman, took a large sweep

fleets,

and then to the north-east,

to the westward,

of the Hoche (74),

Embuscade, Immortalite, Romaine,

Loire, Resolue, Bellone, Coquille,

and Semillante,

It consisted

351

in order to bear

down

on the northern coast of Ireland, from the quarter whence a French

would be

force

winds, and

least expected.

appears that his

it

He

met, however, with contrary

was scattered

flotilla

for,

on the

10th of October, after twenty days' cruise, he arrived off the entry

of Loch Swilly, with the Hoche, the Loire, the Resolue, and the

He was

Biclie.

morning,
troops,

nth

instantly signalled,

he perceived the squadron of Sir John Borlase Warren, con-

one razee of sixty guns, and two

sisting of six sail of the line,

bearing

down upon

There was no chance of escape

him.

Bompart gave

and heavy man-of-war.

and schooner to
to

honour the

retreat

At

French
"

that

country and liberty by a desperate but

moment

officers all supplicated

Our

prisoners of

instant signals to the frigates

a boat

contest

war

my

father to

to stand

and

my

but what will become of you

and

see

country

fall

it

He

"

with the ship.

mentioned

in

"

"

we
"

be

will

Shall

it

be

French were fighting the

The Biche accomplished

her escape

late publications that other

This

Irishmen

fact is incorrect

one of them would have done so and besides,

only Irishman on board the Hoche.
British

The

off.

refused their offers, and determined

availed themselves of that occasion.

The

to get

Biclie for

embark on board of

hopeless," they observed

is

said," replied he, " that I fled whilst the

battles of

came from the

That ship had the best chance

his last orders.

frigates

for the large

through shallow water, and prepared alone

flag of his

hopeless defence.

her.

and on the break of day next

of October, before he could enter the bay or land his

my

father

Admiral despatched two men-of-war, the

not

was the

razee,

and

a frigate after the Loire and Resolue, and the Hoche was soon sur-

rounded by four

sail of the line and a frigate, and began one of the

most obstinate and desperate engagements which have ever been
fought on the ocean. During six hours she sustained the fire of a
whole fleet, till her masts and rigging were swept away, her scuppers

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

352

wounded

flowed with blood, her

ribs

yawned

hold, her rudder

on the waters

was carried

her

reply with a single

sails

off,

the cock-pit, her shattered

filled

each new stroke and

at

let in five feet

and she

of water in the

wreck

floated a dismantled

and cordage hung

in shreds,

gun from her dismounted

At

abating cannonade of the enemy.

[1798.

nor could she

batteries to the un-

The

length she struck.

Resolue and Loire were soon reached by the English fleet

former was
defence.
frigates,

in

a sinking condition

The

the

she made, however, an honourable

Loire sustained three attacks, drove off the English

and had almost

effected her escape

at length,

engaged by

the Anson, razee of sixty guns, she struck, after an action of three

Of

hours, entirely dismasted.

the other frigates, pursued in

and Embuscade, were

directions, the Bellone, Immortalite, Coquille,

taken,

all

and the Romaine and Semillante, through a thousand

dangers, reached separate ports in France.

During the action

my

father

commanded one of the batteries,

who returned to France,

and, according to the report of the officers

fought with the utmost desperation, and as

When

if

he was courting death.

the ship struck, confounded with the other

officers,

he was

not recognised for some time, for he had completely acquired the

language and appearance of a Frenchman.

dispersed in every direction

nor was

it

till

The two

fleets

some days

were

later that

Loch Swilly, and the prisoners landed

Letterkenny. Yet rumours of his being on board

the HocJie was brought into

and marched to
must have been

was public at
and
the action

circulated, for the fact

was thought he had been

killed in

Paris.

am

But

it

willing

to believe that the British officers, respecting the valour of a fallen

enemy, were not earnest

length a gentleman well

in

investigating the point.

known

in the

It

was

at

county Derry as a leader of

the Orange party, and one of the chief magistrates in that neigh-

who had been his fellow-student in

Trinity College and knew his person, who undertook the task
It is known that in Spain grandees and
of discovering him.

bourhood, Sir George

Hill,

noblemen of the first rank pride themselves in the functions of

it remained
familiars, spies, and informers of the Holy Inquisition
The French officers were
for Ireland to offer a similar example.
;

^ET.

ARREST OF TONE.

3S-]

353

invited to breakfast with the Earl of Cavan,

that

My

district.

father sat undistinguished

who commanded in
amongst them, when

George Hill entered the room, followed by police officers.

Looking narrowly at the company, he singled out the object of his
Sir

search, and, stepping

all

George,

Mr. Tone,

am

very happy

Instantly rising, with the utmost composure, and dis-

to see you."

daining

said, "

up to him,

useless attempts at concealment,

am happy

to see

you

how

my

are

father replied, " Sir

Lady

Hill

and your

room by the police officers, an

It was filled with military, and
one General Lavau, who commanded them, ordered him to be
family?"

Beckoned

into the next

unexpected indignity awaited him.

on leaving Ireland to enter the French

ironed, declaring that, as

service he

had not renounced

his oath of allegiance,

and should be punished as a

subject of Britain,

he remained a
Seized

traitor.

with a momentary burst of indignation at such unworthy treatment

and cowardly cruelty to a prisoner of war, he flung off his uniform,

and cried, " These fetters shall never degrade the revered insignia
of the free nation which

calm, he offered his limbs to the irons,

exclaimed, " For the cause which

to wear these chains than if

garter of England."
this

extreme, and,

Resuming then his usual

and when they were fixed he

have served."

have embraced,

I feel

prouder

were decorated with the star and

The friends of Lord Cavan have asserted that

will add,

unmanly and ungenerous

severity,

was

provoked by his outrageous behaviour when he found he was not

to have the privileges of a prisoner of war.

This supposition

is

not

only contradicted by the whole tenor of his character and his subsequent deportment, but no other instances of

have ever been

it

specified than those noble replies to the taunts of General

Of

the latter

Lavau.

know nothing but these anecdotes, recorded in the

If, as his name seems to indicate, he was a

papers of the day.

French emigrant, the coincidence was curious and

his

conduct the

less excusable.

Another version of this

in the

London

recognised by,
to

make
VOL.

II.

New
or,

himself

story,

which

Monthly Magazine,

have seen,

for the first time,

states that

Mr. Tone was

according to another account, had the imoudence

known

to an old acquaintance at

24

Lord Cavan's

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

354

who

table,

speedily informed his lordship of the guest

The

his board.

first

reached us in France
the two stories
Sir

circumstantial account
but, in

very

is

George Hill gave

same Magazine

my

trifling.

It

is

who

sat at

the one which

opinion, the difference between

regards only the fashion in which

in his information.

From Letterkenny he was

the

[1798.

hurried to Dublin without delay.

find that, contrary to usual custom,

In

he was

conveyed during the whole route, fettered and on horseback, under

Of this

an escort of dragoons.

During

before.

ance, amidst the rude soldiery,

his

further indignity

had never heard

journey the unruffled serenity of his counten-

this

and under the awe-struck gaze of

countrymen, excited universal admiration.

Recognising

acquaintance

how

"

There," said he, "

well she looks!"

On

is

my

in

group of females, which thronged the windows, a young lady of

his

old friend Miss Beresford

he was immured

his arrival

in

the

Provost's prison, in the barracks of Dublin, under the charge of the

notorious Major Sandys, a

cruelty will

man whose

insolence, rapacity,

long be remembered in that

city,

instrument of the faction which then ruled

their patronage, a despotic authority within

Though

it,

its

and

where, a worthy

he enjoyed, under

precincts.

the reign of terror was drawing to a close, and Lord

Cornwallis had restored some appearance of legal order and regular

administration in the kingdom, a prisoner of such importance to
the Irish Protestant ascendency party, as the founder and leader of

the United Irish Society, and the most formidable of their adversaries,

law.
tions

was not

Though

to be trusted to the delays

were instantly made

But before

nature of his defence,

it

martial.

him summarily before a courttrial, and of the

be necessary to remove some erroneous

for trying

give an account of this

will

impressions on these subjects which

Curran's Life,

by

his son,

ments of the London

in both these works
studies,

and common forms of

the Court of King's Bench was then sitting, prepara-

New
is,

and

in

have seen stated, both

the very

Monthly Magazine.

that from

my

fair

and

liberal

in

com-

prevailing notion

father's early dislike to legal

and inaccurate acquaintance with the English

laws, he

considered his French commission as a protection, and pleaded

it

XX-

BEFORE

35.]

in his defence.

It is

TRIAL.

355

impossible to read his speech on the

trial,

and

Though he used to laugh at his little proficiency

in legal lore, he knew perfectly well that the course he had deliberately taken, subjected him to the utmost severity of the British laws.
Nor was he ignorant that, by the custom of the land, and the very
preserve this idea.

tenor of those laws, his

He

trial,

as

Crown

was conducted, was

it

never was legally condemned

(not of Britain, but of Ireland), he

kingdom

in that

was not a military man

he had taken no military oath, and of course

him had no power

the court-martial which tried

to

which belonged to the regular criminal

his case,

was sunk

his heart

informal.

though a subject of the

for,

pronounce on

But

tribunals.

despair at the total failure of his hopes,

in

and he did not wish to survive them. To die with honour was
his only wish, and his only request to be shot like a soldier.
For
purpose

this

martial,
his

life,

he preferred

and proffered

himself

to

be tried

by a

court-

French commission, not to defend

his

but as a proof of his rank, as he stated himself on the

trial.

If further proof

of his

fate,

my father

were required that

was perfectly aware

own

according to the English law, his

Journals, written

during the Bantry Bay expedition, afford an incontestable one.

{See Journal of

be a mild one

will not

emigre
action

December

rentri, unless I

for

the best

may

we

can expect

are taken,
is

my

fate

to be shot as an

the good fortune to be killed in the

have

most assuredly,

Perhaps

for us.

" If

26, 1796.)

if

the

enemy

be reserved

for

ing terror into others, in which case

will

have

trial, for

I shall

us,

he must fight

the sake of strik-

be hanged as a

traitor,

and embowelled, &c. As to the embowelling, Je irien fiche! If ever

they hang me, they are welcome to embowel me if they please.
These are pleasant prospects
Nothing on earth could sustain me
'

now but

the consciousness that

am engaged

in

a just and righteous

cause."

But

my

father also

knew

that political considerations will often

supersede the letter of the laws.

had

The only chance on which he

formerly relied was, that the French Government would

interfere,

and claim him with

all its

power and

credit

to that,

and

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

356

to threats of severe retaliation, he

would

as

yield,

knew

[1798.

that the British Cabinet

they did about a year afterwards in the case

of Napper Tandy.

curious fact, and which is not generally

known, perhaps, even to that gallant soldier himself, is, that
Sir Sidney Smith was detained by Carnot in the Temple, for

that very purpose, like a prisoner of state, rather than a prisoner

of war.

The time of my

appointed to

officers

At

orders.

length,

was deferred a few days, by the

on the court-martial, receiving marching

father's trial
sit

on Saturday, November

10, 1798,

new

court

was assembled, consisting of General Loftus, who performed the

functions of President, Colonels Vandeleur, Daly, and Wolfe, Major
Armstrong, and a Captain Curran Mr. Paterson performed the
;

functions of

At an

Judge Advocate.

early hour the neighbourhood of the barracks

with eager and anxious spectators.

As soon

thrown open, they rushed

filled

in

and

was crowded

as the doors were

every corner

of the

hall.

Tone appeared in the uniform of a Chef de Brigade (Colonel).

The firmness and cool serenity of his whole deportment gave to the
awe-struck assembly the measure of his soul. Nor could his bitterest
enemies, whatever they deemed of his political principles, and of the
necessity of striking a great example,

deny him the praise of

deter-

mination and magnanimity.

The members of

the Court having taken the usual oath, the

Judge Advocate proceeded to inform the prisoner that the courtmartial before which he stood was appointed, by the Lord Lieutenant of the kingdom, to try whether he had or had not acted
traitorously

and

against his Majesty, to whom, as a

owed all allegiance, from the very fact of
kingdom.
And, according to the usual form, he
hostilely

natural born subject, he

his birth in that

called

upon him

Tone.

wish to
all

to plead guilty or not guilty.

mean not
spare them the
" I

to give the Court

idle task of

any

useless trouble,

examining witnesses.

and

admit

the facts alleged, and only request leave to read an address,

which

have prepared

for this occasion."

Col.

BY

TRIAL

JET. 35 .]

Daly.

" I

COURT-MARTIAL.

must warn the

357

acknowledging

prisoner, that, in

those facts, he admits to his prejudice that he has acted traitorously

"
Is such his intention ?
against his Majesty.
"

Tone.

means,

Stripping this charge of the technicality of

presume, by the word

arms against the

in
I

admit

traitorously,' that

'

my

soldiers of the King, in

most extended

this accusation in its

terms,

its

it

have been found

native country.

sense,

and request

again to explain to the Court the reasons and motives of

my

conduct."

The Court then observed

that they would hear his address, pro-

He

vided he confined himself within the bounds of moderation.

rose,
"

and began

in these

words

Mr. President, and Gentlemen of the Court-Martial,

mean

not to give you the trouble of bringing judicial proof to convict me,
legally, of

having acted

youth

admit the

fact.

lasted, this

it

and

mind has been confirmed

every fact before

felt

convinced that,

country could never be free nor happy.

in this

my

In consequence,

eyes.

the powers, which

my

My

opinion by the experience of every

succeeding year, and the conclusions which

all

his

From my earliest

have regarded the connection between Ireland and Great

Britain as the curse of the Irish nation,

whilst

Government of

hostility to the

in

Britannic Majesty in Ireland.

have drawn from

determined to apply

individual efforts could move, in order to

separate the two countries.

"

That Ireland was not

knew.

able, of herself, to

therefore sought for aid wherever

honourable poverty

it

throw off the yoke,

was to be found.

rejected offers, which, to a

man

cumstances, might be considered highly advantageous.

faithful to

what

thought the cause of

my

my

cir-

remained

country, and sought in

the French Republic an ally to rescue three millions of

men from "...

The President

in
I

In

my country-

here interrupted the prisoner, observing that this

language was neither relevant to the charge, nor such as ought to

be delivered

in

(the

One member said it seemed calcuminds of a certain description of people

a public court.

lated only to inflame the

United Irishmen), many of

whom

might probably be present,

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

358

[1798.

and that therefore the Court ought not to suffer it. The Judge
Advocate said he thought that if Mr. Tone meant this paper to be

way of extenuation, it must have a

any of the foregoing part was suffered to

laid before his Excellency, in

quite contrary effect

if

remain.

urge this topic no further since

" I shall

Tone.

it

seems disagree-

able to the Court, but shall proceed to read the few words which

remain."

"If the remainder of your address, Mr. Tone, is

of the same complexion with what you have already read, will you
Gen. Loftus.

moment in

not hesitate for a

opinion of the Court

" I

Tone.

proceeding, since youhave learned the

"
?

believe there

is

me

nothing in what remains for

say which can give any offence.

and gratitude towards the Catholic

mean
body

to express
in

my

to

feelings

whose cause

was

engaged."
"

Gen. Loftus.

to have nothing to say to the charge

That seems

against you, to which only you are to speak.

If

you have any-

thing to offer in defence or extenuation of that charge the Court

will

hear you

but they beg that you

will confine yourself to that

subject."

myself to some points relative to

connection with the French army. Attached to no party in the
" I shall, then, confine

Tone.

my

French Republic without

interest,

my

the openness and integrity of

confidential rank

in its armies.

without money, without intrigue,

views raised

Executive Directory, the approbation of

to

add the esteem and

affection of

review these circumstances

I feel

my

inflict,

can ever deprive

me

to a high

and

my

Generals, and

venture

When

brave comrades.

a secret and internal consolation

which no reverse of fortune, no sentence

to

me

obtained the confidence of the

in the

power of

Court

this

of or weaken in any degree.

Under

the flag of the French Republic I originally engaged with a view

to save

and

liberate

my own

country.

For that purpose

encountered the chances of war amongst strangers

pose
I

knew

have repeatedly braved the

it

have

for that pur-

terrors of the ocean, covered, as

to be, with the triumphant

fleets

of that Power which

it

MT.

ADDRESS TO THE COURT.

35.]

my

was

my

glory and

views in

life

have courted poverty

duty to oppose.

whom

unprotected, and children

a cause which

sacrifices, in

as the cause of justice

day, to add,
"

to

But

it

a beloved wife

left

After such

adored, fatherless.

and freedom

my

is

it

no great

effort, at this

life.'

said that this unfortunate country has been a prey

sorts of horrors.

sincerely lament

be remembered that

have been absent four years from

all

may

hear

have

my

sacrificed all

have always conscientiously considered

the sacrifice of

'

have

359

it.

beg, however,

it

Ire-

land.

To me

by

and open war, to procure the separation of the two counFor open war I was prepared but if, instead of that, a

fair

tries.

these sufferings can never be attributed.

designed,

system of private assassination has taken place,

plore

it,

that

it is

not chargeable on me.

repeat, whilst

Atrocities,

it

de-

seems, have

been committed on both sides. I do not less deplore them I detest

them from my heart and to those who know my character and
;

sentiments,

them
"

may safely appeal

need no

In a cause like

this,

of the vulgar fixes

ciusko
"

With

for the truth of this assertion.

justification.

success

its

its

Success in the eyes

everything.

Washington succeeded, and Kos-

merits.

failed.

After a combat nobly sustained, a combat which would have

excited the respect and sympathy of a generous enemy,

my

fate

become a prisoner. To the eternal disgrace of those who

gave the order, I was brought hither in irons like a felon. I men-

was

to

tion this for the sake of others

aware of the

fate

for

me

am

indifferent to

it

am

which awaits me, and scorn equally the tone of

complaint and that of supplication.

"

As

repeat
actions

to the connection
it,

reflection

all
I

between

country and Great Britain,

mewords,

that has been imputed to

here deliberately avow.

and on

principle,

and

Whatever be the sentence of

members

this

am

this

and

have spoken and acted with

ready to meet the consequences.

Court

will surely discharge their

writings,

am

duty

prepared for

I shall

it.

Its

take eare not to

be wanting to mine."
This speech was pronounced in a tone so magnanimous, so

full

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

3<5o

[1798.

of a noble and calm serenity as seemed deeply and visibly to affect

all its

members of the Court not excepted.

hearers, the

sued of some continuance, and silence reigned in the hall

Tone

rupted by

himself,

who

inquired whether

it

pause entill

inter-

was not usual to

?
The Judge
Advocate answered, that the voices of the Court would be collected
without delay, and the result transmitted forthwith to the Lord
Lieutenant If the prisoner therefore had any further observations

assign an interval between the sentence and execution

now was

to make,

" I

Tone.

the moment.

wish to

offer

a few words relative to one single point

to the mode of punishment.

In France, our Emigre's,

nearly in the same situation in which

you, are

judge

condemned

me

to be shot.

now

who

me

be shot by a platoon of

request this indulgence, rather in consideration of

the uniform which

wear, the uniform of a Chef de Brigade in the

French army, than from any personal regard to myself

to evince

my

claim to this favour,

the trouble to peruse

French army.
ceived

them

bond fide an

as a

mask
"

beg that the Court

commission and

letters

to cover me, but that

French

You must

may

take

have not

re-

have been long and

service."

feel that

the papers you allude to

undeniable proofs against you."

Oh

/ know it well I have already admitted

now admit the papers as full proofs of conviction."
The papers were then examined they consisted of a

and

In order

of service in the

appear from these papers that

It will

Judge Advocate.
"

my

officer in the

will serve as

Tone.

stand

stand before

ask that the Court should ad-

the death of a soldier, and let

grenadiers.

suppose

the facts,

brevet of

Chef de Brigade from the Directory, signed by the Minister of War,

letter of service, granting to him the rank of Adjutant-General,

of a

and of a passport.
General Lo/tus.
in the

"

In those papers you are designated as serving

army of England."

Tone.

" I

did serve in that

army when

Buonaparte, by Desaix, and by Kilmaine,

man.

But

it

who

have also served elsewhere."

was commanded by
is, as I am, an IrishRequested if he had

anything further to observe, he said that nothing more occurred to

MT.

SENTENCED TO DEATH.

35-]

him, except that the sooner his Excellency's approbation of their

He

sentence was obtained the better.

if it

would consider

it

as a favour

could be obtained in an hour.

General Loftus then observed that the Court would undoubtedly

submit to the Lord Lieutenant the address which he had read to

them, and also the subject of his last demand.
the address he, however, took care to efface

all

In transmitting

that part of

it

which

he would not allow to be read, and which contained the dying

speech and

last

words of the

first

apostle of Irish union and martyr

Lord Cornwallis refused the

and he was sentenced to die the death of

of Irish liberty to his countrymen.

demand

last

of

my

father,

on the 12th of November.

traitor in forty-eight hours,

cruelty he had foreseen

for

This

England, from the days of Llewelyn of

Wales, and Wallace of Scotland, to those of Tone and Napoleon,

has never shown mercy or generosity to a fallen enemy.
in perfect coolness

and

self-possession,

He

then,

determined to execute his

purpose, and anticipate their sentence.

The next day was passed

in a

kind of stupor.

tus

cloud of por-

awe seemed to hang over the city of Dublin the apparaof military and despotic authority was everywhere displayed

tentous

no man dared to
citizens to betray,

terror

trust his

next neighbour, nor one of the pale

by look or word,

which prevailed

Rome, during the

in Paris,

his feelings or

The

sympathy.

under the Rule of the Jacobins, or

and the Triumand under the reigns of Tiberius, Nero, Caligula, and Domitian, was never deeper or more universal than that of Ireland at this
in

proscriptions of Marius, Sylla,

viri,

fatal

and shameful period.

It

was, in short, the feeling which

made

Union and in the

extinction of their name as a nation. Of the numerous friends of my
father, and of those who had shared in his political principles and
career, some had perished on the scaffold, others rotted in dungeons,
and the remainder dreaded, by the slightest mark of recognition,

the People, soon after, passively acquiesce in the

to be involved in his fate.

One

noble exception deserves to be

recorded.

John Philpot Curran, the celebrated orator and

attached himself in his political career to the

Whig

patriot,

party

had

but his

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

362

theoretical principles

went much

And when

farther.

cularly at the

of the

trial

counsel, he

point

the march of

when the perseknow that in the years 1794 and 1795, and partiDrogheda Assizes in the former year, and on occasion

the Administration to despotism was pronounced

cution began

[1798.

of Bird and Hamill, where they were both employed as

opened

his

mind

to

my

father

and that on the main

on the necessity of breaking the connection with England

Curran prudently and properly confined himself to

they agreed.

those legal exertions at the bar, where his talents were so eminently

an imperishable monument to his own

useful,

and where he

and to

his country's fame.

place and one

heard.

He

man

left

It

was well that there remained one

through which the truth might sometimes be

avoided committing himself

United Irishmen

in the

Councils of the

but had the project of liberating Ireland suc-

ceeded, he would have been amongst the foremost to hail and

join her independence.

On

this occasion, joining his

efforts

to

those of M. Peter Burrowes, he nobly exerted himself to save his

friend.

The

sentence of

my father

was evidently

illegal.

Curran knew,

however, very well that by bringing the case before the proper

bunal the result would ultimately be the same

tri-

that he could not be

But then the delays of the law might be brought in play,

and the all-important point of gaining time would be obtained.
The French Government could not in honour but interfere, and the
acquitted.

case,

my

from a mere

legal,

would become a

political one.

In politics

had many adversaries, but few personal enemies in

life he was generally beloved and respected
his moderation, too, was known and appreciated by those who
feared a revolution, and trusted to him as a mediator if such an
father

private and public

event was to take place.

In short,

it

did not appear a matter of

him by some agreement with

the Government. Determined to form a bar for his defence, and
bring the case before the Court of King's Bench, then sitting, and
presided by Lord Kilwarden, a man of the purest and most beneimpossibility to have finally saved

who always tempered justice with mercy, Curran

whole day of the nth to raise a subscription for

volent virtue, and

endeavoured the

WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS; CURRAN.

JET. 35.]

But

this purpose.

from

his

own

had closed every door

terror

them wealthy, no one dared

On

to proceed alone.

among

even

lips that

and

have

the Catholic leaders,

many

it

of
Curran then determined

to subscribe.

comment can be exThose men had

circumstance no

this

363

pected from the son of Theobald Wolfe Tone.

behaved nobly towards him

The

universal dread

On
tion),

former times almost as perilous.

in

must be

their excuse.

November

the next day, 12th of

pressive to the highest

day fixed for his execuBench was awful and im-

(the

the scene in the Court of King's

As soon

degree.

as

advanced, leading the aged father of Tone,

affidavit that his

son had been brought before a bench of

and sentenced to death.

calling itself a court-martial,

But

men.

is

it is

Mr. Tone

" that

pretend," said Curran,

of which he

accused.

presume the

whilst the Court of King's

Bench

officers

were honourable

In times

man was opposed

in

man

to

and therefore no
any crime imputed to him

sat in the capacity of the great

criminal court of the land.

do not

not guilty of the charges

his Majesty,

court-martial could have cognisance of

endured

is

" I

his

officers,

stated in this affidavit, as a solemn fact, that Mr.

Tone had no commission under

this

opened, Curran

it

who produced

the

but every law authority

when war was

field,
is

raging,

when

courts-martial might be

with me, whilst

stand upon

sacred and immutable principle of the Constitution, that

and that the former

martial law and civil law are incompatible,

must cease with the existence of the

the time for arguing this

appear

in this court.

be ordered

He

momentous
is

This

question.

not,

is

My

and move

address you.

I call

for a habeas corpus, to

however,

client

cast for death this very day.

for execution whilst

to support the law,

latter.

must

He may

on the Court

be directed to

the Provost-Marshal of the barracks of Dublin and Major Sandys,

to bring

up the body of Tone."

Chief Justice.
Curran.

"

My

Chief Justice.

"

Have

a writ instantly prepared."

client

may

"

Sheriff,

Mr.

die whilst the writ

is

preparing."

proceed to the barracks and ac-

quaint the Provost- Marshal that a writ

is

preparing to suspend Mr.

Tone's execution, and see that he be not executed."

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

364

The Court

awaited, in a state of the utmost agitation and sus-

pense, the return of the Sheriff.

"

My

Lord,

He

speedily appeared, and said,

have been to the barracks,

The Provost-Marshal

order.

[1798-

pursuance of your

in

says he must obey Major Sandys.

Major Sandys says he must obey Lord Cornwallis." Mr. Curran

announced at the same time that Mr. Tone, the father, was just
returned, after serving the habeas corpus, and that General Craig

The Chief Justice exclaimed, " Mr. Sheriff,

body of Tone into custody take the Provost-Marshal and

would not obey

take the

it.

Major Sandys into custody, and show the order of the Court to
General Craig."

The

general impression was

now

that the prisoner would be led

out to execution in defiance of the Court

This apprehension was

countenance of Lord Kilwarden, a

legible in the

man who,

in the

worst of times, preserved a religious respect for the laws, and

besides,

may

add,

for the prisoner,

felt

whom

who

every personal feeling of pity and respect

he had formerly contributed to shield from

the vengeance of Government on an occasion almost as perilous.

His

agitation, according to the expression of

an eye-witness, was

magnificent.

The

He

Sheriff returned at length with the fatal news.

been refused admittance

in the barracks,

had

but was informed that

Mr. Tone, who had wounded himself dangerously the night before,

was not

in

surgeon,

who had

a condition to be

removed.

closed the wound,

was

there was no saying for four days whether

head was to be kept

him

in

it

emigrant

and declared

was mortal.

His

one position, and a sentinel was

set over

him

at once.

to prevent his speaking.

The Chief

French

called in,

Removal would

Justice instantly ordered

kill

a rule for suspending the

execution.
I

must

close of

collect

my

my

father's

strength to give the remaining details of the

life.

The

secrets of a State prison,

and of

such a prison as were those of Dublin at that period, are seldom

penetrated,

meagre.

and the

As

facts

which have reached us are few and

soon as he learned the refusal of his

last request, his

determination was taken, with the same resolution and coolness

JET.

LETTER TO THE FRENCH DIRECTORY.

35.]

which he exhibited during the whole transaction.

365

In order to

spare the feelings of his parents and friends, he refused to see any

and requested only the use of writing

one,

10th and

ith of

November he addressed

During the

materials.

the Directory, the Minister

of Marine, General Kilmaine, and Mr. Shee, in France, and several

of his friends in Ireland, to

recommend

his family to their care.

here insert a translation of his letter to the Directory, the only one
of which

we obtained a

"

copy.

From the Provost's

" 20th

Brumaire, 7th year of the Republic,

"

"

Prison, Dublin,

{November

10, 1798.)

The Adjutant-General Theobald Wolfe Tone {called Smith),

Executive Directory of the French Republic.
"

Citizen Directors,

mined not to respect

my

summoned me before a
In those circumstances

to the

The English Government having deter-

rights as a

French

citizen

and

officer,

and

court-martial, I have been sentenced to death.

I

request you to accept

my

thanks for the

confidence with which you have honoured me, and which, in a

moment

like this, I venture to

say

my

the Republic faithfully, and

well deserved.

have served

death, as well as that of my brother,

a victim like myself, and condemned in the same manner about a

month
which

ago, will sufficiently prove

I

it.

hope the circumstances

in

stand will warrant me, Citizen Directors, in supplicating you

to consider the fate of a virtuous wife

who had no

and of three infant

children,

other support, and, in losing me, will be reduced to

the extreme of misery.

venture on such an occasion to recall to

your remembrance that

was expelled from

consequence of
invitation of the

my

attempts to serve the Republic

French Government,

came

had the honour to enter the French

and with the approbation of all my

since

fully,

duty

man

holds dearest

finally,

that

my own

have

my

In these circumstances

sacrificed

wife,
I

my

for

children,

confidently call

that,

to France
service, I
chiefs,

country

my

on the

that ever

have

faith-

performed

the Republic

all

my
that

my

life.

justice

and

liberty,

on your

in

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

366

humanity

in

me

to

my

favour of

abandon them.

It

family, assured

you

that

not

will

which remains

the greatest consolation

is

in dying.
"

Health and respect.

" T.

W. Tone

(called Smith),
"

He

[1798.

hand and

then, with a firm

my

letters to

mother

heart,

Adjutant-General."

penned the two following

Provost Prison Dublin Barracks,

" Le 20 Brumaire, an
7 (10th Nov.), 1798.
" Dearest Love,
The hour is at last come when we must
part.
As no words can express what I feel for you and our
"

children,

shall not

attempt

it

lived,

" I

and that you

complaint of any kind would be

beneath your courage and mine

be assured

have no cause to blush

will

will die as I

have written on your behalf to the French Government,

to the Minister of Marine, to General Kilmaine,

with the latter

and to Mr. Shee

wish you especially to advise.

In Ireland

have written to your brother Harry, and to those of

who

have

me.

for

are about to go into exile, and who,

am sure, will

my

friends

not abandon

you.
"

Adieu, dearest love

Give
are

my

now

love to

Mary

I find it

impossible to finish this

and, above

all

things,

remember

letter.

that

you

the only parent of our dearest children, and that the best

proof you can give of your affection for

yourself for their education.

me

God Almighty
"

bless

Yours

be to preserve

will

you

all.

ever,

"T. W. Tone.
" P.S.

think you have found a friend in Wilson,

desert you."

who

will

not

Nobly did this pure and virtuous man, and he alone of all those whom my
had depended upon, fulfil the expectation of his friend. He was to my
mother a brother, a protector, and an adviser, during the whole period of our
1

father

XT-

FORTITUDE IN DEATH.

35.]

367

Second Letter.
"
I

Dearest Love,

write just one line to acquaint you that

have received assurances from your brother Edward of his

determination to render every assistance and protection in his

power

Your

for

sister

which

have written to thank him most sincerely.

has likewise sent

me

assurances of the

same

nature,

and expressed a desire to see me, which I have refused, having

determined to speak to no one of my friends, not even my father,
from motives of humanity to them and myself.
consolation to
as to the

me

manner of

you, and your

own

that assistance,

leave

it

you

to their affection for

manner

will

Keep your courage, as I have kept mine

this moment as at any period of my life.

my mind is as tranquil
Cherish my memory; and

especially preserve your health

and

sake of our dearest children.

"

Your

ever affectionate,

"T.
"

a very great

all parties.

Adieu, dearest love.

spirits for the

excellent good sense, to settle what

be most respectable for

"

It is

that your family are determined to support

wth November,

It is said that

Wolfe Tone.

1798."

on the evening of that very day he could see and

hear the soldiers erecting the gallows for him before his windows.

That very

by his jailers, having

wound across his neck. It

night, according to the report given

secreted a penknife, he inflicted a deep

was soon discovered by the

and a surgeon called in at four

o'clock in the morning, who stopped the blood and closed it.
He
reported, that as the prisoner had missed the carotid artery, he
might yet survive, but was in the extremest danger. It is said
that he

murmured only

sentry,

in reply, "

am

sorry

have been so bad

and when, at the close of eighteen years, we were ruined a second

by the fall of Napoleon, he came over from his own country to offer
her his hand and his fortune, and share our fate in America.
[After seventeen years' widowhood Mrs. Tone married Mr. Wilson, whom
she survived, dying at Georgetown in 1849. Ed.]
distress

time,

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

368

an anatomist."

Let

me draw

veil

[1798.

over the remainder of this

scene.

Stretched on his bloody pallet in a dungeon, the

Irish union,

and most

illustrious

counted each lingering hour during the

No

of his slow and silent agony.

Far from

him.

his

last

he loved so dearly, the only forms which

the only sounds which
sentry.

He

on

dying

his

those friends

for his

country, and

in

last.

ear,

There

is

the heavy tread of the

And

and the

the consciousness of

the cause of justice and liberty,

illumined, like a bright halo, his latest

fortitude to the end.

whom

before his eyes

retained, however, the calmness of his soul

possession of his faculties to the

dying

all

flitted

and rough attendants of the prison

jailer
fell

seven days and nights

one was allowed to approach

adored family, and from

were those of the grim

apostle of

first

martyr of Irish independence,

moments, and kept up

his

no situation under which those

feelings will not support the soul of a patriot.

On

the morning of the 19th of

spasms of approaching death.

attended, whispered that

must expire instantly

slight
it

movement,

if

November he was
It is said that

that he overheard him, and,

replied, "

wish to

live for?"

who

he attempted to move or speak he

making a

can yet find words to thank you,

What

the most welcome news you could give me.

is

seized with the

the surgeon

sir

should

Falling back, with these expressions on his

lips,

he expired without further effort

On

must allude to
some hints which I have heard from a most respectable and wellinformed quarter, that, in consequence of the attempts to withdraw
closing this painful and dreadful narrative,

him from the

may

jurisdiction of the military tribunals,

have been precipitated by the hands of his

my

father's

jailers,

and

end

that,

to conceal their crime, they spread the report of his voluntary

death.

It is certainly

not

my

duty to exculpate them.

That

his

end was voluntary, his determination, previous to his leaving

France, which was known to us, and the tenor of his last letters,
Neither is it likely that Major Sandys, and
incline me to believe.
his experienced satellites,

would perform a murder

in so bungling

CONCLUSION.
a

way

369

as to allow their victim to survive the attempt during eight

days.

was the

If this

a suicide

it

appoint by his

case, his

death can never be considered as

was merely the resolution of a noble mind to disown act the brutal ferocity of his enemies, and avoid

the indignity of their touch.

But, on the other side,

these

death and

father's

their reports

last

cannot be denied that the character of

it

men would warrant

the worst conclusion.

The

details of

my

words only reached the public ear through

no one was allowed

to

approach him

after his

wound

no medical attendant to come near him except the prison surgeon,

Why

a foreigner, and a French emigrant.

was no

coroner's

was held on Jackson's, in the very

court where he died ? The resistance which was opposed by the
military to the warrant of the Chief Justice was indecorous and
violent in the extreme
nor was it till compelled by the firmness
of Lord Kilwarden to give way, that they acknowledged the wound
of their prisoner, though, according to their own report, it had been
inquest held on his body, as

inflicted

during the preceding night.

the interference of the

civil

would be more atrocious

Was

still,

himself, did they intend to conceal

executing him with their

continued
that the
as

till

or,

what

it,

and

to glut their

mean and

enemy, who had thought

by dragging him out

own hands? That

in that state,

and

their preparations

interrupted by the interference of superior authority

wound

possible

possible that, fearing

admitting the fact that he had wounded

ferocious revenge and insult their dying

to escape their indignities

it

courts, they hastened his end

of their prisoner

was anxiously concealed

as long

and that no one, even afterwards, was allowed to

approach and speak to him during his long agony, are certain

facts.

Between those dreadful suspicions the reader must judge

himself.

As

remain

for ever

for

pandemonium.

what passed within the Provost's prison

it

for

must

amongst the guilty and bloody mysteries of that

If charges of so black and bloody a nature can

be adduced with any appearance of probability against the agents

of the Irish Government, the violence, cruelty, and lawless proceedings, in which they were indulged with perfect impunity
their employers, not only warrant them, but give

vol.

11.

25

them too

by
tre-

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

37

mendous a

probability.

As

my

for

part,

have merely

stated, in

the fairest and fullest manner, the facts which have reached us,

without any

comment

or opinion of

my

own.

[Tone's remains were given up to his relatives, and, two days

after his death,

in

were quietly

laid in

upon the stone beneath which

leader.

the

the grave of his ancestors

the old churchyard of Bodenstown.

But the national

feeling

rests
is

poem which Thomas Davis has

" In

No

epitaph

is

Irish

expressed in the last stanza of

consecrated to his

memory

Bodenstown Churchyard there is a green grave,

freely around it let winter winds rave
Far better they suit him the ruin and gloom
Till Ireland, a nation, can build him a tomb."]

And

inscribed

the ill-fated United

^.
1

"ty

<S**t

^^ Z~C

^^Z-^--

J,

FACSIMILE OF A LETTER WRITTEN BY WOLFE TONE TO HIS FATHER ON NOVEMBER

7fo original of

this letter is in the possession of

Mr. James Murphy,

<?/ 2,

10,

1798.

Empire Road,

Cork.

E\

>

ON NOVEMBER
/"

7T...

io,

1798.

Fill

APPENDIX.
Two Memorials
to the

on the state of Ireland, delivered by Wolfe

French Government, in February, 1796.

Tone

First Memorial.

The

genius of the English nation, their manners, their prejudices,

Government, are so diametrically opposite to those of the

and
French Republic, in all respects, that it is unnecessary to dwell
upon this subject.
I assume it as an axiom that there is an
irreconcilable opposition of interests between the two nations.
Since the French Revolution there is one still more irreconcilable
their

between the Governments, so that neither can be said to be

security while the other

The war

hitherto,

unprofitable to

is in

in

existence.

however glorious to France, has not been

England

her

fleets

were never more formidable,

and, in the true spirit of trade, she will console herself for the
disgrace of her arms by land, in the acquisition of wealth, and

commerce, and power by sea

it,

if

possible, incumbent, not

but these very acquisitions render

merely on France, but on

endeavour to reduce her within due

to

that

limits,

all

Europe,

and to prevent

enormous accumulation of wealth which the undisturbed

commerce of the whole world would give her

of her power can be alone, as I presume,
accomplished, with certainty and effect, by separating Ireland from
possession of the

and

this reduction

Great Britain.

The French Government cannot but be

immense

well informed

resources, especially in a military point of view,

371

of the

which

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

372

England draws from

Ireland.

with the beef and the pork,

It is

the butter, the tallow, the hides, and various other articles of the
first

which Ireland supplies, that she victuals and equips

necessity,

her navy, and, in a great degree, supports her people and garrisons
in the

West

Indies.

It

is

with the poor and hardy natives of

mans her fleets and fills the ranks of her army.

From the commencement of the present war to the month of June,
Ireland that she

1795, not less than 200,000

men were

80,000 were for the navy alone.

navy are manned by Irishmen

a fact undeniable, though

TWO-THIRDS of

concealed in England, that

carefully

a circumstance

if

possible, so powerful a

implacable enemy.

measure which

may

but will endeavour to show

review of the actual state of Ireland.

as possible, as

stood

it

is

that

how

rest

trust the

is

it

I shall

necessary to take a

condense the

French Government

is

facts as

already

of those which are most material.

The people of

Ireland consist of about four million five hundred

thousand persons, distributed under three different religious

of

whom

the Protestants, whose religion

established

by

law, constitute four

or one-tenth of the whole

is

sects,

the dominant one, and

hundred and

fifty

thousand,

the Dissenters, or Presbyterians, about

nine hundred thousand, or one-fifth

maining three million one hundred and

the Catholics form the refifty

thousand.

also be considered with regard to property, which

some

it

my

the attempt be but once made.

if

For the better elucidation of the plan

much

if it

weapon from the hands of her

best be executed, and on what grounds

in possession

which,

not dwell longer on the necessity of the

I shall

shall propose,

confidence of success,

the British

French Government to

alone, should be sufficient to determine the

wrest,

whom

raised in Ireland, of

It is

is

They may
necessary, in

degree, to explain the political situation of the country.

The

Protestants,

who

are almost entirely the descendants of

Englishmen, forming so very small a minority as they do of the

whole people, have yet almost the whole landed property of the
country

in their

hands

this

property has been acquired by the

most unjust means, by plunder and confiscation during repeated

wars, and

by the operation of laws framed

to degrade

and destroy

APPENDIX.

373

the Catholics, the natives of the country.

1650 the people

In

by Cromwell into the fourth,

and their property divided amongst his officers and soldiers, whose
descendants enjoy it at this day. In 1688, when James II. was
finally defeated in Ireland, the spirit of the Irish people was comof three entire provinces were driven

pletely broken, and the last remnant of their property torn from
them and divided amongst the conquerors. By these means the

proprietors of estates in Ireland, feeling the weakness of their titles

and seeing themselves, as

to property thus acquired,

were, a

it

colony of strangers, forming not above one-tenth part of the population,

have always looked to England

for protection

and support

they have, therefore, been ever ready to sacrifice the interests of

their country to her ambition

and

avarice,

and to

their

own

security.

has rewarded them for this sacrifice by dis-

England,

in return,

tributing

among them

the offices and

all

appointments

in

the

church, the army, the law, the revenue, and every department of

more

the state, to the utter exclusion of the two other sects, and

By

especially of the Catholics.

these

means the

Protestants,

constitute the aristocracy of Ireland, have in their hands

force of the

Government

landed property

all

who
the

they have at least five-sixths of the

they are devoted implicitly to the connection

with England, which they consider

possession of their estates

as

essential

the secure

to

they dread and abhor the principles

of the French Revolution, and, in case of any attempt to emancipate

Ireland,
in their

But

should calculate on

power to

it is

all

the opposition which

it

might be

give.

very different with regard to the Dissenters,

who occupy

the province of Ulster, of which they form at present the majority.

They have among them but few

are mostly engaged in
linen,

which

is

the staple

exclusively in their hands.

great landed proprietors

trade and manufactures, especially

commodity of

From

Ireland,

and

is

they
the

almost

their first establishment, in 1620,

until very lately, there existed a continual

animosity between them

and the Catholic natives of the country, grounded on the natural

between the old inhabitants and strangers, and fortified still

dislike

more by the

irreconcilable difference

between the genius of the

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

374

and Popery, and diligently cultivated and

religions of Calvinism

fomented by the Protestant aristocracy, the partisans of England,

who saw in the feuds and dissensions

own protection and security.

of the other two great sects

their

Among

the innumerable blessings procured to mankind by the

French Revolution, arose the circumstance which

mention, and to which

attention of the French Government, as

which the emancipation of Ireland

The
spirit

may

am

it is,

about to
particular

on

in fact, the point

eventually turn.

Dissenters are, from the genius of their religion, and the

of inquiry which

publicans

it

produces, sincere and enlightened re-

they have ever, in a degree, opposed the usurpations

of England, whose protection, as well

spirit as the

from their numbers and

nature of their property, they did not, like the Protestant

aristocracy, feel necessary for their existence.

the

do most earnestly entreat the

civil

Still,

however, in

all

wars of Ireland they ranged themselves under the standard

of England, and were the most formidable enemies to the Catholic

natives,

whom

These bad

they detested as Papists, and despised as slaves.

feelings were, for obvious reasons, diligently

fomented

by the Protestant and English party. At length, in the year 1790,

the French Revolution produced a powerful revulsion in the minds
of the most enlightened men amongst them. They saw that,
whilst they thought they were the masters of the Catholics, they

were, in fact, but their jailers, and that, instead of enjoying liberty
in their

own

subjection to

country, they served but as a garrison to keep

England

it

in

the establishment of unbounded liberty of

conscience in France had mitigated their horror of Popery

one

hundred and ten years of peace had worn away very much of the
old animosity which former wars had raised and fomented.
to emulate the glorious

example of France, they saw

at

Eager

once that

the only guide to liberty was justice, and that they neither deserved

nor could obtain independence, whilst their Catholic brethren, as

they then, for the
oppression.

first

time, called them, remained in slavery

Impressed with these sentiments of

liberality

and
and

wisdom, they sought out the leaders of the Catholics, whose cause
and whose suffering were, in a manner, forgotten. The Catholics

APPENDIX.

375

caught with eagerness at the slightest appearance of alliance and

whose opposition they had ever experienced to be so formidable, and once more, after lying prostrate
for above one hundred years, appeared on the political theatre of
their country.
Nothing could exceed the alarm, the terror, and
confusion which this most unexpected coalition produced in the
support from

quarter

of the English

breasts

Government, and

Every

Protestant aristocracy of Ireland.

new

partisans,

their

the

every stratagem, was

art,

and revive the ancient animosities

and feuds between the Dissenters and Catholics. Happily such
used to break the

alliance,

abominable attempts proved

saw that

as they

common

interest

ready to
enslave

affectionate
liberty,

and

fore resisted
this

civil

leaders on both sides

each other, England profited of their folly to

and

that

it

was only by a

cordial

co-operation that they could assert

and overcame every

spirit

discord

union and

their

common

They

establish the independence of Ireland.

manner has a

years of

The

sacrifice

both,

fruitless.

had but one common country, they had but one

that while they were mutually contending and

there-

them, and in

effort to disunite

of union and regard succeeded to 250

a revolution

in the political

morality of the

nation of the most extreme importance, and from which, under the

powerful auspices of the French Republic,

independence and liberty

I

beg leave again to

call

hope and

trust her

will arise.

the attention of the French

to this fact of the national union, which, from

my

Government

knowledge of the

situation of Ireland, I affirm to be of importance, equal to all the

Catholics and Dissenters, the two great sects whose mutual

rest.

animosities have been the radical weakness of their country, are at

length reconciled, and the arms which have been so often imbrued
in the

blood of each other are ready for the

in concert against the

I

come now

time to be turned

common enemy.
who are
who form almost the entire body of
The various confiscations, produced

to the third party in Ireland, the Catholics,

the Irish, properly so called, and

the peasanty of the country.

by the wars of
laws for

first

five

centuries,

and the

silent operation

150 years, have stripped the Catholics

of the

of almost

all

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

376

property

in

land

the great bulk of them are in the lowest degree

wood and drawers of water bread

meat never, save once in the year they live in

of misery and want, hewers of

they seldom

taste,

wretched hovels, they labour incessantly, and their landlords, the

Protestant aristocracy, have so calculated, that the utmost they can

gain by this continual

barely suffice to pay the rent, at

toil will

which these petty despots assess their wretched habitations;

food the whole year round

potatoes

is

sometimes

their drink,

their

more frequently water those of them who attempt to

cultivate a spot of ground as farmers are forced, in addition to a
heavy rent, to pay tithes to the priests of the Protestant religion,
milk,

which they neither profess nor believe

Such

them.

is

own

priests fleece

little

property in land,

a considerable share of the commerce of Ireland in the

hands of the Catholic body

and

their

But though there be

3,000,000 of people.
there

the condition of the peasantry of Ireland, above

is

well informed

merchants are highly respectable

their

they are perfectly sensible, as well of their

situation as that of their country.

the Catholic gentry, whose

It is

own

of these men, with a few of

property escaped the fangs of the

English invaders, that their General Committee, of which

have occasion to speak by and by,

is

composed, and

it is

shall

with their

leaders that the union with the Dissenters, so infinitely important

to Ireland, and,

if

rightly understood, to France also, has been

formed.
I

have now stated the respective

the parties of Ireland

that

is

450,000, comprising the great

supports and
artificial,

and views of

The

Protestants,

composed of the power and

in every

First.

body of the

supported by England.

is

of Government gives them.

ments

situation, strength,

to say

which

aristocracy,

Their strength

entirely

is

influence which the patronage

They have

hands

in their

all

appoint-

department, in the church, the army, the revenue,

the navy, the law, and a great proportion of the landed property
of the country, acquired and maintained as has been stated

but

cannot escape the penetration of the French Government that

their apparent

power

is

purely

fictitious

it

all

the strength they derive

from Government results solely from opinion

the instant that

APPENDIX.
prop

377

withdrawn, the edifice tumbles into ruins

is

the strength of

property acquired like theirs by the sword continues no longer than

the sword can defend

and, numerically, the Protestants are but

it,

one-tenth of the people.

The

Second.

Dissenters, 900,000,

who form

a large and respect-

These are the

able portion of the middle ranks of the community.

men best informed in Ireland they constituted

what we called the Volunteer army in 1782, during the

class of

of

the bulk
last war,

which extorted large concessions from England, and would have

completely established their liberty had they been then, as they are

They

now, united with their Catholic brethren.

sincere Republicans,
liberty

and France

Ireland,

The

all,

to a

man,

to the cause of

they would make perhaps the best soldiers

and are already

Third.

are

and devoted with enthusiasm

degree trained to arms.

in a considerable

These are the

Catholics, 3,150,000.

in

Irish,

properly

so called, trained from their infancy in an hereditary hatred and

abhorrence of the English name, which conveys to them no ideas

but those of blood and pillage and persecution.

strong in numbers and in misery, which
are used to every species of hardship

are easily clothed

they can

This class

makes men bold

they are bold and active

live

on

little

is

they

they

they are prepared for

any change, for they feel that no change can make their situation
For these five years they have fixed their eyes most
worse.
earnestly on France,

whom

Of

oppressed.

they look upon, with great justice, as

as well as those of all

fighting their battles,

this class,

will

hundred thousand men, who would

Republic

they saw

if

it

my

stake

the standard

fly to

once displayed

in

mankind who

are

head, there are

five

of the

the cause of liberty and

their country.

From what
of Ireland
to

France

is
;

have said

it

appears that

implicitly devoted to England,

that

all

the natural strength

France, and adverse to England

one they look

now

all

for

the

artificial

strength

and decidedly adverse

is

equally devoted

to

for this plain reason, that in the

a deliverer, in the other they see a tyrant.

It is

necessary to state the organisation of the people of Ireland

and here

must be allowed to observe, that even

if

there were no

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

378

previous organisation the measures which

be the

may

less advisable

shall

submit would not

and practicable. Organisation,

but a whole people can act by their natural strength.

may

machinery,

like

be necessary to enable a small force to raise a great weight

The Republic

meet support from the Dissenters,

rely with confidence to

actuated by reason and reflection, from the Catholics, impelled by

misery and inflamed by detestation of the English name.

These

are the actual force of Ireland, and, in addition to their strength,

they are organised

also.

In the year 1791 the Dissenters of Belfast, which

city in Ulster, and, as

formed the

first

it

is

the principal

were, the metropolis of that great body,

club of United Irishmen, so called, because in that

club, for the first time in

Ireland, Dissenters

harmony and

seen together in

union.

and Catholics were

similar club

was im-

mediately formed in Dublin, which became speedily famous for

its

whom

were

thrown into prison by the Government, whose terror at

this

publications and the sufferings of its members,

many

of

amongst the people may be estimated from

the severity with which they persecuted those who were most
active in promoting it.
This persecution, however, far from

rising spirit of union

quelling the

spirit,

and guarded

in

only served to

their measures.

make the people more cautious

Means have been adopted to

spread similar clubs throughout Ulster, the seat of the Dissenting

power, the object of which

to subvert the tyranny of England, to

is

establish the independence of Ireland,

and

to frame a free republic

on the broad basis of liberty and equality.

rapidly

filled,

that province.

whole of
of

it,

Ireland,

and extended,
I

am

in

These clubs were

June last, over about two-thirds of

by this time, they embrace the

satisfied that,

and comprise the

activity

and energy of the Dissenters

including also numbers of

intelligent of the Catholic body.

the

most

The members

are

an oath of secrecy, and could, on a proper occasion,

and
bound by

spirited
all

have not the

smallest doubt, raise the entire force of the province of Ulster, the

most populous, the most warlike, and the most informed quarter of
the nation.

For the Catholics, from what has been said of

their situation,

it

APPENDIX.
will

appear that

little

379

previous arrangement would be necessary to

ensure their unanimous support of any measure which held out to

them a chance of bettering their condition yet they also have an

organisation, commencing about the same time with the clubs last
mentioned, but composing Catholics only. Until within these few
months this organisation baffled the most active vigilance of the Irish
Government, unsuccessfully employed to discover its principles, and
;

to this hour they are,

that in June last

Ulster, Leinster,

have

little

it

believe, unapprised of its extent.

The

fact is

embraced the whole peasantry of the provinces of

three-fourths of the nation and I

and Connaught

doubt but

it

has since extended into Munster, the remain-

These men, who are called Defenders, are completely

ing province.

organised on a military plan, divided according to their respective

districts,

and

officered

of their union

is

by men chosen by themselves. The

principle

implicit obedience to the orders of those

they have elected for their generals, and whose object

whom
is

the

emancipation of their country, the subversion of English usurpation,

and the bettering the condition of the wretched

may

peasantry of

Ireland.

The eyes

of this whole body, which

without a

figure, to

be the people of Ireland, are turned, with the

most anxious expectation,

The oath

be

to France, for assistance

said,

almost

and support.

of their union recites, " That they will be faithful to the

united nations of France and Ireland," and several of

already sealed

it

of a conspiracy,

with their blood.

if

suppose there

is

them have
no instance

a whole people can be said to conspire, which

has continued for so

many years

as this has done,

where the secret

has been so religiously kept, and where, in so vast a number, so few

traitors

have been found.

This organisation of the Defenders embraces the whole peasantry

of Ireland, being Catholics.

of the Catholics, which

which

is

There

is

also a further organisation

called the General

have already alluded.

Committee, and to

This was a representative body,

chosen by the Catholics at large, and consisting of the principal

merchants and traders, the members of professions, and a few of

the remaining Catholic gentry of Ireland.
sat repeatedly in the capital, at

the

This body, which has

same time with the

Parlia-

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

3 8o

ment, and

has twice within four years sent ambassadors to the

King of England, possesses a very great

influence on the

minds of

the Catholics throughout the nation, and especially decides the

movements of the city of Dublin a circumstance whose importance,

when well directed, it is unnecessary to suggest to men so enlightened as those who compose the Government of France.
It is
true that, by a late act of the Irish Legislature, this body is
prevented from meeting in

who compose
diminishing their power or
individuals

it

still

is

sufficiently,

fidence

there

be,

still

this

more alienated

in

during the whole of their

whose

activity,

service

retain, to

sincerely attached to the principles of liberty, or

more

likely

ability

and

in

an arduous

firmness.

crisis

to conduct

can add, from

my

had the
say that

are sincere republicans,

warmly attached

more

who would be

themselves

with

personal knowledge,

that a great majority of those able and honest

it

It

and whose con-

nowhere to be found men of purer patriotism,

is

their

which they

and with great reason, exasperated.

had the good fortune to acquire and

without

act,

in Ireland, against

but justice to the General Committee,

honour to

and

exist,

influence, has

minds from the British Government

were already

but the

a representative capacity,

men who compose

to the cause of France,

and, as Irishmen and as Catholics, doubly bound to detest the

tyranny and domination of England, which has so often deluged

their country with their best blood.
I

have now stated the three modes of organisation which exist

in Ireland
ist.

The

Dissenters, with

some of the most

lightened of the Catholics, under the

whose

central point

The

2nd.

is

name

spirited

and en-

of United Irishmen,

Belfast, the capital of Ulster.

Defenders, forming the great body of the Catholic

peasantry, amounting to 3,000,000 of people, and

who

cover the

entire face of the country.

3rd.

the

The General Committee

talents

influence

everywhere

movements

of the

Catholics, representing

and property of that body, possessing a very great

in

of the capital.

Ireland,

and

especially

deciding

the

APPENDIX.
hazard nothing

38i

in asserting that these three

animated with an ardent desire

for the

bodies are alike

independence of Ireland,

an abhorrence of British tyranny, and a sincere attachment to the

cause of the French Republic

and, what

is

of very great con-

sequence, they have a perfect good understanding and communication with each other (that

is

any

to say, their leaders), so that, on

great emergency, there would be no possible doubt of their mutual

Many

co-operation.

Committee,

men

for

many

example, are also

members of

in the clubs of the

the General

United

Irish-

of the officers of the Defenders, particularly those at

the head of their

or in

of the most active

affairs,

are also either

members of those

clubs,

unreserved confidence and communication with those

The

and guide them.

regulate

central point of all this

who

is

un-

doubtedly Belfast, which influences, and which deserves to influence,

the measures of

all

the others, and what

consider as extremely

of the Defenders in

the leaders

singular,

Ulster,

who

are

all

more regular habits of communication, and are

more determined by the Dissenters of Belfast, than by their
Catholics, are in

Catholic brethren

of Dublin, with

whom

they hold

much

less

intercourse.

add a few words on the military

shall

the navy, and then

of

all

my

In the
believe,

efforts to

conclude this memorial, which,

it,

I feel

my

growing under

in spite

hands.

month of June, 1795, when I left Ireland, the army, as I

amounted to about 30,000 men, of which 12,000 were

troops of the

proportion
all

I shall

condense

and on

force of Ireland,

line,

or fencibles, and 18,000 were militia; a great

of the former,

the latter, being Irish.

viz.,
I

the

cavalry and

artillery,

believe a considerable

number have

been since detached to the West Indies and elsewhere

relative proportion of Irish

must be increased, as the

be ordered on foreign service.

may make

which, taken together,

speak with certainty

but

my

For the cavalry and

is,

that

if

if so,

militia

3,000 men, or upwards,

belief

and
the

cannot

artillery,
I

cannot

they saw any

prospect of permanent support they would not act against their

country.

and

For the remaining 9,000 men of the troops of the line

wretched assemblage of old men and boys,

fencibles, they are a

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

382

incapable of the duties of active service

make,

they were inclined to

if

any

resistance they could

could be but

resist,

trifling,

and

have reason to believe they would not be so inclined, several

of the fencible regiments being Scotch, and already more than half

the time

militia,

they consisted, at

mention, of about 18,000 men, as fine troops as any

Of

Europe.

For the

Government.

disaffected to the

in

these at least 16,000 were Catholics, and of those a

very great portion were actually sworn Defenders,

who were com-

pelled to enter the service to avoid prosecution.

learn that, since

my

departure from Ireland, Defenderism has spread rapidly

among

them, and that numbers have been imprisoned on that account.

my

have not a shadow of doubt on

mind but that the

militia

would, in case of emergency, to a man, join their countrymen in

throwing off the yoke of England, provided proper measures were

taken, and that they saw a reasonable prospect of success.

For the navy,

have already said that Ireland has furnished no

less

than 80,000 seamen, and that two-thirds of the English

are

manned by

assertion.

Irishmen.

First, I

here state the grounds of

will

have myself heard several British

officers,

fleet

my
and

among them some of very distinguished reputation, say so.

Secondly, I know that when the Catholic delegates, whom I had
the honour to attend, were at St. James's,

course of the discussion with

of State, they asserted the fact to be as

Dundas admitted
if

it,

it.

And,

lastly,

our vessel was boarded by a British

inquiry.

principal Secretary

have mentioned, and Mr.

which he would most certainly not have done

he could have denied

of 220 men, of

January, 1793, in the

in

Henry Dundas,

whom no

less

on

my voyage

frigate,

than 210 were

submit the importance of

America,

to

whose crew consisted

Irish, as I

found by

this fact to the particular

notice of the French Government.

From

all

interest of
is

which has been said

trust

it

will

appear that

France to separate Ireland from England

morally certain that the attempt,

following reasons

1st.

That

all

if

it is

the

and that

made, would succeed,

it

for the

the Dissenters are disaffected to

2nd.
England, attached to France, and sufficiently organised.
That the whole Catholic peasantry of Ireland, above 3,000,000

APPENDIX.

383

of people, are, to a man, eager to throw off the English yoke

that

they also are organised, and that part of the fundamental oath,

by which they are bound

France as to Ireland.

as Defenders,

That there

3rd.

to be true as well to

is

is

a certainty of a perfect

these two great bodies, which

harmony and co-operation between

constitute nine-tenths of the population of Ireland.

British

Government cannot reckon on any

That the

4th.

firm support from the

army, above two-thirds of which are Irishmen, and of that number

nearly 10,000 being, as

Defenders.

am

That

5th.

informed and believe, actually sworn

at

is

it

by proper

possible that,

least

measures to be adopted relative to the Irishmen now serving in the

navy of England, her power at sea might receive such a shock as
it

has never yet experienced

facts

be as

and

have here stated them,

6th,
it

Protestant aristocracy in Ireland to

even for an hour,

in

the French

of

lastly, that if these

make any stand

for the

whatsoever,

defence of the connection with England.

Having now submitted

notice

and

would be impossible

the actual situation of Ireland to the

Government,

memorial, the plan which

shall

offer,

in

a second

conceive most likely to effectuate the

separation of that country from Great Britain.

Second Memorial.
Having

stated, in a former memorial, the actual situation

circumstances of Ireland,
in

my judgment,

will

shall

now submit

and

those means which,

be most likely to effectuate the great object

of separating that country from England, and establishing her as

an independent Republic,
first

with France.

in strict alliance

I shall

mention those measures whose execution depend on

French Republic, and next those which

the

be to be executed by

will

the people of Ireland.

In the

first

place, I

beg leave

to lay

it

down

as indispensable that

a body of French troops should be landed

in

Ireland, with

General at their head, of established reputation, whose

be known
ance

and

in that
I

country

name should

a circumstance of considerable import-

must be permitted to observe

here, that,

if

humbling

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

34

the pride and reducing the power of England be an object with the

French Republic,

know no

place where the very best General in

be employed, either with more reputation to

their service could

himself, or benefit to the public cause.

With regard

to the strength of this army,

with candour to the Government.

It

it is

ought,

if

my

duty to speak

possible, to be of

20,000 men, at least 15,000 of which should land as near the capital
as circumstances

near Belfast.

If

would admit, and 5,000 in the North of Ireland,

an imposing force, such as I have mentioned,

could be sent in the

first

should, in

ment
of

in

effort.

fact,

instance,

By

blood and treasure.

it

would save a vast effusion of

having possession of the capital we

have possession of the whole country.

existence there would

We should

have

fall

The Govern-

to pieces, without a possibility

our hands at once the Treasury, the

in

Post Office, the Banks, the Custom- House, the seat of the Legislature,

and

particularly,

what

is

even of more consequence, we

should have the reputation which would result from such a com-

mencement.

we

If

could begin by the capital,

should hope

we

should obtain possession of the entire country without striking a

blow, as in fact there would, in that case, be no organised force to

make

resistance

but for

this,

20,000

men would be

necessary.

however, the other indispensable arrangements of the

Republic would render

as

my opinion, and

it

impossible to send such a force,

entreat

it

may be remembered

anything like certainty of success,

be effectuated

in the

in

I offer it

that 5,000

very lowest number with which the attempt could be

If,

French

is

the

made with

which case the landing should

North of Ireland, where the people are

greatest forwardness as to military preparation.

It is

in the

unnecessary

commencing our operations at 100 miles

distance from the capital, of which the enemy would be in full
possession, would give them very great advantages over us at first
to observe here that,

they would
favour,

still

have, in a degree, the law of opinion in their

and they would,

the Post Office, and

all

at least for

some

time, retain the Treasury,

the other advantages which an established

organisation would naturally give them.

Nevertheless, with 5,000

men, an able General, and the measures which

shall hereafter

APPENDIX.
mention,

should have no doubt of our ultimate success

we should have

many

38s

to fight hard for our liberties,

but then

and we should

lose

commence-

great advantages which a sufficient force in the

ment would give us, particularly that of disorganising at once the

existing Government of Ireland.
Supposing the number to be 5,000, a large proportion should be
artillerists,

we

of which

They should be the

men who had actually

are quite unprovided.

very best troops that France could furnish,

who would be capable of

The necessity of this

seen hard service, and

training

disciplining the Irish army.

to

need any further comment.

detail

on the conduct of the war

hope to be admitted

do not go here into any military

if the measure be adopted, I shall

map

of the country

my

submit, with great deference,

will

who may be

to a conference with the General,

appointed to the command, and then, with the

before us,

and

too obvious

is

ideas on that

head.

Before

quit the subject of the force necessary,

my

that, in

country,

"

memorial,

first

especially the

militia,

if they

saw a

was

men only were

but,

even

to adhere to the British

that, in that event,

earnestly wish,

imposing force

by which
in

the

first

landed.

hope, and

I believe,

if

if

difference.

they were, contrary to

my expectations,

Government, the only difference would

we should have

possible, to avoid.

perfectly satisfied that,

even 5,000

in

declare for their

cannot positively affirm, that they would join the standard of

their country

am

satisfied,

reasonable prospect of support"

cannot commit myself as to what might be their

conduct in case 5,000

but

wish to observe

have always said that the army, and

would,

would be understood to mean an

instance.

civil

As

war, which

would most

to the people at large, I

whether there were 20,000 or 10,000 or

men landed, it would, as to them, make no manner of

I know they would flock to the Republican standard

such numbers as to embarrass the General-in-Chief.

be just as easy
200,000

be,

men

in

a month's time to have an

as of 10,000,

and therefore

this disposition of the people, I say,

it

is

It

would

army

in

that,

reckoning on

and repeat, that

Ireland of

I would not
have a shadow of doubt of our ultimate success, provided we had

vol.

11.

26

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

3^6
a body of even

5,000 disciplined troops to

number would,

smaller

commence with

apprehend, be hardly able to maintain

themselves until they could be joined by the people, as the Govern-

ment of Ireland would be able

instantly to turn against

a body of troops (who in that case would,

as would swallow

them

them such

adhere to them)

up, the consequence of which would be,

besides the loss to France of the

more than she

Ireland, even

I fear,

is

men and money,

at present,

the bringing

under the yoke of British

tyranny, the breaking for ever the hopes and spirits of her people,

and the rendering

prospect of her emancipation, at any future

all

period, utterly impracticable

As
is

to

and desperate.

arms and ammunition,

of both, the better.

If the

can only say, that the more there

Republic can send to Ireland 100,000

stand of arms, there are double the number of hands ready to put

them

in.

large train of artillery, that

we have no

fortified places, is

to say, field pieces, as

is

absolutely indispensable, together

with a considerable proportion of experienced cannoniers

neers, used to

money,

am

field

practice, are

at a loss to

also

engi-

As to
men were

highly necessary.

determine the sum.

If 20,000

sent, I

should say that pay for 40,000 for three months would be

amply

sufficient, as, before that

all

time was expired, we should have

the resources of Ireland in our hands.

If but 5,000

submit the quantum necessary to the wisdom and

French Government, observing only that we could

case, calculate at

we could

landing.

intentions of the

following topics
1st.

ment

An

2nd.

that

in

manifesto, to be published

conceive the declaration of the object and

Republic should contain,

among

others,

the

absolute disavowal of

came

that the French

view than to

not,

seize directly.

Very much would depend upon the

first

sent, I

once on the immediate possession of the funds,

which, in the other instance,

on the

be

liberality of the

assist the

all

idea of conquest,

as friends

and a

state-

and brothers, with no other

people in throwing off the yoke of England.

declaration of perfect security and protection to the free

exercise of

all religions,

perpetual abolition of

all

without distinction or preference, and the

ascendency, or connection, between Church

APPENDIX.
and

3rd.

State.

declaration of perfect security and protection of

persons and property, to

citizens,

3^7

all

who

and friends to the

denunciations against those

should demean themselves as good

liberty of their country, with strong

who

should support or countenance

the cause of British tyranny and usurpation.

An

4th.

invitation to

the people to join the Republican standard, and a promise to

recommend to the future Legislature of

individual who should distinguish himself by
5th.

ability.

An

his courage, zeal,

and

invitation to the people immediately to organise

themselves, and form a national

convention, for the purpose of

framing a Government, and of administering the

until

country every

their

affairs

of Ireland,

such Government could be framed and put in activity.

Other topics

will naturally suggest

my knowledge

to me, from

of Ireland, to be

as well to raise the people as to

but these seem

among

the most likely,

themselves

remove the

fears

on the great heads of property and

especially

who might

and

anxieties,

religion, of

many

otherwise be neutral, or perhaps adverse, but

who would

when

satisfied as

gladly support the independence of their country,

to these points.

It is

with the most sincere pleasure that

can

Government that their singular moderation with

when that country lay at their mercy, had an
inconceivable effect on the mind of every independent man in
Ireland, and removed, almost entirely, the reluctance which many
felt to put themselves to the hazard and uncertainty of a revolution.
To recapitulate What I conceive would be indispensably
assure the French

regard to Holland,

necessary to be furnished, on the part of the French Republic,

would be

An armed force,

1st.

than 5,000.

If 20,000, to

not exceeding 20,000 men, nor less

be landed as near Dublin as possible

a smaller number, in the North of Ireland, near Belfast.

2nd.

if

name and character should be well known in

Arms and ammunition, as much as could be spared

General whose
Ireland.

3rd.

number of experienced canSuch a sum of money as the French

a train of artillery, with an adequate

noniers and engineers. 4th.

Government might feel necessary, and could

grant, consistently

with their other arrangements.

On

the part of the people of Ireland, the measures which

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

388

conceive would be most immediately necessary, to ensure success

and establish our independence, would be as follow

First, of course, to raise as

into their hands,

many

soldiers as

we had arms

Secondly, to call a national convention, for which a basis

in

to put

which would be the only limitation as to numbers.

the General Committee of the Catholics, mentioned in

is

laid

my

first

memorial, who, when joined by Delegates from the Dissenters,

would be actually the representatives of nine-tenths of the people.

The

first

act of the Convention thus constituted should be, to

declare themselves the representatives of the Irish people, free

and

independent, and in that capacity to form an alliance, offensive

and defensive, with the French Republic stipulating that neither

party should make peace with England without the other, and until
;

the two Republics were acknowledged, and also a treaty of com-

merce, on terms of mutual advantage.

of a national convention
to press

As

the immediate formation

of the last importance,

is

wish earnestly

on the notice of the French Government the unspeakable

advantage of having,

possible,

if

instance, for this reason

that the

an imposing

men

force, in the first

of a certain rank in

situation, as to property (for instance, the actual

Catholic Committee,

who must be

those

who

life

members

and

of the

naturally would form

the convention), would, in that case, at once declare themselves,

and begin to

act,

which

cannot venture to ensure that they would

some time, if they saw but a small force landed.

For the great body of the people, whom I have mentioned as

do, at least for

being organised under the

tion of the Dissenters, the

quence as to them

French were landed,

for
it

name of Defenders, and a great propornumber to be landed is of little conse-

my

firm belief

is,

that

would be impossible

if

but one thousand

to prevent the peasantry

them but then we

should lose the inestimable advantages which would result from
the immediate organisation of a body which could call itself the
Government of Ireland, and, as such, instantly assume the legis-

of Ireland from rising, as one man, to join

lative

and executive

functions, raise

money, grant commissions,

and, especially, conclude the alliance with France, the eclat of

which must naturally produce the most beneficial and important

APPENDIX.

339

Without such an arrangement our commencement

more
the air of an insurrection than a Revolution
would have
and though, I again repeat, I would have no doubt of the ultimate
consequences.

success of the attempt, yet the difficulties

at

first

would

be

multiplied in proportion to the smallness of the force which might

The measures which

be landed.

am now

about to mention,

which can only be effectually executed by a body which can, with

some appearance of justice, call itself the Irish Government, will

show at once the indispensable necessity of a national convention
being organised

that not an hour should be lost in framing

made

and, of course, that every possible effort should be

such force as would ensure

its

formation in the

first

it

to send

instance.

The
among

convention, being once formed, should proceed to publish,

which,

others, the following proclamations

from every one of

have no shadow of doubt, would result the most powerful

effects.
1st.

One

to the people at large, notifying their independence

French Republic, forbidding

their alliance with the

to the British

ordering

all

all

and

adherence

Government, under the penalty of high treason

taxes and contributions to be paid only to such persons

by the convention to receive them and, in

collectors and public officers responsible,
with life and property, for all moneys in their hands. This would
at once set the law of opinion on their side, and give a spirit to
It would then be a war,
every individual embarked in the cause.
and even that circumstance, as operating on
not an insurrection
as should be appointed

making

the meantime,

all

the minds of the soldiery,

2nd.

One to

consider as of great importance.

the militia of Ireland, recalling

them

to the standard

of their country, paying the value of their arms, and granting an

immediate discharge to
preference in

all

all

who should demand

military promotion,

it
and ensuring a
and a provision in land, or
;

otherwise, at the end of the war, according to the rank

of each, to those
I

am

tion

who should

convinced, as

am

of

and services

enter into the service of their country.

my existence, that

would bring over the entire

this single

militia of Ireland,

the only formidable force in the country

but

which

proclamais,

in fact,

must add,

at the

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

39

same

time,

effect,

by a

that

this

proclamation can only be published, with

national Government.

3rd. One, addressed to all Irishmen

now

serving in the navy of

England, recalling them directly from that service

them

reminding

that they are a majority, in the proportion of two to one, and

them

therefore exhorting
into the Irish ports

to seize

engaging the

on the

and bring them

vessels,

faith of the nation to

purchase

the ships at their value, as prizes, to give, as in the case of the

militia,

an immediate discharge to

promotion

stating the hardships

to which

who should

all

who

in preference to all

desire

it,

ensuring

should remain in the service,

they are subject in the British

which they have been forced, either by hunger or the

press-gang, dwelling particularly on the unjust distribution of their
service, into

prize-money, stating the enormous disproportion between the share

common seaman ensuring

them an equitable rate in that respect, to be established in the
future Irish navy, and reminding them of the immense wealth to be

of an admiral or a captain and that of a

made by

captures on the prodigious expanse of the British com-

merce which now embraces that of the whole world.

proclamation issuing from an Irish Government

enough to expect the most powerful

effects.

Let

From such

am

I
it

sanguine

never be for-

gotten that two-thirds of the British seamen, as they are called, are
in

fact Irishmen.

will

not say that this proclamation would

bring one ship into the Irish harbours, but this

nature be

and

human

would

I say,

such a

that

if

human

spirit

of jealousy

distrust in the naval service of Great Britain as

must most

nature,

it

raise

Will any English

materially serve the cause of the Republic.

Admiral leave Portsmouth with confidence, with such a proclamation as that hanging over his

head, against which, too, he has

nothing to oppose but the mere force of discipline

will that discipline

enforcing

it

How much

be necessarily relaxed from the fear

strictly,

lest,

by

the majority of the crew should instantly

mutiny and carry the ship where they would meet with protection
and support amongst
children

in

their friends

one word,

captain be found to

tie

and connections,

in their native

up an

Irish

country

seaman

for

their wives

and

Will any English

trifling offence

APPENDIX.
and

flog

him before the

return

what weapon has the English Government to oppose in

supplicate the attention of the French Government to

this point,

which

would be

in

is,

in

my judgment, of the very highest importance.

her navy that England would be then

If there

vulnerable.

one,

to decide the

it is

French Government to make every

to be established in Ireland.

a thousand arguments on this topic, but

have said

will

be

sufficient to

effort to obtain

medium

the

trust,

knowing

whom

open the

add

to

as

do

address, that

subject,

again most earnestly entreat them to follow in their

it

of a national

would be easy

It

the superior talents and information of those

what

this single

of magnitude by itself sufficient

which can only be effected through

Government

found

first

was no other object proposed but

affirm with confidence,

whom are
eyes ? And

crew two-thirds of

face of the

with the terror of such a proclamation before his

Irish,

especially

It

39i

and

own minds

do
the

long chain of consequences which must flow, as to the naval power

of England, from the measure which
it

to have that success

but

which

have mentioned, supposing

cannot myself

for a

moment doubt

must.

it

4th.

proclamation recalling, in general terms,

from the dominions of Great Britain, whether

when

5th.

come

An

The

effect of this

to speak of the actual

address to the people

distinguished

land or sea

a certain period, under pain of being

service, or otherwise, within

treated as emigrants.

Irishmen

all

in the

measure

will

be seen

and casual resources of Ireland.

of England and Scotland, as

from the Government, stating the grounds of the

conduct of the Irish nation, and declaring their earnest desire to

avoid the effusion of blood

that they wish merely for the indepen-

dence of their country, which at

all

hazards they are determined to

warning the English people, by the examples of the

American and French Revolutions, how impossible it is to conquer

maintain

a whole people determined to be free, demonstrating,

by

calculation,

the expense of the war, and applying to their interests as a commercial people, contrasted and opposed to the personal views of
their

King and Government

showing them how

gain in the most prosperous event,

little

they could

how much blood and

treasure

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

39 2

they must necessarily expend, and

consequences to England

if

she should

proclamation were published,

just,

it

pointing out the certain

finally,

the contest.

fail in

apprehend, as

If this

principles are

its

might embarrass the British Minister considerably

operations,

so

perhaps, to render

in his

him to
continue the war. But, as I do not at all calculate on the good
sense or spirit of the British people, who seem to me for some years
as,

it

impossible for

have totally renounced that share of both which they once

I will submit that, if it totally failed in its object, and
the English nation were so infatuated as to support the Minister in
to

possessed,

the war, this proclamation should be followed by the next.

6th.

The immediate

property in
appropriating

confiscation

of every shilling of English

of every species,

Ireland,

movable or

act of strict justice, as the English people

things must happen

in

if so,

submit, one of two

perty in Ireland, which

in

is

would decidedly

peace, and the establishment of the

directly follow

which case they lose

weapon against them,

either the English people

and,

independence of Ireland, would

support the war

and

would have made them-

In this manner,

selves parties in the war.

oppose the war

fixed,

to the national service, which would then be an

it

at

or

they would

once an immense pro-

and becomes a

instantly transferred,

the hands of their enemies

not to speak

of the discontents which the loss of such a vast property in land,

in

money

amongst

lent

all

on mortgages,

ranks,

in goods,

and

in debts,

must produce

and more especially amongst the merchants and

traders in England.
I

will

not trespass longer on the time of the French Govern-

ment, but hasten to give a brief sketch of the actual and casual
resources of Ireland, and then conclude.
4,500,000.

It is

First, her

necessary to state on what grounds

population
I

assert this.

In 1788 there existed a tax on hearths in Ireland, by which means

number of houses was known with sufficient accuracy to those

the revenue. The number of people in Ireland,
allowing six to a family, was in that year calculated by one of the

the

who administered
commissioners

who,

4,100,000; and

it

of

course,

was allowed

had

to be

perfect

information

under the

truth,

as

at
well

APPENDIX.

393

because some houses must necessarily have been omitted, as that

the proportion of six to a family was less than what was usually

found

where the people are naturally

in Ireland,

memory

here from

but the calculation

Transactions of the Royal

Academy

Ireland

is

populous, she

is

it

amount

the people of Ireland

poor

prolific.

speak

to be found in the

of Ireland, which may, per-

haps, be in the National Library, and

that

is

will justify

my

We

are,

assertion

But, though

to 4,500,000.

thanks to the ruinous

connection with England, almost without trade or manufactures

and while that connection holds we

among

shall continue so,

other reasons, that a wretched

peasant

Irish

for this,

tempted

is

even by the scanty pay and subsistence of a foot soldier, from

which a well-fed and well-clothed English artisan turns with con-

The army

tempt.

of England

is

supported by the misery of

Ireland.

amongst

Ireland would, however, in case of a revolution, possess,

others, the following resources

Her

1st.

actual revenues, amount-

ing at present to about 2,000,000 per annum,

2nd.

livres.

value

The

making 48,000,000

church, college, and chapter lands, whose exact

do not know, but which are of vast amount.

property of absentees,

who never

visit

the country at

ing at least to 1,000,000 sterling, or 24,000,000

casual property of emigrants, which would

The

amount-

all,

livres.

amount

3rd.

4th.

The

to a very great

sum, but which, as depending on circumstances, cannot be reduced

to

calculation.

whether vested
bonds,

bills,

5th.

book

The property

land, mortgages

in

debts, or otherwise

of Englishmen in Ireland

on land,

trade, manufactures,

to be confiscated and applied

to the discharge of the obligations incurred in the acquisition of

the independence of Ireland

cannot say what the amount of

One English nobleman

Ambassador at Paris, under the name of
Lord Stormont, and an implacable enemy of France has 300,000

this

might

be, but

it

must be immense.

Earl Mansfield, formerly

sterling, or 7,200,000 livres, lent

on mortgages

in

Ireland

another

English gentleman, Mr. Taylor, has 150,000 sterling, or 3,600,000

livres, lent in like

to the French

manner.

mention these instances to point out

Government what unspeakable confusion the measure

THEOBALD WOLFE TONE.

394
I

propose would be likely to produce

in

England, and what a

of Ireland would be in a com-

staggering blow the separation

mercial point of view, not to speak of the military,

which

or,

is

of

more consequence, the naval part of the question.

I have now done.
I submit to the wisdom of the French Government that England is the implacable, inveterate, irreconcilable

far

enemy of

the Republic, which never can be in perfect security

whilst that nation retains the dominion of the sea

made

quence, every possible effort should be

and to reduce her power

that she

vulnerable

is

that

in Ireland,

it is

that, in conse-

humble her pride

and in Ireland only,

to

which the French

fact of the truth of

Government cannot be too strongly impressed

that

by

establish-

ing a free Republic in Ireland they attach to France a grateful ally

whose cordial

assistance, in peace

and war, she might command,

and who, from situation and produce, could most

her

that at the

same time they cut

support, in losing which she

in recruiting

is

laid

essentially serve

from England her most firm

under insuperable

difficulties

her army, and especially in equipping, victualling, and

manning her navy, which, unless

Ireland, she

means

off

and,

would be absolutely unable to do

suffer

me

drew from

for the resources she

to add, by these

means only

that

her

by these
arrogance

can be effectually humbled, and her enormous and increasing power

at sea reduced within

France, but to

all

due bounds

Europe

an object

that

it

is

essential, not

only to

at least possible,

by the

measures mentioned, that not only her future resources, as to her

navy,

may

be intercepted and cut off at the fountain head, but that

a part of her
Ireland

fleet

may

be actually transferred to the Republic of

that the Irish people are united

but the means to begin

that,

and prepared, and want

not to speak of the policy or the

pleasure of revenge in humbling a haughty and implacable

rival,

and splendid act of generosity and justice,

it
worthy of the Republic, to rescue a whole nation from a slavery
under which they have groaned for six hundred years that it is
is in itself a great

for the glory of France, after

emancipating Holland and receiving

Belgium into her bosom, to establish one more

Europe

that

it is

free

Republic in

for her interest to cut off for ever, as she

now

APPENDIX.
may

do, one-half of the resources of

extreme

difficulties in

reasons, in the

name

the

395

England, and lay her under

employment of the

For

other.

of justice, of humanity, of liberty, of

country, and of France herself,

all

these

my own

supplicate the Directory to take

into consideration the state of Ireland

and by granting her the

powerful aid and protection of the Republic, to enable her at once

to vindicate her liberty, to

independent station
soil,

spirit

humble her

among

tyrant,

and

to

assume that

the nations of the earth for which her

her productions and her position, her population

have designed

her.

THE END.

and her

INDEX.
ABERCORN, Lord, Keogh's

plan

Archdekin,

109

i.

The

assumption of the
Lieutenancy of Ireland by,

Aristocrats and Democrats,

131, 146, 154

39
Armstrong, Major, ii. 356
Armstrong, William, second
a duel, i. 12

the

for

i.

Abercrombie, General,

ii.

304,

345
Adet, Citizen, French minister

Irish

people divided into,

i.

in

in Philadelphia, his first inter-

Attorneys, Custom of treating,

view with Tone, i. 219; approves of Tone's design for

applying to France to assist

Augereau,

Ireland, 222, 253

Aherne, Dr., appointed by French

Government
ii.

to

go

61, 95

summoned

to Holland, 290
Alexander the Great, ii. 49
America, war with England,
manufacture of linen in, 79
1 1
Amsterdam, The Stadthuys of,
ii. 209, 210
Annesley, Earl, and the riots,
i.

i.

105,

115;

said

to

ill-use

ii.

70

Antrim, Attack of McCracken

i.

10, note,

and

General,

Italian colours,

Austin, Mrs.,

i.

ii.

the

190

112

Avonmore, Lord,

Bagwell,
Ball,

73, note,

i.

Ed.

J.,

M.P.,

149
J.,
Ballinamuck, Battle

Ed.

ii.

137

i.

of,

i.

6,

note,

Ed.
Tone's

Ballinasloe,

visit

to,

i.

137
Bar, Dublin, friendly to Catholic
claims,

i.

52

Barber, Captain,

Barber, Sam.,
Barere,

Catholics, 119

Antonelli, Cardinal,

on,

21

to Ireland,

favours agrarian revolu-

tion, 53

i.

i.

i.

105

249

Baron, Captain,
Barras,

i.

104, 113

i.

256

Barrett, R.,

i.

i.

ii.

73

227
272

INDEX.

398

Wolfe Tone
to

Tone

to,

letter

268, 270

ii.

Taking

of

brated in Belfast,
Beaulieu, General,
of,

108

i.

from, 128, 134

Barthelemy,
Bastille,

from

Letter

Colonel,

Barry,

cele-

71
32

ii.

defeat

Bedout, Captain, ii. 154, 160

Belfast, Dissenters and volunrecepi.
43, 47, 5 1
tion of Tone's pamphlet in,
teers of,

extension of principles
52
of United Irishmen in, 70, 71
support of Catholic emanci;

thanks of Ca132
Convention accorded

pation,

tholic

169
ception
to,

enthusiastic

its

re-

of the delegates to

the King, 171

hospitality to

Tone, 214, 215

rising in,

ii.

D., motion at the

Convention on the mode of

transmitting the petition to

the King,

i.

164, 166;

one of

the delegates selected to present the petition to his

Ma-

jesty, 167
184
Bellew, Dr., Bishop of Killala,
;

i.

proposal for a national

arrest,

Edward, reported

Sir
ii.

i.

"History

quoted,

i.

20

"

of

96, note,

Beresford, Mark,

i.

152

mock name

Blefescu,"

for Bel-

72
Bloom, Captain, ii. 140
Bodenstown, Tone's burial-place,
i.

ii. 370
Bompart, Commodore, of the
second French expedition to

Ireland,

349

ii.

Bond, Oliver,

148, 156;

i.

and biographical
arrest, 296
Boswell,
i.

Weaving

ii.

5,

Ed.

note,

invention by,

no
Adjutant-General,

Boulant,

ii.

312
Bournonville, General,

Bouvet, Rear-Admiral,
85
Braughall,

i.

301

ii.

160

i.

Thomas, member of
Committee,

Catholic

i.

52

Ed.
stopped, with Wolfe Tone, by
footpads, 68
goes
108, 109
arrest

of,

note,

52,

with Tone to Ballinasloe, 135,

138
Break-of-day-boys (see Peep-ofday-boys)
Broon,

ii.

ii.

245, 246

124

J., sub-master at
Mr. Darling's academy, i. 1

138
Belmont Castle," i. 16

Benn's

112, 205

Brown, Mr. G.

Bellew, William,
"

i.

72, 116

i.

Bridport, Lord,

college, 145

Bellew,

Blackhall,

Boyd,

153
Bellew, C.

143

i.

fast,

44

42,

Bird, Mr.,

Blacquiere, Sir F.,

the,

i.

Birch, Rev. T.,

i.

Browne, Denis, member of the

Belfast,"

Ed.
ii.

House

134, 137,

146, 152

Bethencourt, General,

Irish

rascal in

of

HO

Commons,

Mayo," 147, 153

Browne, Hon. Mr.,

i.

"playing the
i.

108, 109

INDEX.
Browne, Wogan,
Bruce, Dr.,
Bruix,

82,

65

84, 86,

87
urged

Ireland,

to,

85,

i.

invade

to

Ed.

35, note,

Ed.

54, note,

in Italy,

42 44
;

feat in Italy, 54

ii.

17 victory
reported de;

victory over

the Austrians, 183, 226; proclamation at Genoa, 236 ap;

pointed to

command I'Armee

d'Angleterre, 274

interviews

with Tone, 278, 279 and the

and the arrest
Jacobins, 287
of United Irishmen, 300, 303;
;

address to troops at Toulon,

330; compared with

Hoche, 339
aversion to an

316,

expedition to Ireland, 341

Burgh, Chief Baron, his oratori-

powers in the Irish House

Commons, and resignation
his Crown office,
109,
i.

Ed.

note,

Burke,

Edmund, approval

of the

Whig

Club,

23, note,

Ed.

invective on

the French Revolution,

38

entertains Keogh's boys, 125

Burke, Richard, appointed agent

for Catholic Committee, i. 48,

49

allusion

Ed.
52

"

to

him

in

Memoirs," 48, note,

farewell dinner to him,
petition to Parliament

Grattan,

arrives

and gets

his conge

35

tries

in Dublin,
from Keogh,
again to be

agent for the Catholics, 144

visits Keogh, 156
Burrowes, Peter, member of
of Wolfe Tone's club, i. 32
;

summary

biographical
33, note,

Ed.

the Union,

Tone
" The

for,

admiration of

36

Czar,"

i.

speech against

ib.

of,

nicknamed

24

306

ii.

362
Burston, Mr.,

i. 125, 126, 127

Burton, Beresford, his opinion

on measures of Catholic Committee, i. 68

Bute, Lady, ii. 44
Butler, Hon. Simon, first chairman of the Dublin Club of
United Irishmen,
54; bioi.

graphical
note,

principles of the
i.

108

I2 5>

in-

tervenes for Tandy's pardon,

of

i.

Buonaparte,

of

suspected of schem-

Tone's opinion of him, 107

letter from, 108
Tone writes

81,

96

Bunting,

cal

his vanity,

desires to return to Ire-

ing with the Catholics, 106

77, note, Ed., 80,

1".

land, 67

157,

ii.

327

186, 311,

Bryson,

prepared by, 62

74, 75, 126

i.

87
Rear- Admiral,
i.

399

Ed.

summary
;

68, 125

of, 54,

55,

imprison-

ment, ii. 5, note, Ed.

Byrne, Edward, chairman of
Catholic Committee, 52, and
i.

note, Ed., 62, 94,

108,

109

nicknamed "The Vintner,"72;

letter

signed by, 125

126, 133,

chairman of Catholic
144
Convention, 159; selected as
;

one of the delegates to present

petition to the King, 167
176

INDEX.

4oo

Byrne, Mr., publisher of pam-

by Wolfe Tone,

phlet

i.

68

attacked by Grand Jury

by Limerick, and

of Louth,

27

the Dublin Corporation, 70

issues a counter-manifesto, 70;
;

Cahir, Lord, ii. 9

Camden, Lord, Proclamation
305
Campbell,

81

i.

sensions as to petition to Par-

Carnot,

Irish insurrec-

249

i.

Tone's

in-

first

another interview with Tone,

21, 30,41, 51 84, 146; conspiracy of, 266, 268

ii.

Defeat

Lake

of

formation and originators, i.

connection of
44, note, Ed.
;

Ed.

with,

ceases

45,

to

and
exist,

and afterwards re-formed, 44,

note, Ed.
its original object,
;

45

applies to Parliament for

of the

from, 48

various

aristocracy

measures

adopted by, 48, 49; their

tions rejected

62,63

peti-

by Parliament,

Keon's plan

for its reor-

ganisation, 64;

Wolfe Tone ap-

pointed agent

to,

for its

Bill,

vernment, 190, 194; divided

opinions, 191
assailed with
unfounded charges by the
Government, 194, 195; Tone's
memorials in their interests to
the French Directory, ii. 97
Catholic Convention, place of
assembly, 158; enthusiasm
of delegates,
of chairman,

65 ; the plan
reorganisation alarms

the British Government, 67

the legality of its measures
;

maintained by two lawyers,

election
159
159; the right
;

of representation established,

160

the repeal of the penal laws, 47

secession

186

Catholic Committee in Ireland,

note,

in

shows a spirit of
compromise towards the Go-

Keogh

delegates

185,

ii.
at,
6, note, Ed.
meeting
i.
at,
140
139,
348
Castlereagh, Lord, arrests C.
H. Teeling, ii. 5, note, Ed.

John

of

London, 184
rescinding of
Keogh's motion, 185; discussion on the acceptance or nonacceptance of Hobart's

General

i.

attendance

battle of

Tone and

180, 181

terview with, 252-255

refers
Tone to General Clarke, 277

Castlebar,

words
Keogh,
Keogh's motion for

liament, 179

between

130

ii.

wavering counsel

after the Convention, 177; dis-

Canard about an
tion,

108

102,

of,

ii.

Teeling's

motion

for

emancipation, 161

D.

T. O'Brien's speech, 161

re-

total

ception of Keogh's challenge,

and

his

ment,

motion
161,

162

for adjourn;

Teeling's

amendment unanimously

car-

163 Fitzgerald's motion

for discussing the mode of
ried,

transmitting the petition

to

King, 164; signing the

petition by assembly, 164

the

INDEX.
unanimous agreement

mode

165-167

tion,

in

scheme

for the administration

of

of Irish

affairs, 132,

selection

to

their

tion, 167 a vindication of the

conduct of Catholics discussed
and agreed upon, 167-169
thanks to people of Belfast,
;

representation

clerical

in the, 170

Catholic Society,

88

i.

Catholics in Ireland, proportion-

1792, 158-170; presentation

of their petition to the King,

41 tyranny of
penal code against them, 41
Mr. Lecky's summary of the
penal code against them, 42,
note, Ed.
their advance in
ate numbers,

i.

173

political spirit,

England, 51

47

its

taken

at their using firearms, 104

from

parading

of

their clergy,

105

Ministry, 108

them

to

find

in

105

no;
115;

soldiers,

nication

between them

Parliament,

i.

123,

of

130

and
124; com-

11.

23, note,

i.

in,

Whig

ii.

160
ii.

"

313, 319;
27

265

87, 98, 99, 150

Lord, Letters of,
Tone's opinion of, i. 139
Chouannerie," System of, i.
ii.

Chesterfield,

injustice

Club,

Ed.

Cherin, General,

to the poorer, 130; their invol.

relaxations

Chaumont, General,

plain of taxation without re-

presentation,

to 1792, 92, Ed., 94

Chasseloup,

commu-

medium

Ed.

originators of the

their

Wolfe Tone

to be the

200

i.

offer

clergy said to be unfriendly

to liberty, 116;

excluded, 198, note, Ed.,

199,

neutrality in AngloIrish
Spanish affairs, i. 27
Chamberlain,
115
Charlemont, Lord, one of the

English

insults offered

Sligo,

i. 137
Cavan, Earl of, ii. 253
Cavendish, Sir Henry, opinion
of Wolfe Tone's pamphlet on

not to be

197

Cattle-fair at Ballinasloe,

amongst

by the

supported
to

order,

influence

196,

and

still

down

in

mending good
loss

pass-

from which they were

42, note,

they decide to
105
have a pastoral letter recom-

relief,

Catholics, Penal code against,

Tone proposes they should

abstain

provisions,

offices

dinners to poli-

Committee, 177

ing of Bill for their

hatred of

tical friends, 52; offence

a spirit of compromise

in the

bodies,

133; what

emancipation
meant,
133; education of their clergy,
R. Burke seeks again
143
to be their agent, 144 their
discontent with the Government, 147
names of subcommittee of, 149 proceedings of their Convention of

delegates to present the peti-

169

Keogh's proposed

terests

peti-

as

of transmitting

401

ii.

12,

113

INDEX.

402

Chouans, The,
Clane,

Club, Whig,

Wolfe Tone's
i. 23
connection with it, 24, 25, 26

107, 124, 147

ii.

13

i.

Clare, Lord, allusions in speeches

Wolfe Tone, i.
by Tone's son is
challenged by Hon. Simon

to letter from
35, note

Butler,

55,

note, Ed.; 72

the

Ed.;

note,

summary

graphical
to

bio-

of,

70,

his animosity

Catholics,

169
con-

168,

attacked by Tone, 177

Catholic emancipation,
;

demns

279

194,

Hoche

abuses

Tone and

in the Irish Parliament,

185, 292

Clarke, General, interview with

Tone

Paris,

in

second

277-281
re287

i.

interview,

Tone the proposals

ports to

of the Executive, 299 ii. 8,

opinion of
9; distrusted, 11
;

Tone's proclamation, 37, 39

43 discusses with Tone the
proposed expedition, 47, 51,
;

77

57> 58,

suggestions as to

the future government of Ireland, 83

281

Clear-day Men,
Cleghorn,

Tom,

i.

83

the Catholic Convention,

170

i.

306
Club, formed by Wolfe Tone,

Ed.

note,

puny

its

objects,

23,

efforts,

38 and the condition of the

labouring poor, ii. 55
;

Coach-riding in France, Cost

i.

of,

231

Cockayne, solicitor to Duchess

accompanies
of
Kingston,
Jackson to Ireland, i. 203
witness against Jackson, 208

Collins, the informer,

ii.

2,

note

197, 199, 201-203

Commissaries in French expedi-

Cologne,

ii.

tion for Ireland,

Compton,

Mr.

account
"

of

ii. 158
Herbert,

W.

his

Tone

in

Adventurers
of
Hindustan," i. 4, note, Ed.
Military

member

Conolly, Mr.,
Irish

Parliament,

Tone's opinion

of,

i.

of

the

93, 94
offers
;

126

to go security for

good be-

haviour

Catholics,

of

the

127 ii. 226

Convention Act,
175, note,
ED.
Convention, Batavian, ii. 216218
;

i.

ii.

i.

at Ballinamuck,
6,
Ed.
intercedes
for
Tandy's pardon, 54, note,
Ed. ii. 225, 345, 361
Corsica, ii. 70, 129, 140

Corsini, Neri,

i.

85

i.

i.

i.

87

Club, United Irish, Dublin,

349

French

note,

i.

Club, Washington,

Corbet, T.,

Cornwallis, Marquis, defeats the

i.

32-34
126
Club, Newry,
Club, Northern Whig,
153
Club, United Irish, Belfast,
53,

and

originators

i.

131

ii.

Clergy, their representatives at

Clotilde,

54

i.

257

Council of Five Hundred,

312

i.

311,

INDEX.
Cowen, Captain,

i. 105
Coyle, Dr., Bishop of Raphoe,
i.

113

Craig, Rev.

Wm,

T.

W.

Tone's

second schoolmaster, i. 9, 99
Crawford, Dr., i. 99
Croix, Charles de la, French
Minister for Foreign Affairs,
his reception of Tone,
236
i.

appearance and manners,

promises to support
239
Tone's proposals, 257, 258
discusses with Tone the plan
of invasion, 269-273, 318 ii.
17, 61
Cruise, Dr., Bishop of Ardagh,
his

i.

Daendels, General,
;

pedition to Ireland, 238, 239

scheme

landing in Eng-

for

flight
252, 257, 284
from the Hague, 319; return

land,

to the Hague, 335

D'Albarade, appointed to com-

mand

the naval expedition to

Ireland,

ii. 7
Dalton, James and Alexander,
ii. 124
Daly, speaks at the Catholic
Convention on the Catholic
vindication, i. 168

Daly, Colonel,

113

230, 231,

ii.

his plans and in232, 233

structions for the Dutch ex-

356

ii.

W.

Cunningham, Waddel, i. 84, 86,

87. 95. 9 6
97; harangues

Darling, Sisson, T.

against the Catholics, 98, 100

Curran, Captain, ii. 356

Davis, Thomas, writer of stanza

Curran,

P.,

J.

his

reply to

question from Lord Norbury,

Ed. hostile meeting with John Egan, 73, note,

Ed.
defends W. Jackson,
intervenes on Tone's
208
behalf for a trial in the Court
of King's Bench, 362, 363
i.

56, note,

" Life,"

Curran's

allusions

its

Tone on

to letter from Wolfe

the

connection

with Britain,

i.

of

Ireland

35, note

by

Tone's son ii. 349

Curry, Dr., one of the origina;

tors

of

mittee,

Custine,

" Czar,

the
i.

Catholic

Com-

44, note, Ed.

302
The,"

Peter Burrowes,

i.

124

schoolmaster,

memory

to the

Tone's

i.

of Tone,

ii.

370
General,

Debelle,
131.

118,

116,

ii.

273

Defenders,

address

of term, i.
103 proposed
ii. I
107, 108

origin

83, note,

Ed,

to,

Democrats of
Derry, Mr.,

i.

Ireland,

i.

39

104

Derry, Grand Jury resolutions,

fortifications, ii. 118
i. 112
;

Desaix, General,

ii.

Despard, Colonel,

Devereux,

E.,

295

i.

127,

130

Conven166; selected as one of

addresses
tion,

J.

274, 276

ii.

Catholic

the delegates to present the

i.

nickname

first

for

petition to the King, 167 ; on

the Catholic vindication, 169
;

has the charge

of

Catholic

INDEX.

404

181

London,

in

affairs

177,

175,

attacked by Keogh, and

defended by Sweetman, 181,

Vergennes, Count, i. 290
Digges, i. 77, 79, 80, 81, 82,
84, 86, 87, 88, 97, 109, 117

Dillon, R.,

83,
;

ii.

dependent
the

and support
of

principles

French

Revolution,

pamphlet

Tone's
51

spirit

Tone

i.

the
41

addressed

presses for or-

amongst,
102
Tone proposes they should
defend the peace of the counganisation

try against

all

transgressors,

clergy favourable to
105
Catholic liberty, 116; only
;

those

of

Belfast

support

Catholic emancipation,

132

Dixon, Wm., 72, 125

Dosworth, Lord, ii. 137
ii.

Downes,

i.

179

The,"
i.

ii.

nickname of
72, et passim

Drennan, Dr. Wm., member of

Club, formed by Wolfe Tone,
i.

32

biographical

summary

Ed. his lyrics

and origination of the Belfast

of,

Drunkenness
army, Cure

French

the

in

311
birthplace of
1

i.

hanged

for,

i.

W.

T.

Matthew Tone

re6, note, Ed.

Phoenix Park, 10
formation of Club of United
Irishmen at, 54
seditious
papers circulated
amongst
at,

views in

the soldiers

of, 148
illuminated to celebrate the expul-

of

sion

the

German army

from France, 148 important

Catholic
meeting in, 149
;

rumoured seizure of the arsenal, ii. 129; martial law proclaimed in, 226
Dublin Evening Post,
149
i.

agent,

rebel

Irish

note,

i.

Doyle, John, his Irish heroes,

Sinclair,

i.

Ed., 272
ii.
62,
73, 96, 108 Tone's suspicions

W.

a,

154

258,

73
Downshire, Lord, interview with
Wolfe Tone, i. 117 ii. 125
Doyle, i. 88

53
" Draper,

27

ii.

Duckett,

i.

Doulcet,

Dublin Club,

in

88,

Tone,

Dissenters in Ireland, their in-

to,

56, 71

Dublin,

140

i.

154

i.

author of pub-

Drummer, Punishment on

337
Dillon, Lord,

ib.

lications of the

Drouet,

182

De

of

Magazine,

33, note,

of,

10, 121

Duel, between boys,

i.

12

be-

tween Captain Sweetman and

Watson, 264 between Rapatelle and a naval officer, ii. 132
Duff, Mr. James Grant, his allu;

sion to

W. Tone

in the "

tory of the Mahrattas,"

note,

Hisi.

4,.

Ed.

Dugas, M., ii. 37

Dugominier, Adjutant-General,
ii. 312
Dumonceau, General, ii. 257

INDEX.
Dumourier,
189
Duncan, Admiral,
i.

defeats the

ii.

ii.

Dutch

address from the Catholics of

267, 312
238, 264

Dundas, Hon. H.,

274

fleet,
;

tells

Dublin,

148

i.
125 his reception of the Catholic dele-

gates, 172, 173

405

Devereux

the intentions of Parliament,

181

Tone, 211, 212

296
England, policy
43
ii.

Dunsany, Lord, i. 89
Duphot, General, assassination
in Rome of, ii. 289

147

i.

ii.

nickname,
meeting with

his

farewell

ii.

Ireland,

in

Irish hatred of,

146
132

arrest,

i.

51

50,

influence in Ireland,

relations with Spain,

defeat in
43, 51, 102, 105
sends arms
Indies, 51
;

West

and takes French

64 rumoured peace
France, 102
French

to Ireland,

EARLSFOOT, Lord, Wolfe Tone's

opinion

of,

summary

72

i.

of, ib.,

biographical

i.

Egan, Bishop,
Egan, John,

hostile
meeting
with Curran, and opposition

to the Union,
73, note, Ed.
Egan, Mr., Petition of Catholic
Committee prepared by, i. 62,
note, Ed.
Egypt, French invasion of, ii. 303
i.

Elliot, Sir Gilbert,

65
Robert, Co-operation of

Emmet,
Thomas

ii.

Russell

with,

i.

28,

Ed. supported by Peter

Burrowes, 33, note, Ed.

note,

Emmet, Thomas Addis,

friend-

ship with Wolfe Tone,

35,

fore

to,

113

biographical
note,

America,

i.

summary

120

19,

Hoche,

of

army and

Dutch plans
2 53> 2 57

249
landing in,

fleet of, 226,

for a

Dutch

defeats the

sanguinary mea-

274
in

of,

attack on Ostend, 315

bombardment of Havre, 318, 319,

in

draws
up
counter-manifesto of Catholic
Committee, 70
Tone's
esteem for him, 143
his
;

assassination

despatch of French
desperadoes to, 128
Spain
declares
war against, 128
Colonel Tate's buccaneering
party for the devastation of
Grattan on the
144, 145
treatment of Irish rebels by,
sedition in
212, note, Ed.
1

sures

position

ted

35,

Ed.
evidence beCommittee, and
ib.

117; supposed

fleet,

Secret

distinguished

importation of arms

Ireland,

to be implicated in the attemp-

128

i.

into

143

with

proposal to send desperadoes

note.

Education of Catholic clergy,

36

frigates,

Ireland,

306,

348

321
Erskine,

i.

74

Esmonde,

Dr., of Kildare, i.
execution of, ii. 331
European Magazine, Contribu-

122

tions of T.

W. Tone

to,

i.

16

INDEX.

406

Everhard, Mr.,

Fagan,

Mr.,

10

i.

115

i.

Fanning, Rev.

pecu-

W.

Lord Edward,
note on,

biographical

Ed.

arrest,

death, 330
Lord Thomas,

324

Fitzgerald,

Tom,

Fitzgerald,
;

53

89,
;

motion

tion, 164, 165

ii.

324

335

ii.

73, 94, 109,

i.

Convenon the Catho-

in the
;

vindication, 168

lic

Fitzgibbon,

John

Secret

"

Fitsimons,

Service

Allusion

Pitt,"

to,

ii.

Ed.

125, note,

priest,

105,

i.

Tone's opinion

273,

316

of,

Ireland,

209,

i.

and

Ed.

note,

Fleet, French, strength,

ii.

155,

163; leaves Brest, 159; dangerous passage through the

Raz, 160; in a fog, 161 loss
of the Stfduisant, 162
dis;

Bantry
Bay, 165
schedule of arms
and ammunition, 166; anchors
off Bere Island, 166 in a gale,
persed,

163

sights

167

in

129

i.

64
Flood, Henry, allusion to his
membership of the Belfast
ii.

63,

volunteers,

53,

i.

84

Forbes, Mr., one of the origina-

Whig

Club,

note, Ed., 93
Foster, John (afterwards
Oriel), opinion of the
i.

70, note

i.

23,

Baron
Union,

made Chancellor

of the Exchequer for Ireland,

106, 154

animosity to the

Catholics, 169

Ed.

Humbert's

Bantry

to

Bay, under Hoche,

i.

1,

note,

expedition

note,
Ed.
6,
Doumourier's reported defeat
in,
victory over
134, 142
Germans, 142 victories over
the Austrians, 157 execution
of the King, 182; Dumourier's
Killala,

Fitzwilliam, Lord, recalled from

to

121

166

misfortunes, 173

France, expedition

under

316

its

ib.,

Clare,

{see

Lord)
Fitzpatrick's

ii.

tors of the

Fitzgerald, Pamela,

149

i.
ii.

escape to France, 302

171

a storm, 176, 177 returns to

Brest, 177, 178
second and
third expeditions to Ireland,

Fleury,

138

i.

in a tantalising position

346-352
Fleming, Rev. Mr.,

i.

Fitzgerald,

12

i.

niary assistance to T.
Tone, 20
Ferguson, Mr., i. 84, 87
Fete de la Jeunesse,
308
Fingal, Lord,

169

in a perilous situation,

Grouchy

in

command,

189; cost of coachscenery

in, 231
and cultivation of land in, 228,
229 theatrical performances
in {see Theatres in France)
victories,

travelling

the soldiers
55

the

drinking

237

of,

women
in,

321

in

Italy,

ii.

17,

the

army

in,

33

of currency, 34

ii.

50,

of, i. 237
her victories

19; spirit of
depreciation
the order for

INDEX.
strangers
reverses

to
in

successes in

leave,

35

27,

Germany, 5 1
Germany, 60, 70;

>

Milan to, 72
rumours of peace with England,
relations
with
102
surrender

of

Portugal,

103

of

155

strength

troops for Ireland,

158

failure of expedition to

Ire-

Carnot,

Froude, Mr., description of a

scene in the Irish House of
Commons after a speech by
Hussey Burgh, i. 109

Galles, Admiral Morard

George

of

Ireland

Eng-

decadence
its
298
during the absence of Buonaland,

ii.

ii.

197

Austria, 274
relations with
Republic, 283
the Dutch
;

Adjutant-General,

Gastines,

Genius,

independence

de,

Gardens, Dutch, ii. 205, 214

Gardner, Admiral, ii. 155

and downfall of the Royalists,

peace with
266, 267, 268

essential to peace with

and

Paine's reply, 38

^ 149, 154

land, 177 ; preparations for a

second expedition, 236 con-

spiracy of Pichegru,

invective on the subject,

of

strength

fleet for Ireland,

407

Gatine, Adjutant-General,

Men

when brought

ii. 139
dulness

their

of,

together,

Catholic

III.,

i.

34

petition

i. 154, 155,
156, 160, 161 ;
his reception of the Catholic

to,

and answer,

delegates,

173,

174

parte in Egypt, 342 weakness

Humof the Directory, 345
bert's expedition to Ireland,

Getty,

Hardy's expedition
346, 347
Tone's
to Ireland, 351, 352

i. 72
Granard, Earl

appeal to the Directory on

Grattan, his Bill for emancipa-

behalf of his wife and children,

365
Franchise Act, Provisions
198

French,

its

Thomas,

objections to

i.

circular

of,

i.

138

letter,

to

the

King,

167,

French Revolution, its effect on

the politics of England and
i.

38,

39

of,

i.

17, note,

i.

130

Ed.

Club, 23, note, Ed.

ii.

Memoirs,"

note

2,

Burke's

one of

allusion to

makes

i.

ib.,

84,

94

visits

106, 109

Baron Burgh, 109

alterations in Catholic

manifesto, 123
wishes
be the medium of
;

munication
Catholics
123,

Whig

allusions

receives

from Wolfe Tone,

to

176

Ireland,

tion,

to his "

selected as one of the

138
the
delegates
present
to
petition

ii. 302
"Gog," nickname of John Keogh,

the originators of the

inequality, 199

Sir

82, 87, 117

i.

Gibraltar,

124

Tone
com-

between
the
and
Parliament,
opinion on the

INDEX.

408

good
the

results

Ambassador

from advancing

Catholic

124;
dread of the people, and action
in Parliament on the army
vote, 185
his support of the

Haslitt,
for

Grattan, the younger, descrip-

John Keogh,

of

note,

Ed.

Grattan's

i.

complete
Speech
of
in support of,

Ed.

17, note,

138
Green cockades, i. 112, 151
Grenville,
Lord,
opinion

of

239
31
Grenville,Thomas,and rumoured
negotiations for peace between
England and France, ii. 112
Grey, i. 87
Grouchy, General, ii. 148, 150,
160, 161, 169

intrigue against,

179; eager for a second expedition to Ireland, 333

Guillotining, a bad policy,

307
Hay's

"

ii.

Hague, The, Tone's impressions

212-222
i.

Helena,
at,

i.

St.,

W. Tone

Henderson, Mr.,
"

{see
i.

97
Wharton, John)

112, 177, 205

Hamilton, W., ii. 304

Hammond, formerly

in garrison

2
i.

104

Hercules' Pillars," The,

i.

Hibernian Journal, The,

i.

18
127,

129, 199
Hill, Sir

George, identifies

Tone

amongst the prisoners of war

at Letterkenny,

352

ii.

i.

113, 115

Committee's

his opinion of the

and of the pracand

of the Defenders

Catholics, 117, 119, 121

Historical Society,

79, 84,

116, 118,

ii.

273, 335

interference,

Haliday, Dr.,

i.

History of the InsurrecWexford," Allusion to,

ii345
Hedouville, General,

tices

Hamill, H.,

ii.

with the Theatre des Arts,

Hillsborough, Lord,

91

John

ex-

224-228

i.

Haymarket Theatre, compared

ii.

Tone's

tion in

i.

Hall,

at,

125

ii.

Grace,

attacked by the English,

ii.

Wolfe Tone's memorial for

a colony in the South Seas,

of,

106; arrested

high treason,

periences

45,

for

Knox

Green-boys,

i.

47, 125

ii.

81, 100,

317, 3i8
Bill

emancipation,

George

i.

Havre de

Ed.

tion

349

Harty, General,

treatment of Irish rebels, 212,

note,

ii.

Hardy, General, leader of second

French expedition to Ireland,

Emancipation Bill in Parliament, 196

on the English

America,

in

102

question,

13

i.

Hobart, Secretary,

i.

89,

54

declares against the Catholic

petition,

176

agrees to pre-

sent the Catholic petition to

English

Parliament,

182

presents

INDEX.
and moves

petition,

to bring

a Bill

in

45;

of

canals

relief,

Ireland,

in

i.

entrusted
ii. 26, 27,
245
54
with the expedition to Ire;

58 67 interview with
Tone, 74-76 his age, 80 87
discusses with Tone the prosland,

of the expedition, 90,

his fears on food supply

pects

91
of Ireland, 99
;

101

his

assassination, 118;

proclamation

to

his

Portu-

the

180;

of the

takes

command

army of Sambre

et

Meuse,
presses the
186
Directory to send a second
expedition to Ireland, 228
;

with
Tone and
Lewines on a Dutch expedition, 231, 232; opinion of a
landing in Scotland, 266

confers

and death, 269, 270

compared with Buonaparte,
illness

339
Hoche, Marie,
Holkar,

i.

the people

soldiers of, 215,

204, 215
224; churches in, 209, 210;
Batavian Convention of, 216,

of,

217; liberty of the Press in,

219; music in, 221 proposed
expedition to Ireland, 230
plans for a landing in England, 253, 257
a proposed
invasion of Scotland, 262
;

defeated by the English,

fleet

House of Commons, orders the

Paris,

Tandy, i. 57 ignores
the resolutions of the Dublin

arrest of

the structure de58

stroyed by fire, 59 rejection
of the Catholic petition, 63
club,

its

charge against the General

Committee, 63

Secret

4, note,

124, 133

Ed.

Holland, movements of

Irish conspiracy,

House-breakers,

ii.

the

225

A gang of,

i.

14,

Howe, Admiral, ii. 49

Humbert, leader of French expedition to Ireland,

i.

6, note,

Ed., 54, note, Ed. his success

and final defeat in Ireland, ii.
;

346, 347

Humpton, General,
and

of Wilming-

Hutchins,

Tone,

kindness to Tone's

his

family,
fleet, ii.

Com-

mittee for investigating

ton, acquaintance with

ii.

214;

205,
;

sham

1 1 1

returns

appoints Tone
120
his
Adjutant- General, 122
proclamation,
151;
150,
separation of his fleet, 160;
reported to have landed in
Bantry Bay, 179 arrives in

guese,

of,

213, 214

attempted

sets off for Brest,

returns to Paris, 117

to Rennes, 118

of,

relations with France,

274
283
Holmes, i. 86, 87
Hood, Lord, i. 267
Houchard, General, ii. 312

leaves Paris,

gardens

for leave

tries to learn Catholic

183
opinion about the Bill, 185
Hoche, offered as leader of

French troops

409

i.

217, 218, 220

ii.

170

INDEX.
Hutchinson, Colonel, i. 123
Hutton, John," nickname

"

of

"

Hypocrite, The," nickname of

Dr. McDonnell, i. 72

Wolfe Tone,

72, et passim

i.

Paris between Carnot, Hoche

&c, on the expeditions to,

77

aristocracy

resources

undone

all

beings," i. 20
contemplated French expedition
to, ii. 122
India House, The, i. 19
;

Wolfe Tone's opinion

of the influence of England

Ireland,

in,

132

26,

i.

powers of the

Star Chamber of, 35, note byTone's son Buonaparte urged

to attempt the invasion of, 35,
;

Ed.

note,

French

effect of

Revolution

39; Aristocrats

in,

and Democrats in, 39 state

of parties, 40-43
English
;

policy

in,

43

Committee

44-49

army of, 41
Thomas Davis on
teer

teers

of,

of

their union, 189;

the volun-

the

Act

the

for,

197

Ed.

in,

the

73
people
;

passing of

Catholic relief

provisions of

by

lines

sentiment

political

volun-

note,

41,

the strength
Bill for

Catholic

the

in,

in,

196;

Franchise

women

of,

false rumour of a
20
French landing in, 41
the

ii.

squirearchy
tions

in

preparaof, 55
Ulster for a rising,
;

57 two French expeditions

reported to be preparing for,
62 English preparations for
;

defending,

64

council

in

99
no, 111

forces for,

reported

of thirty persons

arrest

India, "the great gulf of

food
91
the French

of,

of,

for

high treason, 117; importation of arms from England,

117; rumoured revolution in,
treatment of rebels
129, 131
;

by the English Government,

failure of
212, note, Ed.
;

French expedition

to,

177

arrest of fifty persons in the

north

225

of,

proceedings of

Committee

Secret

House

of

Commons

of

the

relative

to suspected persons in, 225

number of United Irishmen

225

in,

persecution

pardon

general
British

in,

249

Government

to,

by

offered

250;

state of affairs in, 250, 251

proposed joint expedition of

France and Holland to, 265
arrest of United Irishmen,
;

296

reported

the south

of,

revolution

304

measures of England
313, 348

in

sanguinary

insurrection

in,

in,

306,

331

proclamation of leaders, 336

reign of terror

343 revulsion against France in, 345

Humbert's expedition to, 346,
347 Hardy's expedition, and
in,

its failure,

351, 352

Irish Brigade,

i.

302

Irish refugees in Paris,

284
328

their

conduct

ii.

281,

in Paris,

INDEX.
The," nickname of
Mr. Macabe, 72
Italy, French victories in, ii. 42
colours taken by the French,

" Irish Slave,

411

Judges

in France,

Dress

of,

i.

320

i.

190

KASTACLE, Van,

ii. 262
Kearney, Dr., 256
" Keeper, The," nickname
Whitley Stokes, 72
Kenmare,
Lord,
leader
i.

of

i.

Rev.

Jackson,

V/.,

mission to Ireland,

and his
202-209;

Jacobin, The," nickname of S.

Neilson,

i.

72, et passim

Jacobins, The,

i.

106

342

ii.

and Buonaparte, ii. 287

James II., Irish Parliament

of,

J ebb,

i.

Ed.

74, note,

i.

Dr.,

"

i.

8,

Baron de Kilmaine,"

303
Johnson, William,

member

of

i.

Catholic cause in a pamphlet,

feted in Dublin,
79, 84, 87, 88,

i.

52

88

96

mary

of,

note,

45,

Ed.

ib.

44,

Ed.

succeeded

ib.,

62

52,

for

Committee, 65

Catholic

70

the franchise, 93, Ed.

preaches to six bishops," 98

for
"

i.

Burke's return to Ireland, 107;

introduced to
108, 112, 115
;

Lord Moira, 119; helps to

allay the feuds in Newry, 120;

128

gives

conge, 125

tration of Irish
his vanity, 143,

affairs,
1

50

131

flattered

petition

to

the

motion

for

adjournment

131,

his plan for the adminis-

by Tone, 150;

130,

" converts "

another
105
bishop,
106
opposed to

24, 77, 83, 84, 87, 96,

ii.

"insufferably vain,"

no

Joyeuse, Admiral,

brave struggle

his

Richard Burke his

142

of

secures the franchise to

jealous of Tone, 124;

i.

i.

biographical sum-

288
Jourdan, General,
241, 242,
245 ii. 51, 80
Joy, Henry, secretary of Whig
ii.

97, 100,

Com-

his leadership

Joubert, General, in the Tyrol,

Club,

as

qualities as a leader, 46, note,

101, 213

ii.

Wolfe Tone's club, 32

Jones, Wm. Todd, supports the

i.

Ed.

note,

68,

Palestine,

Jordan,

of
;

proposes Wolfe Tone as agent

Jervis, Sir J., ii. 138

Jews, proposal for their return to

is

Keogh, John,

by O'Connell,

302

and

44

mittee, 44, note, Ed., 153

Kennedy, Mrs., actress, i. 226

the Catholics,

115

Jennings,
i.

Lord

the office of

to

Mayor,
Jameson,

i.

the Catholic Committee,

i. 158
James, Alderman, and his elec-

tion

Catholics in Ireland,

leader of the Catholic

296

arrest,
"

i.

praises Tone's

King,

155

at

the Catholic Convention, 161,

INDEX.

412
162

reports to the Conven-

tion the duplicity of

Govern-

ment

selected

officials,

165

one of the delegates to

as

present

the petition

the

to

King, 167; 176 proposal with

regard to the Dungannon
Convention, 179
attack on
Devereux, 181
his motion
;

specting proposal

new

for a

ministry, 145, 146

a conversation with Tone, 151
his
;

motion in Parliament for the

admission of Catholics, 199
Knox, Vesey, i. 96, and note,
Ed.

committee for the attendance of delegates in London,

in

181

note,

2,

326
Keon,

Myles,

Committee,

plans

i.

the

i.

13,

1,

ii.

ii.

i.

73

Lamport,

134
arrested,

Kilmaine, General,

i.

ii.

47,

302,

327. 342
Kilwarden, Lord, killed in Dublin, i. 74
212 and the courtmartial on Tone, ii. 362, 363,
;

friendship

with T. W. Tone, i. 17, 36

his defence of Catholic claims,

and support of Grattan's

Bill

emancipation, in the Irish

Commons,

of

126

17, note,

Keogh's plan with

reference to his advancement,

;

consulted

name on
W. Tone,

maternal side of T.
1

by Tone

re-

code against
author of
94
ib., note,
Ed.

for relaxing penal

Catholics,
"

i.

Barataria,"

witticisms,

La

ib.

Reveilliere

256

Lepaux,

i.

249,

77, 273
Larking, Mr., parish priest,
;

ii.

i. 137
Latouche, David, his motion for
removal of Irish petition from

the

143, 144

Knox, Hon. George,

House

346
124
family

6,

in

Langrishe, Sir Hercules, his Bill

29

i.

i.

cruelties

his

Ireland,

French expedition to,

ii. 347
6, note, Ed.
Kingston, Duchess of, i. 202

364
Kirwan,

Ed.

by

defeated
Castlebar,

at

Lamballe,

Killala,

158
General,

re-

64, 65

313

ii.

ii.

Humbert

i.

Kildare,

131

Lake,

of the Catholic

225

Ed.

Lady

ii.

40, 77, 179

in boy's clothes in French

note,

Kilburne, Sinclair,

for

Lacuee, General,
fleet,

organisation

ii.

ii.

and shrewdness,
Ed.
his escape,

caution

his
i.

his reported arrest,

Lacrosse, Rear- Admiral,

table of

House of Com-

mons, i. 62
Lavau, General, ii. 353
Lecky, Mr., summary of the
penal code in Ireland, i. 42,
note, Ed.
his " History of
Ireland in the Eighteenth
Century " quoted, 92, note
on British cruelties in Ireland,
;

ii.

344, notes

INDEX.
Leghorn, ii. 72
Legion Noire, The, ii. 138, 144
Leinster Bar, The, i. 75
Tone's
Leinster, Duke of, i. 88
;

interview

with,

127

126,

friendly to Catholics, 133; 146,

ii. 83, 90
152, 279
Lennan, Dr., Bishop
;

French
and

227,

ii.

note

; 237, 272, 297, 349

Lewis, Sir G. Cornewall, quota-

from

tion

" Irish

his

turbances,"

Dis-

Ed.

84, note,

i.

Macdonald, General, ii. 62, 265

Macdonnell, J. J., seconds important motion at Catholic
Convention, i. 165 216
Mackintosh, Sir James, friend-

MacSheehy, ii. 107

message to Ireland,
;

Madden, Dr., i. 258,

Madden's
United

ii.

263

quoted,

ii.

131

note

194

Linen trade of

Belfast,

Linsey, Mr.,

i.

i.

85

14

Loftus, General,

356, 358, 360

General,
Mr.,

i.

James,

ii.

Ed.

Catholic

reports

Irish

47

the

137, 139

amongst

314; reports

the

number of men and arms

to

be provided, 315;

ii.

39

rumour of a French

Magee, 255
Magog," nickname of R. McCormick, i. 72
i.

Macabe, Thomas, Wolfe Tone's

53

success

landing in Ireland, 40; Tone's

opinion of, 59

137

i.

his

slow progress
memorials, 291 ;

prisoners,

reports

i.

to

intentions

makes

282
with

Peter,

assurances

Catholic

Patrick,

the

of
the minister, 269 tells Tone
the decision of the Directory,

139

friendship with,

i.

Tone on

113, 137

i.

note,

168

i.

135, 136,

Irishmen
ii.
209, note
2,

morials, 263

259

Lube, Mr., i. 102

Lynch, speaks
at
Convention on the

Lynch,
Lynch,
Lynch,
Lynch,
Lynch,

i.

carries

Madgett, his reception of Tone

in Paris, i. 239
confers with
Tone, 241, 242 approves of
Tone's theory of invasion,
translates Tone's me247

i.

vindication,

35,,

ii.

Londonderry, Lord, ii. 125

Louis XVIII., ii. 119
Louvet and Lodoi'ska, 243
Lowry, Mr., i. 104, 105 ii. 250,
252, 253,

i.

179

Liberty Boys,
ii.

Emmet,

Ed.
MacGuire, ii. 349
Maclaine, i. 87

Leyden, Van,
Liege,

note,

to

of,

Ed.

54, note,

ship with T. A.

mission

Government

Irish Society,

76, 78, 96, 106, 115

Dro-

of

more, i. 113
Letourneur, i. 256
Letterkenny, ii. 352

Lewines,

the founders of the United

one of

"

INDEX.

414

Mahrattas, The, English Resi-

dent at the court of the

Peshwa, i. 4 William Tone's
book on, 4, note, Ed. Mr. J.
Grant Duff's " History " of, 4,
;

note, Ed.
Malmesbury, Lord,

ii.

129,

143,

Marcou

72

ii.

Isles,

ii.

312

put in
" Marseillaise, The,"
3

theatres,

i.

irons, 3
in French

226, 232, 309

80, 81,

i.

82, 83,

87

of the Catholic Committee,

i.

note, Ed., 65, 81, 88,

charged by the
Government with fomenting
10 1, 142, 177

disorder, 195, 213

5,

ii.

2,

note,

251

Irish leader, attacks

in,

Antrim,

and executed, i. 1 10,

Ed.; his ship the

note,

Hibernia, 115

McDonnell, Randal,
147, 176
M'Clokey, i. 118
M'Davit, Dr., Bishop of Deny, i.
i.

"3
M'Dermott, Mr., of

Dr.,

New

York,

296

Sligo, speaks

at Catholic Convention,

i.

166

ii.
70, 88, 89
and removal to
note,
250
6,
i.

his arrest,

arrest,

McTier, i. 76, 78, 81, 86, 87, 96,

102
Merlin de Douai, ii. 270, 297
Metternich, Count, ii. 44
of,

i.

ii.

72

and French

Irish

i.

98

interview

with Wolfe Tone, 119

of the Papists, 130

ii.

83

House of

Irish

in

afraid

speech

con-

128

Moira, Lord,

Lords on the severity of the

Government, 291
Monroe, American Ambassador
at Paris, his reception of Tone,
British

i.

McCracken, Henry Joy, United

arrested,

81, 88, 99, 100,

i.

113

trasted,

McCormick, Richard, secretary

and

i.

Mobs,

i.

52,

126

speaks at Catholic
Convention, 165
McMillan, Dr., Bishop of Down,

Milan, Fall

i.

84,

Dr.,

102, 103

Marsh, Colonel, L 119

Mason, Monck,
185
Maxwell, Renny, 96

McAughtrey,

72, 77, 80, 81,

i.

i.

Marie Antoinette, ii. 38, 39

Marigny, Mr., gives W. Tone a
commission in the Nizam's
i.

McKenna,

McNeven,

313, 314

ii.

Marescot, General,

service,

Dr.,

88, 96, 97, ioi,

McNally, Leonard, barrister and

informer,
203, note, Ed.

245

Mantua,

McDonnell,

to

235

advises

Tone

Directoire

the

to appeal

Executif,

248 ii. 40, 87 offers a loan

recalled, 187
to Tone, 94
;

Montauban,

124
Montauciel, quoted,
ii.

Montenotte, Affair

Moody,

ii.

of,

73
ii.

17

Dr., Dissenting minister,

120
Moore, Colonel,
i.

Brigade,

Moreau,

i.

of

the

Irish

302

General,

ii.

51,

61

INDEX.

judge, and his removal from

Rhine,

for crossing the

plan

4i5

the bench obtained

61 66, 70
Morin, Mr., ii. 62
;

nell,

NortJiern Star,

Morlaix,

ii.

Morning

Chronicle,

122

Mountjoy, Lord, i. 212

Moylan, Dr., Bishop of Cork,
attends Catholic Convention,

and

285,

129

to,

O'Beirne, Mr.,

T,

O'Brien, D.
ii.

53,

bio-

graphical note, Ed.

Murat, ii. 285

Muskein, General,

i.

i.

ii.

founder,

Tone

170
Muir, Thomas,

its

Ed.
its
object, 71
letters from Wolfe Tone to,
letter from
98, 103, 108, 112
Mr. Crito in, 127
letter ot
note,

44

ii.

by O'Con-

Ed.

56, note,

i.

313

156

i.

148, 149, 152

seconds motion at Convention
for total emancipation, 161
on mode of presenting petition
to the King, 165
i.

Naas,

i.

King

of, his war indemconcludes an

46
armistice, 64
Neilson, Samuel, Wolfe Tone's

Naples,
nity,

ii.

friendship

with,

graphical

summary

note,

i.

53

bio-

of,

ib.,

the United
and founder of

idea of

Irish Society,

the Northern

prisonment

Star,

and

ib.

im-

defiance of

the authorities, 54, note, Ed.

77, 81, 84, 89, 96, 98, 100, 103,

104, 105, 109,

ii.

in,

115, 215

arrested for high treason,

125
Nelson,

ii.

friends,

ii,

i.

72,

115, 120
Tone's

Appendix

mission in the service

O'Connor, Owen, i. 177

O'Connor, Roger, ii. 263
O'Conor, Charles, one of
of

originators

Committee,

i.

the

of,

i.

i. 30
Norbury, Lord, his severity as

the

Catholic

44, note,

84
O'Donnel, General,

323

Ed.,

81,

O'Hanlon,
O'Hanlon,

i.

137

i.

O'Gorman, of Mayo,

170

i.

119, 122

junr., Mr.,
ii.

i.

113

47

rebellion of 1641,
note,

i.

in

the

268,

and

Ed.

O'Neil, Bernard,

241

Nootka Sound,

133, note;

88,

O'Moore, Roger, a leader

317

Nizam, The, W. Tone's comii.

note, Ed.,

O'Keefe, General,

Newry, i. 114; feuds in,

Nicknames of Wolfe

Noel,

i. 56, 302
O'Connor, Arthur, biographical

arrest, 186, 263, 294, 305,

Ed. probable originator

of the

O'Connell,

i.

149

O'Neil, Mr., of Cabra,

i.

113

O'Neil, Mr., of Bannvale,

114
"O'Neil,

Owen

i.

113,

Roe," Author-

ship of letters by,

i.

32

INDEX.

4i6
O'Neill, Lord,

226
Orangemen),

ii.

Orange Boys

formerly Peep-of-day-boys,

Ed.

83, note,

ii.

Orange cockades,
" Orellana,"

signed,
Oriel,

i.

112, 151

Catholic

Secretaryship

to,

ii.

Ormond, Lord,

279

i.

115
;

ii.

Osborne, Rowley, arrest

ii.

8,

for

i.

performed

as

Hobart's
relief,

army vote

of the

Bill,

1793), 185, 191

183

i.

unanimously,

the

Gunpowder

"

i.

Knox

i.

Tone's

James II., i. 158

Parliament of William III. betrays Irish independence, 158
Parsons, Sir Lawrence, Friend-

de-

ship of Wolfe

319, 320

26

to,

at Tone's trial,

i.

and

note,

Ed.

98, 103

note,

Ed.

Edward, ii. 314

Peshwa of the Mahrattas, The,
4
Pellew, Sir

Fete

Fete de

83,

at Rathfriland, 114; 117, 137,

feeling in, 31

356
119

i.

Peep-of-day-boys, origin of term,

Victoires in, 35

ii.

Patterson, General,

arrest of conspirators in, 27

resigns the

of the militia, 306

Paterson, Mr., Judge- Advocate

32

i.

Tone with, i.
summary of,

biographical

26, note, Ed., 59

Massacre of prisoners in,

i.
128; pictures in, 266; the
Botanic
Pantheon of, 267
Garden of, 268 opera in, 274,
" Othello" in, 288;
275, 306
Palais de Justice in, 319
Theatre Feydeau of, ii. 19

des

command

Pangloss," Allusion

for

Paris,

political

and

199 war members in, ii. 46

Parliament, Irish, summoned by

Palmer, Major, Resident at the

court of the Peshwa of the
Mahrattas,

Bill,

the admission of Catholics into,

38
of,

to Catholic emancipation, 194;

Justice,

scription

188

for Catholic

in

ance, ii. 189

Paintings in the chateau of Verii.

prin-

relief,

288

de

the Convention Act, 189, 196;

Lord Fitzgibbon's opposition

makes Tone's acquaint-

sailles,

for

Bill

ii.

i.

Palais

281

and provisions

motion of George

in,

English, introduc-

(Feb.,

asserted

Paine, Thomas, his " Age of

Reason " criticised by Tone,
246

of

passing of Bill

125

315
Paris,

Fetes to

ciple of parliamentary reform

9
high

Ostend, English attack on,

" Othello,"

of

tion

of,

treason,

Parliament,

John)

Duke

subversion

279; Irish refugees

of,

of Col. Shee

98

97,

the

war with England desired by the merchants

99

{see Foster,

in,

Royalty, 101

i.

32

i.

Liberte

celebrate

Authorship of letters

Baron

Orleans,

la

(or

i.

Phipps,

Benjamin,

friendship

INDEX.
with T.

W. Tone,
W. Tone,

liking for

Pichegru, General,

245

17
18

i.

Wolfe Tone, 24

his

summary
fails

241, 242,
the ground of coolness
i.

biographical

note, Ed.
promote Wolfe Tone's

to

of,

interests, 25

between him and the French

Government, 250 ii. 14 his
appointment to lead the expedition to Ireland urged by
Tone, 22 conspiracy of, 266,
;

4i7

24,

60, 61, 90, 155

Ponsonby, J. C,
25
Ponsonbys, The, their power
i.

Ireland,

Poonah, i. 4
Pope, The, Tone's proposal to

secure the intervention

267
Pignatelli, Prince,

ii.

65

ii.

344

57

Pinckney,

ii. 187
Pitched cap, The,

in

146

24,

i.

parte, 65

ii.

dethronement,

his

of,

Buona-

with

armistice

288

ignores T. W. Tone's
memorial on forming a colony
in the South Seas, i. 19
ii.
instructs
Cockayne
to
156;
accompany Jackson to Ireland,
manoeuvre to
203
negotiate peace with France,

Portland,

sends Hammond to Vienna, 211; said

to have intrigued for
the

Potter, Mr., a Protestant leader

Pitt, Mr.,

45,

i.

ii.

fleet,

ii.

Pleville le Peley,

ii.

Poles,

ii.

Pollock, John,
Pollock,

ii.

the,

i.

116

Priestley, Dr.,

Prieur,

member

i.

23, note,
11.

Ed.

i.

295,

racteristics
'

i.

vol.

72,

by Arthur

ii.

for Irish

117

89
316
i.

amongst,

139

ii.

O'Neil,"
32, 88, 89
Ponsonby, George, one of the

Whig

i.

Prisoners of war, National cha-

of

Wolfe Tone's club, and author

of letters by " Owen Roe

originators of the

Parish,"

219

expedition,

125

Joseph,

the

Russell,

O'Connor, ii. 88
Press-gang in France,

137, 140, 255

Submission of

151

Press, The, founded

113
i.

i.

85

Clerk of

P.

for

Press, Liberty of the, in Holland,

afterwards

i.

i.

i.

nickname of T.
et passim

275,

Lord Plunket,
152
Plunket, Dr., Bishop of Meath,
Plunket, James,

introduction

its

in Dublin,

"P.

272, 327

(lawyer),

i.

103

bleaching,

313
Plunket

and his reply

Committee,

209

Potash,

Dutch

defeat of the

of,

Portugal, relations with France,

102, 112, 129

Duke

to the Catholic

124
Prosperous,
Matthew
Privat,

ii.

cotton manufactory
Protestants

Club,

of

Ireland,

position in Ireland

introduced to
2

Tone's

at,

i.

29
their

and con-

INDEX.

4t8
nection with England,

40

i.

monopoly of power and

their

patronage, 51
their opposition to the Catholic Com;

mittee,

69

Catholic

alarmed at the

meetings,

105

de-

feated in a municipal election

Dublin, 151

in

Richmond, Duke of, opinion of

Wolfe Tone's memorial relative to colony in South Seas,
L 30
"Rights of Man," Allusion

38
Rivaud,

General,

Quiberon, Affair

ii.

128, 133

Quigley,

i.

245, 305

at,

284, 294, 323, 335

ii.

Rapatelle,

ii.

132,

and note by

Tone's son
Rathfriland, Wolfe
to,

104

i.

Tone's

second

visit

visit

to,

Rawdon, Lord, i. 127, 128, 134

Raz, Passage of French fleet
through the, ii. 160
Reilly, Dr., Bishop of Clogher,
f.

Primate,

Irish

i.

"3
ii.

109
Rewbell,

100,

bill

review

at,

ii.

of the Direc21

i.

Tone

in

227

66

ii.

meeting

Philadelphia,
;

Tone draws

story of his im-

prisonment

reinforces

157

the

and
the

to

French Government, 218; 235,

ii.

95

Russell, John, Characteristics

of,

29

Russell, P., of Louth, addresses

Catholic Convention,
Russell,

i.

166

Thomas, friendship with

Tone,

28,

fleet at Brest,

France,

in

representations

drunkenness in the French

army, i. 31
Richery, Admiral, ii. 102, ill,
141

House of Commons,

biographical

120,

Ed.

note,

in protesting

58; 127, 150, 207 his meeting with Tone in Philadel-

Wolfe

on, 98, 188

ib.,

against the arbitrary measures

Richelieu, Marshal, his cure for

French

(see

biographical

of,

the lead

of the

i.

207

57

i.

summary

292

i.

with

104

member

284
Reynolds, Dr.,
tory,

218

ciety,

his

Rennes,

of

Rouen, Cathedral of, ii. 300

Rousselois, Mdme., opera singer,
i. 226, 227
Roussillon, i. 266, 267
Rowan, Archibald Hamilton,
member of United Irish So-

phia, 218

113, i44
Dr.,

Earl

(Second),

takes

113

Reilly,

ii.

Parsons, Sir Lawrence)

114, 120

ii.

Adjutant-General,

312, 315

Rosse

QUANTIN,

to,

i.

note,

i.

Ed.

founders of

27-30,

summary
;

the

of,

36
27,

one of the
Society of

United Irishmen, and communications with Robert Emmet,

ib.

description of his father

INDEX.
and his brother, 29 consulted
by Wolfe Tone relative to
plan for South Seas colony,
30 promoted to an ensigncy,
and goes to Belfast, 32 letter
from Wolfe Tone on the con;

nection with Britain, 34, note

by Tone's son a favourite in
;

Belfast,

53

90

50

the army,

quits

nicknamed

" P.

P.,"

419

Shanaghan, arrested

for

high

Shannon, Lord, Keogh's

pro-

posal with regard to,

131,

treason,

i.

146

Sharman, Mr.,
1

119

i.

Shee, Colonel,

104, 108, 109,

ii.

10; discusses route of

expedition

in

French

Ireland,

former connection with

113

Duke
Tone

farewell meet103, 177

ing with Tone, 211, 212 227,

of Orleans,

ar239, 2 43, 250, 256, 306

rested for high treason, ii. 125,

sham Portuguese proclama-

325

149, 158;

72

Empress

Russia,

70
Ryan, Dr.,

of,

and Corsica,
speech at
in Dublin,

70
Catholic meeting
i.

150

149,

Pope,

Tone

and

a municipal elec-

tion in Dublin,

i.

Sampson, William,
Ireland,

ii.

126

198 270, 271

Shenstone, on the animal
;

i.

Scherer,

School
ii.

273
Scandal

for

Irish Society,

101,

Paris,

of,

ii.

254, 262, 264

(see Earlsfoot,

Seward, Captain,

i.

77

Lord)

i.

one of
United
note, Ed.

53

54,

102,

115; reto
General

106,

commendations

Committee, 117; 215;

arrest,

the founders

97,

ii.

5;

187

Wm.,

Wolfe

Tone's
one of

53
of the United
i.

Society, 54, note, Ed.

Irish

John

313

friendship with,
" in

87

ii.

16

founders of the

Simms,

30

vasion

ii.

ii.

Simms, Robert, Wolfe Tone's

81,

Scotland, Suggested Dutch inScott,

Siddons, Mrs.,

the

15

ii.

Sherlock, General,

friendship with,

Sandys, Major, and the imprisonment of Tone, ii. 354,

363, 364, 368

spirits,

72

15

biographical

expedition,

his arrest in

note on, 126

Saurin,

the

after

appointment at Bonn,
and receives a visit from Tone,

Sieyes,

65

ii.

Sail, Mr.,

with

120; parting with Tone,

180; meeting with

tion,

ii.

SALICETTI, letter to the Directory on the armistice with the

115

at Rennes, 118, 120; suggests

183

ii.

"

125

ii.

101

assists

Tone

in

meeting the expense of his

journey to France, 221 arrest,
;

ii.

187

INDEX.

420

Simon, General,

Wm,

Sinclair,

ii.

relations with England,

160

82, 84, 85 ; his linen mills, 85,

war against

86; 87,88, 95, 96,99, 100, 102,

fleet at

103, 106

George, i. 99, 106

Skipwith, American Consul
Sinclair,

Paris,

St.

Brieux,

Leger, Barry,

teers

Lewis

ii.

32

Stella, Swift's, allusion to,

i.

91

Stevenson, John
Stewart, A.,

i.

Ed.

Ed.
Dublin in
54

ter

of, 36,

37

of,

82

arrest

296

of

i.

Irish

neutrality,

i.

26,

27

in Paris,

ii.

ii.

86, 87
ii.

349,

i.

ii.

to King, 164
on the
Catholic vindication, 169; 177;
defends
Devereux against
tion

18, 30,

and Wolfe Tone's views on

113

i.

England,

Spain, rupture with

101, 306

Sweetman, Captain, of Wexford,

motion at the
144, 150
Convention for signing peti-

charge against, 306, 307

i.

political opinions,

7, 39, 347, 349

Swan, Captain, Peep-of-d ay-boy,

South Sea Islands, T. W. Tone's

plan of colonisation,

3H

317, 318

the main

of, 33,

Sullivan (Madgett's nephew),

Ed.

of

32

350

test of the reorganised society,

ii.

i.

Tone's admiration

95. 96, 97,

Tone

and note (Madden's

United Irishmen quoted), Ed.
note,

summary

Suicide, Tone's views on,

its

basis, 209,

210,

145

club,

Stone, of Hackney, meeting with

reorganisation on a rebellious

members,

3o3,

to 1794-5, 59, note,

members

Ed.

note,

in

Wolfe Tone's opinion

of the

Tone's

biographical

connection with,
constitutional charac-

down

Ed.

formed

Wolfe

founders, 54,

club

of,

"

formation of

some of its

note,

its

98
and the

84, 85, 96,

i.

House

throne " of Ireland, ii. 2

Stokes, Whitley, member

Wharton,

Ed.

probable originator
53
of the idea of the, 53, note,
the,

(see

Stuart,

club in connection with

first

302

i.

Ed., 33, note, Ed.,

note,

35,

club

of

John)

Society of United Irishmen,

28, note,

member

i.

356

78,

volun-

Ireland,

in

formed by Wolfe Tone,

Steuben, Baron,

i.

of,

136

ii.

service

Stack, John,

i.

opinion

125

ii.

for

128

140

94,

ii.

England,
Toulon, 140

St.
in

98
Ferdinand, his
description of W. Tone,
4,
note, Ed.
Smith, Michael,
73, 125
Smith, Sir Sydney, Hoche's
Smith,

43,

ii.

45, 51, 102, 105, 120; declares

76, 77, 79, 81,

i.

attack of Keogh, 182; death

in

a duel, 264

INDEX.
Sweetman, John, member of the
Catholic Committee,
52, and
i.

note, Ed., 65, 150

Swift, Allusion to, i. 91

on dreams,

remark

Talleyrand, appointment

to

Ministry of Foreign Affairs,

approves of
ii.
272
245
second expedition to Ireland,
Tone,
confidence
in
277
;

297
Tallien,

Madame,

Tandy,

James

ii.

272, 281

Napper, first
secretary of the Dublin club
of United Irishmen,
54, 55
i.

biographical

summary

of, 54,

ordered into cusnote, Ed.

tody by the House of Commons, 57 81, 82, 88, 89, 99,
;

126, 148

meeting with Tone

in Philadelphia,
ii.

284

222;

in Paris,

boasts of his influence

Ireland, 291

in

to Ireland

his

journey

and escape to Nor-

way, 349
" Tanner, The," nickname of R.
Simms, 72, et passim
i.

Tate, Colonel,

Teeling

ii.

144, 145

Bartholomew, biogra-

phical note,

ii.

347

bearer of

flag of truce at Castlebar,

afterwards executed,
Teeling, C. G.,

and

ib.

215
Teeling, Charles Hamilton,
5,

163

enters the,

i.

and biographical note, Ed.

Luke, moves at the

234, 275, 288, 306, 321

i.

Tone, Arthur, resemblance to

his brother William,
6; goes
i.

to sea,

by

and

afterwards sent

is

Wolfe to

his brother

land, 6, 222, 292

history, as

Ed.

note,
3

ii.

far

Ire-

subsequent

known,

as

7,

love of travel, 7

Tone, Captain,
127
Tone, Mary, characteristics and
disposition, i. 7 ; accompanies
her brother Wolfe to America,
return from America,
7, 8
marriage, 7 ii. 286 death, i.
at
Hamburg
7, note, Ed.
with Mrs. Wolfe Tone, ii. 180
Tone, Matthew, characteristics
and nickname,
love of
5
i.

i.

and adventure,

im5
Dunkirk, and
afterwards goes to America a
second time, 5, 7
poetical
travel

prisoned

at

tastes,

his

to

Killala,

note, Ed.;

i.

carried,

republicanism,

accompanies French expe-

dition

emancipation of Catholics,

amendment

19,

ii.

102
Thouars, Dupetit,
266, 297
Tighe, Mr., i. 104, 105
Toler (see Norbury, Lord)

court-martial,

his

71, 80, 85, 94, 96,

30, 56, 69,

Catholic Convention the total

W. Tone

16

i.

ii.

Teeling,

161

General

of

president

Committee, 170
Temple, Middle, T.

Tennant, John, ii. 249, 259

Theatres in France, i. 226, 232-

72

ii.

421

ii.

by

tried

and hanged,
348;

a cotton factory,

6,

commences
i.

29

227,

INDEX.

422
236, 247, 284

sought

95

Tone

Wolfe

joins

16; dislike for the Law,

for in

France, 292, 294; 299, 315

ii.

in

276
Tone, Theobald Wolfe, reasons
Paris,

for writing his

i. I

autobiography,

birthplace and parentage,

of

career

William,

2-4

brother

his

and

travels,

characteristics of his second

brother,

Matthew, 5, 6, 7
and vocation of
;

character

brother, Arthur,

third

of

characteristics

his

6,

sister,

W.

Rev.

of

Craig,

his father's changed cir9

cumstances, 9
his division
;

week

the

of

work and
combines with
for

16,

contributes to the Euro-

pean Magazine, 16 collaborates with Jebb and Radcliff

;

in writing "

16

Belmont

Castle,"

Hon.

with

friendships

Knox, John Hall

(Wharton),
and
Benjamin
Phipps, 17
is joined by his
George

brother William, 17, 18; his

sight-seeing, 18 impecunious,
;

18

conceives

plan

colony

establish

first school and school7

master, 8
placed under the

tuition

21

South Seas,

30;

18,

to

the

in

156;

ii.

presents his memorial to Mr.

determines to
East India Company's service, and refusal of
Pitt,

19

i.

enlist in the

application,

his

by

assisted

20

19,

is

his wife's grand-

schoolfellows in mitching, 9
inclination for entering the

and returns to Ireland,

in Dublin, 20
called to the Bar, and goes on

army,

circuit, 21

pleasure,

10

dispute with his

father,

20

lodges

ruin of his father

father, 10; enters as pensioner

from a lawsuit, 21

of

his

Trinity

11;

College,

and wishes

studies

army

the British
I I

from

alienated

is

Dublin,
to enter

America,

in

returns to his studies,

his

1 1

second in a duel, 12; runaway

marriage with Miss Witherington,

12,

college, 13
his wife's

at

his

13
;

successes

at

breaks off from

family,

father's,

13

and
;

settles

birth of

parents,

enters politics,

member

24

23,

of the

Whig

fluenced

by

Parsons,

26

Lawrence
pamphlet on

Sir
;

Irish neutrality in the rupture

Spain,
his

enters the Middle Temple, 15,

sell,

with

his

"

attached to the
24
Ponsonbys, 25 his views on
Irish independence, 26
in-

Club,

with

and writes

Parliament,"

elected

father's

14

death of
Ed.

Review of the Last Session

of

house entered by burglars, 14,

goes to London, and
1 5

daughter,

note,

22,

26,

wife's

friendship with

27

breach

family,

27

Thomas Rus-

27-30; acquaintance wjth

INDEX.
John

Russell,

qualities

29

amiable
sends

of wife, 30

memorial, relative

his

to

military colony in the South

Duke

Seas, to the

of Rich-

mond, and writes to Lord

Grenville on the subject, 30,
31

parting with T. Russell,

birth of eldest son, 32

32
forms a political club, 32-34
;

to

letter

Russell

relative

to

the Club, 34, note by Tone's

son, 34; opinion on assemblies

of

men

of genius, 34

T. A.

for

Emmet,

esteem

35

regard

Knox, W. Stokes, and

for G.

Burrowes, 36 influence of
the French Revolution upon
P.

him, 38, 39
survey of the
state of parties in Ireland,
;

40-42

view

English

of

policy in Ireland, 43
on the
work of the General Com;

mittee of Catholics and John

Keogh,

45,

46

on the with-

423

Volunteers

of

and

Belfast,

formation of the

assists in the
first

club of United Irishmen,

53

his friends in Belfast, 53

forms a club of United Irishmen in Dublin, 54; instinctive

loss
hatred of England, 55
;

Dublin
club, 56; appeals to A. Hamilton Rowan to maintain the
of

influence

the

in

standing of the Society, 57

as pro-secretary in

officiates

Tandy's absence, 58

attends

House of Commons, 59

the

asked to resume his connecWhigs, 60, 61

appointed agent to the Catholic Committee, 65
wins the
confidence of Catholics, 66
admiration for his wife, and

tion with the

regard for her opinion, 66

corresponds with
Richard

Burke, 67

his

work

in

the

reorganisation of Committee,

attacked by footpads,
nicknames for friends,
72, Appendix; idea of political

68

67,

drawal of the aristocracy from

the Committee, 48
opinion

68

of the efforts of the Dissenters

sentiment in Ireland, 73 proposes to become a "red-hot

of Belfast for emancipation,

47

46,

his

resume of the acts

of the Committee and of the

agency of Richard Burke, 48,

49

becoming

his objects in

connected with the Committee,

50, 5

his

pamphlet addressed

to Dissenters, "

An Argument

his

Catholic," 76

visit to Belfast

(October, 1791), 76-88; letters

his energetic
to wife, 89-91
;

co-operation with
secure

the

Keogh

to

Parliamentary

visit to
93, Ed.
Belfast in 1792,92-106; writes

franchise,

on behalf of the Catholics of

to

Ireland,"

Catholic Committee, 98, 103

takes part in volunteer review,

Catholic

honorary

51

invited

circles,

52

member

of

into

made
the

the

Northern

Star

on
;

99

opinions on the declara-

INDEX.

424

medium of communication
between the Catholics and Par-

tion in favour of the Catholics,

attends meeting at the

99
Linen Hall, 100 urges orga;

liament, 123, 124

cautioned
against borrowing money from

nisation of Dissenting interest,

02

105

proposals to Catholics

and Dissenters, 105

Dublin,

to

Keogh, 124

Rathfriland, 104,

visit to

106

Grattan,

106,

another

letter

returns

visit

soldiers,

opinion of
Conolly, 1 26 writes to the Corporation of Dublin, and to

writes

to

to

Burke,

108

Catholics abroad, 128; opinion

of an Irish mob, 128; contrasts

French and
debt

his

mobs, 128
Keogh, 128;

Irish

to

Grattan again, 109

expedition among the Peepvisits

of-day-boys,

paper

112;

108

on Duke

calls

of Leinster, 126

to

sends
Northern
Star, 108 receives letter from
Burke on French Revolution,
107

by the

saluted

125

to

letter

129

to Hibernian Journal,
sends account of Wex-

meeting

ford

Hibernian

to

Northern

112

Star,

dines

Journal,

with Catholic bishops,

113;
goes to Rathfriland, and re-

130; writes resolutions for Limerick Catholics,

his opinion of Keogh's
1 30

fused accommodation at inn,

scheme

13;sees

5oPeep-of-day-boys,

114; asked by defenders to

conduct their defence at the
115; hears a favourof Dissenting
clergymen, 116
interview
with Lords Downshire and
1

7,

1 1

Connaught,
136-140
stopped by footpads, 136 his
chaise breaks down, 136
meets Bishop of Elphin, 136
arrival
Ballinasloe, and
at

with Lord Moira,

fasts

19

break-

sugges-

to

132

invading enemy, 134; opinion

of Denis Browne, 135
visit

report

Hillsborough,

affairs,

tions for the treatment of an

assizes,

able

for the administration

of Irish

dines

with

goes to mass,
120
attends a meeting at
Rosstrevor, and goes to Dun-

goes

to

dalk, 120

opinion of his

own

powers,

his opinion

to

tries

allay

Newry, 120

the feuds in

Lord

the

138

Chesterfield

ciples than

excites

124

oratorical

and

of
his

Letters, 139; desires that his

son should have better prin-

123

137

121
writes an account of
journey to the North, and a
manifesto for Limerick, 122
takes Grattan's advice on

Keogh's jealousy,

137

meeting of Mayo
and Galway gentlemen, 138

returns to Dublin,

the manifesto,

fair,

attends

Catholics,

cattle

Lord

advises, 139;

Chesterfield

denounces hotel

INDEX.
charges,

140

Dublin,

141

returns

to

new

posal for a
his

nickname

for

singular effect
"

taking

cresses,"

Emmet,

148;

with George Knox, 151 discussion with Keogh, 150

pretends to be alarmed at

"inhuman
on the

>

Papists," 153; relies

folly of

for the

54

prepares

petitions

account of the

and theatrical performances at Havre de Grace,

224-228
an attempt to
;

of

story

203-208

ment

thinks

total

entirely

tion

to

183

for

lost,

his

187

208

in Paris,

share

in

Jackson's

prepares to leave Ire-

230

England, 231
performance
Opera,
and

state-

to the minister relative

his

compares cost
France and

of travelling in

his

scheme of a French invasion,

starts for

wheat-cultivation, 229; arrives

the

mission,

candid

stops at

emancipa-

Jackson's
;

and

Rouen,
description of scenery
228
on the journey, 229 is impressed with the excellent
Paris,

measure

life,

swindle him, 225

Catholics,

to assist Ireland,

hotel

on Fitzgibbon, 177
opinion of Keogh, 178
a
battle of words with Keogh, 1 80;
exasperated with Keogh, 184;
losing ground amongst the
attack

Irish

French

his

by

Princeton,

at

urged

courage of wife and

sister, 221
sends his brother
Arthur to Ireland, 222 leaves
America, and
arrives
in
France, 223
impressions of
221

the petition to the King, 155

fondness for home, 155 takes

Catholic Convention, 1 58-175

Government

corps, 155

221

friends to petition the

King and Parliament, &c,

flattered by Keogh on

new volunteer

plantation

220,

to

part in raising a

and
finds out Dr. Reynolds and
waits on the
Rowan, 218
French minister, and offers
to go to France, 219; buys
Philadelphia,

in

153
the

the Governemancipation of
the country, 153
buys a
sword, and sleeps upon it,

ment

216
stopped by British frigates,
217 arrives at Wilmington,
and becomes acquainted with
General
Humpton,
217
arrives

services

his

upon him from

of watera conversation

215

fellow-passengers,

to

sprig

150

America,

on pro-

ministry, 145

re-

consultation

Knox

with George

cordial

ception in Belfast, 215 leaves

Belfast,
for
with
family,

teering will be the salvation

of Ireland, 142

212-214

land,

thinks volun-

425

spectacle
i

in

describes the

at

an
the

the

Grand
exciting

ballet,

232,

dines at the hotel of

233
the Chancellor to the Duke
;

INDEX.

26

of Orleans, 234

Monroe,

by
Ambas-

received

American

at the opera, 275

spectacle
j

interview with General Clarke,

j

sador,

235

introduced

277-282

to

number

learns the

Charles de

la

Croix, Minister

Foreign Affairs, 236

opinion of grenadiers, 237
ii.
50-55 opinion of French
for

debauching
294
297

Am-

Irish
;

Lodoi'ska,

243

delivers

becomes
242
acquainted with Louvet and
bassador,

manifesto,

dissatisfied

manifesto,

of

prisoners,

Irish

prepares a

with his
asks for a
299
desires
veteran army, 301
to enter the French army,
discusses
with
315
303,
Clarke the points for attack

post

28C,

offered

Clarke,

his
about
anxiety
287
conbrother Matthew, 292
demns proposed plan for

237
introduced to Madgett, 239
opinion of his diary, 239
not satisfied with the French
proposals, and urges a French
landing in Ireland, 240, 241
confers with Madgett, 241
i.

the

with

interview

periwigs,

arms

and

Directory intend to send to

second
Ireland,
282, 285

women's

men

of

his

memorial for the Minister

Foreign Relations, 244

in Ireland, 303,

Hoche

theatrical criticisms, 306, 307

102

of

offered to

him

as gene-

of troops for Ireland, 245

of
ridicules Paine's " Age

ral

246

Monroe

to

advised

by

Carnot,

250
252

his

memorials

"

contents

discusses

memorials with

270-273

De

describes

of
la

the

Croix,

military

amongst the book;

Chouannerie," 313; opinion

Fitzsimons,
318,
319

asked to find some one to

go to France, but declines,
318

94,

of

to

264 remarks on the pictures

visit
Museum, 266
in the
catacombs,
the
to
267

80,

another interview with De la

Croix, who promises support,

257-262

306

opinion
of
309
French troops, 310 attends
the Council of Five Hundred,
311; opposed to system of

the French Government, 263

hears of Sweetman's death,

sellers,

motives,

309

i.

appeal direct to

interview with

affection

305,

attends the Fete de la Jeunesse,

the Directoire Executif, 248

calls God to witness to the
purity of his

304

wife,

69, 71,

56,

ii.

Reason,"

his

for

the Palais de

to

visit

Justice,

319,

320

rumour of Keogh's
1

is

hears

that

hears

arrest,

ii.

Aherne

Dr.

to be sent to Ireland, 3 ;
Aherne relative to

instructs
his

mission

distrusts

to

Clarke,

Ireland,
11

writes

INDEX.
from Monroe, 94

a memorial on the strength

army

of the British
18

Carnot, 21

for

succeeded,

finishes his proclamation,

25
28

has a

30

with Carnot,

tiff

Paris, 105

address to the Irish peasantry,

of friends

Clarke

125

sees

127;

a review of the Legion Noire,

proposed

the

pros and cons

Ireland,

in

Brest,

at

arrives

expedition, 47

made Adjutant117, 123

General, 122 ; hears of arrest
;

with

Shee,

Col.

113 ; writes Irish airs for his

regiment,
116 ; writes an

with

expedition

writes for his wife and

32
family to join him, 34, 48
visit to the chateau of Ver-

38 shortens his proclamation, 40 in straightened

circumstances, 43
discusses

arrives at Rennes,

112; discusses plans of French

thinks of settling in France,

sailles,

107 ; on the desire of the

Directory to humble England,

the

if

life

prospects

promises Clarke

a pension
expedition

brightening, 97
puts on his
leaves
101 ;
regimentals,

in Ireland,

his second interview with

427

138

induces

prisoners

of

his

for

taking arms in the

Republic, 48
birth-

French
day reflections, 49 suggests
the uniform for an
Irish
corps, 52 opposed to agrarian
;

war

to join

expedition,

the

139; on the tactics of

Government,
Spanish

138,

the
141

affection for his family,

servant,

engages a
angry
143

for

Hoche,

147

have a regi57
ment of cavalry, 58 changes
his opinion about Clarke, 63

landing

in

leaves

159

castle

building,

161

private

worries,

revolution,

53

preparations
revolt,

in

hears

of

Ulster

to

ness, 71

66,

67

14

loneli-

studies tactics, 73

monetary embarrassment,
;

receives

brevet

his

Chef de Brigade, 82
tioned as to
of a

83

monarchy

Ulster,

153

with the
reflections in a
Brest

hopes

and

nearing Ireland,

for
;

fleet,

fog,

on
hopes

fears

164

for

of

ques-

defeated,

his

Hamburg,

family to

note

178,

by

Tone's

son

goes to Paris with despatches,

for

Ireland,

with

Carnot,

179; hears news of his wife,

180 consents to his sister's

opinion of Hoche, 92 ;
claims compensation from the
;

scheme

81,

84;

Republic, 92

prospects

the

audience

boywith

175 ; believes his

ship is sinking, 177 ; returns
to France, 177, 178; journey

interview with Hoche, 74-76;

92

144

143,

declines a loan

seeks to
engagement, 181
retire from the service, 181 ;
interview with Hoche, 182;
;

INDEX.

4-8

meeting with Shee,

abused by Lord Clare

in

to

Talleyrand,

Irish Parliament,

intro-

by

his brother

185

183
the
;

wife in Paris, 272

duced to Thomas Paine, 189;

receives a testimonial from the
Directory, 191
sets off from

parte in

276

Paris

to

join

Sambre

army of

the

193-195

Hamburg,
seeing

to

go

in

Clare's speeches in the

Parliament on

Aruu'e

to

297

journey through Holjourney in

204-206
a trakschuyt to Amsterdam,
208
impressions of
207,

of

Amsterdam, 209 visit to the

returns to
Hague, 212-222
Amsterdam, 222
meeting
with his wife, sister, and
;

232,

233

joins

Dutch

the

fleet for

Ireland as Adjutant-

General

in

the service of the

his
Batavian Republic, 237
Dutch
invasion
for
a
scheme
;

of

England,

Hoche

252

at Wetzlar, 264,

goes to Bonn, 270

to

Talleyrand,

Rouen, 299

of

the

objects

324

interview

returns to Rouen, 332

view
j

'

with

opinion

Grouchy,

of suicide,

inter-

333

departure
for
Paris,
[end of Tone's diary]

337
;

his

350,

149,

accompanies Hardy's
355
expedition to Ireland, 351
his courage on board
the
;

Hoche, 352; taken

352

identified

by

prisoner,

Sir

George

put in irons, and taken

Dublin, 353, 354
tried

Hill,

joins

to

266

by

joins his

views

296

with General Kilmaine, 327

Groninguen, 224
with
Hoche
and
on
a
combined

goes

Fitzgerald,

with

the

in

d'Angleterre,

Lewines
French, and Dutch expedition
confers
to Ireland, 230-232
with the Dutch Government,

General

United Irishmen, 306on furlough in Paris,

returns
Rouen,
to
offers to go to India,
sent to Havre, 318
317
opinion
of Lord
Edward
309
309
312

confers

interview

family at

United

his

203

Lord

opinion of convents, 201, 202,

land,

amongst

284,

Irish

Adjutant

sight203
Cologne, and his

200,

refugees,

Irishmen, 291-294 appointed

Hoche

Buona-

to

Buonaparte's

in

285
opinion of Lord Moira, and of

arrival
at
196
192,
Cologne, 197; visit to Shce
at Bonn,
returns to
198
Cologne, and
receives
an

order from

278

Irish

joined

d'Angleterre,

confidence, 281, 282

wife,

VArmee

introduced

parte,

Meuse, 193 obon his journey,

anxiety about his

et

servations

273

Matthew, 276;
services to Buona-

offers his

introduced

court-martial,

his
356
address to the court, 357-360
;

INDEX.
a soldier's death,

his plea for

429

Toole,
"

behalf by Curran, 362, 363

wounds himself, 364 address

Trinity

Treilhard,

to the Directory, 365

to his wife, 366, 367

letters

death,

90,

27
313
Tribune, The," nickname of
N. Tandy, i. 72
i.

360; condemned to a traitor's

death, 361 intervention on his

i.

Troy, Dr.,

burial
369
place, 370 his two memorials
to the French Government
the state of
Ireland,
on
Appendix, 371-395
Tone, William, boyhood, i. 2
enters East India Company's
service, but is stopped at St.

Catholic

play,

foul

368,

Helena, 2

East

the

sen-ice,

quells a

302 ii. 56, 70

Truguet, ii. 77, 122
;

Tyrol, Fighting of peasants in

the,

ii.

288

Tyrrel, Admiral, of the Bucking-

ham,

i.

and

Union, The, speech of Peter

Burrowes against, i. 33, note,
Ed.
United Irish Society {see Society
of United Irishmen)

Company's

India

154; attends
Convention,
170,
144,

i.

re-enters

culture

his

characteristics,

J.

College, Dublin, i. 8
expulsion of students, ii. 314
Trogoff, Admiral,
267

his jailers suspected of

368

ii.

mutiny,

and obtains a military command, 3 gets a commission

in the Nizam's service, but is
compelled to withdraw and
;

Vandeleur,

of Versailles,

return to Calcutta, 3 attacked

by robbers, and wounded, 4

Vaudray,

prospects in the court of the

Versailles,

Peshwa of the Mahrattas, 4

ii.

subsequent

280, 309;

his-

book on the Mahratta

people, and death,
4, note,
Ed. joins his brother Wolfe
in London, 17
favourite with
tory, his

i.

B.

Phipps,

humour,

18

18

his

Irish

residence

at

Prosperous, 29
Tone, William Theobald Wolfe,
biographical note on,

Tooke,

Home,

generals,

ii.

70

on

ii.

338

P'rench

Colonel,

Vandyck, Picture by,

ii.

356
Chateau

ii.

in

38

160

ii.

Chateau

treasures in the,

ii.

of,

Art

38

Vestris, i. 306 ii. 16, 96

Vindication of the conduct of
the Catholics, i. 167-169
;

"

Vintner, The," nickname of E.

Byrne, i. 72
Vischery, Adjutant-General,

ii.

282
Volunteers of Ireland, i. 41, and
note, Ed.
their declaration
;

in

favour

question, 50

Wolfe

of
;

Tone

the

Catholic

their election of

as

honorary

INi

43

member,

53

celebrate,

Williamson,
84, 96, and note
Wilson, Mr., befriends Mrs.
Tone, and afterwards marries

in

i.

Belfast, the anniversary of the

taking of the Bastille, 71, 82

affront received by the Dublin

corps,

out in

her,

forbidden to march

54
Dublin, 183
;

366 and 367, note, Ed.

Winter, Admiral De,

charge

243

proposes

ii.

of disorderly conduct against

evading the British

them, 195

sailing

between England and

France (1793),
3
Warren, Alderman, and the
Dublin volunteers, i. 183
Warren, Sir John Borlase, ii.
i.

108,

i.

109, 128,

a dinner given by, 150

Washington Club, Belfast, i. 85
ii.

Waudre, Colonel,

ii.

131

ii.

Women
Women
the,

Westmeath, Earl of, ii. 125

Westminster Hall,
16
Wexford, its gallant defence

i.

237

ii.

ii.

of Ireland, Qualities of

ii.

20,

29

Wyse, Mr., one of the originators

of

i.

against the soldiery,

France,

of

28

159
169

Weavers, The,

W.

12
Tone's father-in-law,
Wolfe, Colonel, ii. 356
Wolfe, General, ii. 49
Wolfe, John (see Kilwarden,
Lord)
Women of England, ii. 28

Watrin, General,

274

3Si

Warren, Tom,

i.

Catholic

the

Committee,

Ed.

44, note,

343,

sends volunteers for the

Yelverton,

Barry,

British army in Egypt, 345

Wharton, John (formerly Stevenson, and Hall), friendship with
T. W. Tone,
17
Whig Club (see Club, Whig)

Ed.
York, Duke

of,

and

Ireland,

for

Witherington, William, T.

i.

344

fleet,

256
defeated by Admiral Duncan,

War,

135

230, 242,
ruse for

i.

73, note,

suggested

as

King of

future

Ireland,

ii.

83

i.

Young, Rev. Matthew, tutor of

j

W.

as

Tone, i. 1 1 celebrity
mathematician, presented

to

the

White, Dr., i. 95, 96

William III., Irish rights betrayed by Parliament of, i.

T.

158
Williams, Helen Maria,authoress,

death,

ii.

86,

and

note, Ed., 87

Ysabeau,

see of
1

1,

ii.

Clonfert,

note,
7, 8,

Ed.

and

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