Professional Documents
Culture Documents
LIBRARY of the
UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO
by
ROBERT
S.
KENNY
THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF
WOLFE TONE
/
/
J
*
I
THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF
Abridged
&
Edited
by
SEAN O'FAOLAIN
All
rights reserved
LTD.
PARKSIDB
35-36 PATERNOSTER ROW, LONDON, E.C.4
2$ RUE DENFBRT-ROCHEREAU,
WORKS, EDINBURGH
*,
First published,
1937
"
Ireland.
Fitzgerald
Tone.
for
small
one.
pocket,
to Paris
Government in
Lord Edward
;
They
listened
to
."
Wellington.
Letter from
Thomas Davis
to
Wolfe Tone's
Widow
Madam,
With some such
to an altar,
gift
a short record
and
did, his
feeling as
martyrdom. When I recollect what unbounding and unvarying love was between you and him,
how in his hours of council and peril he thought
of you as he would of an angel, with what Roman
firmness and Irish truth you cheered him to those
sacrifices for Ireland in which you were sacrificed
too, I feel that you are the only fit guardian of
this memoir of him who lies in Bodenstown.
his
remain,
Madam,
Your faithful servant,
Thomas Davis.
CONTENTS
IX
Introduction
xxvii
Editions
A
I.
II.
III.
XXX
Summary of Events
Early Life
1763-91
46
spirator
IX.
The
Catholics Retreat
To America and
sets
to
France
78
90
work
100
120
"
A Dogs Life
XII. Hoche.
"
Voyage
140
begins
160
to Ireland
175
XV.
59
70
75
Tone
40
188
206
Quiet Interval
230
CONTENTS
XVII. Lewines takes over.
XVIII.
XIX.
The Rebellion
Last Entries
XX. Wolfe
Buonaparte
Son's Account
248
.271
.285
His
287
300
vm
INTRODUCTION
In the August of 1796 a young gentleman, who
went by the name of Citizen Smith, was sitting
With a cautious
in his apartment in Paris writing.
vagueness he headed his paper Paris, added the date,
and began
"
As
I shall
embark on
a business, within a
few
The
fall
in
"
reference to
vacant hour
"
is
ix
WOLFE TONE
He was
in a
"Blank.
.
at
that day,
My
Altogether
Terrible.
mood
bad
He
for a week.
am out
Terrible.
those delays.
times drags
I
Damn it.
am weary.
Blank.
weary of complaining
not make another
feel
that
memorandum
until
I
I
am
will
something
That's flat."
happens.
What
name of
he had so far
recounted, befell him in Ireland, and may be read
in this book.
He had loved his country, and loved
and
felt
reason) that of the
justice,
(with good
"
of
the
world, beyond all comparison,
legislatures
the most shamelessly profligate, and abandoned to
common
all sense of virtue,
principle, or even
unfortuown
of
was
the
my
legislature
decency,
befell
him
him
befell
nate country."
He had
felt
in his real
like all
more than
this.
He
INTRODUCTION
had come to the conclusion that this legislature,
and those represented in it, the Irish aristocracy,
half native, half alien, were beyond reform. That
"
in possession
aristocracy was (his own words)
of the whole of the government, and of five-sixths
of the landed property of the nation they were,
and had been for above a century, in the quiet
enjoyment of the Church, the law, the revenue,
;
the army, the navy, the magistracy, the corporations ; in a word, the whole patronage of Ireland.
With
properties whose title was founded on masand plunder, and being, as it were, but a
colony of foreign usurpers in the land, they saw
no security for their persons and estates but in a
close connection with England, who profited by
their fears, and, as the price of their protection,
exacted the implicit surrender of the commerce
and liberties of Ireland. ..." That being so, the
conclusion was simple leave the bough and strike
sacre
his
autobiography
WOLFE TONE
occurs soon after this date, just when we should
what manner he consolidated his ideas.
like to see in
We have
of poison, probably arsenic. The whole affair involved Tone, being recorded by him in a separate
paper which we possess, and was largely responsible for his transmogrification into Citizen
the Irish conspirator in Paris.
Smith,
II
Having thus got as far as 1791 in his autobiography, and 1793 in his diaries, Citizen Smith
removed himself from Paris to Rennes, where,
"
"
of embarking
within his
few days
being still
"
uncertain business," and having another
on an
"
vacant hour," he resumed his record.
"
hasten to the period," he writes,
when, in
consequence of the conviction of William Jackson
"
my
country
INTRODUCTION
His record then proceeds to cover events from that
date to the February of the next year, 1796, when
"
we landed in safety in Havre de Grace," and here
he
ence to his
diaries,
We
young man
strolling
down
tunes, cursing
"
under
WOLFE TONE
"
"
little
.
darlings
We
We
Tone became
marked
well
man,
known, warmly
very warmly spoken
of by the
and the
Irish
He
English public.
Even
became, in
brief, a piece
of
its
equanimity, and its intrinsic
one of the most interesting personal
documents in Irish literature.
good humour,
its
interest,
Ill
"
being fully detailed."
"
They are. That year, 1796, was, as he says, a
He had
very remarkable one in my history/
he was to set
landed in France on February 1st
He
spoke of his
diaries as
sail
for Ireland in
on French
soil
exactly
on January
1,
1797.
To
xiv
INTRODUCTION
about 45,000 words. To what
votes less space
he lived to see of 1798 he devotes proportionatelyin fact, his diaries break off some three months
less
before he sailed from France, in September, on the
third, final, and fatal expedition, as if even his
:
tenacious spirit
struggle.
was
at last
brought to land in
cally, the first
Wolfe Tone.
ships'
man to
He was
boats.
Characteristi-
He
record of the
last
story.
is
his fare-
IV
of his pertinacity
aside, there
is
no need
in the least
xv
WOLFE TONE
is
diaries,
man
Tone's character, though various, is comintensive, with all the variations occurring,
as it were, within narrow time-brackets.
On the other hand as happens so often with
famous but lengthy books more readers are likely
to have been deterred by the size of the complete
autobiography than have ever read it to its end.
For that reason I have prepared this abridged edition,
hoping that it will have the effect of causing him
to be read, for the first time, consecutively, by the
large public he deserves.
Those, then, who would like to read in Tone's
own words as full an account of his life as is
:
pact and
book.
(4,409)
man
this
INTRODUCTION
V
If
Tone did
he started much.
who had
It is
one sign of
he was
matter for any subsequent political party to obfusThat was, indeed, attempted,
cate their meaning.
but only through a process of eliminating Tone,
by the old constitutional Irish Party. Tone, howis not
and if there hangs
easy to eliminate
about him none of the easy romanticism of Emmet
or Lord Edward, he gets the reward of his hardy
ever,
realism
(4,409)
greater clarity.
WOLFE TONE
More than that,
are
What
these
owe
and by thinking
set
under
way
a tradition containing
fine elements
Liberal, possibly monarchist
but undoubtedly snobbish, faintly Radical, thoroughly parliamentarian which was overthrown in
our time by men delighted to find in Tone a figure
many
xviii
INTRODUCTION
come down
torical great.
From
that fate he
is
saved by his
diaries.
His
his
him.
revolution to
We
impetuosity, masculinity also rejects every attempt to turn him into a plaster martyr. By that
humanity, revealed in every page of his diaries,
the truth
for,
it
is
man himself,
It is
is
at
all.
a definition
of Irish Republicanism.
xix
WOLFE TONE
The
diaries have,
slight dis-
service to
no
statue.
And
the gate
ment.
It
the
the night
We
of
Huzza
all that.
usual, swears
and
God
our
King
"
Sad
Sad
the
There are two things not to be ignored
growing seriousness of Tone's nature the deepening of his mind, the sharpening of his judgment
after a year in
(" I was a greenhorn," he writes
his
of
the
turn
and
thought. The
Paris)
sceptical
latter shows itself readily in his attitude, or lack
xx
INTRODUCTION
of attitude, to religion, but also in a score of places
in his half-bitter comments on men and affairs,
when he
"
says
humour
in his
the end.
VI
Tone's opening chapters explain themselves, and
further explanation is required ; unless, since
around the Society of the United
Irishmen, it may be worth reminding readers
that this society began in Belfast around 1791 as a
little
constitutional club
the reform of
impartial
" representation
xxi
WOLFE TONE
way
The
with the
became
later
the
former of which
United Irishmen
the
latter
of appealing on
behalf of the Catholics direct to the King ; or in
such seditious conversations as those recorded under
insult to the Irish administration
He co-operTone
as
long
INTRODUCTION
as
he dared
timid Committee
that
won
thing necessary to
key to Tone's
know
is
the
and
pseudonyms
chief of these were his colleagues
who founded, and were active in spreading, the
Society of United Irishmen. They were Thomas
Russell, his bosom friend, who was hanged in
1803, and whom he nicknamed P. P. Clerk of this
Parish
Sam Neilson, founder of the Society and
of its organ The Northern Star, whom he called The
William Sinclair,
Simms, The Tanner
Jacobin
associates.
The
The Draper
Irish
Slave
Whidey
xxiii
WOLFE TONE
the group and one of the more prominent
of Grattan's Volunteers in 1782, The
members
Tribune.
whom
whom
he called The
The
of Belfast is
throughout Blefescu, and he himself is Mr. Hutton.
They are names, all of them, invented in a spirit
of raillery and affection, with, at most, a faint smile
of occasional sarcasm. One may, for instance, turn
to the entry of January 1, 1793, to see Tone's
attitude to the last three.
However, he had no
delusions about any of his friends, and the
greatest
attraction of his autobiography is in these
quite
effortless characterizations that
emerge from his
commentaries, and that make his book not merely
Vintner.
a fine self-portrait
a gallery
of
by
of other
portraits
side
city
the
entirely admirable
young rebel never
failed to see.
That was partly because he loved
them so much that he could afford to laugh at them,
even in their most solemn moments
partly because he was a born realist with powerful emotions
;
who had
is
INTRODUCTION
revealing side-lights on the Paris and France of the
Revolution and the Directory.
In truth Tone was simply a brave, unassuming
because he needed great reLord Edward could wear the high buskin,
him many
He was
dreamed
of his
with
persisted
Sean O'Faolain.
xxv
EDITIONS
Tone's original notebooks, which contain
his
auto-
may
two volumes
in
Washington
in this edition
is
taken.
later edition
by Barry
of Tone's family
material
this edition
has appeared in
more than
title
Memoires
secrets
de
1888.)
xxvii
Wolfe Tone.
(Paris,
WOLFE TONE
William Tone comma for
be recorded that the son is
not absolutely accurate, as I have found on collating
his edition with the
manuscripts. Generally, howI
have
it easier to follow him, as I
found
ever,
have found him astray only in quite minor details
of word and phrasing.
The chief profit of the collating has been that
I have been able to
replace, for the first time, some
O'Brien
comma
follows
and
it
may
by the son
early amours
Tone's accounts of
his
temptuous references to
account of the
namely,
con-
his
his brother-in-law
his
drawn
notes.
my
am much
xxviii
EDITIONS
in the footnotes,
notebooks.
S.
XXIX
O'F.
A SUMMARY OF EVENTS
1760 Death of George
II.
Tone born.
War
178 1 February.
Repeal
Independence granted.
Sixth of George J." and Poynings Law.
1782 Legislative
"
1783 Treaty
of
Versailles
Independence.
Ministry of Pitt begins.
acknowledges
of
American
Ruadh
Charlotte
publishes
Reliques
of
Irish
Poetry.
1790
First
Political
Forms
Pamphlet.
Meets
Russell.
a Political Club.
1 791
October.
founded.
Society of United Irishmen
XXX
SUMMARY
OF EVENTS
TO TONE. A
Irish
Democracy.
The Jackson
1794
LARGELY DUE
memorable date
War
declared
for the
on
new
France.
affair.
December
May.
June
Sails for
16th.
Bantry Bay.
1st.
1797 January
September.
Dutch
1798 September.
expedition.
Sails for Ireland
October nth.
November
November
1798 May.
May.
In
on the Hoche.
Arrested.
10th.
Tried.
19th.
Dies.
takes Malta.
Rebellion breaks out.
Napoleon
Irish
Daniel
O'Con-
First
1
801
Consul.
Union of Great
1807
"
xxxi
founded.
THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF
THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF
EARLY
LIFE
paris,
AS
embark
shall
August
7,
1796.
in a business, within a
few
-*
paper a few
memorandums
relative to
myself and
was born
June,
1763.
in the city
My
year 1766, his property, being freehold leases, descended to my father, his eldest son, who was, at
that time, in successful business as a coachmaker.
He
set,
EARLY
into his possession to his
LIFE
[1763-72
was the cause of much litigation between them, and ended in a decree of the Court of
eventually,
my
my
East India
My brother Matthew,
a poet,
not
him most
ill
Company's
like Will,
done.
trifles,
He
is
is
service.
something of
in the burlesque
a brave lad,
and
love
capable, as
sincerely.
think,
of sacrificing everything to
his
principles.
is much
younger than
the
of
born
about
us, being
year 1782 of course
any
he is now fourteen years of age. If I can judge,
4
FAMILY SKETCHES
1763-72]
lion.
My sister,
woman;
with
all
whose name
is
Mary,
is
a fine
young
all
America,
she determined
to share
fortunes, and, in consequence, she also,
like the rest of us, has made her voyage across the
my
Adantic.
My
father
other people
but,
from
like
with
what
EARLY
LIFE
[1772-81
My
I do not here
return.
speak of my wife
and our little boys and girl, the eldest of whom
was about eight, and the youngest two years old
when we sailed for America. And, by all I can
see, it is by no means certain that our voyages are
on her
eldest child
I
was
sent,
Craig, a
late preceptor.
About this time,
AN
1772-81]
IDLE
FELLOW
became,
sixteen
for
my
and
as, at this
discretion,
it
time,
may
am
not remarkable
well be judged
was
less
so then.
sisted in
I mention this
parof
ticularly, because, independent
confirming me in
a rooted habit of idleness, which I lament most
exceedingly, I trace to the splendid appearance of
the troops, and the pomp and parade of military
show, the untamable desire which I ever since have
had to become a soldier, a desire which has never
once quit me, and which after sixteen years of
various adventures,
Being,
at this time,
am at last
at liberty to indulge.
EARLY
LIFE
[1781-86
of age,
it
my
began
thought that a red coat and cockade, with a pair of
gold epaulets, would aid me considerably in my
approaches to the objects of my adoration.
This, combined with the reasons above mentioned,
decided me. I began to look on classical learning
as
nonsense
on
a Fellowship in
Dublin College
as
that at length
I
between us, I
dispute
utter
for
the
army, and
passion
father was
dislike to a learned profession ; but
as obstinate as I, and as he utterly refused to give
produced
declared
violent
my
my
my
me
any
assistance to
forward
my
scheme,
had no
brother
my
AMOURS
1781-86]
my
grace, to pull
1 78 1
my
tutor
mathematicians in Europe.
trial
prosecution.
of us was not
against
me
there
After one or
was no
I fell
the
in love with a
miserable for
more than
EARLY
LIFE
[1781-86
as
well as
the
mind of an
but
this
is
my
10
AN IRATE HUSBAND
1781-86]
engaged her
so
affections,
that
at
length
she
who
then appeared in
human.
my
up
intervals
my
his
[?
two
ruffians
word
who had
pistols,
is not clear in the
MS.]
broken into
and arrested
him
in
my
my
my refusal was in effect a sentence of banishment from her presence for ever, I had the courage
that
to persist in
my
refusal.
ii
In consequence
wrote
EARLY
LIFE
[1781-86
of honour
I considered
my duty as a man
an effort which cost me then, very,
what
violence to
;
As I am on
of my history,
makes no part
whom
eloped.
in
damages.
In this business
am
satisfied
from
my
Martin's.
little
12
IN
1781-86]
And now
affair
LOVE
at this distance
of time
review the
I cannot
regret that
a
wronging
civilities,
by the
my
man
inexperience prevented me
to whom I was indebted for
from
many
affections
human
* It is
interesting to note that the chief aid to tranquillity was
Miss Witherington, whom Tone met just at this time or a
trifle earlier.
This account is suppressed by the son.
13
EARLY
LIFE
[1781-86
to
the
more
so as
it
may
well be supposed
neglected
no
fair
it,
we
I
ran off together and were married.
few
for
a
to
her
out
of
town
carried
Maynooth
had subdays, and when the first eclat of passion
July
suppressed
MARRIED HAPPINESS
1786-87]
we were
sided,
forgiven on
all sides,
and
settled
in lodgings near
wife's grandfather.
I was now, for a
very short time, as happy as
possible, in the possession of a beautiful creature
my
that
adored, and
more upon
ship, which
my
who
heart.
and
it
all
began
connection with
to treat us
with
my
all
We
wife's family,
possible slight
and
who
dis-
removed, in consequence, to my
respect.
father's, who then resided near Clane, in the county
of Kildare, and whose circumstances could, at
that time, but ill bear such an addition to his
family. It is doing him, however, but justice to
mention, that he received and treated us with
the greatest affection and kindness, and, as far
as he was able, endeavoured to make us
forget
the grievous mortifications we had undergone.
15
EARLY
LIFE
[1786-87
possible, increased
Having
tied the
whole
villainy
etc.
At
With
regard to myself,
what
suffered.
As
it is
it
impossible to conceive
early in the night I
was
my
concern.
When
16
on
my
feet
my
with some
COUNTRY
1786-87]
difficulty,
and made
LIFE
my way to
window, where
heart died
but received no answer.
within me. I proceeded to another and another,
but still no answer. It was horrible. I set myself
to gnaw the cords with which I was tied, in a transI
My
called,
by
from
my
my
my
name
as the
robbers
fled,
other with
some
whom
what
j7
EARLY
LIFE
[1786-87
wherein
the progress
ever
but
this I
may
say
was
made
in that profession.
this time that I should never
be
As I foresaw by
Lord Chancellor, and as my mind was naturally
active, a scheme occurred to me, to the maturing
of which I devoted some time and study this was
:
18
HELPING ENGLAND
1786-87]
as
Ulloa,
We waited,
when
days,
mentioning
answer, but
the former.
my
memorial,
and
praying
an
either
reaped from
my
if ever I
19
EARLY
LIFE
[1788-89
my
my
own
my
vexations
received a letter
from
my
father,
filled,
determined to
Com-
removed.
resolution
at length,
I
My
by every argument
when he saw me
in his
power
but,
determined, he declared
my
we
we
on our
arrival there,
we were
month of March
The clerk, to
received.
MORE AMOURS
1788-89]
We
desperate as
us alone.
were our
Had
of September,
it
we
I should most
probably,
be
hour,
carrying a brown musket on the
coast of Coromandel.
Providence, however,
decreed it otherwise, and reserved me, as I hope,
off;
at this
At
consequence, several delightful connections in London, and as I was extremely discreet, I have the
satisfaction to think that not one of those to whom
*
Suppressed by Tone's son. One wonders if Tone wrote
these autobiographical notes, as he wrote his diary, for other
eyes.
21
EARLY
LIFE
[1788-89
knew
exactly as
much
about
it
as I
did of
my
He
immediate return.
ately, and expressed a wish for
In consequence, I packed up directly and set off,
landed at
with
brother, for Ireland.
Dublin the 23rd December, and on Christmas Day,
my
We
my
my
where
in health, except
my
my wife, who was grown delicate,
mised, and
my
wife and
both
flattered ourselves
all
22
1790]
cannot doubt, if
times
but, as I was,
modestly speaking, one of the most ignorant barristers in the Four Courts, and as I took little, or,
rather, no pains to conceal my contempt and dislike
for the profession, and especially as I had neither
the means nor the inclination to treat messieurs
the attorneys, and to make them drink (a sacrifice
of their respectability, which even the most liberal23
EARLY
minded of the profession
I
made, as
LIFE
[1790
Two
three defences
extraordinary.
I
"
there-
my
first
now
made
speedily
what was
24
to
me
a great dis-
NATIONALIST CONSIDERATIONS
1790]
my
upon
Irish
by an old
whom I look
one of the very, very few honest men in the
House of Commons. It was he who first
as
view of the
was poor,
as I
Earl of Rosse,
"
member for Queen's County, was one of the few honest
men in the Irish House of Commons." He distinguished himself in 1795, during the Fitzwilliam episode, by attacking the
English Government for its refusal to meet Catholic claims,
and proposed a short Supply Bill to indicate the disapproval
of the Irish House. Later he as valiantly opposed the Union.
"
Tone speaks of him once as my friend."
25
later
EARLY
LIFE
[1790
I had
preserved my independence,
and could speak my sentiments without being
responsible to anybody but the law.
Shortly after the premature end of my second
pamphlet we came to an open rupture with my
actually was,
wife's family.
One circumstance is sufficient to
prove that the breach was not of our seeking, viz.
that we had everything to lose and nothing to
insult her
26
suppressed
by Tone's
1790]
NATIONALIST CONSIDERATIONS
morning
to
at seven o'clock,
my wife
which
my
my
condemned
whole of
made
to
my
the
added that
if
wife's fortune
27
by her grandfather,
as
EARLY
LIFE
[1790
It is
unnecessary
of my
behaviour
magnanimous
brother on the occasion I have just recounted, nor
does it stand in need of the contrasted meanness
of his adversary to set it off. I hope I should in
to observe
on
the
same readiness
and defend his honour.
time it was that I formed an acquaint-
About
this
ance with
stance
as
man whom
my invaluable friend
which
fortunate of
look upon
my
as a brother.
He
life.
is
love
on his merits
no system of happiness for my future life in which
the enjoyment of his society does not constitute
a most distinguishing feature, and, if I am ever
inclined to murmur at the difficulties wherewith
I have so
long struggled, I think on the inestimable
treasure I possess in the affection of my wife and
the friendship of Russell, and I acknowledge that
all
my labours and sufferings are overpaid. I may
;
truly say, that, even at this hour, when I am separated from both of them, and uncertain whether
* Thomas Russell
(1767-1803), referred to in the diary as
P.P., was a Cork man. He helped to found the United Irishmen, was arrested in 1796, and spent six years in jail. He
became involved in Emmet's insurrection, and was hanged on
28
DELICIOUS DAYS
i 7 9o]
as to see
wherein
important business
"
dearest
to
often
myself,
engaged, say
'
friend Russell will be glad of this.'
love and
likely to succeed in the
I
am
My
my
My
of which
engaged
had, as
my
we
delightful
lay stretched
on the
grass.
It
all
we
was
commenced
my
of a happier
society.
our wit
EARLY
was
If
LIFE
[1790
it
was not
sterling,
This winter
'
T
frn<fl
eavoured to
jns f1 flltp a
kind of
already
more or
who had
distinguished themselves
less
by
* William Drennan
(1754-1820) was
a song-writer of some
His best-known verses are The Wake of William
Orr. He founded The Belfast Magazine.
Whitley Stokes
(1763-1845) was a Professor of Physics at Trinity College.
distinction.
30
variety of
whose knowledge is only to be exceeded by the
number and intensity of his virtues Russell, a corresponding member, and myself. As our political
opinions, at that time, agreed in most essential
and
points, however they may have since differed,
a
as this little club most certainly comprised
great
proportion of information, talents, and integrity,
it
might naturally be expected that some distin;
yet, I
guished publications should be the result
not how it was, we did not draw well
;
know
together
excellence.
esteem
as
much
as
any, far
31
EARLY
LIFE
[1790
them,
He
man
is
completely after
a barrister.
my own
heart
of
which he has
would,
am
much,
sacrificed
as
know, and
life.
In classing
the men I most esteem, I would place him beside
Russell, at the head of the list
because, with
regard to them both, the most ardent feelings of
;
my
decision
of my judgment.
as
There are
most severe
men whom
am
sure, for
as sincere
regard
much
as it
is
possible.
7 9i]
We
my
friends.
judices,
commerce
(4,409)
they rejoiced
,3
when
they saw
^
EARLY
LIFE
[1791
monarchy
test.
different in Ireland,
an
or a
crat
34
CHOICE OF CAREER
1791]
other
judges of the law, were, of course, on the
side,
my
time renounced
all
hope, and,
may
It was
pretty much about this time that my
connection with the Catholic body commenced
I cannot
in a manner which I am about to relate.
to
strict accuracy as to dates, for I write
pretend
entirely
from memory
all
my
papers being in
America.
at Belfast,
immediately
set
me on
thinking
35
more
seriously
EARLY
LIFE
[1791
sects.
Already in possession
outset
by an
how much
Catholics
To
the
ANOTHER PAMPHLET
7 9i]
and
enlightened ;
patriotic
events at Belfast had showed
entirely
me
that
removed from
all
prejudice
their minds.
and one common enemy that the depresand slavery of Ireland was produced and perpetuated by the divisions existing between them,
and that, consequently, to assert the independence
of their country, and their own individual liberties,
it was
necessary to forget all former feuds, to consolidate the entire strength of the whole nation,
and to form for the future but; one people. These
principles I supported by the best arguments which
suggested themselves to me, and particularly by
demonstrating that the cause of the failure of all
former efforts, and more especially of the Volunteer Convention in 1783, was the unjust neglect
of the claims of their Catholic brethren. This
pamphlet* which appeared in September, 1791,
under the signature of A Northern Whig, had a
considerable degree of success. As my pamphlet
interest
sion
*"
An
clearness
sold."
(Lecky, vol.
iii.
p.
10 following.)
37
EARLY
LIFE
[1791
My
my
that
winter.
first
or green
of
pleased,
elect
an
member
to
me
of
pamphlet,
honorary
their corps, a favour which they were very delicate
company, were
in bestowing, as
except
the
great
in consequence
my
believe
Henry
Flood,
38
i 7 9i]
with
my
diary
I refer.
39
To
that
[1791
II
sent
down
to Belfast, resolutions
to
way
Parliament.
it
oppose
3rd.
just
was
prejudices,
October nth.
Arrived
at Belfast late,
and was
illuminations,
firing
Volunteers, etc.
October 12th. Introduced to
twenty-one guns,
A meeting
40
i 7 9i]
Committee*
at
Drew's, on Saturday,
when
the
resolutions, etc., of the United Irish will be subSent them off, and sat down to new model
mitted.
the former copy. Very curious to see how the
thermometer of Blefescu has risen, as to politics.
bed.
October 13th.
pense of P. P.
Rose.
Much good jesting in bed, at the exLaughed myself into good humour.
Breakfast.
resolutions,
by
Made
advice of Digges.
Went to Gordons.
a large company.
at nine, to the card club,
41
A MILD CONSPIRATOR
[1791
tion, sat
up with Digges
and Macabe. Church a vile sermon from Bristowe (called Caiaphas) against smuggling, etc., and
about loyalty, and all that. P. P. in great sorrow
and distress of mind resolved to leave off smuggling, which is injurious to the fair trader.
October 17th. Breakfast, McDonnell, McAughWent to the
trey, Bryson, Digges, P. P., and I.
inn
P. P. paid the bill, by which my anxiety as
;
to
my
shillings
is
completely removed
believe
himself a Carmelite.
P. P. whispered to
me, with
was a
Humbert
42
RIGHTS OF
i 7 9i]
MAN
had seen
Was
in the
brown wig
he a lord or not
October iSth.
room
a cat in the
fell
asleep
at last.
to
Home
October 22nd.
in
which
had intended
me
early
for the
man who
said
on the
vinced, at
last,
that
first
no
P. P.
letters.
Mem. Met
time.
the
he was no Carmelite
made
Went
lobsters.
Drunk.
P. P. patient.
ill-
do so
to bed.
Fell asleep.
Dinner
at McTier's
Dr.
Bruce, etc.
Cunningham, Holmes,
October
battle,
Very
Mem. To
2$th.
which
lasted
two
43
hours,
on
Waddel,
furious
the Catholic
A MILD CONSPIRATOR
as
neither
[1791
convinced.
usual,
question ;
party
Seized with the liberality of people agreeing in
the principle, but doubting as to the expediency.
P. P.,
and
to the
Roman
44
MORE
I79i]
DISCUSSIONS
Sad
It may be he was right, but God is above all.
nonsense about scavengers becoming members of
Parliament, and great asperity against the newfangled doctrine of the Rights of Man. Broke
Went
wine.
in five
rejected one.
pleasant, as usual.
Getty
Home
October 26th.
Jordan
two. Bed.
McTier asked what could
at
Sinclair hot.
against England.
that the army in Ireland
He and
we do
P. P. agree
it
words.)
My
be looked
Digges,
to, as
who
says,
The
first
shot fired
also
Mr.
by England
'
Home
Bed.
45
Ill
letters,
ings
etc.,
of 1792.
his second
embassy
to
Belfast; also his dealings with the Catholics, including his combinations with sundry dissenting
a general system of
Republicans, and his plan
for
Irish
Jacobins*
until
Emancipation in 1829.
46
1792]
STILL
Dundalk
in a string.
55,
10th.
to
the bridge
Mr. Hutton
95.
The
Sleep
we come
Keeper mortified.
Very pretty amusement for a statesman and a
O Lord On an average,
philosopher. O Lord
about a cat and one-seventh of a cat per mile on the
great northern road. Make no other remark of any
game.
Arrive
at
everybody.
Cunningham very
civil
dine in the
the right
"
all with
magnanimity and benevolence" Sup with
Ncilson and the old set
very much tired after my
Bed
at
one
o'clock.
journey.
;
Dinner
12th.
address
at
the
Read the
Waddel Cunning-
Hypocrite's.
ham
great
some
The
whom
company
all
laugh
pet.
The
[1792
by paragraph, and
approved unanimously, except that part which
relates to the Catholics, which had H.
Joy's single
address read, paragraph
negative.
and approved in
Bed
hours
usual
as
at
half-past
one.
Damned bad
of Commerce
Catholics mistake
it
for an image,
the
The old
Simms.
seven to
come
Mr. Hutton
hand
all
almost angry at
that
48
"MODERATION
1792]
tomorrow.
IS
NONSENSE"
a plot
Neilson
plot
at
one
with
orders
bedside
o'clock,
my
to prepare for battle in the morning.
Passing by
a room in the inn, he heard Cunningham's voice
Bed.
comes to
him and
the
company
breaks
council
14th July, era of the French Revolution !
of war held in a potato field, adjacent to the review
ground. Present, the Draper in the chair, the Tribune, his brother George, Dr. Crawford, of Lisburn Rev. Mr. Craig, Dr. McKenna, and Mr.
;
Hutton all fools except the first and last. Crawford and Tandy frightened out of their wits. We
all the
shall be defeated
are undone
country
from
the
corps decidedly against us,
report of some
:
seditious paper
something
danger of disunion ; risk of credit if we should
even succeed by a small majority, which is the best
da
that can be hoped
the country folks afraid
March
Moderation
etc.
nonsense
into
capo,
take
town at three. Meet Haslitt and Neilson
;
(4,409)
49
"
word
Irishmen
"
Procession.
full.
Catholic
out,
and put
[1792
word
in the
moved by
Question
have
"
on
Before
the Draper.
hollow
we
good
more
the question
bless
Stanislas
everybody
Augustus, George
Who would have
Washington
Beau-jour.
Huzza
thought it this morning ?
Generally
drunk. Broke my glass thumping the table.
God
Home, God knows how or when. Huzza
!
bless
everybody again,
times three.
16th.
Sleep at
last.
Simms
50
IN THE
7 92]
COUNTRY
would be
done.
Waked by
and Defenders.
i$tk
Lowry,
Catholics arrive
from Downpatrick.
Meet Mr.
excursion to Dungannon.
19th.
Mr. Hutton, on
the plan, also Haslitt, also the Tanner and his brother.
The Irish Slave swears he will begin his operations
immediately, as
time to begin to
we
act.
N.B. The
John Foster.
on
the
14th like the old
meeting
5i
German meetings
[1792
woods.
and the armed warriors in a ring standing
round. Fine effect of the unanimous aye of the
Assembly when passing the address. Mr. Hutton
in the
sitting,
senti-
event.
Grattan advises to
elect
another.
If
1st.
Merry be the first of August ! Busy
day folding papers, etc., for the Munster bishops.
Damn all bishops
Gog not quite well on that
Thinks them a good thing. Nonsense.
point.
August
all
August 2nd.
August yd.
letters, etc.
their
More
Wexford
delegates,
papers.
Sub-committee.
returns at
Folding circular
Rent-roll of
last.
52
Bravo
BIGOTRY
1792]
ing his artful negotiations with the Peep-of-dayhoys, and sundry Peers of the realm ; also, his
valorous
into, and famous retreat out of
entry
Vive
le
Roi.
among
and dine.
Settle
at
Rathfriland.
11th.
Barber
word
is,
lest
is
so to Dublin.
we might
in that town.
must
accidents.
My
balls
too
little
damn
it
Afraid
lest
53
stones, in
me"
[1792
puny battle
in number,
slay
Stop
all valiant.
of which he and
his ancestors
a century.
cords,
crats
the Hibernia.
her shield.
i$th.
crown on
Waken
drunk.
54
PROPAGANDIZING
179*]
be true).
Set
16th.
verted
their
by M'Clokey, who,
lieutenant.
All well.
in
return,
The
chosen
is
Catholics
and
actuated
Bed
late.
19th,
Sunday.
Go
to
Mass
foolish
enough
* The
Peep-O'-Day Boys got their name some seven years
before from the plan adopted by northern Protestants of raiding
Catholic homes at dawn in search of arms. They gave rise to a
Catholic group called Defenders. In 1795 the former became
Orangemen by then the latter had been either dissipated or
organized as United Irishmen.
;
55
[1792
What
stand
will the
by
now
army do
the nation.
! !
God
hipped.
Grattan not at
home
find
him
at last
and firmness
in action.
All very reasonable.
Grattan takes Mr. Hutton aside, and tells him that,
as the season for action is now
approaching, it is the
wish of himself and his friends that all communication between them and the Catholics should be
through him, Mr. Hutton as, if they were to hold
;
personal communication,
they were
that, instead
would thereby be
by Grattan and his
said not to be
friends, to
56
GOG
1792]
IS
JEALOUS
medium
than himself.
Bravo
thing.
his vanity,
2%th August.
Grattan again.
mund no
fool in
Flattering Gog
that sublime or beautiful ?
Drive in Browne's carriage to Cel-
Sunday.
matters.
money
Is
57
[1792
bill,
a place
Whig
bill,
a Union,
Da
capo, etc.,
him
that
we
58
IV
TO CONNAUGHT
of
political faith.
post-boy
if
who
he attempts to
move
T. B. valiant,
The
Voleurs, after
59
[1792
much more
another adventure
The
chaise breaks
down
at
melancholy
bad hours
Arrive
6th.
late at Ballinasloe,
the parish
a
but
to the
civil
sad, vulgar booby,
priest,
very
best of his knowledge.
Mr. Hutton falls asleep in
great
difficulty.
Victuals
company.
execrable
bad
wine poisonous
fall
bed
asleep in spite
bed together
sad, sad.
fair
great
show of bullocks.
The
greatest cattle
fair in
tells
curiosity, but,
on
Co
1792]
man
will be
who
men of Galway
number assembled.
chair
among
Sir
Thomas French
takes the
young
However,
exhibition.
poor
means
satisfied
speaking
it
he made but a
passed, but by no
all,
without
much
study
gentleman.
and
No
continual
and
brilliancy
digressive,
Hutton
all
of
Gog,
in his
latter
gentleman.
Retire early to
my
crib,
my
Letters,
ennui.
61
[1792
on
deliberation.
enough
10th.
No
Our
chaise yet.
conscientious land-
take
it
after
all,
till
twelve
Walk about
who
is
lame.
much
better than
62
good fellow
"
a Papist.
Wine
1792]
be once more
thing to have 1,500
forms,
men
Green uni-
in Dublin.
etc.
but
many
Protestants
would
See the
Galway resolutions.
the
university,
Two of them
damned
?
Gog has been disgusted with Dr.
Bellew, Catholic bishop of Killala, on the subject
of a national college. The bishop wants to get
money from the laity to endow it, and to exclude
them from
kind
all
Gog
share in the
revolts
Hutton he begins to
like
management.
a fury, and
Damned
tells
Mr.
63
all
scoundrels.
like this
cure
may
All
Two
fair.
Gog of his
[179a
or three things
God knows
the event.
The
of Belfast,
etc.
64
SEDITION
1792]
from
separate petition
Yet he
talks
of
that county.
Damn him
The
More and more
of Lords and
Members of Parliament.
27th. Meet the parochial delegates in the evening,
and
settle
Emmet's
2%th.
The town
my tragedy,
One
Colonel of the
have
been so wise as
Royal
to draw up the regiment on the parade, and harangue
them, exhorting them to obedience, and warning
"
them against The Rights of Man," etc. Dunce
Blockhead
Could not take a readier way to
create the mischief against which he wished to
guard. Another report is, that the artillery and
all the
cavalry are to be ordered to England and
replaced by English troops. I hope this is a He too.
These reports, however, show the agitation of the
public mind.
29$. Advertisements are this day handed about,
(4,409)
5
y
I
do not believe
it.
Irish Artillery,
is
officer,
said to
[1792
know what
to think.
The
illumination
is
We
The
S. Committee
a very full
cowardly
refuses also
cowardly
What would
the Belfast
be secretary.
Mr. Hutton
D. T. O'Brien
66
PROGRESS
1792]
100,000
Thomas
Martin F. Lynch,
Richard McCormick,
Fitzgerald,
John Keogh,
Thomas Braughall,
Edward Byrne,
Hugh
Hamill,
Randal McDonnell,
The grand
viriSy
forming a volunteer
civil
also
ject
"
company on good
principles,
"
Army, damn me
2nd.
Sick as Demogorgon
!
ofFwatercresses with
my
bread.
67
purpose to leave
"
This
That
Gunpowder Treason
the day,
is
we were
it
speak
[1792
with sorrow,
been blown up to-
to've
all
morrow."
Rochester.
might have
human
1 of/*.
from
his
these
Papists.
Hear
barrassed to
that
Government
know what
to do.
is
very
much em-
The
Chancellor,
we hear, talks big. If he attempts to use violent
measures, I believe a war will be the inevitable
consequence.
My own conviction
is
that
Govern-
The
devil
it
will
And
at
work.
1792]
ijth.
Read
Very much
liked,
which
and they may not like to come and take our drum
from us. Bond thinks the ci-devant Merchant Corps
will present us with two field pieces.
Huzza
Huzza
!
20th November.
O'Beirne says the common
people are up in high spirits, and anxious for the
Bravo
Better have the peasantry of one
event.
county than twenty members of Parliament. Gog
!
wise
Who cares
69
the
1792,
Irish
Catholics
met
in
parliamentary franchise.
The
last
patriotism reflect
their sect.
The
no
discredit
on
their
country or
great object
national supremacy.
day found their best claim to public regard
on
advanced by an assembly
to whose merits no historian has yet ventured to
do justice, but whose memory, when passion and
prejudice are no more, will be perpetuated in the
hearts of their grateful countrymen.
The proceedings of the General Committee fully
maintaining principles
first
70
1792]
justified
intelligent
member
county Antrim),
who
were to require nothing short of total emanand it was not consistent with the dignity
cipation
of this meeting, and much less of the great body
whom it represented, to sanction, by anything which
could be construed into acquiescence on their part,
one fragment of that unjust and abominable system,
ents
71
[179a
to
wrong
of the great
it
asserted,
mode
who
transmitted
them
to the
King
world
of no
72
less
than 3,000,000 of
THE
1792]
"
trations to receive.
by
of their body,
ballot, five
who should
and
Edward
were
Byrne,
gentlemen appointed
John Keogh, Christopher Dillon Bellew, James
Edward Devereux, and Sir Thomas French. The
only instruction they received was to adhere strictly
to the spirit of the petition, and to admit nothing
derogatory to the union, which is the strength of
present their petition to his
Majesty in person,
the
Ireland.
And
solem-
on vellum,
signed by the Chairman, and countersigned by
nity,
was delivered
to them, engrossed
73
own
of
hands
Ireland.
[1792
delegates
had every
reason to be content.*
* This Convention was
partly responsible for the final
Catholic Relief Bill of 1793. The following entries in the
Diary indicate the compromises inevitable in Keogh's method
of patient agitation. With this Relief Bill was passed the
notorious Convention Act which so hampered O'Connell all
from
through his career. It forbade" meetings of delegates
"
under the pretence
other oodies to meet in a body
of preparing such petitions. O'Connell maintained that Emancipation might have been gained in 1793. Actually, an amendment
proposed that Catholics be allowed to sit in Parliament (as it
was, they could vote only for Protestants), but it was rejected
by an enormous
majority.
74
VI
January
In
the
sub-committee,
Sir
T.
Byrne,
Catholics.
They
extremely
dissatisfied
in
about an hour,
with each other, and, after
return,
confession
of
all
parties,
that,
appears, by the
so far from dis-
it
the reverse
Catholics
which
O'Connor
was ready
too, upon
he prepared to enter
Was
He answered
is,
I see, if
"
was put
the question
Owen
a strong representation.
asserted that he
[1793
that
is,
He
is
is
He
Now
was."
to frighten
Ned
O'Connor was
done,
it
will be
by
January 24th.
this
morning
What
does
Only
to do
of the
and to leave
it
general, according to the form of
that presented to the King ; and this wise and
valiant proposal comes after we have put Hobart
in possession
January 26th
to 31st.
petition.
reject the pro-
Hobart again,
support it.
Sub-committee. After sundry debates for two
or three days, the prayer of the petition is altered to
Gog's mind.
am
clear
he
is
wrong.
76
1793]
as
chalked out by
franchise.
tracies.
we
but
introduced, and
shall see
still
of
sight as
be damned
February 8th.
It
is
observable
the Catholics
satisfied,
Sir
Monck Mason.
on
the point
of declaring themselves
Thomas
bill.
For satisfaction,
O'Connor,
O'Gorman, Sweetman,
McCormick, and James Plunket. This is as important a crisis as any which has occurred in
and Keogh
Catholic
against
it,
affairs.
77
VII
exile in
America.
parture,
my
walked
my
de-
Diary,
it
78
FAREWELLS
1795]
and
able success.
cause
mention
this trifling
it
study.
my
As
plan to
them
both.
told
them
that
consid-
which might suggest itself to me, for the emancipation of my country that, undoubtedly, I was guilty
of a great offence against the existing Government
and
that, in consequence, I was going into exile
;
that
offence,
as a full
and consequently
felt
myself
at liberty,
* From
April 1794, when Jackson was taken, to April 1795,
when he was brought up for sentence, Tone was in a parlous
position. Several United Irishmen had been arrested, including
Hamilton Rowan, who escaped and fled to France, thence to
America (where, as Tone records, the two met), and Tone
might well have been charged also. He let it be known that
he would neither fly nor give evidence against his friends, but
would, in his own time, retire to America. He was not
but there
molested, and he did retire. There was no bond
"
was, as he saw it, a promise in the nature of a
compromise."
;
79
[1795
fresh score.
principles,
my
on
my
arrival in
land, to
the French
if
Government, and,
succeeded so
far,
my
to leave
my
Emmet
those
two
member
it
invaluable
was
in a
friends
little
together.
triangular
field
re-
that
this
marked
Austria.
to us that
Having paid
body,
May,
all
Dublin for
Belfast
on the 20th
1795, with
leaving, as
mother in
it
my wife,
sister,
80
ON CAVE
1795]
HILL
those
who
knew me were
scarcely
and
and certainly the whole of our
our amusements
and
reception at Belfast very little
deportment
resembled those of a man who escaped with his
life
only by miracle, and who was driven into
exile to avoid a more disgraceful fate. I remember,
tain us
parties
particularly,
hill.
On
two days
the
that
we
Russell,
first,
which,
think
endeavoured to
may
fulfill
say
never to
solemn obligation
have,
on
desist in
my
our
part,
efforts
until
McCrackens, and
my
gj
my
the satisfaction
to
conduct
find
it
[1795
in
trade
is
in general
Pitt,
Europe with about twenty other ships, under convoy of four or five men-of-war but on examining
;
82
1795]
LANDS IN AMERICA
us,
and
pressed
hands, save one, and near fifty of
my
unfortunate
fellow-passengers,
flying
to America to avoid the tyranny of a bad government at home, and who thus most unexpectedly
least,
the
we ran up
31st
had
is
my
83
[1795
voyage.
my
very great
fortably settled.
but
as there
me
very politely. He spoke English very imperand I French a great deal worse however,
made a shift to understand one another he
fectly,
we
84
1795]
my
begged
certificates
me
to
85
if
[1795
sions
on
a farm.
At length
timber.
lieve
it
fail.
Our little boys we could hardly bear to think
of rearing in the Boorish ignorance of the peasants
about us, and to what purpose give them an education that could only tend to discontent them with
the state wherein they were thrown, and wherein
learning and talents were useless ? But especially
our little girl, now eight or nine years old,
was our principal uneasiness. How could we
bear to see her the wife of a clown without
86
1795]
already
and purity of
woman
frame of mind
continued for some time, waiting for the lawyer
who was employed to draw the deeds, and expecting next spring to remove to my purchase
I
the engagement
at
my
my
I set off,
supplicate their assistance.
accordingly,
the next morning (it being this time about the end
* This
paragraph was suppressed by Tone's
87
son.
[1795
of November) for Philadelphia, and went, immediately on my arrival, to Adet, to whom I showed the
letters I had
just received, and I referred him to
Rowan, who was then in town, for the character
of the writers. I had the satisfaction, contrary to
my expectations, to find Adet as willing to forward
and assist my design now, as he seemed, to me at
least, lukewarm when I saw him before, in August.
He
told
letters to
me
me
recommending
finally
a letter in cypher
directed to the Cotnite de Salut public, the only credential which I intended to bring with me to France.
I
Rowan, and
my
James Napper Tandy, who, after a long concealment and many adventures, was recently arrived
at length, on the 13 th Decemarrived at Princeton, whither Rowan
accompanied me, bringing with me a few presents
88
for
my
FOR FRANCE
SAILS
1795-96]
wife,
That night
sister,
little
babies.
we
my
on
the 28th
the ist
My
my
89
have
vin
AMBASSADOR OF REPUBLICAN
IRELAND
February 2, 1796. I landed at Havre de Grace
yesterday, after a rough winter passage from New
York of
Rose early ; difficult to get breakget it at last ; excellent coffee, and very coarse
brown bread, but, as it happens, I like brown bread.
Walked out to see the lions ; none to see. Mass
February yd.
fast
No
;
bread in
singular
two of
enough
Dinner
and here, as matter of curiosity, follows
our bill of fare, which proves clearly that France is
;
90
1796]
a starving situation.
An excellent soup ; a
dish offish, fresh from the harbour ; a fore-quarter
of delicate small mutton, like the Welsh ; a superb
in
ling at the
bread
bis et la liberie
made
a saying
Vive le pain
the
forgot
vegetables, which were
;
of famine.
times
its
value in assignats
proportion.
the six-franc-piece in
coffee in the
morning, 12
sols,
or sixpence
so that
Paid for
my
box next
to
9i
though the
a favourite,
Two
lovers
fall
had
is
more
than paper.
however, that
February
assignats are
jth,
Sunday.
92
more
current.
I79<5]
vessel
think of.
little
Oh,
my
my
if your
what should I
thank God
Well, no
babies,
babies,
February
$th.
Comedie
as
usual
sad
trash
93
[1796
yet the audience did not seem to feel any incongruity, though, to heighten the absurdity, his lover
was Madame Rousselois, a fat woman of forty.
"
quite so nimble as
Huzza
The country
ourn"
flat
lous
as
house be
MOUNT
EXPENSES
1796]
and
planted with
is
trees,
suppose includes their
the
etc.
quantity of wood thus scattered
potagerie,
over the face of the country is immense, and has a
I
No
sumes.
etc.
lord.
would submit
from any
scarcity,
but it is downright
"
'Tis but in vain" literally.
Set
Well,
villainy.
off in a very ill humour, but soon reconciled to my
I
losses
Still flat,
oise.
in silence
and richly
The
serenity
cultivated.
of
my
the country.
Breakfast at Pont-
temper, which
had
them"
[1796
assignats,
which,
livres), is
6,500
would
Indeed
we would
Yes
him.
two or
to
I
three.
make me love
wish to God
our
bill
for
We
The
Directoire
Executif have
* with six
Jourdan
a sword, and
presented
General
*Jcan Baptiste Jourdan (1762-183 3) had distinguished him1794 by driving the Austrians across the Rhine. Less
he handed over his command to Massena.
Under Napoleon he became Governor of Naples in 1806.
Louis XVIII. made him a peer.
self in
successful afterwards,
96
IN PARIS THE
1796]
OPERA
a Republican General
nothing to Pichegru.*
It
looks
vile
vile
The
The
correct.
powerful
was sung by a
and received with transport by the
"
"
Whenever the word esclavage was
bass,
audience.
uttered,
it
Marseillaise
* Charles
Pichegru (1761-1804) succeeded Jourdan in '94
army of the North and became the conqueror of Holland
the same year he was disgraced for deliberately allowing
Jourdan to be defeated in a battle, and retired. Devoted to
Louis XVIII. he intrigued on his behalf while president of the
Cinq Cents, and was deported to Cayenne. He conspired
against Napoleon, was arrested, and took his own life.
in the
in '95
(4,409)
gj
citoyens
all
the performers
drew
their swords,
of the ancients)
beautiful female
in their hands.
with
were followed by four
negroes, characteristically dressed, and carrying
two tripods between them, which they placed
next came
respectfully on each side of the altar
as many Americans, in the picturesque dress of
Mexico, and these were followed by an immense
crowd of other performers, variously habited, who
ranged themselves on both sides of the stage. The
figures,
moving
torches
blazing
these
baskets
altar
wreaths of roses
the
statue
two
A MOVING SPECTACLE
1796]
"
beyond
before
all
me were
I
;
saw
they
99
IX
TONE
February 14th.
TO WORK
SETS
Dined
at a tavern in
room
Monroe's, the
my
passport and
Am-
letters.
manner
to satisfy
him
pretty well as to
my own
hope, find
me excused in
He
1796]
man
Secretary smoked
la bonne heme.
The
passport.
directly.
me for
Went
an
Irish-
at three
Rue du
and
inquired
my passport,
Bacq, 471.
Introduced imfor some one who spoke English.
mediately to the Chef de Bureau, Lamare, a man of
Delivered
letter,
where
cent antechamber,
me
a receipt,
made
my bow
He is a respectnear sixty,
him
I should
man
judge
able-looking
and has very much the air of a bishop. The Secretary has given me a receipt, of which the following
the Minister seeing us to the door.
;
is
a translation
"I have
received
101
TONE
Safety,
SETS
and which he
tells
TO WORK
[1796
me comes from the citizen
Adet, Minister Plenipotentiary of the French Republic at Philadelphia, Paris, 26th Pluviose,* third
year of the French Republic. The Secretary
General of Foreign Affairs, Lamare." I have thus
broken the
day or two
In a
ice.
my passport.
February 16th. Walked out alone to see sights.
Tuileries, the Louvre, Pontneuf, etc., superb.
The
Paris
London, but
afoot.
fashion
is
all
prefer to
and pin up
become
their
own
invisible,
shock periwig.
were all burnt
February
Went
ijth.
at
He told me,
passport.
had the letter I brought
my
he had
were
that
102
First
Republic, from
MADGETT
1796]
I
;
I have said
Minister was singular
already that he
had the presence of a bishop. He was dressed today in a grey silk robe de chambre, under which he
wore a kind of scarlet cassock of satin, with rosecoloured silk stockings, and scarlet ribands in his
I believe he has as much the manners of a
shoes.
gentleman as Lord Grenville. I mention these little
;
esting to her
sand times.
know
circumstances because
whom I
sad
stuff.
my
which
Long
when
memoirs
will be
as I
* Nicholas
Madgett, born
in Kinsale 1740,
was employed
IO3
TONE
SETS
TO WORK
[1796
reciprocal advantage ;
of the line, arms,
well
known by
character in Ireland.
104
He
told
me
A FURTHER MEMORIAL
1796]
"
he would
translate
We
ing at my memorial.
to confer with him.
Call
He
on Madgett once
a day
it commences, or
perhaps until it is over, if I
not knocked on the head meantime. I should
like very well to be the first Irish Ambassador
and
if I succeed in my present business, I think I will have
if ever
am
105
TONE
SETS
TO WORK
[1796
"
some claim
to the office.
Oh, Paris is a fine town
and a very charming city." Iflreland were independent I could spend three years here with my family,
my
dare
months
gundy.
But
me
finish
let
me
him
this
all this is
about.
my
says if
Madgett,
but I believe he means
He,
plan,
Finished
memorial, and deFebruary 22nd.
livered a fair copy, signed, to Madgett for the
my
Madgett in the
he has had a discourse
yesterday for two hours with the Minister, and
that the succours he expected will fall very short
of what he thought. That the marine of France
is in such a state that Government will not hazard
a large fleet
and, consequently, that we must be
content to steal a march. That they will give 2,000
of their best troops, and arms for 20,000 that they
that they will
cannot spare Pichegru nor Jourdan
and, I think he
give any quantity of artillery
added, what money might be necessary. He also
horrors.
He
tells
me
said they
would
first
among
FIRST CHECK
I79<5]
the Irish prisoners of war, to sound them, and exchange them on the first opportunity. To all this,
at
which
as to 2,000
am
from
that circumstance.
He
interrupted
me
to ask
Republican generals
IO7
TONE
SETS
TO WORK
[1796
instance,
we
capital, the
but, as
seizing of which would secure everything
we
it is, if we cannot
must
close-hauled,
go large
go
as the saying is.
With 5,000 we must proceed en;
tirely
on
a revolutionary plan,
fear (that
is
to say,
the Irish
army
Every
and give us
doubt whether
discipline us,
would be of the
last
importance.
108
Hang
those
it
who
CARNOT
1796]
talk of fear !
With 5,000 men, and very strong
measures, we should ultimately succeed. The only
difference between that number and 20,000, is that,
with the latter, there would be no fighting, and with
"
Ten
this, we may have some hard knocks.
thousand hearts are great within my bosom." I think
will find a
dozen
of La Vendee.*
February 24th. Went at twelve o'clock, in a
fright, to the Luxembourg
conning speeches in
execrable French, all the way
What shall I say to
"
Carnot ? Well,
whatsoever the Lord putteth in my
;
as I
like a Hon.
Went into the first bureau that I found
open, and demanded at once to see Carnot. f The
* Tone,
(Breton for
of the fine
f
"
spirit
Lazare N.
the Republic,
of the
revolt,
TONE
clerks stared a
SETS
little,
but
TO WORK
I
repeated
[1796
my
demand
Introduced by my guide into the antechamber, which was filled with people the officers
of state, all in their new costume. Wrote a line in
English and delivered it to one of the Huissiers,
stating that a stranger just arrived from America
wished to speak to citizen Carnot on an affair of
consequence. He brought me an answer in two
minutes that I should have an audience. The foldin his turn.
now thrown
110
1796]
my
laid,
of victory,
felt as if it
were
my
faculties,
command
I
as
such
as
mention those
trifling
in
pre-
had
well at
my
my life. Why do
they were,
on any occasion
as
circumstances
It is
be-
whom
"
sir,
my
in
TONE
him
SETS
was an Irishman
TO WORK
that
[1796
'
in the
We
IMPRESSING
1796]
CARNOT
That
not.
if a landing in force
it
he would find in
it
were attempted,
my
memorials.
He
then asked
him
who
(and here
was
at a loss
end of November
my way to
(4,409)
TONE
before
its
SETS
TO WORK
[1796
Government.
That, in consequence, I
citizen Adet, who seemed
delivered
Affairs,
my
letter to
who had
without reserve to
citizen
Madgett, which
had
accordingly done. That by his advice I had prepared and delivered one memorial, on the actual
state of Ireland, and was then at work on another,
which would comprise the whole of the subject.
That I had the highest respect for the Minister, and
that as to Madgett, I had no reason whatsoever to
doubt him, but, nevertheless, must be permitted to
say that, in my mind, it was a business of too
great importance to be transacted with a mere
Commis. That I should not think I had discharged
my
my
two memorials.
1796]
very
as
he doubted me a
was so
and, as a
all knew, three
him
that
Ireland
we
told
in
proof,
at which
years ago, that he could speak English
he did not seem displeased. I then rose, and after
but I had not
the usual apologies, took my leave
shook
little.
his
I
assured
him
as if
the fact
my
my
from
this
US
TONE
TO WORK
SETS
[1796
which he answered,
"
By
all
means
"
and so
again took my leave. Here is a full and true account of my first audience of the Executive Directory of France, in the person of citizen Carnot, the
organizer of victory. I think I came off very clear.
What am I to think of all this ? As yet I have
met no difficulty nor check, nothing to discourage
me, but I wish with such extravagant passion for
the emancipation of my country, and I do so abhor
and detest the very name of England, that I doubt
Huzza
Vive la Republique !
fellow
to
pretty
negotiate with the Directory
of France, pull down a monarchy and establish a
to break a connection of 600 years'
republic
visions be realized
I
am a
memorandums
I
before he had a cause."
that I was a viper in the
that
"He
called
remember he used
bosom of Ireland.
and
whole gang of rascals,
well
116
as
as
me dog
to say
Now
he lies,
he and his
that
the gang
who
are
A SPY?
1796]
opposing him
as
it
But
were.
this
is
all
castle-
Let me finish
memorial, and deliver
building.
it to the Minister.
Nothing but Minister and Direc-
my
my
February 26th.
ward
second
is to
say, wrote a long letter to
about myself; very proper in an
ambassador to frame his own credentials. My
commission was large, for I made it myself. Read it
over carefully
every word true and not exaggerResolved to go at once to the Minister and
ated.
deliver my letter, like a true Irishman, with my own
hands. Went to his bureau and saw Lamare, the
Secretary, whom I sent in to demand an audience.
Lamare returned with word that the Minister was
just engaged with Neri Corsini, Ambassador from
business, that
the Minister,
all
the
in the antechamber.
person came
in,
and
after
some
reconnoitring for
newspaper and
with the most interesting
indifference, as if he
was
my
117
TONE
know
that
any
TO WORK
[1-796
nor desire to know any one
SETS
a soul in Paris,
I
might escape notice as much as
He said I was very right, and asked me,
did I know the person I saw in the antechamber.
I answered, I did not.
He said he was an Irish
patriot, named Duchet, as he pronounced it, who
solitude,
that
possible.
exile for
writings,
it
devil
is
Junius Redivivus
name be Duchet
must
or
who
is
Duchet,
if his
Madgett of
of Junius, of whom, to speak the
He then produced
truth, I have no good opinion.
a map of Ireland, and we looked over it together.
I took this advantage to slide in some of my own
ideas, by saying that if we were able to begin in
?
talk a little to
this resurrection
considerable force,
we
should
commence
as
near
TONE FEELING
1796]
but, if
we
commence
HIS
WAY
force,
we
we
could, and
then push forward, so as to secure the mountains
of Mourne and the Fews, by means of which and
of Lough Erne we could cover the entire province
of Ulster, and maintain ourselves until we had
collected our friends in sufficient force to penetrate
should
to Dublin.
He
as
near Belfast
liked
my
as
me
to press
translations as
much
as possible, and, on the whole, certainly appeared to be nearly as earnest and anxious in the
I then took
business as myself.
leave.
The
of this conversation, the principal circumstances of which I have substantially related, is, that
my
result
collect
that they
had an idea of
definite
they should
first
perhaps what
is
my memorials
to
119
with
Le Tourneur
Cork
am very
glad of that.
have now six days before me,
huzza
Dine every day at
and nothing to do
Beauvilliers for about half-a-crown, including a
bottle of choice Burgundy, which I finish regularly.
Directoire.
February 29th.
* Paul
Jean
partisans
returned to France.
120
DAY DREAMS
1796]
bottle
of Burgundy
is
resolve every
my
had
afternoon, as soon as he
his wife and family.
is
my
busi-
am
not
"
I hope
to see
March
6th.
translation
hell
finished the
allies
121
[1796
and
patriotic.
overshot the
already
dead
of feeling or remorse,
and Mirabeau, whom I look upon to have been a
most consummate scoundrel, f If we have a republic in Ireland, we must build a Pantheon, but we
must not, like the French, be in too great a hurry
to people it.
We have already a few to begin with
Roger O'Moore, Molyneux, Swift, and Dr. Lucas,
a sincere enthusiast, incapable
all
good Irishmen.
122
PESTERING
1796]
CARNOT
pres-
was.
"
"
Then,"
said he,
He
of Government
go with him
and explain yourself without reserve." I did not
much like this referring me over however, there
was no remedy so I made my bow, and followed
has the confidence
[1796
him
forgive
we
time
bureau, and
to his
des Pyrennees,
Armee du
cabinet
it is
to
two memorials,
substantially contained in
I referred him, I need not here
recapitu-
my
which
late.
I see clearly that all Clarke's ideas on Irish politics
are at least thirty years behind those of the people,
and I took pains to impress him with that conviction
as delicately as I could.
We
should, according to
his theory,
how
the
ideas.
Farther on,
March
27th,
it is
well to
remember
this
124
THE
1796]
"
and
that,
Madgett in high
going on as well
tells
spirits ;
as possible
me
everything
is
is
before the Directory. I must observe that it is veryodd, if the business be as Madgett says, before the
Directory, and so far advanced, that Clarke should
know nothing about it. Carnot did not appear to
Madgett
is
and
much
March
17th.
St. Patrick's
Sad
Dined
day.
alone in
Sad
Champs Elysees.
Theatre in the evening.
March 18th. Blank
March 21st. Went, by appointment (this being
the 1st Germinal) to the Luxembourg, to General
"
"
he has not yet
damn it and rot it for me
Clarke
think
how
memorials
only
provoking.
got my
Went to see Othello not translated, but only
the
I
taken from the English. Poor Shakespeare
The French tragedy is a pitiful perfelt for him.
the Moor
formance, filled with false sentiment
!
[1796
terrible conclusion
"
English.
and
my
as
And
than either,
my
impartiality, I expect
will
be
received
with proper respect
opinion
126
1796]
Madgett.
quietly to
and give
It is
only the trouble, and I have nothing else
to do, and it is very good business for me, and I
do not understand people being idle and giving
themselves airs, and wanting to make revolutions,
whilst they are grumbling at the trouble of writing
a few sheets of paper.
Having done with Madgett,
I returned home, and set
doggedly to copying my
two memorials
finished the first, and made a
then wrote the
practicable breach in the second
in
eight foregoing pages
my journal, and now it is
ten o'clock at night, and I am as tired as a dog, and
my fingers are cramped, and I cannot see out of my
Oh Lord oh Lord what wise memoraneyes.
dums I am making, and I am as tired as a devil, for
I have written nine hours
to-day, which is more than
;
ever did in
my
"
life.
may
What
do I not
"suffer,
speak well of me ?
Pretty
myself by craft to Alexander
most unaccountable
March 23 rd. Madgett
is
sent for
me
this
morning
going on well,
but, for my part, I think everything is going on very
However, I did not say so. Madgett then
slowly.
told me the Minister desired I should draw
up such
to
tell
me,
as usual, that
everything
127
is
[1796
a memorial as
I
thought the French commander
ought to publish on landing. That is not quite so
I wished to evade it,
easy.
by saying the style of
French eloquence was so different from ours that I
He answered, it was
doubted my abilities to do it.
precisely for that reason it was necessary I should
write it
that, when I had done, the Executive
Directory would make such alterations and addi;
tions as they
might
we
parted.
March
to cool
it
24th.
little
mefound,
great astonishment,
Oh ho myGot
up and put every
examined
my locks
exactly
was empty
in
its
to
that
all
thing
fast, as
lest
1796]
is
one of P.
just like
top
all
P.'s quotations.
Slept like a
night.
March
2jth.
morning,
Went
at
two
directly to Ireland,
told
him I was
I
I
would not be
easy to get an officer such as I described to undertake the enterprise with so small a
(4,409)
I29
jj
(This
none would,
with a good
was
unless
all
along afraid
[1796
of.)
replied,
some dashing
fighting fellow,
deal of enthusiasm in his character ;
go command
six thousand.
answered, he
knew
best,
opinion was, there was more glory
to be acquired in Ireland, even with that force, and
but
my
were some
Irish officers
yet remaining in
130
1796]
Brigade,
that, as to Jennings, he
betrayed the French cause
had had the misfortune to command after Custine,
and had been obliged to break up the famous
;
"
Camp
de Ccesar
"
that,
though
of his,
this
might prob-
it had made an
ably have been no
rate
at
not a fortunate
as
was
he
any
impression, and,
I
it would be better to have a
thought
general,
fault
Frenchman.
various slights and mortifications they had undergone, both in England and Ireland ; how they had
those
131
[1796
at the
"
as the
it,
two
sides,
fiend,
who knows
it
right
as
well
as another, in
"
(Sings.)
I
would be glad
to
know what
P. P.
would
say to
The wine
And
matter.
132
ON STAGE CONVENTIONS
I79<5]
March
28th.
fine gentleman.
as yet, I
Went
I
urge.
Superb spectacle. Once
theatre in the Haymarket is no
for
Pan-
the King's
better than a barn
all,
as to scenery,
;
but in re-
who, on
Italians,
and
all
suit,
antagonist,
King
Philip,
confronts
him
in a
piece.
[1796
tragedy they would not introduce a pair of handsome plated candlesticks. They have carefully
the antique, and whatever is graceful
the
moderns, and profited accordingly.
among
I believe I have now said
enough of the opera,
to which the French are devoted a lafolie.
All the
studied
and
have never seen an instance of what we call in
house.
England a bad or even a middling
"
April 1st. Lounged about
cheapening old authors
at a stall."
Saw a superb battalion of infantry, and
a squadron of cavalry inspected at the Tuileries by a
general officer. The French cavalry are armed only
with sabres and pistols, without carbines. I am
glad of that, for I always thought carbines useless.
The fire of infantry seems to me to have very little
effect in comparison of the noise it makes, and the
fire of cavalry I am sure is nonsense.
The arme
blanche is the system of the French, and I believe
for the Irish, at least if our affair goes forward it
will be what I shall recommend, for poor Pat is
very furious and savage, and the tactics of every
nation ought to be adapted to the national character.
Platooning at forty yards' distance may answer very
well to the English and German phlegm, but as we
have rather more animal spirits, I vote for the
bayonet. I do not love playing at long bullets.
To conclude, I wish to study the character of the
theatres are as full every night as they can hold,
134
1796]
AN IRRITATING IRISHMAN
French
discipline.
Called on Madgett
this morning
by
of
appointment.
good news. He
tells me the marine force will be seventeen
ships of
war, great and small, arms and artillery, etc., for
that many of the officers are already
50,000 men
named, but he believes not the general-in-chief.
"
All this is very good, but
Would I could see it, quoth
blind Hugh." Just then we were
interrupted by the
arrival of Fitzsimons, the
priest, who has been
April yd.
He is always
full
recommended by
Prieur de la
Marne
to
go
to
Madgett began
speak without reserve, but, for my part, I kept myself in generals,
Ireland.
to
in
universalibus"
was
a bladdering idiot
what
shall I
do with him
[1796
enough
to keep his
his fingers
conceive
ignorant,
and
such a fellow.
What
will
Gog
think
Yes,
Gog
open
his heart
!
are
all
136
those papers,
pray,
BAD NEWS
1796]
wrote
"
in English
The
dispatches
of the Portu-
Oh Lord
oh Lord
Rio Janeiro
I
thought
should have choked, endeavouring to smother the
!
irresistible
he
is
Damn him
secret.
sempiternally
7th.
Blank
Blank
Blank
on me
this
April 9, 1796.
Sullivan * called
morn-
imprisonment.
active
This
is
gloomy
persecution were
1 641
France
!
Oh
France
to suffer if
you
Poor Ireland
permit this crisis to escape you
Well, it does not signify whining or croaking, and
^ am sworn never to
but the slowness of
despair
!
137
human
all
act,
is
not,
we must submit
beyond
but
suffering
it is
[1796
;
they have
if
he seems a cool
republican
sentiments.
First,
the Minister
to Carnot
is
dis-
then Madgett
go
would be huffed, if he dared, because I go to Clarke ;
and now Clarke truly wants to thrust himself
between
me
shall not,
though
see him, or
April 10th.
and
his
!
If
Please God, he
principal.
want to see Carnot, I will
will be refused.
Aherne
called
on
me
this
morning,
and
138
1796]
April 12th.
now
Well,
Blank
"
'tis
April i6th-i7th.
April iSth.
served of late.
April 19th.
How my life
vain"
Blank
Blank
stagnates just
but in
Called on Clarke,
Let him
!
Blank
139
Damn
who
is
it
very re-
XI
"A DOG'S
LIFE"
Who
140
CLARKE
7 9<5]
ANNOYING
IS
them
by
Clarke, for
find in
his trash
the clergy.
reconciles me to all this absurdity,
the French
which
is,
that
us 10,000 men
with that force I have
Government promise
this
he,
and
I,
in the
Champs
Elysees.
Dined accord-
"A DOG'S
LIFE"
[1796
"
He replied, Certainly."
my own affairs, which I had
apprised of everything.
I also said,
that as to
I
hoped and expected that
had suggested once already to
him, of being employed in the expedition as an
scarcely mentioned,
the request
which
He
He
is
puppy, that
humoured irony
diplomatic, but
is
the truth of
it.
This good-
figure
away
at
142
1796]
April 23rd.
sown
latterly
NEW MEMORIAL
Blank
on
my
fault.
of
my
quarters
is
now,
who
gave
of the army
it.
me
met
effective.
if
we
143
"A DOG'S
to the theatre
actress
and
LIFE"
April
is
puppy, and
is
Blank
Is not this
I have not lost one
well, that
good
pretty.
minute by
[1796
he
is
a sad
know
"
dialogue
Well, General Clarke, I have
"
Not
if
a word."
my
with Carnot
declare
am
literally tired
of my
life.
May
2nd.
Went
to
the
he recollected
of,
as
saw
me
I
perfectly.
began by saying,
in
that,
pursuance of his orders,
all
papers. He said
that considering
the information
well verbally as
situation, I
costume
wrote
Carnot, and was admitted
fluently enough,
I had been several times
Luxembourg
his
he knew
I then observed
I had.
General Clarke in an official
had avoided pressing him to give me
144
I79<5]
when
but
that, at present,
were
tions
in a considerable degree
of forwardness
dangers
state
me
as
to give
my
not
at all unreasonable,
but
that,
before measures
were
if the
three
months than
Just at this
moment
was
at
my
first
audience.
So
expostulation"
(M09)
"I
as
my
I4J
at the
intended
That
I2
is
"
hard
my
fear all
A DOG'S LIFE"
hopes will
should be
exertions
and
[1796
sacrifices
and
come
so, I
to nothing at last.
Well, if it
I shall be able to bear it, but
hope
I
begin now to think of my family
and cottage again. I fancy it will be my lot at
last to
bury them and myself in the backwoods of
America. My poor little boys, I had almost begun
to entertain hopes of being able to rescue them from
that obscurity and above all things to place my
wife and our dear Maria in a situation more worthy
of them but, if I cannot, I must submit it is at
I think I have left
least no fault of mine
nothing
it is
cruel.
on
my
great solitude.
Finished
12th.
May
to Clarke
should say
let
Carnot cut
it
down
as
he
it
is
pleases.
Went
which
I left
for him.
usual.
there
is
England.
some
magnificent.
to stand first in
The
my
opinion.
146
TRIFLES
1796]
spectacle,
my
for
and
dearest love.
But matters
are so uncertain
am
"
my
Man
shall
my
no
satisfactory
woman
of
Paris
is
affairs increases,
information.
What
neither."
The
worn
off,
and
get
devil
puts
it
Prusias.
Well,
mais cest
wish our revolution was effected, and that I was set down once
more quietly in the bosom of my family, and that
is not
very strange, for I dote upon them, and I
am here like a fish out of water, and everything
Yet I admire the French, of all things
frets me.
the men are agreeable and the women enchanting,
and, if my mind were at ease, as it is not, I could
make it out here very well, for some time longer,
but as it is well, I can't help myself, and so what
quand on en
est revenu.
declare
signifies
and
147
"
French
A DOG'S LIFE
"
[1796
and wide.
are
well
almost
without
made,
They
incomparably
The
women
have
handsome
English
exception.
faces, but for figure and fashion they do not
and then they walk so
approach the French
their
and
incomparably,
language is so adapted to
conversation, that they all appear to have wit.
far
my
London
split
to be sure,
"
nice
morality,
in
that
Paris,
wind-pipe."
respect, beats
hollow, and that is a bold word, after what
it is,
all,
prize
my wife's
the
inestimable
her virtues,
her courage, her goodness of heart, her sweetness
of temper, and besides, she is very pretty, a circumstance which does not lessen her value in my eyes.
I
blessing
What
possess in
is
an hour
May
first
and the
little
21 st.
I
saw was an
thing
ten days for
head for the
New
affection,
thousand
affiche
whole day.
schemes.
of a
vessel to
This knocked
York.
me
in
To-morrow
will
see
one or
my
148
sail
in the
wife,
HOME
1796]
and our
SICK
will settle in
France.
my
dearest love, to
Rowan,
May
28th, 29th.
Went
etc.,
all
assisted,
in
grand
costume.
or three
new
ones,
composed
"
A DOG'S
LIFE "
[1796
June
it
all this,
I
sans remords.
June
gth.
my
slashing
prowill bring it to something at last.
"
Tale of a Tub," altering
I am just like
Jack, in the
his coat.
clamation.
10th.
One of the
Madgett tells
clerks in the
150
A CANARD
1796]
the Directory.
that neither
be premature.
June nth.
Called on Clarke,
whom
met
hurry to General
Lacuee, who was waiting for him. I had just time
to give him the paper, and he did not say one word
about the landing, so I presume the story is, as the
his bureau, in a violent
running to
Minister
with
me
serious.
says,
premature.
Madgett
Evening.
grow more
Grandjean,
Chef de Bureau
day
number of
dispatches
Beffroy, a
were
member of
me
extremely.
June
He
is
12th.
come
"
little,
as to the
Goodman
landing.
Verges speaks a little off the
matter ; an old man, and his wits are not so blunt as,
"
over,
think
A DOG'S LIFE"
see
by
[1796
he has
his
eye on
minutes, mentioned Madgett's report of the landing, adding that I did not believe it. He assured me
it was
utterly unfounded.
that business. I fixed to call
So there
on him the
an end of
is
1st
and so we parted.
want to consult him
Messidor,
Clarke was
as to what I
enough. I
do concerning trade affairs. My finances
are reduced to a state truly deplorable. I am worth
to-day about thirteen louis d'ors, which will not
last me more than a month, and I must not let
myself be run to the last sol.
civil
am
to
To-day is my birthday I am thirtythree years old. At that age Alexander had conat that age Wolfe had comquered the world
pleted his reputation, and expired in the arms of
June 20th.
as
of which, I
If I
!
verrons.
Allons
nous
can
confess,
help.
succeed here I may make some noise in the world
and want of opportunities
neither
yet
and,
what
is
which
am
is
so just, that
152
PERSONAL AFFAIRS
1796]
it is
end,
sacred
babies, next
earned reputation.
am
and last,
sure
am
and
hope, a well-
doing
my very
June
21st.
are noble fellows, and, luckily, Jourdan has twentytwo thousand of them in one corps on the Rhine.
They are fond of ornamenting themselves, particularly
with flowers.
One
little
and
do not
know why,
but
it
pleases
me.
June 23 /y/.
me
ment
in the French
told Clarke
determined
at all
June "24th.
is
glorious
family, and
events to settle in France.
"
I've
now
my
not fifty
ducats
in
was
the
world
I
This
army.
believe
but
am
sure not
153
"A DOG'S
after
"
that
all,
is
no
LIFE"
[1796
Besides,
great extravagance.
as ever
June 26th.
lieved
it is
one of my
guard re-
greatest relaxations.
take
my
the guards of the legislative body, who are, by-thebye, perfectly well dressed and appointed in all
respects.
They are all handsome young men, six
believe
by
the
dancing
sergeant.
I believe it
As
is
nevertheless
master
rather
to the courage
than
of the French
the
drill
soldiery,
one Englishman
is
always able
to beat
John
upon
the sod.
let
me once
see
la
154
Cabale."
The Whig
DUCKETT GABBLING
X79<*]
Club,
see,
labouring poor.
who,
for fear
Allah!
Allah!
Allah!
Hoche.
Madgett added
that
he had endeavoured
Charles
De
la
all
"
that he
knew
three
be damned
to
nothing
A DOG'S
"
LIFE
months ago,
[1796
for
which he ought
happily at present he
as I believe, so I
presume he
will
knows
keep the
secret.
one
sail
of the
line
(damn and
sink
admirals
them
that the
!)
with
camps
formed in Ireland, but that vast quanof arms and ammunition, are daily imported
into that country, as also tents and camp equipage.
I am
glad of that, because I hope it will appear
are not yet
tities
Bull
is
it is
putting himself to
trouble.
all
this
worthy John
expense and
have taken
of our best
three
it is
true.
Vive
la
Republique
Evening, 5
o'clock.
156
A FURTHER DISAPPOINTMENT
1796]
the vessel
which
carried
my
letter,
an American,
the Argus, Capt. Fanning, was carried into Plymouth on the 25th of June last and is detained.
That
is
pleasant
my
private
fruits
poor
July \th.
want
to
it is
hard
my
it.
domicile.
change my
"
"
am
bossue
lodged in the house of a little
(Anglice,
a hunchback), and she wants me to go to bed to
I won't, for
my virtue forbids it, and so
out of humour and very troublesome someTo tell the God's truth, I have no great
times.
merit in my resistance, for she is as crooked as
a ram's horn (which is a famous illustration) and
her,
she
and
is
he is almost
July 6th. Saw Clarke this morning
recovered, and tells me my business is delayed
;
* Tone must be
referring to what is known as Jay's Treaty
of 1794-95, arising out of British spoliation of American neutral
shipping during the French war. To avert a further war with
England, Alexander Hamilton persuaded Washington to conclude a compromise with the British, which did not definitely
protect American ships, but arranged for courts of arbitration
subsequent to the capture of American vessels.
157
"
A DOG'S
LIFE "
[1796
be
settled
that
that
me could I
time longer ?
I
answered, I could not, for that I did not know a
soul in Paris but the Government. He seemed a
little taken aback at this,
by which I see that money
is not their forte at
Damn it for me
present.
I am sure I wish there was not a
guinea in the world.
So here I am, with exactly two louis in my exchequer, negotiating with the French Government,
my
carry
on
the
war some
He
asked
little
my
funds diminish.
reckon
am
the
puhlique
July
a
little
jth.
of my superfluous
my letters.
BUT
1796]
GAY
STILL
Madgett
Stupid enough,
Champs
Elysees.
God knows.
July
my
(Sings)
Oh
go
ride, Kitty
alone, etc.
Oh
I.
sword and
Cock ma Kary,
and
That quotation
know
by
go
my
ride,
with
side,
I.
I do not
which exceeds it.
take to be inimitable
recollect anything
I
will
pistol
from
P. P.
perusal.
159
gnaw
his
soul at the
XII
He brought me
"
mappelle Smith." He said, " Vous vous appelez,
"
I replied,
Oui
aussi, je crois Wolfe Tone ?
"
Eh
cest
nom."
mon
veritable
bien,"
replied
citoyen,
he, "je suis le General Hoche" At these words I
mentioned that I had for a long time been desirous
of the honour
"
company.
SIGNS OF PROGRESS
I79<S]
He
"
said I was.
two
points
Well,"
I
want
to
Clarke entered, to
to
with Citizen
we
would
come
dinner
request
the
conversaCarnot.
adjourned
accordingly
tion to the apartment of the President, where we
found Carnot and one or two more. Hoche,
you on."
consult
General
We
beef."
of both
Ireland
told
had become
at present
it
made
last twenty
years
a great corn country, so that
a considerable article in her
to confer, but I
to follow them, as it was in fact
a suite of former conversations at which I had not
exports.
found
it difficult
(4,409)
l6l
I3
[1796
"
We
We
and
Madame
Carnot, her
Hoche,
made
out,
though Clarke
tells
me
it
is
am
is
not
done
Napoleon
as
162
IRISH KING
i 7 9<5]
my way home
d'or in
out,
and
have
from
this,
my
little
him
bossue
my
me two louis
am just now run
to find
at furthest, for I
shall
three days
dread
to desire
two days
"
me, and so
a siege to scorn."
are right.
It is
forgive
me
for calling
it
have a copy.
French, for
God
believe,
and
of the Republican generals ; ultimately
banished by Napoleon to America, he returned to die fighting
against France with the armies of Russia and Prussia in 18 13.
*Jean Victor
most
disinterested
163
the ablest
properly speaking,
he will understand that
is
no language
money
is
[1796
however,
is the main
point. Called at twelve on Clarke.
At last he has got my brevet from the Minister at
War. It is for the rank of Chef de Brigade, and
that
aristocratic
blood to
establish
"
their
power.
He
then
said,
very ignorant.
would we
a
King
assured
him
A SURFEIT OF ROYALTY
1796]
general too true, thanks to our execrable Government, whose policy it was to keep them in a state
of barbarism but I could answer for the informa;
"
archy
replied,
"
"
Duke of
Would
I
Leinster, for example ?
replied,
that everybody loved and liked the Duke,
because he was a good man, and always resided
the
"
No
tion to pieces
France ; and,
by accepting
after
II
command
there
own
leaders
"
against
was nobody."
after
all, you will
maybe,
him,
who knows
Catholics.
165
[1796
"
I
may be yourself ?
replied, we had no
leaders of a rank or description likely to arrive at
that degree of eminence
and, as to myself, I
neither had the desire nor the talents to aspire so
Well, that is enough of royalty for the
high.
then, for the hundredth time, beat
present.
over the old ground about the priests, without,
but
it
We
him
and
summed
my belief
up
by telling
was we should content ourselves with pulling down
all
that, as to religion,
up any other
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 I hoped this
massacre would not happen, and that I, for one,
would do all that lay in my power to prevent it,
;
because
;
at the
morrow morning,
at
1796]
talk
Paris.
I
That looks
settle
about
am always huzzaing,
my
Huzza
like business.
leaving
huzza
like a blockhead.
him
asked him, at the same time, whether my appearance at headquarters might not give rise to some
suspicions, from the circumstance of my being a
He replied, he would settle me in a
foreigner ?
near Rennes, his headquarters, where I
should be incognito, and, at the same time, within
his reach.
I returned him a thousand thanks ; and
village
"
Most
replied,
on
all
the
opposition that class could give him ; that, however, it was possible that when the business was
know
He
Arthur O'Connor* ?
replied
"
did,
Did
and
* Arthur O'Connor
(1763-1852), a Cork man, a member of
the Irish Parliament, where he delivered the remarkable speech
167
[1796
principles,
replied,
honestest speech, to
"
my
meet him,
as I
Hoche
the massacre of that body, from the just indignation of the people,
they have so long and
so cruelly oppressed, adding that it was what I
whom
of blood was
at all times to
be avoided,
as
much
that
for four years, after which he entered the French army, rose
to the rank of general, married the daughter of the mathematician and journalist Condorcet, and after an old age of
retirement, died peaceably in exile.
168
CONTRARY EMOTIONS
1796]
of those
tells
me there is
me.
a letter for
Please
God
dinner.
My
heart
is
week,
little
babies
The
169
who has
mouth.
swallow my
letter. I have
in
up
my
New
life
little
my
life
in those children.
news of them
Well,
Poor
hope
[1796
shall
hear
Will, and my
dote upon, and their
had my letter
Oh
to-night.
little
I know
nothing that agitates me so much as
an incident of this kind. I am projecting all possible
time.
it is
terrible
my chagrin. Home
July 26th. Up at
seven
nothing.
91
harm.
bed
and called on Hoche at
he was gone out, so I had my walk for
"
/ hope
early
six,
my
me no
want
to
settle
me
that
also
America
in
my
Matthew
brother
December
last
unspeakable satisfaction, as he
my wife and family during
case of the worst happening to
for
wherein
Heigho
delights."
am
I
my
me
absence, or in
in this contest
about to embark.
shall soon bid "adieu to the village
know not how it is, I have spent five
170
I
arrived in
1796]
dreary months in Paris without forming one conmale or female, that I care a farthing
nection,
myself low-spirited,
now
that
that
find
about to quit
have often had
it
am
is
am
as
Running about
July 29th.
making
arrangements for
the morning,
departure.
July 30th.
me
my
all
He
tells
am
He
desired
me to
call
it
all.
July
Received
31st.
swabbers."
as so
my
I insist
many
good quotation, from
monotony of my life just now will appear from
the stupidity of those memorandums, and especially
from the dullness of my jokes. I cannot express
how much
August
1st.
merry be the
171
Blank.
3rd.
[1796
most horribly.
I
Terrible
Blank.
Terrible
August $tk
myself absolutely sick at those delays. Dined
with Madgett and three other Irishmen in the
!
feel
Champs
is
Elysees.
Stupid
talking of our
business.
as a horse.
I
hear of
it
Everybody
from fifty
That is most
different quarters.
terribly provoking.
Damn it I am weary of
August
complaining that I am weary. I will not make
another memorandum until something happens
6th.
Blank.
that's flat.
this
Hoche,
nth.
August nth, 12th, 13th. Saw Cherin this morning ; he tells me it may be ten days yet before
we
get
off.
Hell
hell
hell
How
shall
get
of the Republic
172
1796]
morrow
departure
we may
so perhaps
The
30th.
at eleven,
continue
armies
set off
before the
victorious
in
all
quarters.
Saw Chrin
August 24th.
fixed for the
first
our departure is
"
The devil take
September.
thee
"
I"
Patience
is
stale,
August 26th
to 31st.
blank, blank.
1st.
September
September 2nd.
Blank.
Here
am
yet.
September 12th.
ment
days.
he
is
Hell
hell
hell
to-morrow, with
packed up
my kit as
whom
gay
secured
my
place
as a lark.
their
kindness, etc.
At
noon
left Paris.
173
little.
[1796
no connections.
visited
and was
visited
by
The
the
passed
my
singular
before.
what
Allons
will
am now
afloat again
174
let
us see
XIII
At
three this
morning arrived
at
four hours
is
Well,
any great things myself, but let it pass.
now I am in Arden ; the more fool I ; when I was at
home I was in a better place." Went to bed, and slept
Rose and sent for my
like a dragon till eleven.
adjoint, Mac Sheehy, who has been here some days.
He tells me all is going on, as he believes, prosperously. General Hoche is gone out fishing, and does
not return till night. I am glad Hoche is a fisherman, because I am one myself. Wrote a note to
let him know I am arrived, and gave it to Mac
[1796
civil,
staff,
September 24th.
The
is
off this
morning
God he may
hurry those
dread the equinoctial gales passing over
for Brest.
fellows.
season
However,
hope
in
and more
like old
his conversation
Blank.
Blank
my
sole resource
He was
NEW
1796]
FRIENDS
calumniated by
all
Revolution.
parties in the
The
d 'autre
chose.
October 8th.
morrow
to
must change
make room
my
for
how
pense
can
quote
and
as
when
stupid as
am
My
quotations
you
please,
but
* Louis
Philippe Joseph, Duke of Orleans (1747-93), who
his name to Philippe Egalite at the Revolution, but
did not escape the guillotine.
(4.409)
j4
I?7
changed
[1796
fired a pistol at
camp
set
whom
the shot
is
workman employed in
from
other
is
;
178
1796J
and that
was
it
latter Teyssierd.
Nothing
behaviour
all this affair.
I do not see
For
through
my part
what the Royalists could promise themselves from
his death ; at the same time it is beyond all doubt
could
be
better
than
the
General's
of
assassination,
but cer-
tainly,
Louis XVIII.
In short,
of the motives of
this
should be sorry,
much
as I detest the
them of such
English
and horrible
means of effectuating their purposes, as that of
assassination
yet they have already done several
this
in
war
as bad, at Quiberon, and elsethings
nation, to suspect
vile
where.
am very much
179
[1796
by some English
October 22nd.
agents.
Set out
farms beautiful
I
refer to the
able.
England
far
beyond France
all
in that respect,
of a land-
scape.
November
1st,
2nd.
at
work ever
on an
my
arrival,
1796]
who
came,
Sheehy
had no objection, he should be dispatched tomorrow. I went immediately and found Mac
Sheehy, to whom I opened the business, as from
myself, and he agreed without difficulty to go if
the General desired it. I informed the General of
his assent, at dinner, and he desired me to thank
him in his name, and desire him to hold himself
in readiness for to-morrow, which I did accordingly,
and to-morrow we shall see what are his instructions.
Mac Sheehy has behaved very well in this business.
November jth. The General has been out on a
boating party
ing.
On
all
his return
I did
accordingly, and he told him
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.
I
brought Mac Sheehy to my lodgings, and made
him change his dress from head to foot, equipping
Sheehy, which
that he
him with
and cloak,
shirts,
all
I then
fashion.
gave him the address of Oliver
Bond and Richard McCormick. I desired him to
call on the former first, and tell him he came from
me at Brest, and, to satisfy Bond, I desired him to
tell him that when
Jackson was seized, and Hamilton
Rowan
to
purpose, if
him
him
it.
For McCormick,
[1796
I
desired
for America,
i, 800
Dublin.
November 12th. Examined, at Mr. Shee's apartment, an American captain, who is only five or
six days from London.
He gives us no great
encouragement. His account is that Sir J. Jervis is
off Ushant, as he heard, with eleven or twelve sail
so,
line,
in
when
1796]
RECRUITING
the line,
case
whom
heartily before
they
left
the
the instant
made
without hesitation
several of them asked, in the true
;
"
country,
What would
justice to others of
give them
style
"
of
their
It is
but
them
my
[1796
"
wont you
let
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 said they
hoped I was going with them, wherever it was. I
answered that I did not desire one man to go where
I was not
ready to show the way, and they replied
with three cheers. It is to be observed that I never
mentioned the object of the expedition
they
entered the service merely from the adventurous
spirit of the nation and their hatred of the English,
without any idea that they had a chance of seeing
!
Ireland again.
November 24th, 25th. Colonel Shee tells me today that he has it from Bruix, one of our admirals,
that we shall sail in six days. Would to God it were
There is a fine steady breeze blowing
to-night
out
of
the harbour. In six days it will be the
right
The 1st of January I left Sandy
1st of December.
Hook. The 1st of February I arrived at Havre,
and, if we arrive safe at our destination, it is
I
may be
possible that on the 1st of January next
once more in Dublin. Quanquam, oh !
!
184
1796]
November 26th.
myself sat by the
How
and
might do
fire discussing
how we
wretches on
whom
I cannot
will be reduced to beggary.
help it
If it must be, it must, and I will never blame the
French for any degree of misery which they may
!
inflict
my
on
morality or feeling
is
do not think
much improved by my
November 2jth, 28th, 29th. I have no memorandums to make that are worth a farthing
always writing and writing. I declare I am tired
of my life, or, as the French say, je mennuye de ma
there is a
Apropos of the General
personne.
charming little aristocrat, with whom he is per;
fectly well,
In
all
although
all
steal off,
nights
with her.
[1796
so often
by
indecent of
would be
rather
'
(Sings)
'Tis
world (and
pleases with
his
own
not ?) to do as he
but not to knock our
was very angry with him,
why
life,
which,
nonsense
for they do what they please
and it is in vain talking about it however,
I
hope he may stop here whilst he is well.
December ist, 2nd. Received my order to embark
on board the Indomitable of 80 guns, Captain
Bedout. Packed up directly, and wrote a long
letter of directions to my wife, in which I detailed
everything I thought necessary, and advised her,
in case of anything happening me, to return to
America, and settle in Georgia or Carolina. I
enclosed this under cover to Madgett, and, at two
o'clock, arrived on board.
December $th to Sth. The uniformity of my life,
It is all
with
us,
186
EMBARKS
1796]
at
much
night ; we are seven in the great cabin, including a lady in boy's clothes, the wife of a Commislast
saire,
one Ragoneau.
By what
see
we
think
men.
have a
to Iresafe,
will keep
eye a little upon these gentleIn consequence of the arrival of Richery,
my
187
XIV
TO BANTRY BAY
to
we
shall
make
report
is
ing.)
Having nothing
sail at
four o'clock.
(Even-
better to
employ me, I
foolish memoran-
than as she
is
woman,
for she
is
attentive
went down
and
them.
The
1796]
and
bonnets de police
some playing
his
band went
and
as it
now
something
however,
said nothing.
We
are
all
we were
189
TO BANTRY BAY
rock, where we must, every
soul,
[1796
have inevitably
perished.
thick that
iSth.
we
December
of a
on pour
les
dozen
the ofhng
and made
directly
igth.
fleet in
my
toilet,
so
now
am
I
see
ready,
about
or
friends
my
infinite
satis-
French say
counted sixteen
190
sail,
including the
1796]
is
At
safe.*
half-
tahle,
80 guns
Tourville,
Patriote,
Eole,
Pluton,
Fougueux,
Mucius,
Redoubtable,
Constitution,
Trajan,
Watigny,
Pegaze, Revolution, and the unfortunate Seduisant,
of 74 guns (17 sail of the line)
La Cocarde, Bra;
Charente, Resolue,
Impatiente, Surveillante,
and
Tartare,
frigates
d' Orient,
Suffren, Experiment,
Of
and
corvettes,
December 20th.
transports. J
* Later he
ship.
as a transport.
I Probably the ships were named txtlie, Redoutable, Pegaze,
and what
Sirene, Fidele, Renard, Nicomedie, Experiment, Allegre
about Suffren
Later
Tone mentions
seventeen guns.
191
TO BANTRY BAY
we
[1796
at eight o'clock,
pleasure
should otherwise
feel at this
destroyed by
not joined us, and of
The
we
sails
are
we saw
all
last
is
totally
who
has
whom we know
nothing.
night have disappeared, and
in uncertainty.
It
is
most
delicious
We
and Bouvet be
If
Grouchy*
* Emmanuel,
Marquis de Grouchy (1766-1847), second-inin this expedition, aboard the Immortalite, had first
seen service with Hoche in La Vendee. Fought in Italy, Russia,
Germany, and tried to hold the army together even after
Napoleon's second abdication, after which he retired to America.
He lived in France from 18 19 to his death.
command
192
BANTRY BAY
IN
1796]
justification.
game
is
Cherin,
if this
I
day
much
passes
fear the
is
We
We
corvettes,
hove
in sight, so
now
again
we
are in
he were in
Oh,
*s
he
would
hesitate
not
one
moment.
Grouchy place,
Continue making short boards ; the wind foul.
December 22nd. This morning, at eight, we have
neared Bantry Bay considerably, but the fleet is
terribly scattered
believe
it is
(4,409)
the
first
if
no news of
instance
ip3
the Fratemite
of an admiral
in a clean
I5
TO BANTRY BAY
[1796
is
that she
is
it
a terrible
is
Grouchy, and
We
the
Bay,
my
old
castles, yet
ever set foot
on
According to appearances,
are resolved to proceed ; that
is a
o'clock ;
great point gained, however.
we have been tacking ever since eight this morning,
it.
Two
and
am
yards
sure
the
we
wind
is
Fraternite,
which
is
pleasant.
December 23 /y/.
Last night
194
it
blew
heavy gale
A DESPERATE PLAN
1796]
from the eastward with snow, so that the mountains are covered this morning, which will render
our bivouacs extremely amusing.
It
is
to
be
we
;
are this
sixteen
morning separated
sail,
for
still
ahead.
To-night, on
examining the returns with Waudre, Chef d'EtatMajor of the Artillery, I find our means so reduced
my
now unattainable,
unless the
whole of our
friends
own
195
TO BANTRY BAY
[1796
in
if
we failed,
the loss
would be
trifling, as
the expense
by observing
service,
my
that,
as
situation
was a
my
my
196
COUNCIL OF
1796]
WAR
thought
to speak
it
on
my
this occasion,
which
by
a visit
is
highly probable.
December 24th. This morning the whole Etat-
it
was
we were
aboard.
justice
opinion in
We
197
TO BANTRY BAY
a bold attempt,
is
and truly
(1796
original.
we were
but
General
Waudre, who
finds himself
is
Lieutenant-Colonel,
but
to the proposal
made
to Cherin.
It is
altogether
*
so,
A park is the
by
198
and
I79<5]
MAD FELLOWS
about to attempt,
never
long for it. But this infernal easterly wind continues without remorse, and though we have been
under way three or four hours, and made I believe
three hundred tacks, we do not seem to my eyes
to have gained one hundred yards in a straight line.
a half
we may
Damn
and perhaps
it
damn
it
At
six, cast
from the
The more
;
as
Johnson
is
east,
which is
more
the negative
extremely copious."
In
199
of the
TO BANTRY BAY
same hemisphere. To judge
[1796
the French
camp.
December
2$th.
strange mixture.
spirits,
hour
in the gallery,
that
it is
The wind
reflections.
landing-place, and
is
English upon
enemy time to assemble his entire force in
us,
we
this
unfortunately,
his superiority in
in cavalry, in artillery, in
in short, in everything we
posing
(it
is,
numbers,
money, in provisions
want to crush us, sup-
the
RESOLUTIONS
1796]
for a
in
case
shall
etc.
bowelled,
"
if ever
;
jiche
to embowel
prospects
now
trial,
which
me
they please.
Nothing on
and righteous
gale,
still
of them
from the
east,
and our
engaged in a
my family I have,
my natural feel-
just
by a desperate effort, surmounted
ings so far, that I do not think
moment.
am
at this
wind blows
situation
is
now
a
as
were obliged
to pass the
Raz
in the night,
which
sail,
thing
TO BANTRY BAY
[1796
and now our third error is having our com-
see
slavery of
Well,
if I
my
country, and
am to fall,
my own destruction.
my life as dear
202
ADMIRAL
I79<5]
NOW
LOST
believe
we
will set
sail
the
Indomp table,
dragged
vessels,
their
in-
anchors
and
it
the
203
TO BANTRY BAY
[1796
and lay
down
stormy
my
in
sea, I
took
go to the bottom but I was soon reby the appearance of one of the officers,
instant to
lieved
my part instantly
Baudin,
who
had
perfect
and
was
not,
can
believe,
I
passed in
more
afraid
resigned myself
my
and
command of myself
204
1796]
December 29th.
At four
this
morning the
Com-
modore made
is
for ever.
January
island
We
1,
1797.
At
of Ushant, and
eight this
at
goulet.
the Indomptable, of 80 ;
the Watigny, Cassard, and Eole 74 ; the Coquille,
36 ; the Atalante, 20, and the Vantour lugger of 14.
arrive seven sail
We
left
Brest forty-three
were of the
line.
am
sail,
of which seventeen
we
coming back.*
*
Lecky quotes, and it may be well to requote the letter ot
Beresford to Auckland, in the Auckland Correspondence (vol.
"
had, two days after the French were at anchor
iii, 376)
in Bantry Bay, from Cork to Bantry, less than 3,000 men, two
We
of
hospital,
artillery
No
no
remained quiet
Not an
hour.
205
.'
XV
A QUIET INTERVAL.
January
day
since
ist to 31st.
I
wrote a
by way
had no
month
exactly one
It is
line
much
to-
of memorandum.
great inclination,
to say.
our
On
intrigue set
a view to lessen the merit
206
FAMILY AFFAIRS
1797]
my
children,
my
in America.
brother
The
having decided to
transports of joy I felt
settle
at the
news of her
rected
which
at
Hamburg
A QUIET INTERVAL
until further orders,
[1797
the
Government
to permit
me
to retire
from the
service, preserving
pay and appointments, and
at the same time offering, at any future period
when I might be useful, to resume
situation.
my
my
me
SEES
1797]
HOCHE AGAIN
On my calling on his
lodged, at eight o'clock.
makes his correspondwho
Poitou,
aide-de-camp,
ence, Poitou showed me my letter, with a note
"
in the margin, written by the General
Faire une
la demande
etre
addressee
au
avec
Directoire,
copie pour
:
il
pent
etre
faire une reponse flatteuse, et lui temoigner ma satisde sa conduite." Nothing, certainly, can be
faction
lui
more
agreeable to me.
General's apartment,
friend
which
manner
"
The
know
to his
who
received
me
to the
like
"
is
You
but suspended.
money
the repair of
employ them
my
moment
will return
Hoche has
recommence
these
memogiven
spirits
randums
in
mind
has
been
in a
for,
fact, my
state of stupor ever since I landed at Brest from
embarks."
This
me
conversation with
to
our
unfortunate
expedition.
Buonaparte
has
209
16
A QUIET INTERVAL
this
killed 7,000
[1797
I
campaign
mention this, because it may bring about a peace
with the Emperor, in which case we shall have
and
nothing to do but lay alongside of England
are
with
her
we
not
done
As
soon
as
yet.
perhaps
;
tion
to 8th.
Yesterday morning I heard
of my friend Mr. Shee from Rochelle.
I ran off
immediately and found him at General
Clarke's apartments. He was delighted to see me.
It seems
they had a dreadful voyage of it in the
Fraternite. They sailed at one time four-and-twenty
hours, unnoticed, in the very middle of the English
fleet.
We soon came to our business, in which he
seems as hearty as ever
he tells me he hopes the
Government will renew it by and by on a grand
scale
and that we shall have the co-operation,
so long wished for, of the Spanish marine. If that
be so, all may yet be recovered. As to myself,
I can at least exist on
my appointments, and if I
had my family here I could be as happy as the
but the state of my dearest
richest man in Europe
love's health keeps me in the most mortal inquietude.
210
February ist
of the
arrival
TOM
1797]
PAINE
Two
my
health that
miserable
on her
account.
This day
removed
to the
Rue
The
I had the
unspeakable satisfaction
from my dearest love, acquainting
me that her health was much better she had received my two letters, and tells me my sister's
so
marriage was fixed for the second day after
10th instant
to receive a letter
am
in hopes she
is
and
settled,
will be happy.
March ist, 2nd, yd.
in Paris, where I am as
lead the
much
trust in
life
alone
God
she
of a dog here
as in
the deserts
am come
randum in
to a tavern,
little
a soul to speak to
whom
A QUIET INTERVAL
wretches, and
company
in
subject.
all
[1797
respects.
have been
lately
let
me
change the
introduced to the
He is
vain beyond
all belief,
find
him
where
some
his
humour
passages
Llandaff which he
which
is
clumsy enough.
from a reply
to
He
the
read
me
Bishop of
He
"
* Thomas Paine
anti-Christian,"
to
is
avoid prosecution.
There imprisoned, 1794, and later
he wrote (and was writing when Tone met him) the
released,
Age of Reason.
who met Paine
What
struck
his vanity
Tone
also struck
and intemperance.
212
most people
LOVE-LORN
1797]
"
deceived.
Oh
my
little
was
babies,
my Will, or my little
Fantom
Poor little souls, I dote upon them,
and on their darling mother, whom I love ten
thousand times more than my own existence.
to lose
if I
!
They
I
to Paine
have
advantage
about ten at night, with a bottle of brandy and
water before him, which I can very well conceive.
March 13 th to 20th. Dined to-day with Cherin,
is
who
sets
Meuse.
as I
am
my
promised
Came home
little
on them.
scripts
babies
My
Darling
poor Maria
of her writing
I love them
how much
it is
all
213
little
things,
there are
two
dote
post-
impossible to express
shall I ever have the
A QUIET INTERVAL
[1797
"
my
:
and
"
France, viz.,
March 21st
from
my
That
it is
to 24th.
sister,
Received
this
greatest distress. I
best beloved wife ;
much
my
man
to
arrival in
be alone"
day a
me
letter
into the
my
cannot write.
March 26th, 27th, 2%th. Blank.
April jth.
Cologne.
my
it
in
all
opening
communication
with
Ireland,
and
Wrote
translated
and
signed.
my letter,
214
1797]
himself thought
it
advisable,
he would give
and requested
that in
me
an order, specifically,
for that purpose, as otherwise it might appear that
I had
applied for a conge at the very opening of the
campaign, which was not the case. He entered
that case
into
me
made
accordingly
my
so
am
mind.
everything.*
April 14th, 15th, 16th. Yesterday I entered a
church alone, for I visit all the churches
there
happened to be no one in the place but myself,
and as I was gazing about, I perceived the corner
of a green silk curtain behind a thick iron lattice
lifted up, and some one behind it.
I drew near,
;
in order to discover
to
We
* See footnote
to entries of March
to religion.
215
1,
1798,
on Tone's
attitude
A QUIET INTERVAL
gazing on one another
minutes,
when
in this
a villainous
[1797
manner
overgrown
for five
friar,
enter-
ing to say his mass, put her to the rout. Poor soul,
I
pitied her from the very bottom of my heart,
Republic will
settle that
by
dreadfully superstitious.
Set out from Cologne, at five in the
April 20th.
"
morning,
by most of the clocks" on
way to
dearest
love.
join
my
my
all
those
whom it may
man post-wagon
is
my
toilet to refresh
me.
Thought
separation.
of Partridge's
Set off again in
lamentation
on
their
my wagon at one.
At
2l6
TRAVELLER'S
1797]
COMMENT
At
who
is
my
proceed,
fellow-traveller, assures
I shall
me
that, as
we
and exactitude
increase.
the
of meadows,
the
till
intersected either
view
is
ditches,
or
standing,
its
own
it
is
straight lines,
217
A QUIET INTERVAL
[1797
At
it.
which
We
unspeakable confusion.
my
Dutch
sol
(It
is
is
218
A PEACEFUL ENDING
7 97]
my
farther,
it is,
in the
first
do
little
call
names, which
to
all
the posterity of
Abraham.
219
He demanded
A QUIET INTERVAL
[1797
prevent
graces,
and Hans,
down
and composed
head down, without
ceremony, in the lap of Mademoiselle, and in five
minutes was as fast as a church. The lady followed
the example of her two lovers, and, in this manner,
at five in the morning we reached Amsterdam.
I
in the world to tease
certainly had no
" right
Des Chevaliers Frangais tel est
poor Hans " but
"
not to be
le caracthe ;
besides that he seemed
made of penetrable stuff" I will not venture to say
as much of Mademoiselle, who, by-the-bye, was
pulled his cap
himself to
sleep.
over
laid
his eyes
my
very pretty.
April 23 rd. At six reached the Auberge VEtoile in
the Neuss or Neiss, for I am not sure of the orthog-
220
IRISH
1797]
NEWS
my
It is fated that
national pride is
the papers.
to be humbled to-day. In the Leyden Gazette I had
the mortification to read the following observation,
of Ulster
les
of the province
"
in,
London or
prefer
it
infinitely either
know
Paris.
A QUIET INTERVAL
[1797
inconceivable precision.
In general, I detest the
sound of a bell, so that when I was at the Temple
affair.
listened to
At
2$th.
down
English papers
material, but it was
the
Coffee
House
found
the people, as
to
do
long since.*
* After
Bantry Bay things in Ireland had become hotter and
Coercion was the order of the day, and Reform was
"
held off.
The Government," said Grattan afterwards, " was so
abominable, their measures were so violent, that no man would
sanction them.
They did not treat the "people like rebel
combat the wild
Christians, but rebel dogs." Having tried to
hotter.
222
1797]
and
galleries
with
us.
no introduction by
room
striking
I
France, being about 16s. 8d. sterling, English.
observed very few members who were not at least
me
223
A QUIET INTERVAL
[1797
mark of any
know very
where there
salary settled
is
224
1797]
assembly
is
The democrats
unity or federalism.
are
first,
and
I bless
them
God
am
in their body,
rot
;
memory of
the Four
me
again in a black
(M09)
225
17
A QUIET INTERVAL
Batave
[1797
beyond all comparison the most shamelessly profligate and abandoned by all sense of virtue,
principle, or even common decency, was the legislature
of
scoundrels,
them.
with the blue devils remembered one of Voltaire's
"
Ou bien buvez ; cest un
cases.
precepts in such
"
determined
to put it in practice.
;
parti fort sage
;
disappeared,
and returned
instantly
with the
CHEERFUL MOOD
IN
1797]
the performers
who
sung, agreeably,
two or
but
own
by
who was
little bossu,
instruments.
"
Hague
Newgate,
People
but,
for
may
my
part,
227
A QUIET INTERVAL
a place as ever I was in in
I
tempted, as I walk
am
"
Thou almost
out,
May
life."
me
to be
Lemmer
at
delicious.
persuadest
Arrived
1st.
my
[1797
It is
Dutchman"
at eight in the
morning, and
Strobosch
the
all
way
immense
quantities
of game
all
along
we
liked,
Lord
May
O Lord
2nd.
is
"
the
money
Arrived
at
Groninguen
at
twelve
the
228
my
dearest love
A LOVING REUNION
i 7 97]
and our
little
babies,
and well
my
sister
impossible to describe
the pleasure I felt. (Here is an end of
journals
now, for some time at least.) Since I came to
all
arrive safe
it is
my
France,
I
229
XVI
by Admiral
1797.
De
is
month.
June 12th. Quartier-General at Friedberg. This
evening the General called me into the garden
and told me he had some good news for me. He
"
*
Did I know one Lewines * I * I
then asked,
answered I did, perfectly well, and had a high
Well/'
opinion of his talents and patriotism.
'
said he,
"he
is
at
Neuwied, waiting
* Edward
John Lewins (1756-1828), an
to see
attorney,
you
had been
sent in April to
1796
he became Inspector of Studies at the University of Paris
where he died, and was buried with honour, in 1828.
230
HOCHE AGAIN
1797]
you must
set off
to-morrow morning
when you
At Treves, on the 19th, Dalton, the General's aidede-camp, came express with orders for us to return
to
June
Coblentz ; where we
met General Hoche. He
21st,
2 1 st, and
arrived
on
the
told us that, in
the arrival of Lewines, he had sent
consequence of
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.
He
showed Lewines Simon's letter, which contained
"
the assurance of the Directory
that they would
make no peace with England wherein the interests
of Ireland should not be fully discussed agreeably
to the wishes of the people of that country." Tins
a very strong declaration, and has most probably
been produced by a demand made by Lewines
"
in his memorial,
that the French Government
is
231
[1797
make
it an
indispensable condition of peace,
the British troops be withdrawn from
Ireland, and the people left at full liberty to declare
whether they wished to continue the connection
should
that
all
we
set off,
232
REMOVING OBSTACLES
1797]
233
[1797
certainly does
him
General
fleet
234
1797]
tion, if possible, to
amend
of our
now
it.
The
political object
my
my
It
for the
We
"
a corps perdu."
They venture no less than the
whole of their army and navy. As Hoche expressed
"
who
235
i st.
[1797
was
thought most
if
it
would
'
certainly
has
men.
as
much honour
at first
as
his
victories.
July 8th.
Texel.
236
at the
1797]
July i$th.
a singular machine.
is
am
here in a situation
and on the
extremely interesting,
everything most dear to
depends, and yet
me
as a
result
of which
man and
a citizen
My
cannot myself
is
reading an
found by chance
;
on
my
part, as I
it
morrow,
understand,
we
July 16th.
all
them
frigates
fleet,
and gave
which were,
fall
that the
even
were
were to
237
[1797
July 18th.
The wind
is
Hell
Hell
cannot be worse. Hell
morning
I am in a most
Allah
Allah
Allah
devouring
Well, what can't be cured must be endured,
rage
It is most
as our ancestors have wisely remarked.
;
it
terrible to
July 19th.
De Winter and
as
we are now.
Horrible!
Horrible!
Admiral
It
is,
as
we now
the
are, on the
same wind which
238
LOST OPPORTUNITIES
1797]
time here in an
July 21st, 22nd, 23rd. I pass
absolute torpor. When I was at Brest I was bad
enough, but at least we had some conversation.
my
Wrote
I am tormented and
unhappy
more than I can express, so that I hate even to make
these memorandums. Well, it cannot be helped.
Wind still S.W. Damn it damn it damn it
weeks,
opportunity, which
was
lost
the
wind
we
and
now
we
239
and
At
it is,
fancy,
Ireland at the moment
Nore,
we
should,
and
of the insurrection
beyond
God
[1797
Had we been
worse.
still
a doubt, have
only knows
in
at the
had
at
the influence
but, as
have already
said,
to the
August
August
when
$th.
Wind
6th,
7th,
still
8th.
foul, viz.,
Wind
W.S.W.
foul.
Last night,
240
ALTERNATIVE PLANS
1797]
English coast and debark the army, not at Yarmouth, but at Harwich, or nearer London if
to carry nothing with us but bread for
to make a desperate
;
for
the capital, where
forced
marches,
plunge, by
I did not consider it
to
arrive before the
impossible
possible
six days
and ammunition
enemy could be
in sufficient force to
oppose
us,
all
make
times
conditions
by
threatening, in case
man
that
English.
to make
to
no
expect
grounds
some co-operation
know
not
but
there,
on what
in
my mind, by a
[1797
"
coup
de main.
has
it
now
continued
am
my
mind,
is
flat
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
viz., to
am now used to it
To console
quietly.
my wife,
which gave
Thank God
she
is
me,
me
unspeakable satisfaction.
well,
and
bless
my
them
242
poor
all
little
babies.
1797]
on
me
to collect
all
over the
stores,
artillery,
etc.
Finally,
own country,
troops
from
facilitate
and perhaps
that the
all this
recall a part
for
of their
Ireland,
the success
me
to
make
[1797
et
thence to Paris.
me my instructions
at
Hoche
spent
who
ill
very
still
a cough,
but
my
part, if in
in a
most alarming
to suspect
it
state,
in the
The
meantime,
General's health
My
fears
with regard to
He
died this
TONE
1797]
morning
at
IN PARIS
four o'clock.
quite gone.
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
interim.
night
arrived at twelve
on the
and travelled
all
21st at Coblentz,
mained
245
fleets
of Spain, France,
man
can
desire.
The
[1797
Cisalpine Republic
fancy we have got the
Rhine
knowledged, and I
for our limit. Venice goes to the Emperor, which
is bad, if it could be
helped, but we cannot get
General Berthier was the bearer of
everything.
this great news.
Firing of cannon, bonfires, illuminations
was
that
that
It is
of metal. De Winter fought like a Hon, and defended himself to the last extremity, but was at
length forced to strike, as were nine of his fleet out
of sixteen, whereof it consisted. 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 motive or object, as far as I can learn.
My
opinion
is,
that
was sold to
it is
Pitt,
direct treason,
and
1797]
whom
I
Vryheid.
It
If I had,
was well
it would
cash
2,330months,
so
livres.
247
now
am
at
my
ease
XVII
BUONAPARTE
Government
little
sooner or a
little later,
was
inevitable.
the measure
He
lives
his
248
1797]
he looks
We
little
Lewines, to
there was,
whom,
as
We
*
John Tennant, a United Irishman of Belfast, had arrived in
Holland in August. He later joined the French army and was
killed in
1 8 13,
in battle.
249
ti797
little.
When all this was finished he desired
Tennant might put off his departure for a few
days, and then, turning to me, asked whether I
was not an Adjutant-General. To which I answered
that I had the honour to be attached to General
Hoche in that capacity. He then asked me where
I had learned to
speak French. To which I replied,
that I had learned the little that I knew since my
He
arrival in France, about twenty months ago.
very
that
by
the learned
of future
December 23rd.
ages.
on Buona-
Government
two
years
by everything
He
also
that
gave
him
Taylor's
1797-981
MAN
THE GREATEST
IN
EUROPE
He
We
have
my
Bay.
My
next chance,
hope,
Vive
cTAngleterre Allons
!
no memorandums
now
la
Republique
at all,
which
is
Armee
I
make
grievous
but
my old friend
General Clarke, who is at last returned to Paris
his close connection with Carnot * has thrown him
out of employment, and I am heartily sorry for it
:
251
I feel
BUONAPARTE
most
[1798
sincerely obliged.
Finally, I
NAPPER TANDY
1798]
smallest use to
that
him
whilst
we were
to be serviceable to
hoped
of the water
in France, but
him on
the other
that
We
We
Ireland, as
me in speaking of him the other night at BuonaHe asked me did I know one Tandy,
parte's.
to
253
BUONAPARTE
ti798
"
I said I did
militaire, nest ce pas ?
know him, but could not say that he was exactly
"
un ancien militaire, as he had never served but in
un ancien
the Volunteer corps of Ireland, a body which resembled pretty much the Garde nationale of France
"
at the beginning of the Revolution."
Mais cest
un tres riche proprietaire." I told him I believed he
and there the
was always in easy circumstances
discourse ended. By this I see how he is showing
;
He
the famous
and has
come away re
* Thomas Muir
(1765-98), the Scottish Parliamentary reformer, arrested for reading at Edinburgh a seditious paper by
he left for France. On his return he was
and sentenced to fourteen years transportation.
Rescued from Botany Bay, he arrived, after some extraordinary
adventures, in France, where he died eight months later.
Hamilton
Rowan
taken, tried,
254
THE POPE
1798]
notice, that
speak in the
IS
EXILED
nor
sides.
The
fact
is,
Muir
their
may
This
Tandy, with
to
now
is
He
in
deserves
his countrymen
manner completely
it.
These
details are
here,
and he
in
Coventry.
hardly worth
them down.
March
ist.
An event has
255
BUONAPARTE
[1798
"
:
He
Irish
Republicanism.
256
MURDER
1798]
DUPHOT
OF
jurisdiction
of the ambassador's
nations,
palace,
privileged ground.
which
They
are
is,
in
all
received
(4,409)
257
I9
[1798
Two
Rome,
attended
where he
is
258
1798]
1798
now
It is
of God."
But
in his misfortunes
Requiescat in pace !
the 19th of February last, as I see
in the Courier of the 26th, Lord Moira made a
March
\th.
On
in the Irish
House of
condemn
Lords, tending to
system.
speech,
I was
exceedingly disappointed at his
which was feeble indeed, containing little
at a
the conclusion
comes to
the
army
of
this
milk-and-water harangue,
It is
really
last
259
BUONAPARTE
[1798
at
if Lord
Chancellor,*
been so reserved.
He openly calls the United
Irishmen rebels, and says they should be treated as
such
he mentions me by name, as having been
Adjutant-General in Hoche's expedition, and again
in the armament at the Texel, and says I am at this
very moment an accredited envoy at Paris from
;
that accursed Society. He also makes divers commentaries on a well-known letter written by me
to
my friend Russell,
in 1791,
which he enumerates, he
the United Irishmen
is
lawful
also,
large majority.
*John
most
can hardly,
relentless,
think, be suspected
(1 749-1 802),
the ablest,
his century.
260
CARELESS CONSPIRATORS
1798]
On
Calais.
26l
but be that
arrested
Rivet,
by
as it
may,
[1798
Bow
the
who had
London.
latter to
give
being
Quigley,
worthy citizen
whom they had lately seen." These last expressions
stagger me, or I should not believe it possible any
credit to
as
the
War
2$th.
Angleterre.
March 26th.
17th,
Received
from
Armee
of March
news of the
Irish papers
of the
13 th,
1798]
to be followed up
stop at nothing, f
1st,
who
2nd.
is
on
as far
of
propriety,
succours
to
Ireland
the
earliest
sending
possible
moment, especially on account of the late arrestathe necessity
tions
and he took that occasion to impress him
with a sense of the merit and services of the men
for whom he interested himself so much on
every
account, public and personal. Merlin replied that,
as to the time or
place of succour, he could tell him
;
that,
to
England
Law was
263
[1798
''
This
my
April $th.
After travelling
all
night, arrived at
of Buonaparte,
April 6th.
etc., etc.
Comedy in the
The Cathedral
is
evening.
a beautiful relic of
TERROR IN IRELAND
Him with the prophet Jonah,
1798]
showing
comparing
the one lay three nights in the tomb, and the
other three nights in the belly of a great fish, etc.
at all which I
profited exceedingly. The church
was full of women, but I did not see twenty men.
I wonder how
people can listen to such abominable
how
nonsense.
April 26th.
extracts
from English
ones,
of a
papers to-day
late date,
by which
appears, as I suspected, that the news of an insurrection in Ireland was, as yet, premature ;
it
it
of three
killed,
fall,
otherwise,
on
the
am
excesses
265
[1798
it,
that
resigned
my
the
friend, Sir
command of
the
King's
County
on
my mind
cover of
no longer
men
called
upon
to
only distinguished
country.
RIGHTEOUS ANGER
1798]
confiscation.
him
is a
voluntary slave, and that
he has sold for money everything that should be
most precious to an honourable heart ? that he has
trafficked in the liberties of his children and his own,
and that he is hired and paid to commit a daily
parricide on his country ? Yet these are charges
which not a man of that infamous caste can deny
to himself before the sacred tribunal of his own
conscience. At least the United Irishmen, as I have
already said, have a grand, a sublime object in view.
Their enemies have not as yet ventured, in the long
catalogue of their accusations, to insert the charge
of interested motives. Whilst that is the case they
may be feared and abhorred, but they can never
be despised
and I believe there are few men who
do not look upon contempt as the most insufferable
of all human evils. Can the English faction say
as much ?
In vain do they crowd together, and
to confess that he
think
by
their
infamy. The
their
own
numbers
267
BUONAPARTE
They
[1798
approach-
ing,
'
his
good fortune
it
is
268
1798]
IRISH
May
at
24th, 2$th.
certain that
It is
speech, as
suspected,
is
since
not
as it
Buonaparte
the
14th
was given
is
his
in the
last journals.
there are
completely.
suspect it.f
May 26th.
this
day
have changed
my mind,
and written
* Lord Edward
Fitzgerald was
9th-i2th
entries
of
May
their unawareness.
269
[1798
him with
my
turn out.
is
about
It is
my
my offer, I
wife one-half of
absence.
If they
my
do
appointments during
that,
My only difficulty
a bold measure.
My
My May of life
is
falling
will
age
go
for
blood
enterprise
is
270
my
cheerfully,
cooling
is
fast.
yellow leaf"
XVIII
THE REBELLION
LAST ENTRIES
Bethencourt,
who commands
the division.
In
made up
THE REBELLION
[1798
the Vesuve,
commanded
fright
l'Eccolier.
and ran
He
fired
who
name
his
the Confiante,
is
two hours
more honourable
Diamond carries
his
and
twelve
twenty-four pounders,
ship
pounders.
In the meantime there are two corvettes gone,
for him, as the
on
that score.
June 2nd.
of Muskein, which
We conjecture
is
it is
the
flotilla
UNDER
1798]
FIRE
of cannon
Be
at the point.
that as
it
may, the
fire
June
6th,
qt)i,
Sth.
pected an attack.
from
In consequence
all
the batteries
About
was
three
we were
powder
do
foolishly, there
fire but at
waste
their
enemy
no reason we should
If the
mischief.
is
my
whether he
is
is tried, and
of myself on that score
2Q
273
I
;
THE REBELLION
[1798
quette in such cases that the General stands conspicuous on the parapet, whilst the cannoniers are
him
that
is
truly
amusing
commands.
Undoubtedly Pitt
instantly into custody again.
means to send him to Ireland, in hopes of finding
there a more complaisant jury. Quigley, the priest,
found guilty it seems he has behaved admirably
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 have behaved with great
On being taken into custody, he
intrepidity.
addressed the judges, desiring to be sent to the same
dungeon with his brother, who, like him, was
is
well,
274
1798]
when
What
now, wounded
275
THE REBELLION
[1798
the
J.
13th.
list
of
my
Sweetman,
my
old
fellow-labourers
in
the
Edward
Catholic cause
gloomy catalogue
Of
all
my
Keogh who
man
inconceivable
Ten
for a
good fortune
is
to
me
a miracle.
276
1798]
tinual expectation
of an
attack,
and
begin to lose
my patience.
June 14th, 15 th, 16th. Last night, at the Comedie,
had a conversation with General Kilmaine, who
has been here these two days, which did not much
encourage me on the present posture of our affairs.
I asked whether he could tell me the determination
of the Government with regard to the cadres of
regiments formed by General Hoche for the last
expedition, and whether the Irishmen now in Paris
were to be employed in them ? He said that the
conduct of many 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 denunciations, and if every
one of them, separately, spoke truth, all the rest
were rascals. At the same time there was one thing
hitherto they had asked nothing
in their favour
I
277
THE REBELLION
[1798
held in the French army, which caused heartburnings amongst them ; that the misfortune was
that they came into France with their ideas mounted
I
as it
in prison
it.
The
Wexford
commenced
in
several counties
imperfect, but
of
see there
actions.
last
BLOODY NEWS
1798]
army
at
much
my
friend, J.
is
of Ireland be 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 is only to
be excelled by the folly of it
never yet was a
!
it,
279
THE REBELLION
[1798
looks
well.
publish
no
at the
do
June
19th.
This evening
Rouen.
June 20th.
To-day
my birthday.
is
am thirty-
His idea
press the Directory upon that subject.
is to
the
an
embarkation
aboard
corvettes
and
try
of
on
he
at
Nantes
least
which,
thinks,
;
privateers
280
1798]
He
he was sorry
same time to
at the
said
me
that
he
was much afraid the Government would do nothing and he read me a letter from the Minister of
Marine which he had received this very morning,
mentioning that, in consequence of the great
superiority of the naval force of the enemy, and
difficulty of escaping from any of the ports during
the fine season, the Directory were determined
;
my
was adjourned
it
was
lost.
The
ing
on
281
THE REBELLION
of England,
[1798
especially if
if,
now was
months
it
the
moment
crisis,
own
to assist
them
they saw
resources
:
in three
camp
that
to Paris,
KILMAINE'S PLANS
1798]
his
fortunate creature
astonishes
afraid
energy
said to Russell
THE REBELLION
me
[1798
me,
My
General Kilmaine.
called
on me
the next
from
from
morning
after
my
arrival
inform me that the Minister of War had dispatched an order for me to come to Paris in all
haste. I waited upon him in consequence. He told
me it was the Minister of Marine who had demanded me, and gave me at the same time a letter
of introduction for him.
to
284
XIX
ERIN
"LIBERTE.
"
Headquarters at Brest,
"
"
GO BRAGH.
GALITE.
27 Thermidor.
Dearest Love,
"
but
do not yet
know when we
shall
put to sea
it
You
Giange, who
to him,
You
however, by
show you
this
my letters.
post
me one
;
he
line.
will,
write
of course,
to arrive
the 5 or 6 Fructidor.
* The
headings in this letter are printed. It is taken, by kind
permission, from Dr. Richard Hayes' interesting book, Irish
Swordsmen of France, where it was originally printed for the
first time.
The giving of his last five guineas to his Irish followers is a touching and characteristic gesture from Tone.
Giange is the young Swiss who married Tone's sister Mary
in 1797
285
WILLIAM TONE
"
[1789
last five
guineas to our Countrymen here. I
can shift better than they can
I
hope to receive a
month's pay to-day, but it will not be possible to
remit you any part of it.
You must therefore
on
the
war
as
can
for three or four
carry
you
before
this
is
out
will see further
and
we
months,
I write
on
that
head. I am
to
(in French)
Giange
mortified at not being able to send you a remittance,
but you know it is not my fault.
embark about 3,000 men, with 12 pieces
of artillery, and I judge about 20,000 stand of arms ;
my
"We
we
are enough,
think, to
do the
business, if
we
arrive safe.
"
and
my
I
will
"
do what is right.
The time is so short
that
must
you again,
finish this.
but, if we should
286
truly,
Wolfe Tone."
XX
WOLFE TONE'S LAST ADVENTURE:
HIS SON'S
ACCOUNT
Paris
though much
less
they were together in
than in 1796. After this return to Paris he
Abandons them.
^This summer he was busy with Humbert's
expedition, which sailed on August 6th with his
brother Matthew, Teeling, and Sullivan, Madgett's
nephew. Teeling and Matthew Tone were taken
and hanged. Sullivan escaped in disguise to France.
Napper Tandy and a body of United Irishmen
sailed in a separate vessel, touched on Rathlin
Island, heard of the defeat of Humbert, and went
.fully
on
to
Norway.
287
WILLIAM TONE
[1798
The
At
that
S.
O'F.]
of September, 1798,
from the Bay of
expedition
It consisted of the Hoche (74), Loire,
Cameret.
set
Resolue, Bellone,
Coquille,
sail
Embuscade, Immortalite,
reputation of Warren.
ever, until
this
He
1 8 10.
288
become an
admiral,
how-
1798]
no chance of escape for the large and heavy manof-war. Bompart gave instant signals to the frigates
retreat through shallow water, and
to
honour the flag of his country
alone
prepared
and liberty by a desperate but hopeless defence. At
that moment a boat came from the Biche, for his
and schooner to
last orders.
off.
to
my
father
contest
is
"
we will be prisoners
hopeless," they observed
" "
Shall
of war but what will become of you ?
"
that
I fled whilst the
it be said,"
he,
replied
"
French were fighting the battles of my country ?
He refused their offers, and determined to stand
and fall with the ship. The Biche accomplished
and I see it mentioned in late publicaher escape
tions that other Irishmen availed themselves of that
occasion. This fact is incorrect not one of them
would have done so ; and besides, my father was
the only Irishman on board the Hoche.
;
2 g9
2I
WILLIAM TONE
[1798
three
sustained
frigates,
drove
attacks,
off the
English
length, engaged by
she struck, after an action of three hours, entirely
dismasted.
Of the other frigates, pursued in all
directions,
the Bellone,
Immortalite,
Coquille,
and
Embuscade were taken, and the Romaine and Semillante, through a thousand dangers, reached separate
ports in France.
During the action
my
father
commanded one of
When
Letterkenny.
TONE A PRISONER
1798]
"My
Dear Cooke,
sang-froid as
" P.S.
his character.
"
291
Yrs., etc.
"
G. F. Hill.
escort."
WILLIAM TONE
[1798
happy
"
family
police
It
was
my
father replied,
to see you ; how are
cealment,
?
Beckoned
officers,
filled
"
Sir
Lady
George,
Hill
am
and your
room by
the
who commanded
declaring that, as
on leaving
Cavan have
The
friends
of Lord
will
whole tenor of
is
his character
1798]
SPEECH
its
precincts.
Though
the Court
on
deleur, Daly,
WILLIAM TONE
[179S
that they
would hear
his address,
words
Mr. President, and Gentlemen of the CourtMartial, I mean not to give you the trouble of
these
"
From
earliest
individual efforts
the powers, which
the
two countries.
to
in
order
could move,
separate
"
That Ireland was not able, of herself, to throw
to apply
wherever
poverty
my
all
it
I therefore
I knew.
sought for aid
was to be found. In honourable
man in my cir-
cumstances, might be considered highly advantageous. I remained faithful to what I thought the
cause of my country, and sought in the French
Republic an ally to rescue three millions of my
1798]
"I
NEED NO JUSTIFICATION"
"
Gen. Loftus.
That seems to have nothing to
to
the
say
charge against you, to which only you
are to speak.
If you have anything to offer in
defence or extenuation of that charge the Court
will hear you ; but they beg that you will confine
,,
that subject.
yourself to
"
I shall, then, confine
Tone.
myself to some
points relative to my connection with the French
adored, fatherless.
After such
295
sacrifices, in a
cause
WILLIAM TONE
which
[1798
I have
always conscientiously considered as
the cause of justice and freedom it is no great
'
the sacrifice of my life/
effort, at this day, to add,
"
But
hear
it
lament
I
it.
beg, however, it may be remembered
have been absent four years from Ireland.
To me these sufferings can never be attributed. I
designed by fair and open war, to procure the
separation of the two countries. For open war I
was prepared but if, instead of that, a system of
that
heart
less
deplore them
and to those
sentiments,
assertion.
"
on both sides.
them from my
do not
may
detest
who know my
character and
of this
In a cause like
this, success is
everything.
Suc-
in the eyes
296
1798)
"As
and Great
mewords,
and actions I
have spoken and acted
with reflection and on principle, and am ready to
meet the consequences. Whatever be the sentence
of this Court I am prepared for it. Its members
imputed to
writings,
I shall
take care
This speech was pronounced in a tone so magnanimous, so full of a noble and calm serenity as
They
297
WILLIAM TONE
in the hall
[1798
who
by Tone
till
himself,
interrupted
inquired whether it was not usual to assign an
interval between the sentence and execution ?
forthwith
transmitted
result
Lieutenant.
If the
to
prisoner
further observations to make, now was the
Tone.
one
"
wish to
Lord
had any
the
therefore
moment.
few words relative to
the mode of punishment.
offer a
to
single point
and
I
my
Oh
admitted the
full
facts,
and
now
proofs of conviction."
298
as
1798]
General Loftus.
nated
as
Tone.
"
In those papers
serving in the
"
you
are desig-
army of England."
army when
it
was
commanded by Buonaparte, by
Desaix, and by
Kilmaine, who is, as I am, an Irishman. But I have
also served elsewhere."
Requested if he had anything further to
observe, he said that nothing more occurred to
him, except that the sooner his Excellency's
approbation of their sentence was obtained the
better.
He would
consider
it
as a
favour if
it
My
November.*
*
299
XXI
THE END
I
must
collect
my
In order to spare
the feelings of his parents and friends, he refused
to see any one and requested only the use of writing
materials.
obtained a copy.
300
THE END
1798]
"
"
Prison, Dublin,
Directory
(called
of the
"
Citizen Directors, The English Government having determined not to respect my rights
as a
officer,
and summoned
me
in a
moment
I
have
and condemned
in the
ago, will sufficiently prove it. I hope the circumstances in which I stand will warrant me, Citizen
Directors, in supplicating you to consider the fate
of a virtuous wife and of three infant children,
who had no
on
my
301
WILLIAM TONE
I
came
to France
my
duty
Republic
my
man
that
all
children,
liberty,
stances I confidently call on
ity in favour
of
my
my
chiefs,
performed
my
holds dearest
my
my
have
finally, that I
[1798
life.
wife,
In these circum-
you
will
Adjutant-General"
He
then,
two following
"
"
The hour
Dearest Love,
is
at last
1798.
come when
I shall not
attempt it
kind would be beneath your
be assured I will die as I have
will have no cause to blush for
children,
complaint of any
courage and mine
lived, and that you
me.
"
I have written
302
TO
1798]
you
HIS WIFE
especially to advise.
In Ireland
have written
my
abandon you.
Adieu, dearest love
will not
"
Give
above
all
things,
my
remember
find
friends
am sure,
impossible to
Mary ; and,
that you are now the
it
love to
God Almighty
"
P.S.
Wilson,
bless
"
think
who
you
all.
Yours ever,
"
T.
W.
a
Tone.
friend in
Second Letter.
"
303
WILLIAM TONE
[1798
your
excellent
sense, to settle
good
what manner
will
moment
memory
spirits
"
"
Your ever
affectionate,
"
T.
Wolfe Tone *
*
the same day that he wrote these last two letters to his
wife, he wrote as follows to General Kilmaine
On
" Provost's
Prison,
"
20 Bmmaire, an
"Dear
7.
General,
"
Before
my
my
my
"
304
DEATH
X798J
who
it.
He
"
I am
sorry I have been so bad
only in reply,
an anatomist." Let me draw a veil over the remainder of this scene.
first
(4.409)
305
22
THE END
was
It is
[1798
that if
he attempted to
expire instantly
that
I can
making a slight movement, replied,
yet
find words to thank you, sir
it is the most welcome
news you could give me. What should I wish to
;
live for
on
"
his lips,
306
the business.
The
."
Castle.
307
Dublin
Life of
Michael Collins
FRANK O'CONNOR
"
Author of "Guests of the Nation," "Bones of Contention
"
The Saint and Mary Kate" "Three Old Brothers and
other
Poems"
etc.
tribute
modern
Irish
history.
In 19 1 6 Michael Collins returned to Ireland, an unknown young man of twenty-six. Six years later he
died, the founder and chief of a new state and the idol
of his people. In this biography Frank O'Connor tells
the story of those six wonderful years. He traces the
into the
figures.
The
And
insight,
First
Cheap Edition of
COLLIS'S
AUTOBIOGRAPHY
55. net
This
"
is
It is
The
all,
it is
like
making a
friend."
fifty
two of them.
"
book
in a thousand.
Sunday
"
triumph of personality."
sonal memoirs."
With
Irish Independent.
by T. G. Wilson
SOMEWHERE TO THE
SEA
KENNETH SARR
"
of Dublin under the Black-andMr. Sarr has achieved the rare distinction of
presenting Irish politics and Irish personalities in a
manner which carries away the most biased reader for
the sheer pleasure of reading."-John O' London.
realistic picture
Tans.
"
we are
with its offices, cafes, cinemas its normal alternations of business and pleasure. The reverberations of
bombs and the crackle of rifles form an intermittent but
persisting contrast to all this vivid life of Dublin, giving
it a secret tension and
preoccupation. ... In vivid
of daily life during
he
evokes
the
atmosphere
phrases
Times Literary
a period of stress and danger."
capital,
Supplement.
Love and
battle,
COMMON
ABOUT DRAMA
SENSE
L.
A. G.
STRONG
in
own
speculations and
will appeal not only
to the interested onlooker but to those wnose lives are
Despite
its
simplicity,
it
famous
This
actor, says,
is
amazingly comprehensive.
Starting from the
drama in everyday life, Mr. Strong goes on to
consider such widely-assorted questions as realism on
the stage, the speaking of verse, dreams as drama, and
the different points of interest of the Greek, the ElizaIt
is
essential
and the
The
practical.
"
"
Little
Theatre
Series
THE PLAYS OF
R. B.
SHERIDAN
Pizarro edited
every page,
a
This
is
offered
E.C.4.