Originally published in 1890, Valerian Gribayedoff's The French Invasion of Ireland in '98 is still a truly fascinating and enjoyable read today. It tells the story of a small French force that landed at Killala in County Mayo in 1798 and joined with Irish insurgents to fight the British in the West of Ireland.
CONTENTS
Frontispiece
List of Illustrations
Authorities
Preface
CHAPTER I
The Events leading up to a French Invasion of Ireland—Several Preliminary Attempts at an Invasion—Intrigues of the League of United Irishmen—Outbreak of the Insurrection
CHAPTER II
Humbert lands in Killala with a Thousand Men—Career of the Hero and Composition of his Army—Bishop Stock's Testimony to the Invaders
CHAPTER III
A Proclamation to the Irish People—Astonishment of the Invaders at the Religious Zeal of their Irish Allies—Peculiar Position of the Irish Clergy—Their Intolerance rebuked by the French
CHAPTER IV
The Field of Operations—Morale of the English Forces—An Engagement near Ballina—Episodes at the Capture of that Town
CHAPTER V
The Theatre of Operations—Weary March of the French and Irish—Scenes in Castlebar—The Battle—Panic and Flight of the British
CHAPTER VI
A Disgraceful Incident—Losses on Both Sides—The French indulge in the Pleasures of Music and Dancing—General Results of the Battle—A Republican Government for Connaught
CHAPTER VII
Humbert resumes Operations in the Field—The British Plan of Campaign—Battle of Colooney—Battle and Surrender at Ballinamuck—Case of Bartholomew Teeling
CHAPTER VIII
A Second Battle of Castlebar—Defeat of the Insurgents—The Three French Officers left at Killala—Their Efforts to suppress Religious Persecution—Riot and Lawlessness the Order of the Day—Advance of the Royal Armies—Battle of Killala
CHAPTER IX
Humbert's Career subsequent to his Return from Ireland—His Part in the Campaign against the Austrians, and the Expedition to San Domingo—His Love Intrigue with Pauline Bonaparte—Escape to America—Present at the Battle of New Orleans—Expedition to Mexico
APPENDIX
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Thomas Paine's Letter to the French Directory
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Official Return of the French Forces captured at Ballinamuck
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General Humbert's Letter to the French Marine Minister
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General Humbert's Letter to the Bishop of Killala
Index
Notes
The book is avialable in .mobi (for Kindle) format, .epub format, and as a PDF, and includes a full hyperlinked index.