Revolutionary in exile Wolfe Tone

statue of wolfe tone, bantry, county cork

in 1794 society of united irishmen became sworn association, using oaths aimed @ overthrow of state. given france , britain had been @ war since french revolutionary wars of 1793, administering or making such oaths turned society more liberal pressure-group.

also in 1794, united irishmen, persuaded no party in dublin parliament (in representation limited protestants) seemed accept scheme of universal suffrage , equal electoral districts, began found hopes on french invasion. irish clergyman, reverend william jackson, had taken in revolutionary opinions during long stay in france, came ireland ascertain extent irish people ready support french invasion. tone drew memorandum jackson on state of ireland, described ripe revolution. attorney named cockayne, whom jackson had imprudently disclosed mission, betrayed memorandum government; , in april 1794 jackson arrested on charge of treason.

several of leading united irishmen, including archibald hamilton rowan, fled country; papers of united irishmen seized, , time organisation broken up. tone, had not attended meetings of society since may 1793, remained in ireland until after trial of jackson , suicide in april 1795. having friends among government party, including members of beresford family, succeeded in making terms government, , emigrated united states, arrived in may 1795. before leaving, , family travelled belfast, , @ summit of cavehill tone made cavehill compact fellow united irishmen russel , henry joy mccracken, promising never desist in our efforts until subvert authority of england on our country , asserted our independence .

the united irishmen reformed in 1796. society began france support rising troops.

living in philadelphia, tone wrote few months later thomas russell expressing unqualified dislike of american people, whom imagined no more democratic in sentiment , no less attached authority british; described patriot hero george washington high-flying aristocrat , , found aristocracy of money , achievement in america still less liking european aristocracy of birth. tone lived briefly in west chester , in downingtown, pennsylvania.

finding himself @ philadelphia in company of reynolds, rowan, , tandy, tone went paris persuade french government send expedition invade ireland. in february 1796 arrived in paris , had interviews de la croix , carnot, impressed energy, sincerity, , ability. commission given him adjutant-general in french army, hoped might protect him penalty of treason in event of capture british; though himself claimed authorship of proclamation said have been issued united irishmen, enjoining irishmen taken arms in hands in british service should instantly shot; , supported project landing la legion noire in england, burn bristol, england , commit other atrocities. drew 2 memorials representing landing of considerable french force in ireland followed general rising of people, , giving detailed account of condition of country.

wolf tone sent france claim support of directory, under express condition french should come ireland allies, , should act under direction of new government, rochambeau had done in america. view, tone had conferences @ paris hoche; , directory determined send brest fleet of forty-five sail, army of fifteen thousand men, under charge of able general, december 15, 1796. england saved violent tempest.