Descriptive List - University College Cork Library

prescribed for George’s [gout], but he agrees with the need for a change of air,
“but he does not agree as to the so frequent application of the Plaister which
he thinks to violent a Remedy”. He applauds George’s decision to visit Dublin
“where I am certain the Widow of No 31 will keep you as snug and
comfortable as any Widow in Ireland” Send teasing messages to various
family members including the pregnant Mary. He is resigned to passing the
summer without employment and intends moving to St. Amand where he will
be better able to keep abreast of the news from France. Neither Valenciennes
or Conde have as yet surrendered, and he describes the destruction of property
and the loss of life from the siege he is currently involved in “their defense is
so weak and all their sorties so unsuccessfull that from the 19 th June until the
3 rd of July only 50 men have been killed on our side”. He is confident that the
town will be stormed and successfully taken in the near future, “the Honour of
planting the first white standard on the Rampards is I am told reserv’d for the
British Troop”. Describes the armies involved and the campaign facing them,
adding the news from France is that Revolution is inevitable, as for the
[Austrian Netherlands] he declares “The Emperor has forgiven all past
offences from the People of this country those who were most against him in
the first Revolution are now most in favour, the Convents reform’d by Joseph
are again reinstated and in all appearances the Clergy will become more
powerful than ever the poor Royalists are abandoned”. Closes with good
wishes to family members.
476 9 Jan 1794
Letter to George Ryan, Rutland Row, Limerick, from his brother Denis at
Valenciennes, acknowledging receipt of his remittance and updating his
brother on both his personal situation and the state of military play [
French/Austrian campaign], declaring “I am very sorry to have nothing but
disagreeable news to inform you of. The Evacuation of Toulon, the
uncertainty of the Situation of the Royalists in the Vendee and the
unquestionable Confirmation of the Combined Armies being forc’d to
abandon all their conquests in Alsace”. Unable to take any action before the
arrival of reinforcements, and at the mercy of political discussions, the
Austrians are wary of an attempt by the French to retake Valenciennes, but he
adds “One great Effort more must be made the next Campain, these Tigres
must be totally destroy’d” Details the size and distribution of the Austrian
army and states “if with such forces we don’t succeed in exterminating to the
very last of this execrable Race why then the Devil himself must undertake to
do it.” However he notes he himself is spectator “tranquil and unemployed”.
Closes on a more optimistic note and sends greetings to family and friends.
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