1798] VAEIOUS ALAEMS OF FRENCH 325

despatch, desired him to be careful, and to endeavour to ascertain the number of the rebels and the strength of the French, &c. He was told that the Red Fencibles at Longford were ordered to report to me; that, if he wanted more force, I had orders, if he applied to me, to send him the Reds, or, if necessary, to march to his assistance with my "whole force. The letter cautioned him to make certain of the facts before he applied to me, and not to give the troops at this season unnecessary marches. General Trench was also desired to send whatever information he obtained to the Lord-Lieutenant through me, and open for my perusal

MOATE, 2 $rd September.—I received a letter from Trench enclosing his despatch to the Lord-Lieutenant open. He has certain information that no French have landed at Killala, and has arranged everything for marching against the rebels in four columns on Saturday, 22nd. It appears that the brig which anchored in Rutland had on board Napper Tandy. He issued a ridiculous proclamation, but met with no encouragement from the country people, and, having heard the fate of Humbert's troops, he set sail again. My brother, with the Melampus and Doris, is, I understand, in chase of them. I believe the object of the brig was merely to obtain information, and I am inclined to think we shall have no more visits from the French, unless they come in force.

MOATE, 2$th September.—Information has been sent by one of the frigates cruising off Brest that a line-of-battle ship and eight frigates, supposed to be destined for Ireland, have put to sea. I have received orders, in consequence of this, to hold the troops under me in readiness to move on the shortest notice. In case of landing in the north or south my brigade, the Guards, General Hunter's brigade, the Suffolk and Gloster Militia, and Sutherland Fencibles, are to move, under the immediate orders of Lord Cornwallis, to the point threatened. The Reay Fencibles at Longford are added to my brigade, and two troops of the Hompesch Cavalry are directed to join the detachment I have already