of the Boyne and of Aughrim. “A great number of soldiers,” says Weiss, “were sent to Ireland by the care of the Baron d’Avejan and of the Marquis d’Arzilliers, sometimes four or five hundred left Geneva in one week. A great many, scattered along the shores of the lake, were drilled daily under the Orange flag.” Lord Galway engaged in much labour and correspondence for the settlement of these families, and one of his letters has been preserved.[1]
“Sir, — I have received two of your letters. In reply I inform you that since Monsieur de Mirmand’s[2] arrival we have made a little more progress than formerly. The king named a Committee to examine the matter; and that it decides that we may make a beginning by settling a certain number of families, before resolving to invite all those who might desire to come to Ireland. In a great crowd they would be a hindrance and a nuisance to each other. Considering that the case of the refugees in Switzerland is the most pressing, we have agreed to contemplate the immediate establishment of six hundred of their families. By the help ot the Swiss population we hope to provide for their reaching Frankfort. The King will recommend their case to the Protestant Princes and to the States-General for subsistence until they come to the sea-coast, where his Majesty will provide for their embarkation for Ireland. Also in order that these families may not arrive there, and find no preparations made for lodging them, the king will send an order to Lord Sydney to organize an Irish Committee, to consist of the most wealthy lords of the soil and those who have lands suitable for such settlements, that all things may be arranged; I myself shall be on the spot, as I set out for that country in a few days. We shall also name two or three of the most capable of our refugees to assist the lords in their deliberations and to arrange with them all that is necessary for the settlement of these families. The king is so affected by the misery which menaces these families, and understands so well the utility of such a colonization for his kingdom of Ireland, that he is resolved to spend as much money as shall be judged necessary. We shall lose no time, and I hope that by next April, or May at the latest, these families will be on the road. In this affair Monsieur Mirmand is absolutely necessary. Without him we should not be so far on; without him there will yet be a standstill. I have never seen a man of greater sense, or more zealous for the public good. I could wish there were more persons among the refugees a little more like him. Monsieur de Sailly is gone before me into Ireland; and (as I have already said) our plan is to receive, in preference to all others, the six hundred families who must quit Switzerland. It will be for Switzerland to make the necessary collection for their journey, and then to manage their departure systematically. This I believe to be the most difficult and important department of the work. I will endeavour to have Monsieur de Virasel along with Monsieur de Sailly in Ireland to manage what requires attention there. I am, &c.
The Rev. John Pointer, M.A., makes the following entry in his Chronological History of England:— “1693, April 1 — His Majesty permits 600 French Protestant families, who were come into Switzerland and had implored his protection, to go and settle in Ireland."
Ireland was Lord Galway’s official place of residence, and he liked the country. St. Evremond says that in his letters My Lord Gallway expatiated on the attractions of Dublin, the plentiful crops and the excellence of the fish. But far from having leisure to superintend the settlement of colonists, he himself was hardly a settler, such was the value set upon his services by the king. Thoughtless writers have called him one of King William’s favourites, so as to create an impression upon posterity that he was perhaps a flatterer and a minister to courtly vices. But William’s favourites were good and faithful public servants, “men of sense” (says Sir John Dalrymple; “who would and could do the business they were put to.” Another writer says of Lord Galway, “He was a man of skill, courage, and activity, which qualities ensured him the favour of King William” — and another, “his frankness and spirit endeared him to William, who employed his varied talents as well in negotiation as in action.”[3]
Luttrell, under date 19th January 1693, announces that Lord Galway “goes in a few days to Ireland to command in chief there.” The few days proved to be nearly a month. “Thursday, 16th February, yesterday the Lord Galway, General of the Forces in Ireland, with other officers, set out for that kingdom.”
While the confederates drew away the forces of Louis XIV. from home in all directions, a descent upon France was a frequent plan. Lord Galway went to the king in spring to take counsel regarding a project of that kind. “London, 25th April 1693. — The Lord Galway, General of the Forces in Ireland, is arrived here
