Protestant Exiles from France/Book Second - Chapter 3 - Section IV
Sec. 4 — His Services as Major-General, the Viscount Galway.
The commander-in-chief and his generals were received with all honours at Dublin on the 3d November, and were entertained at a splendid banquet by the magistrates on the 21st of that month, Sir Michael Mitchell being Lord Mayor, and re-elected thereafter for another year. Luttrell says, at London, about 14th November, “The Prince of Hesse-Darmstadt, Monsieur Ruvigny, and several other general officers, are arrived here from Ireland.” On the 4th January 1692, General Ghinkel was waited upon at his lodgings in London by a deputation of seven members of Parliament, headed by Viscount Castleton and Sir Henry Goodrick, Lieutenant-General of the Ordnance, bearing the thanks of the House of Commons to him and his officers. They were next honoured by a public dinner from the city of London, which took place in February in Merchant Taylors’ Hall, the Lord Mayor, Sir Thomas Stampe, presiding.
Henry, Viscount Sydney (afterwards the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland), was in the beginning of 1692 the acting Lord Justice and Chief Governor. On the 27th February, says Luttrell, “Monsieur Ruvigny was made Lieutenant-General of all the forces in Ireland, independent of the Lord Sidney.” His military rank, however, was still Major-General, while Mackay was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General; and it was not King William’s fault that Mackay was not raised to a Scottish title of nobility.
The commander-in-chief, Baron de Ghinkel, was enrolled in the peerage of Ireland as Earl of Athlone. Ruvigny had in his person all the claims of his father and of the Huguenot soldiery for a similar royal recognition; he also was named by De Ghinkel as the most eminent of the gallant winners of the field of Aughrim. The king also designed him to serve him in Ireland, and to take the superintendence of a scheme of Protestant colonisation in that kingdom. He therefore was created Viscount Galway and Baron of Portarlington; the barony was the name of the landed estate which the king designed for him. The date of the king’s letter was the 3d of March 1692, “taking into our princely consideration the many good and acceptable services performed unto us by Henry de Massue de Ruvigny.” Henceforth his countrymen, with great pride and gratification, styled him Milord Gallway (or Galloway).
An Irish nobleman who bore that title had fallen at the Battle of Aughrim, fighting in the Jacobite army. He commanded an infantry regiment, and is described as “a nobleman of true courage and endowed with many good qualities.” The title of Viscount Galway was one of several honours, both English and Irish, heaped upon Richard Bourk or De Burgh, fourth Earl of Clanricarde. It expired with the fifth earl, along with a marquisate of Clanricarde given to him by Charles I. Richard and William, the cousins of the marquis, becoming successively sixth and seventh Earls of Clanricarde, Ulrick Bourk, a younger son of the latter, was created Viscount Galway in 1687. In Colonel O’Kelly’s enigmatical history of this war, entitled “Macariae Excidium,” he is called Ulysses, Lord of Cithera. This lord having fallen in battle, the Marquis De Ruvigny was free to choose the title of Viscount Galway, the county of Galway (in which Aughrim was situated) being referred to, and not the town.
As soon as the king had set out for Holland in March 1692 Lord Galway left London en route for Dublin to take the command of the forces in Ireland. His aide-de-camp and staff, whom he had sent on before him, he overtook at Coventry, and delighted with the sight of £4000 entrusted to him for satisfying arrears of pay. They again met at Chester, he being received with a salute of cannon, the garrison turning out to present arms and the city flag flying. He and his suite sailed in a yacht from Neston, and on arriving at the mouth of the Liffey, a gun was fired and boats came off, which safely deposited the Commander of the Forces within the metropolis of Ireland. Lord Galway was lodged (says Dumont de Bostaquet) on the quay of Dublin, near Essex Bridge, and was there waited upon by the Lords Justices, the Lord Chancellor, the Mayor, and the Aldermen. Soon he was immersed in the business of his office, crowds of officers having to be received and to be satisfied as to the arrears of pay. In about a fortnight Lord Galway set out on a tour of visitation to the military quarters, both maritime and inland. At Athlone he was entertained by Lieut-Colonel de Montault, who was in command of Cambon’s regiment. The heart of Ruvigny was touched with the poverty of the inhabitants, many being in a state of starvation, and they received liberal relief from his ever open purse. At Galway, the Viscount of Galway received regal honours; thence touching at Limerick, he proceeded to Cork. Dumont and the rest of his staff expected him to return to Dublin; but the alarms of England made Lord Galway hasten the despatching of the troops, and he wrote to his staff to meet him at Cork; and, according to subsequent instructions, they went on to Waterford to await his arrival there. Lord Galway was there almost as soon as they were; his coming was announced by a military salute; he received all the civilities of the city, and the best accommodation. The next day he embarked Foulkes’ regiment, and thereafter each regiment as it arrived at Waterford according to his orders. The next in order that appeared was La Melonniere’s, then Mede’s, and the last of the infantry, Belcaste’s. Then the artillery horses were put on board ship, and various cavalry officers, and at length Lord Galway’s own equipage. Thus the fleet being prepared to sail, and his work being done, Lord Galway accepted the invitation of one of the captains, by whom he was entertained on board of a man of-war most sumptuously with viands, wines, and a band of music, and then his lordship spent the night in his own yacht. Next morning the fleet dropped down to Duncannon, and at two in the afternoon a fair wind sprang up; the next day they were in Bristol Channel. That night at supper they drank their Majesties’ health and success to their arms, with the accompaniment of a roar of artillery. The citizens, having been haunted with apprehensions of invasion, feared that it was a French fleet, and a boat was sent from the shore in the morning to reconnoitre. Their report being of course favourable, several citizens, including the French Pasteur of Bristol, were not long in paying their respects to Lord Galway, who accepted the Mayor’s hospitality during his two days’ stay. At an hotel half-way from London, an express met him, requiring him to join a distinguished deputation to Portsmouth to congratulate the British fleet on their great victory at La Hogue, of which the news had arrived on the 28th May. This congratulation was of a substantial kind, according to Luttrell, who informs us that the Earls of Rochester and Portland, and Viscounts Sydney and Galvvay, went to Portsmouth to congratulate Admiral Russell; and that they took with them £50,000 to be distributed in the fleet; it being intended that every man should receive a gratuity to the amount of a month’s pay.
Lord Galway remained at Portsmouth to take part in the descent upon the North of France under the command of the Duke of Leinster. The expedition was not advised by him, nor in his private opinion was it advisable. But with devotion to his Prince, he contributed his best aid to the enterprise, as Luttrell’s Relation testifies. An entry, under Thursday, June 2, mentions two councils of war at Portsmouth, where the Duke of Leinster and the Marquis De Ruvigny assisted, “the whole fleet to put to sea (weather permitting) Monday next.” This is the expedition, consisting of an army of 14,000, of which I have spoken in my memoir of the gallant Duke.[1]
On the 19th July Luttrell tells us that Lord Galway was again in Portsmouth. About this time he and other officers were appointed to report upon an invention, by “one Wilson, of a vestment, not heavy nor costly, to defend any soldier from a halbert, pike, sword, or baggonet.” During the remainder of 1692 he was employed in peaceful work. The refugees still looked upon him as their “Deputé-General,” and as now having access to a truly Christian and Protestant Monarch with a view to good offices in behalf of French Protestants. When he went to Ireland in the beginning of the year, it had been decided that the half-pay French officers should be placed in the Irish Establishment; and that the veterans and their families, who chose to be colonists there, should be assisted to find a settlement. Drogheda was recommended; and during his lordship’s brief stay in Dublin some officers were sent to report as to the eligibility of the town and neighbourhood, but their report was unfavourable. His sudden return to England interrupted this business. And after his campaign with the Duke of Leinster, another branch of the subject demanded his first attention.
Refugees had fled to Switzerland in such crowds, that the circumscribed territory could not feed and keep them, except temporarily. Other Protestant nations therefore undertook to receive detachments of their expatriated brethren; and in supporting this hospitable resolve, our King William was prominent. Some of the refugees, whose thoughts inclined to Britain, were members of the families of the soldiers mentioned by Professor Wises — men who had personally contributed to the Victories 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.[2]
“Sir, — I have received two of your letters. In reply I inform you that since Monsieur de Mirmand’s[3] 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.”[4]
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 from thence, and is going to the king in Flanders.” “Deal, 4th May. — Lord Galway is arrived here, and goes on board the Greenwich frigate for Holland.” “May 11th. — The Lord Galway is gone to his Majesty for instructions about the descent, on whose return that matter depends.”
But once in the field, he remained there, and was conspicuous at the battle of Landen on the 19th July. Voltaire relates that William had only the hours of the previous night to prepare for action: “They attack him at break of day. They rind him at the head of Ruvigny’s regiment, entirely composed of French gentlemen, whom the fatal revocation of the Edict of Nantes and the dragonnades had compelled both to quit and to hate their native country. Upon that country they revenged the intrigues of the Jesuit La Chaise, and the cruelties of Louvois. William, followed by troops thus animated, overthrew at the first the opposing squadrons, till his horse was shot under him, and he was overthrown himself. He got up, and continued the combat with the most obstinate efforts.” Later in the day, according to Smollett, “The Hanoverian and Dutch Horse being broken, the king in person brought the English cavalry to their assistance. They fought with great gallantry, and for some time retarded the fate of the day. The infantry were rallied and stood firm until their ammunition was expended.” King William’s biographer says, as to the brave though unsuccessful attempt to relieve our right wing: “The king himself charged at the head of my Lord Galway’s regiment, which distinguished itself very much on this occasion.” Macaulay mentions the traditions of old soldiers concerning this regiment at Landen, how King William sometimes led them in person to the charge, dismounting at times to animate the infantry.
According to King William’s biographer, “The king, seeing the battle lost, ordered the infantry to retreat to Dormal, upon the brook of Beck; and finding that the enemies were surrounding him on all sides, his Majesty ordered the regiments of Wyndham, Lumley, and Galway to cover his retreat over the bridge of Neerhespen, which he gained with great difficulty.” It was now that Lord Galway greatly signalised himself, being left in command at this point. Professor Weiss, while recording this, gives a singular anecdote, on the authority of the Due de St. Simon, who fought in the French army, and either witnessed the exciting incident or heard of it at the time: “At the battle of Nerwinden, Ruvigny kept at bay, almost unsupported, the entire force of the French cavalry. He was made prisoner for a moment; but the French officers let him go, their chief affecting not to perceive it, and he continued to cover the retreat of the English, fighting like a hero.” There is reason to believe that he was wounded in this action. For not only was there a report that he was killed, but we are informed that he came from Namur to the king’s camp on August 13th, while other officers remained at Namur, not being recovered of their wounds.
Every one will concur in Macaulay’s tribute to the noble generosity of the French officers who set Lord Galway at liberty; but we must differ from the historian as far as he endorses Voltaire’s imputation of “a true refugee hatred of the country that had driven him out” to the truly noble lord. In fighting with such intense valour he was animated by love for William of Orange, and for the Protestants of Europe. Besides, he was always in earnest in a battle-field, and evidently was a splendid cavalry officer. As for his views of France, they were statesmanlike, and not diseased. French domination was to be checked, that the extinction of the Protestantism of Europe might be prevented, and that liberty might extend its reign. As to personal matters, Lord Galway habitually maintained a dignified and unaffected self-command.
- ↑ At this time there was published, “A Sermon preached before the General and Officers in the King’s Chappel at Portsmouth, on Sunday, July 24, 1692. Being the day before they embarqu’d for the descent upon France. By William Gallaway, A.M., Chaplain to their Majesties’ Sea-Train of Artillery.”
- ↑ Bulletin, vol. x., p. 68.
- ↑ Not the same person as the Marquis De Miremont.
- ↑ Dalrymple’s Memoirs (Edit. 1778, 4to), vol. iii., p. 174, note. Ryan’s “Life of William III.” Coxe’s “Memoirs of Duke of Shrewsbury.”