the dulness of my jokes. I cannot express how much I long to be "en route." AUGUST, 1796. 1. (Sings) "Oh, merry be the first, and merry be the last, and merry be the first of August." This is a sprightly beginning, however. I am plaguy musical this morning, but God knows the heart! Called on Clarke from mere idleness; did not see him; but, coming out, met General Hoche, who took me in his carriage to General Cherin, with whom I am to travel. On the way, I told Hoche that I hoped the glory was reserved for him to amputate the right hand of England for ever; and I mentioned the immense resources in all respects, especially in men and provisions, which Ireland furnished to that country, and of which I trusted we were now on the eve of depriving her. Hoche observed, that his only anxiety was about finding subsistence for the troops. I replied, as to that, I hoped there would be no difficulty; that it was Ireland which victualled the navy, the West Indies, and the foreign garrisons of England; and I reminded him of what I had before communicated, that, in the late scarcity, so far from difficulties at home, she exported vast quantities of corn to that country. I might have added, but it did not occur to me, that we are now on the eve of harvest, so, I am sure we shall find abundance of every thing. I went on to say, that my difficulty was not how to subsist, but how to get there, for that I dreaded that eternal fleet. Hoche laid his hand on my arm and said, "Ne craignez rien, nous y irons; vous pouvez y compter; ne craignez rien!" I answered, that being so, I had not a doubt of our success. Hoche then asked me, "Who are these Orange-boys?" I explained the term to him, adding, that as to them it was an affair of no consequence, which we would settle in three days after our arrival. “Oh,” said he; "ce n'est rien." I then told him I hoped he would take care to have a sufficiency of cannoniers and artillery, with which we were quite unprovided. "You may depend upon it," said he, "that I will bring enough, and of the best, particularly the artillerie legère." He then asked me, had we many great plains in Ireland? I said not; that, in general, the face of the country was intersected with fences, and I described the nature of an Irish ditch and hedge to him. By this time we arrived at Cherin's, who was indisposed and in bed. I was introduced by Hoche, and I remember now he is one of the generals with whom I dined at Carnot's. After a short conversation, in which it was fixed that we set off from the 7th to the 10th, I took my leave, Hoche and Cherin desiring me to call on them in the mean time, without the ceremony of sending up my name, which is civil of them. So, now I have "les petites entrées.” 2, 3. Blank. My time drags just now most horribly. 4. Called on General Hoche. No news. He 17th before we 66 tells me that it may be the 16th or set off, which is desolation to me. My soul's in arms, and eager for the fray." He tells me also, that when we get to Rennes, he and I will settle the proclamation. I mentioned to him, that as we should arrive in the middle of harvest, there could be no doubt about our finding subsistence. He answered, he had thought of that himself. Called on Cherin twice, and saw him for about a moment. I cooled my heels in his antechamber for above an hour; but that is only a petty mortification. I always find the subalterns greater men than the principals. One thing I must keep in mind. As I have begun by dancing attendance on others, if ever I arrive at any situation, I must remember the anxiety and vexation I suffered in my time, and not give myself airs. Called on Clarke. I am out of luck to-day. He was engaged and could not see me, so I left my name. Altogether, I am out of humour. I believe it is the delay of our departure which has vexed me. Cherin tells me we shall set off the 16th or 17th. 5. Blank. Terrible! terrible! I feel myself absolutely sick at these delays. Dined with Madgett and three other Irishmen in the Champs Elysées. Stupid as a horse. Every body is talking of our business. I hear of it from fifty different quarters. That is most terribly provoking. 8. Saw Hoche and Cherin together this morning. Both very civil, but no news. Hoche, I believe, sets off on the 11th. 10. Fêtes to celebrates the anniversary of the subversion of royalty in France. Foot-racing, horseracing, and running at the ring in the Champ de Mars. The Directory, Ministers, and constituted authorities, assisted in grand costume, with the foreign ambassadors. It was a delicious evening. The prizes were all military, sabres, pistols, and carbines, of the manufactory of Versailles. This is exactly as it should be. The concourse of people was immense, and I was very glad to observe that every body seemed pleased and happy. When the Directory rose from their place to retire, the people forced the sentinels, and got into the centre, in order to see them. I was delighted to observe that circumstarce, which I look upon as by no means trifling. After the exercises in the Champ de Mars were over, the people retired en masse to the Champs Elyseés, where there was a most magnificent illumination and fireworks. I never saw anything so brilliant in the way of coup d'œil. The Muscadins and elegant women of Paris made it a point to stay away, but nobody missed them. The French enjoy these kind of spectacles better than any people on earth, and, for my part, I never was more amused and gratified than in observing the spectators. Altogether, I spent a very pleasant, I may almost say a happy day. 13. Saw Cherin this morning: he tells me it may be ten days yet before we get off. Hell! hell! hell! How shall I get over these eternal delays? Hoche set off yesterday. 14. Put on my regimentals for the first time; as pleased as a little boy in his first breeches; foolish enough, but not unpleasant. Walked about Paris to show myself; huzza! Citoyen Wolfe Tone, Chef de Brigade in the service of the Republic! Opera in the evening: Lays, incomparable in Panurge; Mme. Guenet a charming singer; Mme. Gardel and Nivelon, in the pas russe, inimitable; it is worth a voyage from Ireland to America, and from America to Paris, to see that single dance. I think now I have got on regimentals, I begin to write like a very pretty gentleman. There is a strong report, and I believe a true one, that Hammond, who was Ambassador from England to the United States, is now at Calais, with some proposals for peace on the part of the English Ministry. I do not at all apprehend that anything will come of it; it is a manœuvre of Pitt's, in order to prepare for meeting the new Parliament with a declaration that he has been ready, on his part, to make peace, but that the pride and haughtiness of the French Government would listen to no conditions but such as were dishonourable to England. John Bull is not at all beaten into his senses as yet. For my part I do not see how it is possible for France or England to make peace, preserving their respective Governments: I think one or other must go down; I do not speak of the nations, but merely of the Governments. 20. The gaps in my journal will demonstrate how time hangs on my hands. Called on General Cherin this morning; found him very courteous; he tells me we shall certainly set off in ten days, viz. the |