Above: Picture of Richard II

Ireland now entered the international arena, and England was confronted in her foreign affairs, for the first time, by ” the Irish Question.” The King of England at that time was Richard II. Vain, impulsive, and ambitious, he became a candidate for the Imperial Crown of the ” Holy Roman Empire ” by right of his wife.

Above : Statue Of General Humbert In Kilalla

As usual there were delays, and it was not till the August of 1798, when the Irish rebellion had been already crushed, that even the first of the projected expeditions set sail. It consisted of only three frigates, carrying a force of 1,036 fighting men, and arms and equipment for a much larger number. The General, Humbert, was skilful and experienced, and the troops for the most part veterans who had served in several campaigns, but it was evident that so slender a force could achieve nothing without powerful support.

Above : Picture Of King Richard II