Resisting the Invaders

To Lady Olivia Omagh

I've had several frustrating days, Brigadier Digby-Smythe hasn't a clue about how to tackle the invasion. He has had us marching in all directions only to find the Frenchies marching in exactly the direction I predicted, towards Kinsale. Luckily I had forewarned the militia that this might happen and fortunately they have mustered in sufficient time and numbers to occupy an advantageous position, which should block the enemies advance.

I have great faith in my men, they have been steadfast, especially given their losses in the fighting at Haughy Point. I hope that the government will make provision for those crippled or widowed in both that and the forthcoming action. I just wish our financial position would make it possible to do something ourselves rather than depend on the whim of a Tory government.

Our troops are deployed where the road to Kinsale fords a river and then passes between woodland. We have deployed two regiments and a battery of the Kinsale Volunteer Bombardiers covering the ford, flanked by two regiments hidden in the woods to either side. We are backed up by a squadron of the Cork Yeomanry, so we are confident of resisting the French, but it will be difficult to defeat them in open ground.

I shall write as soon as I have further news.

Your loving husband