Field-Marshal Brady

Alfred Webb

A Compendium of Irish Biography

1878

Brady, Field-Marshal, was born in the County of Cavan, the middle of the 18th century. The son of a farmer, he gave promise of ability, and was sent to Vienna to study for the priesthood. One day the Empress Maria Theresa passed the students in review, and observing the bearing of young Brady, remarked to Colonel Browne, an Irishman: "What a pity it is so fine a young fellow should not be in the army — what was he saying just now?" "Your Majesty," replied Browne, "he said that you were a beautiful lady, and he only wished he had the honour to serve your Majesty." He was taken into the army and rose rapidly, and as Field-Marshal and Baron distinguished himself in the defence of his adopted country against Napoleon. He married an offshoot of the Imperial family, and died, without issue, at Vienna in 1826.

Sources

55. Burke, Sir Bernard: Rise of Great Families. London, 1872.

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