Major Francis MacDonnell

Alfred Webb

1878

MacDonnell, Francis, Major, a distinguished Irish officer in the Austrian service, was born in Connaught in 1656. At the surprise of Cremona (1st February 1702) he particularly signalized himself. On that occasion he took Marshal Villeroy prisoner, and refused brilliant offers of rank and money to connive at his escape. On the other hand, he did not scruple to endeavour by bribes to bring over the Irish regiments serving with the enemy. He fell at the battle of Luzzara, the following August (1702).

Sources

34. Biographie Générale. 46 vols. Paris, 1855-'66. An interleaved copy, copiously noted by the late Dr. Thomas Fisher, Assistant Librarian of Trinity College, Dublin.

88. Cox, Watty: Irish Monthly Magazine. 8 vols. Dublin, 1808-'15.

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