It shall be delivered at their headquarters in Flanders by noon tomorrow, with a request that it shall be forwarded by special messenger to the British minister; and we will have a proclamation posted in Paris, and in the various camps of the army, saying that we have warned the English Government that, unless the officers and men captured off the coast of Scotland are treated as prisoners of war, we shall retaliate by treating all French officers taken in foreign service in the same way; and that we have furthermore offered to exchange an equal number of such officers and men, in our hands, for those held by the British Government." "I thank Your Majesty, most respectfully and heartily, in the name of all the foreign officers in your service.

Even should, unfortunately, the English Government refuse to pardon or exchange their prisoners, it will be seen that Your Majesty has done all in your power to save them, and there will be a general feeling of reprobation, throughout Europe, at the conduct of the English Ministry." "We beg these officers to wait in the anteroom, while we dictate our despatch and proclamation to our secretary.

We would fain question them as to how they effected their escape from their prison, and how they have made so speedy a journey here." Lord Galmoy bowed, and retired with the others.
"We have done well," he said, "better indeed than I had hoped.
Now, having succeeded in saving our countrymen's lives, which I doubt not would have been otherwise sacrificed, I shall return at once to Paris, for there is an inspection of my regiment this afternoon." "We have been fortunate, indeed," O'Neil said, when Lord Galmoy had left.

"I have no doubt the king had heard that the English Government had resolved to execute the prisoners, but I question whether he would have stirred in the matter, had it not been for Galmoy's representation." "I am sure, by his manner, that he had received the news before," Desmond said, "and, as you say, had not intended to interfere.

It was the suggestion that he might threaten retaliation, and that the effect of his not moving in the matter would be very bad among his Irish troops, that decided him to interfere.