France tried one more time to invade Ireland (on September 6, 1798). This time Tone was aboard a different ship - the Hoche - with the French General Jean Hardy. When he set sail for Ireland, Tone knew the English would not consider him a prisoner of war if he were captured. Even though he was an officer in the French military, England would treat him like a traitor. It was a risk Tone was willing to take.

The Hoche reached the northern part of Ireland, but the French fought a losing battle with the Royal Navy near Lough Swilly. On September 6th, Tone was taken prisoner with the rest of his French colleagues. The British did not yet realize they had captured a prize.

For nearly a month, Tone's true identity went undetected. When he stepped off the prisoner boat at Buncrana, in County Donegal, he was recognized. Another barrister, who had opposed Tone in legal cases, spotted him. It was November 3, 1798.

GO TO STORY INDEX