Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 9.djvu/330

320 men are to disperse themselves into the several counties, where they have the best interest; and a field officer is to reside constantly at Dublin, to hear all complaints, which may be made by any of the recruits against their officers; and also to prepare for sending them off. Count has been soliciting an order to this purpose, these two years."

When I first read this account in the publick prints, I looked upon it as a common piece of false intelligence, and was in full expectation of seeing it contradicted in the next day's papers, according to frequent custom; but, having since heard it confidently affirmed to be true (although I can hardly yet believe it, especially as to every part) the duty which I owe my country, and my zeal for the present establishment, oblige me to take some notice of an affair, which I apprehend to be of very great importance to both.

It will be necessary, in the first place, to give the reader a short account of the nature of these troops, as they are now established in France.

They consist, as we have been informed, of one regiment of horse, and five regiments of foot, all doubly or trebly officered; so that they are of themselves a very considerable body of men.

But their number is the least point to be considered in this affair. There are other circumstances, which render these troops infinitely more formidable to Great Britain. They are not only all Roman catholicks, but the most dangerous of that communion with respect to us, I mean Roman catholick subjects of our dominions; many of whom have been obliged to fly their native country, on account of rebellions