On 24th May, seeing that war was being openly waged against the Government, the Lord-Lieutenant issued a proclamation warning the people that they were put under martial law, and, on the morrow, the rebels were defeated, with much loss, near Carlow, and, after the engagement, about 200 of them were hanged, or shot. Then the rebels gained a slight advantage, especially at Enniscorthy, where they compelled the garrison to retreat. This, and a few other small successes, were amply avenged by Lord Lake, on 21st June, at Vinegar Hill, a position which the Irish had held since the 28th May. Their rout was complete, and their slaughter must have been immense, for no quarter was given by the Royal troops. Then came the trials of the ringleaders, and the gibbet was in constant requisition. And, now, the French must needs have a finger in this pie, although their attempt at invasion was simply ludicrous. The following is the first official news, and it is a letter from the Duke of Portland to the Lord Mayor:--"_27th August._ I think it right to inform your Lordship, that, by official accounts received this morning from the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, it appears that three French frigates, unaccompanied by any transports, appeared in the Bay of Killala, on the evening of the 22nd instant, and landed about 700 men, who immediately took possession of the town of Killala, and made a small party of the Prince of Wales' Fencible Regiment, consisting of an officer and 20 men, and some yeomen, prisoners; a large force is collecting from different quarters, and every necessary preparation making for attacking the enemy." This expedition, consisting of 1030 privates and 70 officers under General Humbert, had sailed from Rochelle, with the intention of rendering material help to the Irish rebels--and, after the capture of Killala, they marched on Castlebar, where was a force of from 2000 to 3000 regulars, under Lord Lake. The English artillery, however, expended their ammunition too soon; a fact the French did not lose sight of, but, charging, put the English force to flight, and they then occupied Castlebar. But here was the end of their success--General Lake and Lord Cornwallis surrounded them, and the French had to surrender, but no quarter was given to the Irish. The number of French troops, on their surrender, was 96 officers, and 748 non-commissioned officers and privates, the rest having been lost since their landing at Killala. This force was intended to be the vanguard of a larger expedition, which was prevented joining, by want of funds.