Jaycee Woods

I have a short story idea in inventory about a young Irish lieutenant who met a Dullahan on the road on his way to port to embark for the Seven Year War. For the same character, I have an idea for a longer story about him becoming an American farmer and then an officer in the Revolution. In the third story, he returns to Ireland after his older brother’s death to install his son in their family seat. Below is some research related to that third story.

Prompt: When did Irish Republicanism begin?

Copilot: Irish Republicanism as a formal political movement began to take shape in the late 18th century. One of the earliest organized groups was the United Irishmen, founded in 1791. They were inspired by the revolutionary ideas of the American and French Revolutions and sought to establish an independent Irish republic.

Prompt: Any named Browne?

Copilot: Yes, there were several notable figures with the surname Browne involved in Irish Republicanism. One prominent individual was Thomas Francis Meagher Browne, who was a member of the Irish Republican Brotherhood and played a significant role in the Fenian movement.

Prompt: Was he from County Kerry?

Copilot: Thomas Francis Meagher was actually born in Waterford City, County Waterford, Ireland. He was a prominent Irish nationalist and leader of the Young Irelanders in the Rebellion of 1848.

Does this help with your research, or is there something more specific you’re looking for about him or other Browne family members?

Prompt: Nothing specific. Any Irish Republican Browne linked to County Kerry?

Copilot: One notable Irish Republican linked to County Kerry was Paddy Cahill, who was the commander of the Kerry No.1 Brigade during the Irish War of Independence. He played a significant role in the local Republican movement and faced various challenges, including disputes within the IRA in Kerry.

Does this information help with your research, or is there something more specific you’re looking for about Irish Republicans from County Kerry?

Prompt: So, a fictional character that mustered from County Kerry as a lieutenant for the Seven Years War might be in America before the revolution, defect to the American side, and later return to Ireland as an old man to foment Irish Republicanism?

Copilot: That scenario sounds both intriguing and plausible! Here’s how it could unfold:

1. Seven Years’ War: Your character, a young lieutenant from County Kerry, serves valiantly in the British Army during the Seven Years’ War. His experiences in battle shape his views on leadership, loyalty, and freedom.
2. American Colonies: After the war, he is stationed in the American colonies. As tensions rise between the colonies and Britain, he becomes increasingly sympathetic to the colonists’ cause, perhaps influenced by his own Irish heritage and the parallels he sees with Ireland’s struggle.
3. Defection: When the American Revolutionary War breaks out, he makes the difficult decision to defect and join the American side. His military experience and leadership skills prove invaluable to the revolutionary cause.
4. Post-War Life: After the American victory, he might settle in America for a time, but the pull of his homeland remains strong. As he ages, he decides to return to Ireland, driven by a desire to see his native land free from British rule.
5. Fomenting Irish Republicanism: Back in Ireland, he becomes involved in the burgeoning republican movement. His experiences in America provide him with insights and strategies that he shares with fellow Irish nationalists, helping to lay the groundwork for future uprisings.

This character arc not only provides rich material for exploring themes of loyalty, identity, and rebellion but also ties together significant historical events across two continents.

Prompt: If he was from a landed Irish family and his older brothers died without sons, would he likely as the oldest surviving male family member inherit the family estate? If so, that could explain why he returned to Ireland?

Copilot: Yes, under the principle of primogeniture, which was common in landed families in Ireland (and much of Europe) during the 18th century, the estate would typically pass to the eldest surviving male family member if the primary heirs (like his older brothers) died without sons. This means your character would indeed inherit the family estate in such circumstances.

This inheritance could provide a compelling reason for his return to Ireland. He might feel a strong sense of duty to maintain the family legacy, which could also conflict with his evolving political beliefs and the republican ideals he encountered during his time in America.

This twist adds depth to his character, blending personal motives with broader political themes and giving him a nuanced and relatable storyline.

How do you envision this affecting his actions and decisions upon his return to Ireland?