Irish patriot, born in Dublin, where he became a well-to-do merchant, and first secretary to the United Irishmen association; got into trouble through the treasonable schemes of the United Irishmen, and fled to America; subsequently served in the French army, took part in the abortive invasion of Ireland; ultimately fell into the hands of the English Government, and was sentenced to death, but was permitted to live an exile in France (1740-1803).