Page "Nine Years' War" Paragraph 33

James II had fled to France to the welcoming arms of Louis XIV.

In March 1689 ( supported by French gold, troops, and generals ) he sailed from his exile at St Germain to rally Catholic support in Ireland as a first step to regaining his thrones.

The French King supported James for two reasons: first, Louis XIV fervently believed in his God-ordained right to the throne ; and second, he wished to divert William III's forces away from the Low Countries.

James II's initial aim, and that of his deputy the Duke of Tyrconnell, was to pacify the northern Protestant strongholds.

However, his ill-equipped army of around 40, 000 could do little more than besiege Londonderry.

After encountering a determined defence that lasted 105 days, he finally lifted the siege at the end of July.

In the meantime the first major naval engagement of the war was fought off Bantry Bay on 11 May ( O. S ) – before England's declaration of war — resulting in a minor French success for Châteaurenault, who managed to land supplies for James II's campaign.

For their part, Williamite forces were supplied from the north, and in August the Duke of Schomberg arrived with 15, 000 Danish, Dutch, Huguenot, and English reinforcements.

However, after taking Carrickfergus his army stalled at Dundalk, suffering through the winter months from sickness and desertion.