Daniel O'Brien (Jacobite) facts for kids

Daniel O'Brien (born 1683, died 1759) was an important Irish soldier and diplomat. He was a strong supporter of the Jacobites. The Jacobites wanted to bring back the old royal family, the Stuarts, to the throne of Great Britain. Daniel O'Brien served in the Irish Brigade of the French Army. He fought during the War of the Spanish Succession. He rose to the rank of colonel, a high position in the army. People often called him Colonel Daniel O'Brien.

Life and Military Service

Daniel O'Brien was given the title of Earl of Lismore by the Jacobite royal family. This title was part of the Jacobite peerage. However, it was not officially recognized in his home country, the Kingdom of Ireland. His father, Murrough O'Brien, was also a soldier. He came from Carrigogunnell in County Limerick. Murrough was one of the "Wild Geese". This was a name for Irish soldiers who left Ireland to serve in armies in other countries, especially France. His father became a Major General. He even briefly led a famous army unit called Clare's Dragoons.

Working for the Jacobite Cause

After the Jacobite leader, James Stuart, had to leave France, Daniel O'Brien became very important. James Stuart moved to Rome because of an agreement between Britain and France. This agreement was called the Anglo-French Alliance. Daniel O'Brien became James Stuart's main agent in Paris. He took over from another Irishman, Arthur Dillon. He worked closely with others like Francis Sempill and George Kelly. In 1718, he also traveled as a special messenger. He visited the Russian court of Peter the Great, the powerful Russian ruler.

Key Diplomatic Roles

In 1745, Daniel O'Brien played a big part in a major event. He signed the Treaty of Fontainebleau. This treaty was an agreement. It meant that France would support the Jacobite Rising that year. The Jacobite Rising was an attempt to put James Stuart's son, Bonnie Prince Charlie, on the British throne. From 1747 onwards, Daniel O'Brien held a very important job. He became Secretary of State for James Stuart. This meant he was like the chief minister or main advisor to James. He helped James while he was living in exile in Rome.

Daniel O'Brien passed away in 1759. His son, James Daniel O'Brien (1736–1780), took over his Jacobite title.