This edition of the writings of Theobald Wolfe Tone (1763-98), barrister, United Irishman, agent of the Catholic Committee, and officer in the French revolutionary army, is intended to comprehend all his writings and largely to supersede the two volume Life of Theobald Wolfe Tone...written by himself that was edited by his son and published in 1826. It consists mainly of Tone's correspondence, diaries, autobiography, pamphlets, public addresses, and miscellaneous memoranda. It is based on the original MSS if extant or the most reliable printed sources.

Tone's participation in Irish politics in the early 1790s and his presence on the periphery of the ruling circle in revolutinary France from February 1796 to September 1798 is enough to make his writings a major historical source. However the literary quality of his writings, diaries, and autobiography enhance this importance.
This volume is the second of three volumes and covers Tone's attempt to settle in America, the early days in France, his negotiations with the Directory, his entry into the French army, and the expedition to Bantry Bay. Preceded by Tone's Career in Ireland to June 1795 (1998), it is to be followed by France, the Rhine, Lough Swilly, and Death of Tone, January 1797 to November 1798. Addenda, corrigenda, a bibliography of Theobald Wolfe Tone, and an index to all three volumes will appear in the third volume.