Domingo French

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Domingo French (November 21, 1774 in Buenos Aires-June 4, 1825) was an Argentine revolutionary who took part in the May Revolution and the Argentine War of Independence.

During his childhood and adolescence French spent his time between study and commercial activities helping his father. From 1802 French became the first mailman of Buenos Aires.

During the first English invasion French organized, alongside Juan Martín de Pueyrredón, the corps of Húsares. Because of his bravery he was named lieutenant colonel by the viceroy Santiago de Liniers in 1808. With this military rank he participated in the May Revolution, becoming one of most enthusiastic of the multitude among which he distributed the famous escarapelas (ribbons of blue and white cloth representing the colours of the sky opposing the Spanish red flag) with his friend Antonio Beruti.

After the revolution, the First Junta entrusted him with the creation of an infantry corps to be called América, although people referred to it as La Estrella (The Star) because of the stars the soldiers wore on the right arm. French accompanied Juan José Castelli to Córdoba and executed the death sentence against Liniers and his accomplices.

As a member of the morenista tendency, French was separated from the Army by the saavedristas in April 1811 and sent to exile in Patagonia. He returned in 1812 and rejoined the army. He participated in the siege of Montevideo (1814). He led reinforcements for the Northern Army in 1815.

In 1817 French had to march to exile in the U.S.A. with Manuel Dorrego because of his opposition to the policy of the Directorship. He finally returned to Buenos Aires in 1819 where he died on 4 June 1825.