Domingo French

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Domingo French (November 21, 1774 -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, commercial activities, and helping his father. In 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. Due 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, distributing among the crowds the famous escarapelas (ribbons of blue and white cloth representing the colours of the sky, in opposition to 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 their right arms. French accompanied Juan José Castelli to Córdoba and executed the death sentence against Liniers and his accomplices.

As a member of the morenista, 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 in 1814. He led reinforcements for the Northern Army in 1815.

In 1817 French had to march to exile in the United States 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.

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