James Florence Burke

James Florence Burke (c. 1771-1830s) was an Irish soldier and agent in the service of the United Kingdom.[1] He dedicated himself to the espionage in the Río de la Plata, arriving in Buenos Aires in the company of Thomas O'Gorman in 1805.[2]

James Florence Burke
Personal details
Bornc. 1771
Ireland
Diedc. 1830
Great Britain
NationalityBritish
Occupationmilitia
espionage
ProfessionMilitary man
Military service
Allegiance France - until 1793
United Kingdom
Branch/serviceFrench Army
British Army
Years of servicec.1787-c.1820
RankColonel
CommandsDillon's Regiment
2nd Regiment of Foot
Battles/warsNapoleonic Wars

Biography

He was born in Ireland, from a distinguished Irish family of Anglo-Norman roots.[3] He emigrated to France as a member of the Irish Brigades at the service of the French army, where he served until 1793.[4] Between 1794 and 1804, he was hired by the English government to perform espionage tasks in Germany and other parts of Europe.[5]

In 1804, he was incorporated into the English army, being entrusted a year later to travel to Buenos Aires as an undercover agent.[6] Installed in the city he stayed in the tavern Fonda de los Tres Reyes, where he was linked to the main families of Buenos Aires.[7] He also achieved links with important political figures of the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata, including Santiago de Liniers and Rafael de Sobremonte.[8]

James Florence Burke was related to the first English Invasion to the Río de la Plata. In 1808 he made a second trip to Buenos Aires, with the aim of encouraging the Independence movements of Buenos Aires.[9]

References
  1. El General Beresford y el proyecto de independencia del Rio de la Plata. Academia Nacional de Ciencias de Buenos Aires. 1982.
  2. The Forgotten Colony. Andrew Graham-Yooll. 1999.
  3. Burke's Genealogical and Heraldic History of the Peerage, Baronetage and Knightage. Burke's Peerage Limited. 1885.
  4. Colonial Latin American Historical Review. Spanish Colonial Research Center at the University of New Mexico. 2006.
  5. Las invasiones inglesas del Río de la Plata (1806-1807). Carlos Roberts. 1938.
  6. Boletín del Centro naval, Volúmenes89-90. Argentina. Ministerio de Marina. 1971.
  7. Todo es historia, Temas219-224. Todo es Historia. 1985.
  8. The Invasions of Buenos Aires, 1806-1807. University of Liverpool, Institute of Latin American Studies.
  9. Congreso Internacional de Historia de América. La Academia, 1961.
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