Major W. Keir to 'Dear Sir'. Dated 'Balllina, 23 August 1798'. Last night, at Castlebar, he received a verbal message that the French made a landing at Killala yesterday evening at 6 o'clock. They have 3 frigates in the bay and have taken possession of the town. After getting this news, he proceeded to Ballina with detachment of carabines, about 70 men. French are in possession of the Bishop's palace at Killala, so it will be difficult to displace them. He thinks it prudent to await reinforcements. Has received information that the French have landed with 5 to 7 thousand men.