Kidnapper. Parties were formerly so called, who by improper means decoyed the unwary into the army.
Kiel. Chief town of Holstein, a seaport, and a member of the Hanseatic League in 1300. By a treaty between Great Britain, Sweden, and Denmark, signed here January 14, 1814, Norway was ceded to Sweden. An extraordinary assembly of the revolted provinces, Schleswig and Holstein, met here September 9, 1850. By the convention of Gastein between Austria and Prussia, August 14, 1865, the former was to govern Holstein, but Kiel to be held by Prussia as a German federal port. This was annulled in 1866 by the issue of the war.
Kiev, or Kief. The chief town of the government of that name, on the west bank of the Dnieper; is one of the oldest of the Russian towns, and was formerly the capital. In 864 it was taken from the Khazars by two Norman chiefs, companions of Ruric, and conquered from them by Oleg, Ruric’s successor, who made it his capital. It was nearly destroyed by Batu, khan of Kiptchak. In the 14th century it was seized by Gedimin, grand duke of Lithuania, and annexed to Poland in 1569, but in 1686 was restored to Russia.
Kilcullen. In Kildare, Ireland. Here a large body of the insurgent Irish defeated the British forces commanded by Gen. Dundas, May 23, 1798. The general in a subsequent engagement overthrew the rebels near Kilcullen bridge, when 300 were slain.
Kildare. A county of Ireland, in the province of Leinster. The insurrection in Ireland which swelled into the rebellion, commenced in Kildare, May 23, 1798. On that night Lieut. Gifford of Dublin, and a number of other gentlemen, were murdered by the insurgents. This rebellion was quelled in 1799.
Kilkenny. Capital of a county of the same name in Ireland, on the Nore. After a siege the town surrendered to Cromwell, March 28, 1650, on honorable terms.
Killa (Ind.). A castle, fort, or fortress.
Killadar. The governor, or commandant of a fort in India.
Killala. A small seaport town of Ireland, in the county of Mayo. It was invaded by a French force landing from three frigates, under Gen. Humbert, August 22, 1798. The invaders were joined by the Irish insurgents, and the battles of Castlebar and Colooney followed; and the French were defeated at Ballinamuck, September 8 of the same year.
Killaloe. A town of Ireland, in the county Clare, 12 miles northeast of Limerick. This town was long the royal seat of the O’Briens; and at Kincora, about a mile to the north, are pointed out some remains of the residence. At Killaloe, in 1691, Gen. Sarsfield intercepted the artillery of William III. on its way to Limerick.