General McCarthy had been detached, with a corps of six thousand men, against the Enniskilleners.

He came up with them near Newtown Butler.

Although but two thousand strong, the Enniskilleners, who were commanded by Colonel Wolseley, an English officer, at once attacked the Irish, only a portion of whom had come upon the ground.
McCarthy, who was a brave and experienced officer, sent orders to the cavalry to face to the right, and march to the support of the wing that was attacked.

The officer gave the order "right--about face," and the cavalry turned and trotted towards the rear.

The infantry, believing that they were deserted by the horse, at once lost heart and fell into confusion.
McCarthy, while endeavouring to remedy the disorder, was wounded and taken prisoner, and the flight became general.