They calculated neither chances nor numbers, but rushed to the attack of any foe with a ferocity and fanaticism which almost ensured success, and they regarded the slaughter of a Papist as an acceptable service to the Lord.

They plundered wherever they went, and were a scourge to the Irish Protestants as well as Catholics.
The troops furnished by Derry were similar in character to those from Enniskillen.

They could not endure the restraints of discipline, and were little use in acting with the regular army, and, like the Cossacks, were formidable only when acting by themselves.

Schomberg and his successor, and, indeed, the whole of the English officers, soon came to abhor these savage and undisciplined allies.
Still, the Irish army made no move.

Report had magnified Schomberg's strength to more than twice its real numbers, and the military leaders could not believe that, after so many months of preparation, William had despatched so small an army for the conquest of Ireland.
Confusion and dismay reigned in Dublin.