The morning of Tuesday, the 1st of July, 1690, broke calm and bright.

At about six o'clock in the morning the English right wing, under General Douglas and Count Schomberg, marched towards Slane.

It consisted of twenty-four squadrons of horse, and six battalions of infantry.

As they marched along at the back of the river, they discovered several shallows, and crossed without proceeding as far as Slane.

No serious resistance was offered to their passage of the Boyne, as the Irish had here only some parties of skirmishers, who fell back as they advanced.
After forming the troops in order, Douglas and Schomberg advanced, but presently perceived the French battalions and a great part of the Irish cavalry, forming the left wing of James's army, drawn up in order at some distance.