Macarthy, who had been rewarded for his services in Munster with the title of Viscount Mountcashel, marched towards Lough Erne from the east with three regiments of foot, two regiments of dragoons, and some troops of cavalry.

A considerable force, which lay encamped near the mouth of the river Drowes, was at the same time to advance from the west.

The Duke of Berwick was to come from the north, with such horse and dragoons as could be spared from the army which was besieging Londonderry.

The Enniskilleners were not fully apprised of the whole plan which had been laid for their destruction; but they knew that Macarthy was on the road with a force exceeding any which they could bring into the field.

Their anxiety was in some degree relieved by the return of the deputation which they had sent to Kirke.