The Enniskilleners were under three thousand; and they had marched in such haste that they had brought only one day's provisions.

It was therefore absolutely necessary for them either to fight instantly or to retreat.

Wolseley determined to consult the men; and this determination, which, in ordinary circumstances, would have been most unworthy of a general, was fully justified by the peculiar composition and temper of the little army, an army made up of gentlemen and yeomen fighting, not for pay, but for their lands, their wives, their children, and their God.

The ranks were drawn up under arms; and the question was put, "Advance or Retreat ?" The answer was an universal shout of "Advance." Wolseley gave out the word, "No Popery." It was received with loud applause.

He instantly made his dispositions for an attack.