These were long
and obstinately contested.
The Irish had cut openings through the hedges by which they could retire,
and, as they fell back from hedge to hedge, the advancing British were
received by a fire from hedges on both flanks, as well as from the front.
As the British poured regiment after regiment to the attack, Saint Ruth
moved some bodies of horse and foot, from his left, to the support of his
right wing.
This movement had been foreseen by Ginckle, who now gave orders for
several battalions of infantry to cross the bog, and attack the Irish
centre. At this point there was a path across the bog, or rather a place
where the mud and water were not so deep as at other points, and where it
was possible for it to be forded. Ginckle had found a peasant, who, for a
large sum of money, disclosed the passage. It traversed the bog at its
narrowest point, the hill of Kilcomeden here running out a shoulder far
into it. Four regiments entered the morass, with orders to cross it, and
make their way to the nearest hedges on the sloping ground, where they
were to post themselves till the cavalry, who were to attempt the passage
by Aughrim Castle, could come round to their support.
The first part of the passage was unopposed, but the difficulty of
passing was great, for the men were frequently up to their waists in mud,
too soft to afford any firm footing, but solid enough to render it
extremely difficult for the feet to be disengaged from it.
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