While the siege was going on, a number of desultory engagements took
place, in different parts of the country, between the Protestant militia
which had been lately raised, and the bands of rapparees, with varying
success.
The season was getting late. Ginckle was again becoming straitened for
provisions, for the proclamations which he issued failed to inspire the
peasantry with any confidence. He now erected a battery, of thirty-five
guns, against King's Island; and, after an incessant cannonade of some
days, a breach was effected in the wall between the abbey and
Ballsbridge. Preparations were made for crossing the arm of the Shannon
and assaulting the breach; but the works constructed for crossing the
river were repeatedly destroyed by the Irish, and the idea of assault
upon the breach was, at length, abandoned. So desperate did Ginckle now
think his position, that he issued orders for the repair of the
fortifications of Kilmallock, intending to raise the siege and establish
his winter quarters there; but he postponed taking this step for a few
days, for to do so would be to bring almost certain disaster upon his
army.
The French fleet was expected to arrive shortly, and the Irish,
reinforced with men, arms, and supplies of every kind, would probably
resume the offensive during the winter, and he would find himself cut off
from all supplies and assistance.
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