and especially with General Clifford, who
commanded the cavalry posted on the river opposite to his camp. These
officers were as desirous as he was of bringing the war to an end, for
they foresaw that if, after the arrival of the French, they succeeded in
driving the English out of the country, Ireland would simply become a
dependency of France, and they preferred the English connection to this.
Ginckle determined to try, again, the same feint which had succeeded at
Athlone. The workmen were kept busy repairing the works at Kilmallock,
and preparing that place for the reception of the army. The greater
portion of the baggage, and a regiment of Danes, were sent forward to
that town. The batteries ceased firing, and the cannon were dismounted at
several points, and the Irish were persuaded that the siege was about to
be abandoned.

Meanwhile, Ginckle was busy collecting boats, and preparing a bridge
across to a small island, which lay not far from the Clare side of the
river. On a dark night, the boats were brought up and the bridge
constructed, and, led by six hundred grenadiers, a strong force of
infantry, cavalry, and artillery crossed to the island, and then waded
through the shallow water beyond to the mainland.

A few men, posted on the island, carried the news to Clifford, but he
gave no orders to the four regiments of cavalry and two of infantry under
his command, nor did he send any notice to the camp. Some of the infantry
and cavalry, however, ran without orders to the bank, and kept the
grenadiers in check until the British cavalry had crossed, and compelled
them to fall back. The British cavalry then dashed forward to the Irish
cavalry camp, which they took completely by surprise. Panic stricken at
this unexpected attack, the soldiers and the citizens in the town camp
fled in all directions, and, great numbers rushing to Thomond Bridge,
entered the city by that narrow approach.

Had Ginckle at once pushed forward, he would have captured almost the
whole of the Irish officials and civilians on the Clare side of the
river; but, fearing an ambuscade, he halted his troops before advancing
to the Irish camp, and this gave time for most of them to escape. Being
afraid that the garrison would sally out from the town, and attack his
lines on the other side of the river, he recrossed the Shannon with his
troops, carrying with them a crowd of civilians, among them a number of
persons of rank, and officials with the r