ope could
discern their numbers to be about 8000. They had two stand of white
Colours, and some Soldiers (I suppose those taken that morning)
along with them. Here I met ten or twelve Loyalists with fire arms;
two or three of their company were just murdered by the Rebel
picquets, and some more wounded. Having procured a musket I advanced
with four more till we came in sight of the dead bodies; but as the
Rebel scouts were within musket shot we did not think it prudent to
venture farther.

Seeing a Man covered with blood a distance from me, I called to him;
he crawled forward and fell at my feet,--he was a Loyalist, and had
received a dreadful wound from a broad sword on the head, and a few
slight wounds on other parts of the body. Imagining there was no
probability of his recovery, I advised him to make the best use of
the few remaining moments he had, but on examining his wounds, and
having cause to believe they were not mortal, I bound them up in the
best manner I could, and procuring a horse to carry him, my friend
and I at the risk of our lives brought him four miles across the
mountains to Castle-Comber, were he was dressed: He is now perfectly
recovered; and the happiness which the remembrance of that transaction
affords me, more than compensates for the danger and labour which
attended it.

From seven till ten o'Clock the roads were crowded with the
Protestants flying from all parts of the adjacent country, into
Castle-Comber. At one o'Clock a Troop of the 4th Dragoons, a Company
of the Downshire Militia, and a few Yeomen arrived from Ballinakill;
these with a Troop of the R. Irish Dragoons, two Companies of the
Waterford Militia, and one Corps of Yeomen Cavalry, about two
hundred and fifty in all, made up the whole of our Military force;
a small number to oppose 8000 Furies! but that the Battle is not to
the strong, the event of that day proved.

About four o'Clock, the Rebels arrived at Gurteen, three miles from
Castle Comber, where they heard Mass; at five they had Mass again,
(it being a holyday) at the Gizebo, a mile nearer.

Between six and seven the engagement began at Cool-bawn, one mile
and half from Town. Being with the advanced Guard I was present at
the commencement. The Rebels advanced in the most daring manner, and
in pretty good order, having placed their Musketeers in the front
who kept up a brisk fire. I continued behind the Infantry for about
fifteen minutes, during which time the balls w