ere whistling on every
side. I was so ignorant as to enquire what occasioned the whistling
noise, and being informed it proceeded from the balls, I began to
think of providing for my safety, as my presence there was useless,
having at this time no Arms. I then planted myself behind the pier
of a gate; but observing the Rebels advance and the Soldiers to give
way, I rode back to the Town: the Cavalry followed immediately, and
just behind me shot a villain who had the audacity to desire the
Officer to surrender the Town. Here I had a miraculous escape; for
many of the Infantry who came down close behind me were shot, by
lurking Rebels from behind the hedges.

The Military then took possession of the Bridge, where the battle
continued hot for the space of fifteen minutes, when Captain G--n.
ordered a retreat: the Cavalry and part of the Infantry instantly
obeyed, but about twenty of the Waterford Militia absolutely refused,
declaring "they would prefer death to dishonour." they were mostly
Roman Catholics! I had not heard the order, but my horse taking head
ran off; when I knew their intentions, I did not attempt to prevent
him. We halted about a mile and half from the Town, when looking
behind we beheld it all in a blaze, the Rebel Inhabitants and some
who came the back way, set it on fire. The firing ceased for a few
minutes, the cause I know not, but words cannot express what I felt
that moment; I concluded that my unoffending friends had fallen
victims to the human Savages: they were presented to my imagination
in a thousand dreadful forms. God pardon my feelings in that moment!
how hard it is to forgive such Enemies. I proceeded slowly till I met
General Asgill, with about 1000 Men: with these I returned, sunk with
sorrow, fearing the tragic sight which I expected to present itself on
entering the Town would be too much to bear; but thanks be to God my
fears were groundless,--the few Military which remained, and about
thirty Protestants, who were determined to fight for their Wives and
Children, or perish with them, kept possession, nor suffered a Rebel
to cross the Bridge. Our Cannon in mistake played on the Town for some
time, but providentially no lives were lost thereby. The Rebels on
sight of the reinforcement took shelter in the woods, and from thence
killed a few of the Military; but eighteen rounds of Grape shot
dislodged them. 'Twas four in the afternoon before they retreated. It
is said 400 of the Rebels fe