they seemed to be at rest,
and remained quiet except when relieving their Centinels, till four
o'Clock, when they were observed to move to the right along the
Ridge towards Kelly-mount and New-bridge.

[Footnote A: _The writer omitted the date._]

In the course of the evening several false alarms electrified the
inhabitants here--Yet the Garrison was left the whole day at rest.
Next morning Sir C. Asgill marched with a large force, consisting of
two pieces of Artillery, part of the Wexford and Wicklow regiments,
of the 4th, 5th, and 9th, Dragoons, of Hompesch's Cavalry, the
Romney Fencibles, and of the Kilkenny, Gowran, Fassadineen
Shillelogher, Desart, Thomastown, Myshall, and Kellishin Cavalry,
he was joined on the march by the Leighlin-bridge Infantry, and part
of the Downshire Militia, with their Artillery, also the Maryborough
and Ballyfin Corps of Yeomen Cavalry.

About six o'Clock he came up with the Rebel Army, amounting to from
five to six thousand men, advantageously posted on a rising ground,
in an extensive flat, at Kilcomny, near Gore's-Bridge--nothing could
exceed the joy of our brave Soldiers, after so many fatiguing
marches, at last to have a pleasing prospect of retaliating; the
Officers were constantly obliged to restrain their ardour. The
engagement began with a terrible fire of Artillery, which the Rebels
returned with quickness, but entirely without effect.

A very hot fire was kept up near an hour, but unable to withstand
the impetuosity of our troops the Rebels began to give way, and fled
towards the Co. Wexford.

A horrible slaughter now ensued, which lasted six or seven hours,
nor did it cease while a Rebel was to be seen--1100 Rebels were left
dead on the field of Action! among whom was the _invulnerable
commander Murphy_. This victory was so very decisive that we have
got possession of all their Artillery, amounting to 15 pieces of
different callibre--all their Standards, Ammunition, and Baggage,
a vast number of Pikes, Muskets, Swords, &c. 700 horses, a great
quantity of black cattle, Sheep, &c. also a vast quantity of
bedding, blanketting, and wearing apparel which were given up to
the Soldiers who bravely contended for the same.

Yours, &c. &c.----

LETTER V.

MARYBOROUGH, APRIL 20th, 1799.

_My Dr. Friend_,

Being desirous of making public the valour of the Troops of this
town under the command of Major Matthews of the Royal Downshire
Regiment, against the Rebels, I