ith a body of Rebels, supposed to be between six and seven
thousand men, near Saintfield.

The Light Infantry, commanded by Captain Chetwynd advanced with
great gallantry to secure an eminence on the right, which having
accomplished, he was attacked by a force of at least three thousand
Rebels--the front armed with pikes, the centre and rear with
muskets, whose fire galled them severely till the body of the Troops
and Field Pieces came up, when the Rebels were routed with huge
slaughter. The Rebels by their own account lost above five hundred
men, among whom were many of their leaders. The King's Troops after
routing the Insurgents marched to Comber, where they halted during
the night--next morning proceeded to this Town.

I am much concerned to inform you of the loss of three brave
Officers by those miscreants hands in this action--_Capt. Chetwynd_,
_Lieut. Unite_, and _Ensign J. Sparks_: Lieut. Edenson was wounded.
The whole return of his Majesty's Troops were--29 Killed, and 22
wounded. Not only the valour of the other Officers that fell in
this engagement deserves to be publickly recorded, but that of the
amiable, gallant and much beloved Capt. C. ought not to be passed
without particular notice--This brave fellow at the head of his men
received no less than nine pike wounds! notwithstanding which he
continued his position, encouraging by his example his men to fight
like loyal Soldiers; till alas, two wounds from muskets deprived
this hero of his existence, and our country of his future services.

Poor Sparks--whose race of glory was now ended, was but sixteen
years old, and had just before he fell, received for his intrepid
conduct the public approbation of his commanding Officer.

Too much praise cannot be given the Newtownards and Comber Yeomen
Cavalry, who, conducted by Captains Houghton and Cleland, evidenced
the greatest intrepidity during the whole of the action.

If it be possible to convince those deluded creatures who were then
in arms against the peace and prosperity of this Nation, and of
their certain destruction, should they again have recourse to such
rebellious measures, it must be the event of the above action, where
so many were cut off by such an inferior force.

P. S. It was ludicrous to behold the varied badges of distinction as
worn by the Rebel chiefs; some were dressed in green jackets, turned up
with white, others yellow, white vests, buckskin breeches, half-boots,
hats with white co