days, for to do so would be to bring almost certain disaster upon his
army.

The French fleet was expected to arrive shortly, and the Irish,
reinforced with men, arms, and supplies of every kind, would probably
resume the offensive during the winter, and he would find himself cut off
from all supplies and assistance. He determined, therefore, to make one
more effort before retiring.

He had, throughout the siege, been in communication with several Irish
officers of high rank, 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.