Above: Map of Leinster

In Leinster, meanwhile, another insurrection had broken out under the leadership of James Eustace, Viscount Baltinglass. Baltinglass had some personal grievances: he had been fined for attending Mass, and he alleged, besides, that he could not admit the title of the Queen to be regarded as Head of the church. Fiach Mac Hugh O’Byrne, the powerful Wicklow chief, joined him, and they lurked amongst the mountains, waiting for a favourable opportunity to attack the English forces. This opportunity was soon afforded them by the imprudence of the new Deputy. In spite of the advice of those of his officers who were experienced in Irish wars, he started out against the enemy, marching his army through the valleys of the Dublin and Wicklow mountains. At length they reached Glenmalure, a narrow valley, bordered on both sides by steep hills.

Above : Illustrating Picture Of “Battle Of Ross”

On June 5th Bagenal Harvey, at the head of about 5,000 men, attacked the town of New Ross, which was defended by General Johnson with nearly 1,500 troops and some effective artillery, with which the insurgents were wholly unprovided. The battle that ensued was the most desperate and sternly contested of the whole rebellion. It lasted over twelve hours. The attacking forces fought with wonderful courage. As they rushed tumultuously towards the town gate, they were mowed down in dozens by the chain shot.” But others succeeded them,” who ” rushed on our troops with renewed ardour.” At length the gate was carried and the insurgents poured into the town. When this much was achieved, however, they regarded the victory as won, and, behaving as undisciplined peasant forces always under such circumstances do behave, they dispersed in all directions; some to drink in the publichouses, some to plunder. General Johnson, seeing the state of affairs, rallied the British troops, and succeeded, after a desperate conflict, in regaining the town. The insurgents retreated, leaving the streets strewn with their dead. They are said to have lost almost 2,000 men.