these a large proportion were raw recruits.  The officers, however, were brave and skilful; but they had only twelve field-pieces, which had been recently received from France.  On the 22nd, news came that James had encamped near Dundalk; on the 23rd he marched towards Drogheda.  On the same day William went to Newry; he was thoroughly aware of the movements of his hapless father-in-law, for deserters came into his camp from time to time.  James obtained his information from an English officer, Captain Farlow, and some soldiers whom he made prisoners at a trifling engagement which took place between Newry and Dundalk.

James now determined on a retreat to the Boyne through Ardee.  His design was to protract the campaign as much as possible,—­an arrangement which suited his irresolute habits; but where a kingdom was to be lost or won, it only served to discourage the troops and to defer the decisive moment.

The hostile forces confronted each other for the first time on the banks of the Boyne, June 30, 1689.  The Jacobite army was posted on the declivity of the Hill of Dunore—­its right wing towards Drogheda, its left extending up the river.  The centre was at the small hamlet of Oldbridge.  Entrenchments were hastily thrown up to defend the fords, and James took up his position at a ruined church on the top of the Hill of Dunore.  The Williamite army approached from the north, their brave leader directing every movement, and inspiring his men with courage and confidence.  He obtained a favourable position, and was completely screened from view until he appeared on the brow of the hill, where his forces debouched slowly and steadily into the ravines below.  After planting his batteries on the heights, he kept up an incessant fire on the Irish lines during the afternoon of the 30th.  But James’ officers were on the alert, even if their King were indifferent.  William was recognized as he approached near their lines to reconnoitre.  Guns were brought up to bear on him quietly and stealthily; “six shots were fired at him, one whereof fell and struck off the top of the Duke Wurtemberg’s pistol and the whiskers of his horse, and another tore the King’s coat on his shoulder."[543]

William, like a wise general as he was, took care that the news of his accident should not dispirit his men.  He showed himself everywhere, rode through the camp, was as agreeable as it was in his nature to be; and thus made capital of what might have been a cause of disaster.  In the meantime James did all that was possible to secure a defeat.  At one moment he decided to retreat, at the next he would risk a battle; then he sent off his baggage and six of his field-pieces to Dublin, for his own special protection; and while thus so remarkably careful of himself, he could not be persuaded to allow the most necessary precaution to be taken for the safety of his army.  Hence the real marvel to posterity is, not that the battle of the Boyne should have been lost