The destruction of the temporary bridge filled Ginckle and his officers with consternation, and the manner in which their design had been baffled showed the spirit of the defenders, and the magnitude of the task which they had undertaken.
But it was resolved, at another council which was called, to attempt one more effort before abandoning the enterprise.

A finished platform was constructed.

This was to be thrown over the arch, and a chosen body of the bravest troops in the army were to throw themselves across, and try to force a passage.

At the same time, a division was to cross the river by a ford near the bridge, and another to attempt to cross by a bridge of pontoons, prepared in readiness.
The Irish were informed, by French deserters, of what was going on in the English camp, and early on the morning of the assault, several strong divisions of the Irish army were seen marching down from the camp, two miles away, into the town.

Here they were drawn up, in readiness to repulse the assault.
The British were some time before they were ready for the attack, but at ten o'clock the whole army stood in close order, ready to advance.
The first to move forward were those who were to carry the bridge.