Cromwell soon after arrived in Dublin, where he was welcomed with shouts and rejoicings.

He hastened to Tredah.

That town was well fortified: Ormond had thrown into it a good garrison of three thousand men, under Sir Arthur Aston, an officer of reputation.

He expected that Tredah, lying in the neighborhood of Dublin, would first be attempted by Cromwell, and he was desirous to employ the enemy some time in that siege, while he himself should repair his broken forces.

But Cromwell knew the importance of despatch.