battle, as Bagenal's column was ambushed on its way to and from the castle at Monaghan town. On its way to Monaghan, the English column was ambushed at Crossdall, about 4 miles (6.5 km) from the town. The English column, as described by Captain Francis Stafford, was engaged at "a place of very great disadvantage for us which he [O'Neill] knew we would pass named Crosdawlye". Tyrone sent 700-800 Irish troops armed with muskets and calivers (together known as 'shot') to contest the pass, but he was careful to ensure they were "continually seconded from their battle". There was no single English officer in charge, therefore Captain Richard Cuney drew out 150 men to hold back the Irish and enable the rest of the English army to pass. Cuney skirmished for perhaps four hours, then rejoined the column as the rear passed through to Monaghan. The action cost the English 12 killed and 30 wounded. As Bagenal's army neared Monaghan, the Irish besieging the town withdrew. The English garrison was re-supplied and reinforced with one company. Bagenal had misgivings about his supply of gunpowder and lead, much of which had been spent on the way, and could afford little for the garrison before he started back. The following day, 27 May, Bagenal set out for Newry in a column, but by another route past the townland of Clontibret and through drumlin country, which abounded with hills, bogs, and woods, making it ideal for an ambush. Bagenal claimed this was to protect women and children accompanying the army. Tyrone positioned troops on either side of the new line of march but, fortunately for Bagenal, Tyrone could not bring his full force to bear since an amphibious raid in Tyrconnell by Sir George Bingham had caused Tyrone's closest ally, Hugh Roe O'Donnell, to withdraw to Tyrconnell. Tyrone's army – about 4,000 strong – consisted of contingents from the O'Neills, MacMahons and Maguires, as well as Scottish mercenaries. The Irish also deployed a greatly enlarged force of cavalry, musketeers and caliver-men. To Bagenal's puzzlement, the caliver-men wore red coats and fought expertly. Bagenal deployed his men into three bodies - the van, battle, and rear - each with a core of pikemen supported by musketeers and caliver-men. Tyrone had sent his brother, Cormac MacBaron, to occupy high ground at Crossaghy on the English right, and shot were placed in a bog on the