Mr. James Verner, hearing of the fighting, sent for a party of the North Mayo Militia, then stationed in Dungannon, but hearing that peace had been restored he withdrew them to the river Blackwater for other duty. He and Mr. Joseph Atkinson, Crow Hill, were the only acting magistrates in the district.

On the morning of the 18th a skirmish took place in the townland of Teaguy, in which one of the Defenders was killed. Affairs now began to assume a more serious aspect. During the day Mr. Archdall Cope and his brother, Mr.Robert Camden Cope, Councillor Archdall, Fathers Taggart, McParland and Traynor met at the house of Mr. Atkinson, Crow Hill and all went to the hill on which the Protestants were assembled. Mr. Archdall Cope and Father Taggart suggested that the Protestants should lay down their arms, but Mr. Atkinson declared they would not do so until the others laid down theirs first, as they were violating the law in having arms at all. Father Taggart said they should fight it out, and Mr. replied : With all my heart. They then rode over to the camp of the Defenders at Faughart Hill, where a gun was presented at Mr. Atkinson, but a brave woman caught it, declaring that her landlord would not be shot. This act incensed the Protestants so much that they swore they would exterminate the invaders, who replied in similar language.

After this Mr. Atkinson and the remainder of the party returned to Crow Hill, where written articles of amity were drawn up by Councillor Archdall, and Mr. Atkinson and Father Taggart respectively entered into security for the parties to the amount of £5OO, which was to be forfeited by the security of the party which broke the treaty. Simon Prescott was counter security with Mr. Atkinson, and Terence McKeown with Father Taggart. It is stated that McKeown was actively engaged on the 21st in destroying furniture in the houses of Protestants. The priests remained for dinner. At night they proposed remaining until morning. Not having beds for all, Mr. Atkinson suggested that they sit up all night, and they did so. Mr. Atkinson told the Protestants who came during the night with the complaint that they should not fire a shot, but if the Defenders attacked them in their houses, to defend their lives and properties to the last.

On Saturday the skirmishing continued. On Sunday and Sunday night all remained quiet.