“Soh!” cried Wills, fiercely. “There will now be no summons to surrender. Let the attack commence forthwith.”
Brigadiers Dormer and Munden with the regiments under their command, then rode off to the north side of the town to attack the Lancaster avenue; while Lord Forrester led Preston’s foot towards the upper end of the Wigan avenue, followed by the dismounted dragoons, and sustained by Brigadier Honeywood’s regiment.
Shortly afterwards, sharp firing announced that the attack had commenced on both sides of the town.
BOOK VIII. — THE DEFENCE
CHAPTER I
The Barricades
RUDELY awakened from his slumbers at a far earlier hour than he usually allowed himself to be disturbed, by the intelligence that Wills was marching to attack him with his whole force, and scarcely able, even then, to credit the unwelcome news, and with an aching head, General Forster attired himself in haste, and, ordering a small troop of horse to attend him, rode forth to reconnoitre.
On reaching the Ribble Bridge, he found a party of Highlanders placed there, and was informed by Colonel Farquharson, who commanded them, that the king’s army was certainly approaching.
Still doubting, the general rode on for a few miles further, when he descried the vanguard of the enemy, and quickly turned back.
In the interval the Highlanders had left the bridge, their place being taken by three hundred of Lord Derwentwater’s men, under the command of Captain Shaftoe. Angry that this change should have been made without his sanction, Forster ordered Shaftoe to abandon the bridge and return to the town.
The order was very reluctantly obeyed. Captain Shaftoe would fain have proceeded to Penwortham to dislodge Parson Woods, but was not allowed.
Immediately on his return to the town, General Forster summoned a council of war, which was attended by all the English and Scottish leaders. They were quite alive to the danger of their position, and evidently had very little reliance either on the judgment or skill of their commander.
Under these circumstances the advice of Brigadier Mackintosh was urgently requested by Lord Derwentwater and others.
“You have greater military experience than any of us, brigadier,” said the earl. “What plan do you suggest?”
“Will you follow out my plan, if I offer it?” said the brigadier.
“We will,” replied the earl. “If we waste time in discussion, the enemy will be upon us.”
“Aweel, then,” said Mackintosh. “It will be useless to defend the bridge, since the river is fordable in many places, nor do I think it would be safe to risk a battle outside the town, because the Highlanders have not yet learned to face cavalry. Nothing frightens them so much as a charge of horse. For this reason I would have the battle take place within the town, where the cavalry, of which the enemy’s force chiefly consists, will be least serviceable, and where the Highlanders will fight well. Barricades and intrenchments can be thrown up in different parts of the streets so as to impede the advance of the enemy, and a destructive fire can be poured upon them from the roofs and windows of the houses.”
All approved of the plan, except Forster, and he was overruled.
“How many barricades shall we require? — and where do you propose to erect them?” said Lord Widdrington.
“Four will suffice,” replied the brigadier. “In fact, we haven’t time to form more. The first shall be placed a little below the church, and as it is likely to be the chief object of attack, I will take the command of it myself.”
“Why not make it at the extreme end of the street, so as to prevent the entrance of the enemy?” said Forster.
“There are so many lanes and avenues thereabouts that I should require more men than I possess to defend the post,” replied the brigadier. “The second barrier will be best placed, in my opinion, at the back of the house now occupied by Lord Derwentwater, and I would have it commanded by Lord Charles Murray.”
“I accept the post,” replied the gallant young nobleman.
“The third barrier should be in the Fishergate,” pursued the brigadier; “and it would be well served by Lord Strathmore’s men, under the command of Captain Douglas.”
“I am glad you have named me to a post of danger, brigadier,” said Captain Douglas. “I’ll do my best to maintain it.”
“The last battery must be near the windmill in the Lancaster avenue,” said the brigadier; “and I will confide it to my kinsman, Colonel Mackintosh, and his men.”
“I’ll take it,” replied the colonel; “and keep it — as long as I can.”
“And now let us set to work at once,” said the brigadier. “We haven’t a minute to lose.”
Thereupon they all went forth, and each person, to whom the construction and command of a barricade had been committed, called his men together, and proceeded to the appointed spot.
Such extraordinary exertions were made, and so many hands employed, that in an incredibly short space of time intrenchments were thrown up, and strong barriers formed.
The Earl of Derwentwater and Charles Radclyffe assisted in person in the formation of the Churchgate barrier. Stripping off their coats they worked like pioneers, and were greatly encouraged by the presence of the countess and Dorothy Forster.
As soon as the Churchgate barrier was completed, two of the ship guns brought from Lancaster were placed upon it and entrusted to the management of Tom Syddall and some of his men.
While these defensive preparations were going on, all the houses in Church- street and the Fishergate were filled with Highlanders and dismounted troopers, ready to fire upon the enemy from window, roof, and cellar.
In these two streets were the best houses of the town, and here Brigadier Mackintosh anticipated that the chief attack would be made.
The church, as already mentioned, was surrounded by an extensive churchyard, and here — as the most available place for the purpose — a strong force was collected.
On the north side of the edifice were posted the Lowlanders and Northumbrian gentlemen — the latter being now dismounted — under the command of Colonel Oxburgh and Colonel Brereton, who had lately joined as a volunteer.
On the south side were planted the Borderers, likewise dismounted, under the command of Captains Douglas and Hunter.
In a small street adjoining Sir Henry Hoghton’s house a small barrier had been formed by Captain Wogan and his regiment.
All the reserves were posted in the marketplace, and here were kept the horses of the dismounted troopers.
While the barriers were being formed, General Forster, attended by a small party of men, rode from point to point to give directions, which were not always obeyed.
Having finished his survey he entered the town-hall, where a great number of ladies had taken refuge — among whom was Mrs. Scarisbrick — and assured them they had nothing to fear.
“The enemy will never be able to penetrate the centre of the town,” he said. “All the fighting will take place at the barricades. We shall soon force them to retreat.”
“I am glad to find you are so confident,” said Mrs. Scarisbrick. “For my own part I confess I feel very uneasy — though I don’t doubt the bravery of our troops.”
“My preparations are so well made that we are quite unassailable,” said Forster. “The barriers will never be passed. Lady Derwentwater and my sister entertain so little apprehension of the result of the attack that they do not mean to quit Sir Henry Hoghton’s house, but will station themselves on the roof to witness the attack on the battery.”
“I begin to think I should like to see the commencement of the attack,” remarked Mrs. Scarisbrick. “It must be a very curious sight. And since you say there is no danger?”
“I don’t say so,” interrupted Forster. “On the contrary, there is very great danger. Stay where you are. You are quite safe here.”
“No, I will go,” she cried. “My curiosity is aroused. You shall take me to Sir Henry Hoghton’s house.”
“Don’t ask me!�
�� he cried. “I won’t do it.”
The lady, however, being determined, he was obliged to comply.
Ordering a trooper to follow him with his horse, he conducted her to Church- street, which was now full of soldiers, and left her at the entrance to Sir Henry Hoghton’s house. She would not allow him to go further, saying, she could easily find her way to the roof.
CHAPTER II
What the Countess and Dorothy beheld from the summit of the Mansion
NO position in the town, except, perhaps, the tower of the church, commanded so good a view of the proceedings as was obtained from the summit of this lofty mansion.
Part of the roof was flat, and protected by a balustrade, and it was here that the countess and Dorothy Forster were stationed.
They had come there, after witnessing the completion of the barricade at which the earl had assisted, and contemplated the scene with extraordinary interest.
From this spot they could clearly distinguish the movements of the enemy. They saw General Wills issue from the Wigan lane with his infantry and cavalry, and draw up in the fields to survey the town, and they could not help contrasting the appearance of the king’s soldiers with that of their own undisciplined troops.
After a time, they saw two brigades of horse and dragoons move off towards the other side of the town, and though these troops soon disappeared, the object of the movement was clear.
An attack was about to be made on the Lancaster avenue. Nor could it be doubted that a simultaneous attack would be made on the south by the forces left behind.
This conviction sent a thrill of terror through the breasts of the two lookers- on. But they were reassured when they perceived that both streets were now very strongly guarded — that the trenches were completed and cannon mounted on the barricades — that not only were troops thickly planted at the barriers, but the roofs and windows of all the houses were occupied by Highlanders and other soldiers — that the churchyard, which was almost opposite them, was full of troops — showing that if the enemy was ready to make the attack, their friends were prepared for a gallant defence.
Nor was this all. Looking towards the Broadway at the back of the garden, they could descry the barricade commanded by Lord Charles Murray, and saw that it was guarded by a large party of Highlanders, while the advanced guard of Northumbrian gentlemen, commanded by Captain Wogan, could likewise be seen posted at the end of a narrow street at the left.
In a word, all the approaches, so far as discernible, seemed well protected. The access to the market-place from Church-street was blocked up by cavalry.
Nor could they entertain any doubt that the preparations on the other side of the town were equally efficient. They felt sure that the Lancaster avenue would be well guarded by Colonel Mackintosh and the Clan Chattan. The spectacle thus presented to their gaze dispelled any misgivings, and filled them with ardour.
At this juncture Lord Derwentwater appeared on the roof, attended by Father Norman and Newbiggin.
“You must quit this place immediately,” he said. “The attack is about to commence. Father Norman and Newbiggin will take you to the town-hall, where you will be safe.”
“We shall see nothing at the town-hall,” said the countess. “I don’t think we are in the least danger here.”
“You cannot remain,” said the earl. “The lower part of the house is occupied by Captain Innes with a party of Highlanders, and when the attack commences, some of them will come to the roof.”
“Let us stay till then,” entreated Dorothy. “We must see the commencement of the attack.”
“I will not stir from the post at present,” said the countess.
“I shall never forgive myself if any disaster occurs,” said the earl. “I ought not to have consented to your remaining here so long. Why did you not yield to my entreaties? Had you set out yesterday, you would now be far on the road to Dilston.”
“You must blame me more than the countess, my lord,” said Dorothy. “I besought her to stay, and she yielded to my request.”
“Commit no further errors,” said Father Norman. “Quit this dangerous position immediately, and repair to the town-hall as suggested by his lordship.”
“Must we really go?” said the countess, with an appealing look to the earl. “Do let us stay for a few minutes longer!”
“Well, I consent,” he replied. “But only on the condition that you depart when Father Norman deems it prudent to do so. I commit them to your care, father.”
“Be sure I will watch over them, my son,” replied the priest.
“Newbiggin, I need not give any commands to you,” said the earl. “You will attend to your lady and Miss Forster.”
“With my life,” replied the butler.
Scarcely had the earl taken his departure than Mrs. Scarisbrick made her appearance on the roof, and took up her station by the other ladies.
“I am just in time,” she said, after greetings had passed between them. “General Forster says there is no danger here.”
“I hope not,” replied Dorothy. “But we shall not remain here long.”
Meantime, the Earl of Derwentwater had proceeded to the adjacent barrier, and taken up a position with Brigadier Mackintosh, who had likewise been joined by Lord Kenmure and the Earls of Wintoun and Nithsdale.
CHAPTER III
The Commencement of the Assault
A STRANGE and portentous quietude now prevailed, like the awful hush preceding a storm. All the insurgent troops were in position, and in momentary expectation of the attack.
The barricades were manned, the houses occupied with soldiers as we have mentioned, and the churchyard filled with troops. But not a sound proceeded from this vast collection of men.
Never before had Preston beheld such a sight. Except in the market-place, all business was suspended throughout the town, but here the houses were open, and the Mitre and the Bull were thronged.
Terrified to death at the thought of the approaching conflict, almost all the residents in Church-street and Fishergate had quitted their houses, and repaired to the centre of the town. It was the same thing in Friargate, and in many houses in the Lancaster avenue.
Thus in fear and trembling did the inhabitants of Preston await the commencement of the assault.
At length, a murmur arose from those stationed on the roofs of houses, and everywhere were heard the words, “They come.”
Then the countess and Dorothy, with hundreds of others who were gazing eagerly towards the Wigan avenue, beheld a body of red-coated foot soldiers issue from the lane, and march towards the street.
These were Preston’s foot. Captain Preston was with them himself, but on this occasion the regiment was commanded by Lord Forrester, who rode at their head.
The men looked very well, and presented a very gallant appearance. They were supported by two hundred and fifty dragoons, selected from five different regiments, each party being commanded by a captain, and the whole being commanded by Major Bland and Major Lawson.
Then came two regiments of dragoons under the command of Brigadier Honeywood.
Casting a rapid glance along the street, Lord Forrester instantly saw how matters stood, but ordered his men to attack the barricade, which presented a very formidable appearance with the cannon mounted upon it, and the troops collected behind it.
But the assailants had not advanced far, when such a terrible fire was poured upon them from the barricade, and from the roofs and windows of the houses, that they halted.
By this deadly discharge nearly fifty men were killed, or severely wounded. Loud shouts arose from the defenders of the barricade, and stifled the groans of the wounded.
The fire of the defenders was instantly returned by the assailants, but with comparatively little effect.
Urged on by Lord Forrester and Captain Preston the assailants marched on, but were checked by a second discharge quite as terrible as the first, while the cannon being well directed by Tom Syddall and his men, did great execution.
Thus much did the countess and Dorothy see, but they beheld no more. The spectacle of that street, filled with dying and dead, was too much for them, and they covered their eyes to shut out the dreadful sight.
“Shall I take you hence?” said Father Norman.
“Yes — yes!” cried the countess.
Casting one look at the barricade, and seeing that the earl was safe, she instantly quitted the roof with the priest and Newbiggin. The other ladies followed. The party did not venture into the street, but made their way through the garden at the back of the house. As they were speeding along, another discharge of musketry took place, accompanied by the roar of the cannon.
At the same time distant firing was heard on the north side of the town, showing that the attack had likewise begun in this quarter. A sergeant, despatched by Captain Innes, made way for them through the crowded street to the market-place.
No sooner had they reached the town-hall than the countess and Dorothy withdrew to a private room, with the priest, and spent some time in earnest devotions.
CHAPTER IV
Altercation between Forster and Mackintosh
FINDING it impossible to force his men to attack the barricade in the face of this incessant fire, Lord Forrester did not attempt any further advance for the present, but retiring to the end of the street, where he was sustained by the dismounted dragoons and Honeywood’s regiment, directed Captain Preston to lead a party of men through a narrow passage which he had observed to the back of the street, and, if possible, get possession of Sir Henry Hoghton’s House.
Captain Preston at once obeyed the order, but on reaching a thoroughfare, called the Broadway, at the back of the houses, he found his advance checked by the small barrier commanded by Captain Wogan. However, he unhesitatingly attacked it, but was repulsed.
While heading a second assault he was struck down by a shot, and would have instantly been cut to pieces if Captain Wogan, at the hazard of his own life, had not dashed to his assistance, and saved him from the swords raised against him.
The Works of William Harrison Ainsworth Page 745
