The conflict only lasted for a few minutes, and ended in the complete rout of the dragoons, several of whom were killed, including the captain. Very little loss was sustained by the insurgents.
Quite surprised with what he had done, and fearing his retreat might be cut off if he attempted pursuit, Captain Gordon galloped back as hard as he could to the Fishergate avenue.
He was only just in time. The encounter had been witnessed by the two squadrons of Pitt’s dragoons stationed near the river, and they both endeavoured to intercept him, but he and the Borderers were safe behind the barriers before either could come up.
Captain Gordon gained great credit by this achievement, which was one of the last performed by the insurgents.
CHAPTER II
Meeting of Carpenter and Wills
PREPARATIONS were made by the insurgent leaders at all the barricades for a renewal of hostilities, and Brigadier Mackintosh had just given orders to Tom Syddall to commence the demolition of the two large houses in Church-street, when word was brought that a very large force, consisting of more than two thousand horse, could be seen approaching from the north.
No doubt could be entertained that this force belonged to General Carpenter, who must have made an early march from Clitheroe in order to effect a junction with Wills before the attack was resumed.
All was now consternation among the besieged, who felt that some immediate step must be taken, or they would be shut in.
Colonel Mackintosh proposed to sally forth with his men, and consulted the brigadier, who dissuaded him from the attempt, declaring it impracticable.
As usual, General Forster was completely undecided.
Half an hour later, General Carpenter arrived, and took up a position on the north side of the town. He was accompanied by the Earl of Carlisle and Lord Lumley, and rode at the head of Churchill’s, Molesworth’s, and Cobham’s dragoons.
With these were several regiments of horse, making a total of two thousand five hundred men.
No wonder such an accession of force should have utterly extinguished the hopes of the insurgents.
Immediately on his arrival, General Carpenter rode up an eminence, and was looking at the Windmill barricade, when a shot fired from the cannon planted on that barrier fell very near him, and caused him to shift his position.
While he was giving some directions to Colonel Churchill, General Wills rode up, attended by Colonel Pitt, and expressed his satisfaction at seeing him.
“In resigning the command of the force to you, general,” he said, “I hope you will approve of the manner in which I have conducted the operations of the siege. Even if I had not had the advantage of your assistance, I doubt not that I should have been able to conclude the affair to-day. The rebels, I am bound to say, have fought very bravely, and have made a very gallant defence, especially the Highlanders; but I have determined, at any cost, to take the barricade commanded by Brigadier Mackintosh, and then they must surrender.”
“You have done very well, general,” replied Carpenter. “Nothing could be better. Retain your command. I will not deprive you of the victory you have so nearly achieved.”
“I thank you, general, and am proud to receive your commendation,” replied Wills. “But I bow to your experience, and any suggestions you may offer shall be immediately adopted. Before the decisive attack is made, I should wish you to survey the town.”
“I propose to do so,” replied Carpenter.
Having posted six squadrons of dragoons under the command of Colonel Churchill to prevent any attempt at flight from the Windmill barricade, General Carpenter rode down towards the south side of the town with Wills.
They were attended by a strong guard, and accompanied by the two noblemen previously mentioned. On the way they met Sir Henry Hoghton with a party of militia, and while General Carpenter was conversing with Sir Henry, Parson Woods and a dozen of his men came up from the ford, with some fugitive insurgents, whom they had just captured.
Learning from Woods that constant escapes were taking place from the Fishergate avenue, General Carpenter gave orders that the outlet should be effectually blocked up without delay, so as not only to check any further flight, but prevent supplies of provisions from being brought in.
Finding that the entrance to the Churchgate avenue was inconveniently crowded so that the troops could not act, Carpenter made a different disposition of the troops; and deeming it probable that a most determined attempt at escape might be made from the north of the town, he caused this outlet to be still more strongly guarded.
When all these orders had been executed, and every outlet was blocked up, the two generals divided their forces, and completely surrounded the town.
CHAPTER III
General Forster wishes to capitulate
FROM his post on the church-tower, Captain Gordon had witnessed these proceedings and reported them to Brigadier Mackintosh.
Though not disheartened, the brave old Highlander felt that the situation was one of the utmost peril, and could perceive only one way of extricating himself from it, but this he was unwilling to adopt, unless joined by his English allies, and he felt sure that Forster had not resolution enough for such a course of action.
His men, however, could hardly be restrained. No sooner did they discover that they were pent up in the town, than they wished to sally forth, sword in hand, and cut their way through the enemy.
The brigadier told them it was too soon — that they must wait till night — and if nothing happened in the interim, he would lead them forth.
Colonel Mackintosh’s men were equally impatient, and though they saw the squadrons of dragoons posted near the Lancaster avenue, they would have attempted to cut a passage through them, if allowed.
Meanwhile a conference took place at the Mitre between General Forster, the Earl of Derwentwater, Lord Widdrington, and Colonel Oxburgh.
As it was now evident that the town was completely blocked up, and could not hold out long, it was necessary that some terms of surrender should immediately be made.
Lord Derwentwater recommended that a council of war should be called at once, at which all the Scottish leaders should assist, but Forster would not accede to the proposition.
“If Mackintosh and the rest are consulted, we shall never be able to make good terms with Carpenter and Wills,” said Forster. “Let them treat for themselves.”
“But it will not be fair to treat without them,” observed the earl.
“Nothing whatever will be done, if Mackintosh is consulted,” said Lord Widdrington. “Our estates I fear will be confiscated, but we must make an effort to save our lives.”
“I fear the attempt will be useless,” said Lord Derwentwater. “And I would die rather than do aught dishonourable.”
“There is nothing dishonourable in what I propose,” said Forster; “but I feel certain the Scots will never consent to a surrender.”
“Yes, they would consider themselves degraded by such submission,” said Lord Derwentwater.
“If they choose to throw away their lives they must do so,” said Lord Widdrington. “But do not let us act thus rashly.”
“I am acquainted with General Wills,” said Colonel Oxburgh, “and if you desire it, I will propose a treaty to him. Rest assured, I will assent to no disgraceful terms.”
Lord Derwentwater was still very unwilling that the step should be taken without consulting Brigadier Mackintosh, but he yielded at last to the representations of Lord Widdrington and Forster.
CHAPTER IV
Colonel Oxburgh proposes Terms of Surrender to Wills
ABOUT half an hour later, Colonel Oxburgh, preceded by a trumpeter on horseback, rode out of the Fishergate.
He was immediately stopped by the guard, but on explaining his errand, was conducted by a sergeant and two dragoons to Wills’s tent, which was about a quarter of a mile off.
General Wills was seated at a small table in the centre of the tent, when Colonel Oxburgh was announced
by a sentinel.
Wills raised his head, and looking at him very sternly, demanded his business.
“You will guess it without difficulty, I think, general,” replied Oxburgh. “I am come to propose that the insurgent force shall lay down their arms in the confident expectation that you will recommend them for pardon to the king.”
“Entertain no such expectation, sir,” rejoined Wills, still more sternly. “I will not treat with rebels. Those for whom you plead have killed many of the king’s subjects, and deserve death.”
“But since they are willing to submit, general, I hope that consideration may be shown them,” said Oxburgh.
“Expect none from me, sir,” rejoined Wills, harshly. “Clemency is thrown away on rebels. Go back to those who sent you. Tell them, if they lay down their arms, and submit themselves prisoners at discretion, I will prevent my soldiers from cutting them to pieces, and spare their lives till his majesty’s pleasure is known. That is all I will promise.”
“Do you require an immediate decision, general?
“I will give you an hour — no more,” replied Wills.
“I am greatly disappointed, general,” said Colonel Oxburgh. “I expected very different terms from you.”
“I have already told you that I will make no terms with rebels such as you,” rejoined Wills. “If you are not satisfied, return to the town, and an hour hence — to the minute — I will attack you, and put you to the sword.”
“Do you mean me to understand, general,” said Oxburgh, looking at him steadfastly, “that King George will show us no mercy?”
“I do not say that,” replied Wills. “Nor do I hold out any promise. Your best chance of obtaining mercy is by surrendering yourselves prisoners at discretion.”
Finding nothing more could be obtained, Colonel Oxburgh departed.
CHAPTER V
Captain Dalziel has a Conference with Wills
INQUIRING glances were thrown at the envoy as he rode through the Fishergate barricade, but he went on till he was stopped by Brigadier Mackintosh, who said to him in a fierce voice:
“What means this cessation of arms? Why have you quitted the town? You have been sent by Forster to propose a treaty for capitulation — and without privity or concurrence of the Scots.”
“General Forster has betrayed us — has sold us!” cried several Highlanders. “We will shoot him.”
“No treaty has been agreed upon,” cried Oxburgh in a loud voice, so that all might hear. “I have seen General Wills, who demands an unconditional surrender from all — Scotsmen as well as Englishmen. An hour is granted for consideration — but a fourth part of the time has already expired,” he added, consulting his watch.
“What say you, my men?” cried Mackintosh. “Will you surrender?”
“Never!” they cried. “We will die sword in hand.”
“I warn you that no quarter will be given,” said Oxburgh.
“We will neither give nor take quarter,” cried the Highlanders. “We will show the Southrons how brave men can die.”
“Then I am to understand, brigadier, that you utterly refuse the terms?” said Oxburgh.
“Utterly!” replied Mackintosh.
Just then General Forster was seen coming along on horseback, accompanied by the Earl of Derwentwater and Lord Widdrington.
Fearing some mischief might happen in the present infuriated state of the Highlanders, Oxburgh signed to the general to go back, and the brigadier also called to his men energetically to keep quiet, but despite the interdiction, several shots were fired.
Fortunately Forster escaped, but he would not expose himself further. Turning round, he galloped back towards the market-place, followed more deliberately by the two noblemen.
Immediately afterwards, the Earl of Nithsdale, the Earl of Wintoun, the Earl of Carnwath, and his brother Captain Dalziel, rode up to the spot, and stopping Colonel Oxburgh, who was about to depart, demanded an explanation.
“We have been betrayed by Forster — that is all that can be told,” cried Mackintosh, scornfully.
“General Forster is no traitor, my lords,” said Oxburgh, firmly. “I have just seen Wills, who refuses to make any treaty with us, and insists that we shall lay down our arms. Our answer must be given within an hour, and but little of it now remains.”
“We have had no time for deliberation,” said Lord Carnwath.
“Perchance, if you go to General Wills in person, my lords, you may obtain some further respite,” said Oxburgh. “I can obtain nothing.”
“Shall I go as representative of the Scottish forces?” said Captain Dalziel.
“Go at once, or it will be too late. You have not many minutes left,” said Oxburgh.
“Do you agree to the step, brigadier?” asked Captain Dalziel.
“Act as those desire who have more to lose than I have,” said Mackintosh.
“Then go,” cried the three Scottish nobles.
Thereupon, Captain Dalziel rode forth, and preceded by the same trumpeter who had attended Colonel Oxburgh, made all haste to General Wills’s tent.
A conference was granted him.
“Are you aware of the terms I have offered to Colonel Oxburgh?” said Wills. “They apply to the whole rebel army — English and Scots. I can make no distinction.”
“But the Scottish chiefs, whom I represent, request some further time — say till seven o’clock tomorrow morning — to consult as to the best mode of delivering up our forces. It will not be an easy matter.”
“If you find it difficult, leave it to me,” said Wills, with a stern smile. “I cannot grant the delay you request without consulting General Carpenter — but you shall hear from me.”
And with a haughty bow he dismissed him.
CHAPTER VI
How Forster learnt that he had been betrayed
AFTER riding away from the exasperated Highlanders, Forster alighted at the town-hall, and meeting Charles Radclyffe and Captain Shaftoe told them what had happened.
“I believe Brigadier Mackintosh has ordered his Highlanders to shoot me,” he said. “My life will not be safe.”
“Do not think it, general,” rejoined Charles Radclyffe. “The brigadier is incapable of such an act. But you had better not expose yourself while the negotiation for the surrender is going on.”
“I shall take care not to do so,” he replied. “I shall remain here for an hour. I want to see Mrs. Scarisbrick.”
“Mrs. Scarisbrick!” exclaimed Charles Radclyffe. “Have you not heard?”
“Heard what?” exclaimed Forster, looking at him in surprise. “I have heard nothing. I have not seen her this morning. I expected to find her here.”
“She is here,” said Charles Radclyffe. “But I cannot explain. Come with me, and you shall know all.”
Not without a strange misgiving did Forster follow him along a passage on the ground floor, at a door in which an elderly female was stationed.
“Here you will find her,” said Charles Radclyffe, in a strangely significant tone.
“Impossible!” cried Forster.
“Yes, general, she is here,” remarked the old woman, opening the door. “She has not been disturbed.”
The room was darkened, but there was light enough to discern a very startling object.
It was the dead body of a very beautiful woman lying extended upon a couch.
Her habiliments were those in which she had died, and her profuse golden tresses were unbound, and scattered over her bosom where she had received the deadly hurt.
Giving utterance to a cry, Forster rushed forward, and seizing her hand pressed it to his lips.
“This completes my misery,” he cried. “In losing her I have lost all that was dear to me, and I care not how soon I follow.”
“She deserved her fate,” said Charles Radclyffe. “She betrayed you and us to the enemy. She was accidentally shot last night, while returning from a secret visit to General Wills. I brought her here myself. I found letters upon he
r which prove her guilt. I intended to conceal this catastrophe from you — but it is better you should know it.”
“You affirm the truth of what you have just stated?” demanded Forster.
“In every particular,” rejoined Charles Radclyffe. “You were completely duped by her.”
Forster dropped the hand he had hitherto held, and without a word quitted the room.
CHAPTER VII
Colonel Cotton
IN the afternoon of the same day, General Forster, Lord Derwentwater, Brigadier Mackintosh, and all the rebel lords and leaders were assembled at the Mitre, engaged in a very angry discussion, when a chamade beaten at the door, produced a sudden quietude, and a tall, fine-looking officer in the accoutrements of the king’s dragoons came into the room, being announced by the sentinel as Colonel Cotton.
All bowed as he advanced towards the centre of the room, when looking round, he said courteously:
“You will guess my errand, my lords and gentlemen. I am sent by General Wills to receive your positive answer to his proposition.”
“We are unable to send a precise answer to General Wills,” said the Earl of Derwentwater, “because the Scots are unwilling to capitulate. Brigadier Mackintosh and the Scottish nobles will tell you that this is the case.”
“My men absolutely refuse to lay down their arms,” said the brigadier, “and it is the same with the Clan Chattan, commanded by my kinsman, Colonel Mackintosh.”
“Perhaps, by to-morrow morning, we may bring them to reason,” said Lord Kenmure. “Just now, it is impossible.”
“I will report what you tell me to General Wills,” said Cotton.
As he was about to depart, word was brought that the drummer had been shot while beating a chamade before a house, whence firing had taken place subsequent to the cessation of arms.
The Works of William Harrison Ainsworth Page 748
