VII. – RALPH FAIRBROTHER
Somewhat late in the evening, Captain Douglas, who, it may be remembered, had the command of one of the Northumbrian regiments, informed General Forster that a spy had been arrested, but the general was so much engrossed by Mrs. Scarisbrick that he paid no attention to the information. Captain Douglas then spoke to Brigadier Mackintosh, who at once went with him to a small room where the man was detained.
Meantime, the spy had been recognised as Ralph Fairbrother, for whose capture a reward had been offered, and who was supposed to have gone to General Carpenter at Newcastle. On being searched a letter was found on him addressed to General Wills, giving particulars of the exact state of the forces, and making some remarks on Forster’s incompetency. The letter bore no signature, but was in a female hand. A few lines, traced in pencil, had evidently been added at the ball, and this important postscript recommended an immediate attack of the town, stating that it must be successful, since Forster was unprepared.
After reading this letter, and considering it for a moment, the brigadier handed it to Captain Douglas, who likewise read it carefully.
“Can ye guess by whom it is written?” inquired Mackintosh in a low tone.
“I can,” replied the other.
“Hark ye, sirrah!” said Mackintosh to the prisoner, who was looking on anxiously, “if you desire to save your life, you will tell us who wrote this letter, and from whom you received it.”
“It was slipped into my hand,” replied the spy. “That is all I know about it.”
“Were you not engaged by a lady to convey it to General Wills? Answer plainly.”
“I betray no confidences,” replied Fairbrother, firmly.
“Is General Wills at Wigan?” demanded Captain Douglas. “And how many regiments of infantry, horse, and dragoons, has he got with him?”
“You ask questions I cannot answer, captain,” replied Fairbrother. “And I would not answer them, if I could.”
“Very well, sir, then you must take the consequences,” said Douglas. “In my opinion, brigadier, this man ought to be shot.”
“Humph!” ejaculated Mackintosh. “We shall hear what General Forster says.
“I have nothing to fear from General Forster,” observed Fairbrother.
“Aha! say you so?” exclaimed the brigadier. “We shall see.”
They then left him in custody, and returned to the ballroom. Forster was still at supper with Mrs. Scarisbrick, and declined to have a private consultation with the brigadier.
“I will attend to business in the morning – not now,” he said.
“But we have discovered a spy,” observed Mackintosh, looking fixedly at Mrs. Scarisbrick; “and have found this letter upon him.”
“Give it me,” cried Mrs. Scarisbrick, snatching it from him. “I will read it to the general.”
“Madam,” cried the brigadier, sternly. “I insist that you place that letter in the general’s own hands.”
“I don’t want to see it,” observed Forster. “I won’t be troubled to-night. To-morrow, will be quite time enough. Keep it for me till then.”
“You will never see it,” cried Mackintosh. “I desire, madam, that the letter may be at once returned to me. If not, I shall be compelled to take it from you.”
“Am I to be exposed to this insult, general?” cried Mrs. Scarisbrick, indignantly.
“Certainly not,” replied Forster, rising from his seat – though not without some difficulty. “Brigadier, I must request you to retire.”
“I obey,” replied Mackintosh. “But understand that I will shoot this spy. I am satisfied of his guilt.”
“Do as you please,” said Forster. “Shoot half a dozen spies if you find them.”
“Nay, for Heaven’s sake! don’t let him shoot the man,” cried Mrs. Scarisbrick.
“Don’t be alarmed,” said Forster, sitting down again.
“The man will only be kept in the guard-house to-night. I’ll settle the matter to-morrow. Take some more champagne.”
Reassured by this promise, and having got the letter, Mrs. Scarisbrick said no more. But she had nothing to fear from poor Fairbrother.
At break of day, he was taken by a file of Highlanders to the fields near the Wigan-lane, and there shot. The new chaplain of the forces attended him in his last moments. In explanation of this summary act of justice, Brigadier Mackintosh caused it to be announced that the man was a spy.
This act might have been blamed, but circumstances occurred that seemed to justify its severity.
VIII. – APATHY OF GENERAL FORSTER
On the same morning, the Earl of Derwentwater, accompanied by the countess and Dorothy, and attended by Charles Radclyffe and Captain Gordon, but without any guard, rode down to the Ribble Bridge.
While the earl was inspecting the bridge, and the ladies were admiring the river, and the view of the town from the spot, their attention was aroused by the sound of horse’s footsteps, and immediately afterwards a man galloped up.
He would have ridden on, but Captain Gordon stopped him, and led him to the earl. It appeared that he had left Wigan early in the morning, and brought very important intelligence. General Wills was undoubtedly there, and, having been joined by six more regiments of dragoons on the preceding evening, it was certain he would make immediate arrangements to attack the insurgents, so that they must be prepared for him.
On receiving this intelligence, the earl at once returned to the town, and proceeded to General Forster’s quarters, but could not see him, as the general had not yet risen, being much fatigued by the ball.
Instigated by the countess and Dorothy, the earl determined to take all the responsibility upon himself, and ordered Charles Radclyffe to take his regiment to defend Ribble Bridge. But before the order could be obeyed, Forster appeared and countermanded it.
“It seems to me,” said the general, “that my authority is set at naught. A man has been shot as a spy by Brigadier Mackintosh without consulting me, and now orders are given that a guard shall advance towards Wigan. I suppose the next order will be that the whole army shall get ready to march.”
“It ought to be,” said Dorothy. “You are loitering here far too long, and will be surprised by the enemy. Are you aware that General Wills has just been joined by several more regiments?”
“I do not believe a word of it,” rejoined Forster. “Had such been the case, I should certainly have been informed of it.”
“But a scout has just returned from Wigan,” cried the countess. “We have seen him, and spoken with him. Will you not question him yourself?”
“‘Tis needless,” said Forster. “The man has been imposed upon.”
“Then you will neither march against the enemy, nor take any steps for the defence of the town?” cried the Earl of Derwentwater.
“Not unless I receive accurate intelligence,” rejoined Forster. “I am under no apprehension.”
“Was there ever such obstinacy?” exclaimed the earl, turning away in disgust. “Nay, ‘tis in vain to reason with him,” he added to the countess.
“Your lordship will understand,” said Forster, “that tomorrow I shall commence the march to Manchester.”
“To-morrow we shall not be able to leave Preston,” rejoined the earl.
“We shall see,” replied Forster, laughing. “Meanwhile, I recommend you to make the most of your time, and enjoy yourself while you can. There is another banquet at the town-hall to day.”
“For the last time, I ask you if you are resolved not to move?”
“Not till to-morrow,” replied Forster, positively. “I am about to give general orders to that effect.”
And he quitted the room.
The countess and Dorothy looked aghast.
“What is to be done?” cried the former.
“Nothing,” replied the earl. “Nothing can be done. We are doomed.”
The announcement that the general did not mean to continue his march south till the morrow was very agreeable to the majority of the army – indeed a great many of the gentlemen troopers hoped that when the morrow came there would be another delay. They were quite as infatuated as the general, and spent the greater part of the day in the society of the ladies, A large party collected on the Ribble Bridge, but it was with no intention of defending it.
Another banquet was given at the town-hall, to which the leaders and officers were bidden. Amongst the few ladies invited, were the Countess of Dervventwater, Dorothy Forster, and Mrs. Scarisbrick. Since the last-mentioned lady was present, the general was quite happy, and perfectly indifferent to the future.
Besides this festive meeting, there were innumerable tea-parties, where the gentlemen troopers were very agreeably entertained; while the Mitre, the White Bull, and the Windmill were filled to overflowing with guests.
With this pleasant evening passed away the gaieties of Preston. No more flirting – no more carousing. All merriment was over.
The morrow’s sun arose on a day of strife and slaughter.
IX. – PARSON WOODS OF CHOWBENT
While the whole insurgent army is feasting and carousing, we shall repair to Wigan, and see what General Wills is about.
Wigan, a very different town from what it is at present, was filled with soldiers. Besides Sir Henry Hoghton’s six hundred militiamen, and three regiments of foot, respectively commanded by Captains Sabine, Fane, and Preston, there was a fine regiment of horse, commanded by Colonel Pitt, and five regiments of dragoons, commanded by Major-General Wynn, Colonels Honeywood, Dormer, Munden, and Stanhope.
Whether Wills was an able general may be questioned, but he was an active and very determined man. Strongly built and well made, he had a military bearing, and a stern, inflexible countenance. Obstinate he was, but his obstinacy was very different from that of the incompetent Forster. He could not be turned from his purpose by advice, but his plans were carefully considered. He was in constant communication with General Carpenter, but feeling’ certain he could defeat the rebels unaided, his great desire was to attack them before Carpenter came up, so that he might gain all the glory of the victory. Therefore, he hurried on his preparations – though not unduly so. Having a secret correspondent in Preston, he knew the exact numbers of the force, and was also aware of the utter incompetency of Forster, but he thought the chief command might be taken, at the last moment, by the Earl of Derwentwater. He had likewise some fears of Mackintosh, with whose valour and skill he was well acquainted. Still, he felt sure of an easy conquest, and was impatient to achieve it.
While General Wills was arranging his plans for the attack, Sir Henry Hoghton came into his room, and said:
“Acting on a suggestion of your own, general, I have begged the Presbyterian ministers in this neighbourhood – many of whom are well known to me – to induce their congregations to assist me in this struggle against Popery, and I am extremely happy to say I have succeeded – at least, in one instance. The Reverend James Woods, Presbyterian minister of Chowbent, has promptly and energetically responded to my appeal. The worthy man has used such exertions that he has already got together a troop of some forty or fifty active young men. For the most part they are armed with scythes, fixed on straight poles, and bill-hooks, but they are stout active young fellows, and will undoubtedly do good service.”
“Are they here?” inquired Wills.
“They are, general,” replied Sir Henry. “And so is their pastor, the Reverend James Woods.”
“I will see him at once,” replied Wills.
He then went forth with Sir Henry, and in front of the old house, where he had fixed his quarters, he found a large party of stalwart-looking young fellows, armed with the weapons described. At their head was a sturdy-looking individual, of middle age, clad in a suit of black, and having a well-powdered wig on his head. Notwithstanding his decidedly clerical appearance, he had a brace of pistols in his belt, and a sword girt by his side.
General Wills could not help smiling when he beheld him. Still, he perceived at a glance that the parson would prove serviceable, and he therefore gave him a hearty welcome.
“I am very glad to find, Mr. Woods,” he said, “that you have come to assist the Government at this crisis. Rest assured your conduct will be appreciated in the right quarter.”
“I and a portion of my flock have come to fight for the king, general,” replied the minister. “We will uphold him against a Popish Pretender. We are ready to take any part you may be pleased to assign us, and I promise you the rebels shall meet with a stout resistance from us.”
“They shall,” cried the men, brandishing their scythes and bill-hooks.
“I thankfully accept your offer,” said Wills, “I am sure you promise no more than you will perform. Tomorrow morning, at an early hour, I shall march to Preston to give battle to the rebels, and you shall go with me, or rather shall march on before me – so that you can take up a position before I come up. Do you know Penwortham – about two miles below the bridge over the Ribble?”
“I know the place well, general,” replied Woods. “It is on the south bank of the river, which is there fordable.”
“Exactly. It is that ford I wish you to guard. I must tell you that it may become a post of danger, as some of the rebels may attempt to escape that way.”
“I don’t care for danger,” said the valiant pastor; “and I hope I shall take many prisoners.”
“If necessary, a party of men shall be sent to support you,” said Wills.
“I trust we shall not need support, general,” said the pastor, resolutely. “Before the day is over I fancy my followers will have got some better arms than they now possess.”
“Decidedly, you ought to have been a soldier, reverend sir,” observed Wills. “You would have done credit to the profession. Now, will you remain here for the night, or march on with your men to Chorley, so as to have less to do to-morrow?”
“We will adopt the latter course, general,” replied the pastor. “We will halt for the night at a small place called Whittle-in-the-Woods, about six miles from Penwortham. We can take up our post early in the morning. Have you any further orders to give me?”
“None,” replied Wills. “But I hope you will take some refreshment before you set out on your march.”
“All is ready for you,” said Sir Henry Hoghton, advancing. “Come with me and bring your men with you.” Parson Woods willingly complied with the invitation, and, saluting the general in a military style, accompanied Sir Henry to the mess-room of the militia, where a substantial repast awaited him and his men.
Thoroughly recruited, and in very good spirits, the warlike pastor commenced his march to Whittle-in-the-Woods.
X. – GENERAL WILLS ARRIVES AT PRESTON
Having fully arranged his plans, General Wills summoned the various commanders, and after explaining to them his views, made the following disposition of his forces.
The horse and dragoons were to be formed into three brigades: the first to consist of Wynn’s and Honey-wood’s regiments, under the command of Brigadier Honeywood; the second to comprise Munden’s and Stanhope’s regiments, under the command of Brigadier Mun-den; and the third to comprehend Pitt and Dormer’s regiments, under the command of Brigadier Donner.
“We shall set out at break of day,” said the general, “and this will be the order of march. In the front will be Preston’s foot, with a vanguard of fifty men from the regiment, commanded by Lord Forrester. Then will follow the three brigades I have appointed, while the whole of the militia, under the command of Sir Henry Hoghton, will bring up the rear.”
“Am I to cross the bridge, general?” inquired Sir Henry, who was present.
“Most probably the bridge and the approaches to it will be defended,” replied Wills. “Post your men at various points on the south bank of the river. Station two parties of horse about a hundred yards apart on the left of the bridge, and place small parties along the bank as far as the ferry-house, extending them, if necessary, in the direction of Penwortham, where Parson Woods will be posted with his men. Thus the whole of the bank will be guarded, and no supplies can be conveyed to the rebels – nor can any of them escape.”
“I quite understand, general,” said Sir Henry, “and will carefully attend to your instructions.”
“One word more, gentlemen, and I have done,” said Wills, looking round. “As we shall set out as soon as it is light, you must all be on the alert an hour before daybreak, so as to prevent any chance of delay. This applies particularly to the foot and the advanced guard, who ought to start half an hour before the horse. We shall halt for an hour at Chorley, to breakfast.”
In anticipation of the day they had before them, the commanders and officers retired early to rest. But not till he had satisfied himself by personal inspection that all the regiments under his command were in good marching order did General Wills seek his couch.
Fully an hour before daybreak the reveille was sounded, and it was scarcely light when the vanguard, commanded by Lord Forrester, marched out of Wigan.
After a short interval, the advanced guard was followed by Preston’s regiment of foot – known as the Old Cameronians – which could boast some of the finest men in the service. Then followed, after another pause, the three brigades of cavalry; and both men and horses being in excellent condition, these regiments looked remarkably well. General Wills rode with Brigadier Honeywood at the head of the first brigade.
After a long train of baggage waggons came the militia, numbering some six hundred horse and foot, commanded by Sir Henry Hoghton. Like the regular soldiers, the militia-men looked exceedingly well, and were loudly cheered by the inhabitants, most of whom – though the hour was so early – had assembled to witness the march forth of the troops.
The spectacle was rendered infinitely more impressive by the circumstance that the men were about to fight a battle. The result, however, of the impending contest seemed scarcely doubtful, and the general opinion was that the rebellion would be effectually crushed.
Confident in their leader, and animated by their officers, who promised them an easy victory over the insurgents, with the plunder of the rich town of Preston, the king’s soldiers were in excellent spirits.
Nor did anything occur in the march to disquiet them. The morning being fine and the roads in tolerably good order the infantry got on very well, and were very little fatigued on reaching Chorley.
During the halt at Chorley, word was brought to General Wills, by a scout that the bridge over the Ribble was defended by Colonel John Farquharson of Invercauld, with a hundred picked men belonging to Colonel Mackintosh’s battalion.
General Forster had likewise come forth to reconnoitre, and had been seen with a party of horse about two miles south of the bridge, on the Wigan road.
This intelligence did not seem to necessitate any alteration in General Wills’s plans, but he ordered Lord Forrester and Captain Preston to halt at Walton-le-Dale till he himself should come up.
After this short halt the march was resumed, and on arriving at Walton-le-Dale, the general learnt Colonel Farquharson had been strengthened by three hundred men sent to support him by the Earl of Derwentwater.
Under the impression that the bridge would be stoutly defended, Wills prepared to attack it with Honeywood’s brigade, but what was his surprise, on arriving at the spot, to find the passage entirely unoccupied!
What had become of Colonel Farquharson and his Highlanders? Where were Lord Derwentwater’s three hundred men? Not one of them was to be seen. Though there was nothing to impede his progress. Wills hesitated for a few minutes, suspecting some stratagem might be intended. He then rode boldly across the bridge, and was followed by his whole force with the exception of the militia, which remained on the south bank of the river, and took up the position assigned.
After crossing the bridge Wills again halted before entering the deep lane that led to the town, and thinking the hedges might be lined, he caused them to be examined, but no skirmishers could be discovered.
Unable, otherwise, to account for such strange neglect of all precautions, he came to the conclusion that the rebels must have abandoned the town, and commenced a retreat to Scotland.
Should this prove to be the case, it would be a great disappointment to him, as well as to his soldiery, since it would deprive him of victory, and the men of the plunder they expected to obtain.
However, his alarm was quickly dispelled. A prisoner had been taken, and was brought before him.
The man had refused to answer the sergeant who first interrogated him, but as Wills threatened to have him shot, he became more compliant.
“Where are the rebels?” demanded the general.
“In the town,” replied the man, sullenly.
“Is General Forster there?” continued Wills.
“I suppose so,” said the prisoner.
“And Lord Derwentwater?”
“Maybe,” replied the man. “But I have not seen him.”
“Take care how you answer, fellow!” cried Wills sternly. “Are you quite sure Brigadier Mackintosh has not set out for Scotland?”
“Quite sure,” replied the man, “I saw him not half an hour ago – helping to make a barricade.”
“A barricade!” exclaimed Wills, glancing at Brigadier Honeywood. “Now we are coming to it. Where is the barricade formed?” he added to the prisoner.
“In the Churchgate,” replied the man.
“Is that the only barrier?”
“No, there are three others. All the entrances to the town are barricaded.”
“Then the rebels mean to defend themselves?” said Wills.
“To the last. You needn’t expect them to surrender.”
“If they don’t, I shall cut them to pieces,” said Wills, sternly. “Go back to the town and tell them so.”
“I won’t deliver any such message. It would cost me my life.”
“No matter,” cried Wills. “Obey me. Recollect what I have said. Not one of the rebels shall escape me – unless their leaders surrender at discretion. Now begone!”
The man was then set free, and driven towards the town, but he did not re-enter it.
General Wills then quitted the lane, which was shut in, as we have said, by high hedges, and led his troops to some fields on the left that commanded a full view of the town.
How peaceful and beautiful it looked! Even the stem Wills, who was about to deliver it up to fire and sword, felt a certain regret at the thought of destroying so pleasant a place.
Very few evidences of preparation on the part of the insurgents were visible, the barriers and intrenchments being all in the interior of the town.
A few soldiers could be descried at the outskirts, but no guard was placed at the extremity of the avenues. Wills quite understood what this meant, and judged correctly that the houses on either side of the streets must be filled with troops ready to pour a murderous fire upon the assailants as they entered the town.
Aware that the cavalry could not act within the town, Wills gave orders that two regiments of dragoons should dismount, when the attack was made, in order to support the foot. His first business, however, was to dispose his men so as to prevent the rebels from sallying forth, and cut off their retreat in case they should make the attempt.
This done, he ordered two attacks to be made simultaneously upon the town; one by Brigadier Honeywood from the Wigan Road on the south – the other by Brigadiers Dormer and Munden from the Lancaster Road on the north.
His directions were thus conveyed to Honeywood:
“You will have with you Preston’s regiment of foot to be commanded by Lord Forrester, likewise two hundred and fifty dismounted dragoons, commanded by five captains. These are to support Preston’s foot. You will sustain the whole with your regiment.”
“Your orders shall be obeyed, general,” replied Honeywood.
Wills then gave similar directions to Brigadiers Dormer and Munden, telling them they would have under their joint command three hundred dismounted dragoons for the attack on the Lancaster Avenue, which would be sustained by two mounted regiments.
Then, addressing the brigadiers, he added:
“Obtain possession of the ends of the town as speedily as may be, and set fire to the houses, in order to dislodge the rebels, who no doubt occupy them. Next make lodgments for your own men, so as to prevent the sallying forth of the rebels upon them, and check the escape of the enemy.”
“It shall be done, general,” said Brigadier Dormer.
“Before commencing hostilities, however, I shall send a summons of surrender to General Forster,” said Wills. “But I do not think he will comply with it.”
Scarcely were the words spoken, than several shots were fired from a farm-yard near the town, by which an orderly near the general was killed, and another officer wounded.
“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.