Kitabı oku: «Preston Fight: or, The Insurrection of 1715», sayfa 21
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 Raclyffe. “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 her 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.
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.
This unlucky incident seemed likely to put an end to the negotiation, but it was counterbalanced by another great provocation to the rebels, which they were disposed to resent.
Half a dozen insurgents, led by Cornet Shuttleworth, had managed to reach the ford at Penwortham, when they were attacked, and in consequence of their resistance, put to death.
After these events had been referred to, Colonel Cotton addressed the English and Scottish lords and chiefs, and said, in order to prevent further bloodshed, he would agree – in General Wills’s name – to grant the time required, provided they pledged their word that no new works should be thrown up, and no further attempt be made to escape.
Promises to this effect being given, Colonel Cotton departed.
VIII. – HOSTAGES REQUIRED
General Wills, however, did not appear satisfied with what had been done.
About an hour later, Colonel Churchill and Colonel Nassau entered the town, and on the part of Generals Carpenter and Wills, declared that an English and a Scottish nobleman must be delivered up as hostages for the due fulfilment of the conditions.
“We require the Earl of Dervventwater on the part of the English, and Lord Kenmure on that of the Scots,” said Colonel Churchill.
“Why not take General Forster?” asked Captain Dalziel.
“We prefer Lord Derwentwater or Lord Widdring-ton,” replied Churchill, with a singular smile.
“I must tell you frankly, colonel,” said Dalziel, “that in the opinion of the Scots, General Forster has made an arrangement for himself through Colonel Oxburgh with General Wills. It has clearly been ascertained that a lady of great personal beauty, who had extraordinary influence over General Forster, gave secret information to General Wills. Last night she was accidentally shot while returning from a visit – it is supposed – to your camp. Now, when we find that a proposal for surrender is made by General Forster without consulting us – and that when a hostage is required, it is not Forster, but Lord Derwentwater who is selected, can you wonder we believe we are betrayed? Here is a general who refuses to march or fight – who declares the enemy is at a distance when he proves to be close at hand – who has intimate relations with a lady, who acts as a spy – and who proposes to surrender, and makes terms for himself, while we desire to continue the contest – can we doubt that he is a traitor?”
“You do not expect us to sympathise with you because you have an incompetent leader?” said Colonel Churchill.
“Incapacity is one thing – treachery another, colonel,” said Captain Dalziel. “We Scots all believe Forster has played us false. I do not think his life is secure. Take him with you. He will be safer with you than with us.”
“My orders are explicit,” said Churchill. “I must bring either of the English lords I have mentioned, and Lord Kenmure.”
“Lord Kenmure will not come out,” said Dalziel. “Nor will my brother, Lord Carnwath – or any other Scottish noble.”
“Then Brigadier Mackintosh must come with me,” said Churchill.
“The brigadier is gone to bed, greatly fatigued,” replied Dalziel.
“I regard that as a mere excuse,” said Churchill, gravely. “I begin to think the treaty will fall to the ground. For the sake of the garrison, I hope not. If the attack is recommenced, none will be spared.”
Just then the Earl of Derwentwater and Colonel Mackintosh alighted at the door of the inn, and were announced by the sentinel. Both saluted Colonel Churchill.
“Colonel Mackintosh and myself are come to offer ourselves as hostages if required,” said the earl. “We do not desire that any needless difficulties should be raised, and are therefore ready to accompany you.”
“I surrender myself with his lordship,” said Colonel Mackintosh.
“I should be sorry if the treaty were sacrificed,” said Churchill; “and am therefore obliged to your lordship and Colonel Mackintosh for the humane step you have taken. You have saved the garrison.”
“Had not General Foster been our leader, the garrison would never have been in this strait,” said Colonel Mackintosh. “We might have been overcome, but we would not have died without inflicting some loss on our assailants.”
“‘Tis better as it is,” said Churchill. “I have to receive the paroles of honour of certain gentlemen that they will perform their promises, and then I will conduct you to General Wills.”
“We will ride on to the Fishergate outlet and await you there,” said Lord Derwentwater. “We care not to parade ourselves as prisoners.”
Colonel Churchill signified his assent, and the party separated.
IX – IN WHAT MANNER THE HOSTAGES WERE RECEIVED BY GENERAL WILLS
General Carpenter was not present when the Earl of Derwentwater and Colonel Mackintosh were brought as hostages to Wills, but Brigadier Munden, Colonels Pitt, Wynn, and Stanhope were with him at the time.
The severe commander received the hostages very haughtily, and knitted his dark brows as he regarded them.
Lord Derwentwater comported himself with great dignity, but Colonel Mackintosh could scarcely restrain his anger, especially when Wills asked:
“Why have we not a Scotch nobleman? I required Lord Nithsdale or Lord Kenmure.”
“They declined to come, general,” replied Churchill.
“Methinks, the chief of the Clan Chattan might suffice,” said Mackintosh. “Had I refused to surrender, not a Highlander would have laid down his arms.”
“And not one would have escaped,” rejoined Wills. “If you think you can stand against the king’s troops go back to the town, and I will immediately attack you.”
“If I take you at your word, I presume you will give General Forster a safe-conduct!” rejoined Mackintosh.
Wills looked fiercely at him, but made no response.
“If Colonel Mackintosh returns, I shall return, general,” said Lord Derwentwater, “and then the truce will be at an end. Attack us when you please, we shall be prepared for you.”
“Is this your decision, my lord?” cried Mackintosh, joyfully. “I am glad of it.”
“Hold!” exclaimed Wills, who did not desire that matters should take this turn. “Since the arrangement is partly concluded, I will not disturb it. By to-morrow these feelings of irritation will have calmed down, and then you will see that I have granted all I could.”
“Nothing has been granted,” said Colonel Mackintosh. “We shall be worse off to-morrow than we are to-day. Come with me my lord. Let us die together at Preston.”
“You cannot depart,” said Wills, authoritatively. “Tomorrow you may have an opportunity of proving your bravery. To-night you must remain here. Let them be taken to their quarters, colonel,” he added to Churchill. “I am sorry I cannot offer you better accommodation.”
“Make no apologies, general,” said Lord Derwentwater, haughtily. “We know with whom we have to deal.”
They were then taken to a farm-house, where Parson Woods and his men were quartered, and where very inconvenient lodgings were found for them.
X. – BRIGADIER MACKINTOSH DISSUADES THE EARL OF WINTOUN FROM SALLYING FORTH
No sooner did it become known that a capitulation had been agreed on than Lord Wintoun went to Brigadier Mackintosh, who so far from having retired to rest, was greatly on the alert, and entreated him to allow a strong body of his Highlanders to line the hedges on the Lancaster avenue, while he made a determined attempt at escape.
“I shall be accompanied by Major Nairn, Captain Philip Lockhart, Captain Shaftoe, and a dozen others, and we will either effect an escape or sell our lives dearly.”
“It is too late,” replied the brigadier. “My Highlanders could render you little assistance. The Lancaster avenue is now guarded by six squadrons of dragoons in addition to the former guard, so that you will infallibly be cut to pieces. Besides, hostages have been given, and that alone ought to deter you from making the attempt.”
“Then we must remain tamely here?” said Lord Wintoun.
“There is no help for it, my lord,” replied the brigadier. “If I had had my own way, things should never have come to this pass. We ought to have cut our way out before the arrival of General Carpenter.”
“Have we any chance of escape now, think you?” asked Lord Wintoun.
“Very little, I fear,” replied the brigadier. “But we must be prepared to take advantage of any unforeseen circumstances to-morrow. It is not likely that any will occur – but it may be.”
XI. – THE TERMS OF THE TREATY ARE ACCEPTED
A DISMAL day dawned on Preston.
The inhabitants had heard of the capitulation, but did not feel sure it would be carried out – many of the more timid being apprehensive that the town would still be the scene of a most sanguinary conflict.
In the opinion of these persons the Highlanders would not submit, but would make a most desperate attempt to sally forth, which would end in their extermination.
The English insurgents had made up their minds to surrender, and seemed hardly able to realise the position in which they were placed, for most of them displayed unaccountable indifference.
Perhaps they persuaded themselves that clemency would be shown them. If so, they were mistaken. The town-hall was crowded with ladies who had passed the night there, and did not mean to quit the asylum till all was settled.
Once more, and for the last time, Captain Gordon ascended the church-tower at break of day, and looked around.
The besiegers had drawn so much nearer to the town, that they seemed now quite close at hand.
The militia had likewise quitted their position on the south bank of the Ribble, and stationed themselves near the upper end of the Wigan road.
In fact, the town was completely invested, and Captain
Gordon saw at a glance that it would be impossible to break through such a cordon.
In the Churchgate and Fishergate the barricades were undisturbed, but no preparations were made for the renewal of the fight.
Brigadier Mackintosh was no longer at his post, and most of the Highlanders had retired to the houses, anxious to snatch a few hours’ rest, and certain they would be summoned when required.
No sound of bagpipes was heard.
The neglected batteries, deserted streets, and dejected air of such troopers as could be seen, offered a marked contrast to the formidable appearance of the besiegers. Captain Gordon felt that the contest was over, and desired to see no more.
Later on, all the English and Scottish leaders, with the exception of the two who had surrendered themselves as hostages, assembled at the Mitre, where it was finally agreed that the terms of the treaty should be accepted.
“My men are willing to submit,” said Mackintosh. “But they look upon themselves as sacrificed. Bitterly do I now reproach myself that I ever brought them to England against their will, and that I did not turn back at Lancaster. They might have helped the Earl of Mar to win a battle. Poor fellows! they will now be transported and sold as slaves. My heart bleeds for them.”
“We Scots have all cause to regret that we ever crossed the Border,” said Lord Kenmure. “But we have done our best for King James, and if we had been supported, we might have succeeded. We have had a High Tory general, yet not one of the party has joined us.”
“No one can have been more disappointed than myself,” said Forster. “If we had only reached Manchester – ”
“Why did we not reach that town? tell us that,” cried Brigadier Mackintosh.
“I admit we ought not to have stayed so long in Preston,” said Forster. “But you all seemed unwilling to quit your quarters, and I apprehended no danger.”
“‘Tis idle to regret the past,” said Lord Widdrington; “you have complained of the absence of the High Church Tories, my lord,” he added, to Lord Kenmure. “But you cannot say that the Roman Catholics have failed you.”
“No, they have proved our staunchest friends,” replied Lord Kenmure. “And a braver and a better commander cannot be found than Lord Derwentwater.”
“In that we all agree,” said Lord Nithsdale and the other Scottish nobles.
“The hour at which the armistice expires is close at hand,” said Forster, “and we must therefore prepare to conclude this painful business properly. We will remain here, but all the officers – English and Scotch – must forthwith assemble within the churchyard to deliver up their arms. Let immediate orders be given to that effect,” he added to Charles Radclyffe and Captain Dalziel, who at once departed on the errand.
XII. – THE INSURGENT OFFICERS DELIVER UP THEIR SWORDS
SHORTLY afterwards, in obedience to Forster’s orders, all the officers of the insurgent force assembled in the churchyard, and though they endeavoured to assume a careless air, many of them looked very downcast. Among them were all those who had recently joined at Lancaster and Preston, and received the rank of captain – Mr. Townley, of Townley, Sir Francis Anderton, Ralph Standish, Gabriel Hesketh, John Tyldesley, John Dalton, and several others.
They had had but a short campaign, and might now have to pay for their devotion with their lives. However, they bore themselves bravely under the distressing circumstances. The annoyance of the ceremonial was heightened by its publicity.
A large concourse was collected in the churchyard, and among the spectators were a great number of the fair sex, who flocked thither to manifest their sympathy with their lovers. They expressed their grief in the liveliest manner. Dryope was there, and Captain Shaftoe had some difficulty in inducing her to stand back. But she remained at a short distance gazing at him through her tears. The appearance of these fair damsels, who formed the foremost rank of the spectators, gave a curious character to the scene.
Precisely at the appointed hour, Lord Forrester, preceded by a trumpet and a drum, and attended by a guard, entered the town, and rode to the churchyard.
Alighting at the gate, and followed by a couple of men, he marched up to the rebel officers.
Lord Forrester was a tall, fine-looking man, well suited to the office, which he performed with courtesy.
“Gentlemen,” he said, addressing them, “I have a very painful duty to discharge. I have to receive the arms of brave and honourable men, which ought to have been used for their king.”
To this Colonel Oxburgh, who stood next him, replied as he delivered up his sword:
“Our arms have been used, my lord, for our rightful sovereign and against a usurper.”
Lord Forrester made no remark but consigned the sword to the custody of one of his men, and passed on.
He had received more than twenty swords, when he came to Captain Shaftoe, and as there seemed to be some hesitation on Shaftoe’s part, he said:
“Your sword, sir?”
“Take it,” cried Shaftoe.
And plucking the blade from the sheath, he broke it, and flung the pieces at Lord Forrester’s feet.
On this there were shouts of applause from the female spectators.
“I suppose it was to win that applause that this foolish act was done, Captain Shaftoe,” observed Lord Forrester.
“You have broken the treaty, and have rendered yourself liable to the punishment of death.”
“As these words were uttered, Dryope and three or four of the fair spectators rushed forward, and threw themselves at Lord Forrester’s feet, exclaiming:
“Spare him! spare him!”
“Rise, ladies!” said Lord Forrester. “I am not about to order Captain Shaftoe’s immediate execution. I am sorry so great a favourite of your sex should refuse to submit – but no doubt you can bring him to reason. I leave him in your hands.”
With this, he passed on to Sir Francis Anderton and Mr. Townley, who were next, and received their swords.
“Ah! gentlemen,” he said, “I am sorry to find you here. Had you remained quiet for a few days you would have escaped this disaster. You should have followed the example of the cautious High Church Tories!”
“We have done what seems right to us, my lord,” said Mr. Townley, haughtily, “and are prepared for the consequences.”
The last sword received by Lord Forrester was that of Captain Wogan, who said to him:
“Your looks reproach me, my lord, but I do not reproach myself. If I had had fifty swords, they should all have been devoted to King James.”
With a military salute to the unfortunate officers, Lord Forrester then quitted the churchyard, followed by his men, bearing two large bundles of swords, and proceeded to the Mitre, there to go through a like ceremony with General Forster and the lords.
