Preston Fight: or, The Insurrection of 1715
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.
END OF BOOK THE SEVENTHBOOK THE EIGHTH – THE DEFENCE
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 Derwent-water 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 Widdring-ton.
“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 Low-landers and Northumbrian gentlemen – the latter being now dismounted – under the command of Colonel Ox-burgh 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 market-place, 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.
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 Norham and Newbiggin.
“You must quit this place immediately,” he said. “The attack is about to commence. Father Norham 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 Norham. “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 Norham 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. “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.
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 were instantly returned by the assailants, but with comparatively little effect.
Urged on by Lord Forrester and Captain Preston the assailants marched on, but was 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.
