Preston Fight: or, The Insurrection of 1715
TextBOOK THE FIFTH – THE MARCH FROM HEXHAM TO LONGTOWN
I. – THE JUNCTION WITH THE SOUTH COUNTRY SCOTS
Next morning, at a very early hour, the whole of the insurgent troops assembled in the market-place of the ancient town of Hexham, preparatory to marching to Roth bury.
Here Lord Widdrington took leave of his friends for a time, having, at General Forster’s earnest request, undertaken another journey into Lancashire to confer with the Jacobites and High Church Tories in that county, and endeavour to induce them to rise without delay.
The chief command of his troop was therefore temporarily given to Lord Derwentwater.
Precisely as the abbey church clock struck six, the insurgents rode out of Hexham. The weather was fine, and the men in good spirits. They met with no misadventure on the road, nor did they hear any tidings of the enemy, but after a long halt at Kirkharle, they reached Rothbury in the evening.
Lord Kenmure, the commander of the South Country Scots, accompanied by the Earl of Nithsdale, the Earl of Wintoun, the Earl of Carnwath, and Lord Nairn rode out to meet them, and the greatest satisfaction was evinced on both sides that a junction of their forces had, at length, been effected. Still, it was the opinion of Lord Kenmure and the other Scottish nobles that they must not venture upon an encounter with the Government troops till they were further strengthened by a junction with Mackintosh and the Highlanders, and they therefore proposed to set out to Wooler next day. This proposition being agreed to by General Forster and his officers, the horses were stabled, and the men quartered as well as circumstances would admit, while their leaders sat down to an excellent supper provided for them by the Scottish nobles at the Blue Star. Capital claret, it appeared, could be had at Rothbury, and a good deal of it was drunk that night. Before they separated, the English and Scottish commanders became boon companions.
Next morning the combined forces proceeded to Wooler, and being greatly fatigued by their march remained there during the whole of the next day, though their quarters were far from satisfactory. At Wooler they were joined by the Reverend Robert Patten of Allendale, whom General Forster appointed his chaplain, and by Mr. Lancelot Errington, the gallant young gentleman who had succeeded in capturing a fort on Holy Island, as already related. Mr. Errington, however, not receiving any supplies, was attacked, and taken prisoner by the Governor of Berwick, but speedily effected his escape, and procuring a horse, joined his friends at Wooler. His brother, Captain Thomas Errington now commanded Lord Widdrington’s troops, so that he was at once appointed one of the officers.
Intelligence was brought by this gentleman that Brigadier Mackintosh and the Highlanders had reached Dunse, and meant to attack Kelso, which was occupied by Sir William Bennet of Grubet, with a strong party of militia and some volunteers. Sir William, it was said, had barricaded the town, and made other preparations for its defence.
On hearing this, Lord Kenmure and General Forster decided upon marching to Kelso to aid Mackintosh in storming the town. Accordingly, they set out next morning, passing by Humbledon Heugh, Akeld, and over the hill ridges near Kirk Newton. As they proceeded, Captain Douglas, who was well acquainted with the country, and accustomed to Border forays, as we have already stated, managed to seize several horses, and likewise captured Mr. Selby of Kilham, a volunteer, who was repairing to Kelso, to Sir William Bennet’s assistance.
About mid-day the insurgents came in sight of the beautiful town of Kelso, with its ancient abbey so charmingly situated on the banks of the Tweed, and before proceeding further, halted on a moor to call over the rolls of the men. While the leaders of each troop were thus employed, word was brought by a scout, that Sir William Bennet, alarmed by the report of the advance of the Highlanders, had abandoned the town, whereupon they at once resumed their march, and fording the Tweed, entered the town without opposition – the barricades being already pulled down. But though the inhabitants offered no resistance, they received them with great coldness, and eyed them with sullen looks. No shouts were heard, as the insurgents rode along one of the main streets to the market-place where they drew up.
Brigadier Mackintosh had not yet arrived, but he was known to be close at hand, and Lord Kenmure feeling that the compliment was due to the valiant Highland commander, went to meet him, leaving General Forster and the English division in the town.
Lord Kenmure and the Lowlanders had not ridden further than Ednam Bridge when the shrill notes of the bagpipes announced the approach of the Highlanders, and in another minute Mackintosh and his detachment came in sight.
As soon as the Highlanders understood that the troops in front of them were friends, they set up a great shout, and quickened their pace.
The Lowlanders responded with equal vigour, and the greatest enthusiasm was displayed on both sides.
Nothing could be more cordial than the meeting between the two commanders. Lord Kenmure was loud in his praises of the brigadier’s skill and bravery, and told him that he looked upon the crossing of the Firth, under the circumstances, as one of the most remarkable exploits ever performed. His lordship then turned to Lord Charles Murray, Lord Nairn, Major Forbes, Logie Drummond, and others who were standing by, and expressed his admiration of their gallantry.
By this time the Earl of Wintoun, the Earl of Carnwath, Captain Hume, and the other Lowland officers had come up, and salutations were exchanged on all hands.
When these greetings were over, the two detachments, which had now, to a certain extent, become mixed together, marched to Kelso – the pipers taking the lead, and playing lustily.
II. – MACKINTOSH’S ACHIEVEMENTS
Before proceeding, it may be necessary briefly to explain what the brigadier had accomplished since he quitted Perth about ten days previously.
At that time, the detachment under his command consisted of six regiments, and with a number of gentlemen volunteers formed a total of two thousand five hundred men.
The brigadier’s orders from the Earl of Mar were to get as many men as he could over the Firth, and though the channel was defended by ships of war, smacks, and boats filled with armed men, Mackintosh courageously made the attempt, and despite all the exertions of the cruisers to prevent him, succeeded in reaching the East Lothian coast with fifteen hundred men – the Earl of Strathmore’s battalion being forced back and compelled to go on shore on the Isle of May. This was the exploit to which Lord Kenmure had referred in terms of such high admiration.
With the troops he had thus brought across the Firth, the brigadier at once marched to Haddington, where he was invited by the Scottish Jacobites to make an attempt on Edinburgh, and unhesitatingly complied with the request.
He advanced as far as Jock’s Lodge, but not meeting with the promised support, he turned to Leith, and took possession of a partly-demolished fort, built by Oliver Cromwell, and proceeded to barricade it.
Next day the Duke of Argyle, who had hastened from Stirling to the protection of Edinburgh, summoned him to surrender. On his refusal, the duke threatened to bombard the fort on the morrow, but in the night Mackintosh withdrew, and conducted his men cautiously along the sands at low water to Seaton House – a castle belonging to Lord Wintoun.
Here he posted himself securely with his force, and laughed at the threats of Lord Torpichen and the Earl of Rothes, who came from Edinburgh to dislodge him with two hundred dragoons and three hundred volunteers.
At Seaton House he remained fora couple of days, and in that short interval stored it with provisions to stand a siege, when he learnt that the South Country Scots and Northumbrians had risen, and received an express from Forster praying him to meet him at Coldstream or Kelso.
Another express came from the Earl of Mar bidding him march south, and join the English insurgents.
The latter order could not be disobeyed, and he therefore quitted the stronghold he had gained, and marched to Longformacus, harassed in the rear by the Government troops.
But this pursuit did not prevent him from plundering the house of Doctor Sinclair, who had incurred the animosity of the Jacobites by shooting young Hepburn of Keith.
Continuing his march to Dunse, the brigadier rested there for a day, proclaimed James the Third, collected the excise dues, and received the very satisfactory intelligence that Sir William Bennet had abandoned Kelso. No longer troubled by the Government troops, and renovated by the much-needed repose, he marched on next day to Kelso, and was met at Ednam Bridge, as we have related, by the Lowlanders.
Such were the main incidents that had occurred during Mackintosh’s memorable march towards the south. He had proved himself a thoroughly good soldier, equal to every emergency, and not to be checked by danger or difficulty, and fully deserved the encomiums passed upon him by Lord Ken mure.
As the Highlanders entered Kelso, with bagpipes playing, colours flying, and drums beating, the inhabitants flocked forth to gaze at them, and were greatly struck by the stalwart appearance and martial bearing of the men.
Brigadier Mackintosh, of whose doings so much had been heard, excited great curiosity, and the tall figure, strongly marked features, and athletic limbs of the veteran warrior would have pointed him out to all beholders, even if he had not marched at the head of his detachment.
Throughout their progress neither the brigadier nor any of his officers had mounted a horse, but marched on foot with the men, and crossed all rivers in their Highland garb.
Amongst those who attracted most attention was Lord
Charles Murray, who was remarkable for his graceful person and good looks.
Lord Nairn and some of the subaltern officers were also thought very fine men.
Indeed, the Highlanders generally produced a favourable impression on the good folks of Kelso, who gave them a far warmer welcome than they had accorded to their allies.
The junction between the confederate forces formed a curious and interesting scene. When the brigadier first beheld the Northumbrian detachment drawn up in the market-place, he was struck by the handsome show made by both horses and men, but when he began to scrutinise them, he quickly changed his opinion.
“Saul o’ my body! this will never do!” he exclaimed to Lord Charles Murray. “Those abalyiements are na fit for war. Saw ye ever before a dragoon with a hunting-saddle on his horse’s back, a toasting-fork by his side, or a riding-whip in his hand? I trow not. They should get basket-hilted broad swords like our ain, saddles wi’ high pommels and holsters, and as to those riding-whips, I should like to lay them across the shoulders of the bearers.”
“The men certainly look better equipped for flight than for attack,” replied Lord Charles. “But we must not judge them too harshly. They may fight well in spite of their dress swords, and charge even with race-horses.”
“Vera true,” replied the brigadier, laughing. “And here comes General Forster.”
“By my faith! he looks more like an English fox-hunter than a soldier,” remarked Lord Charles in an undertone. “I wonder how they came to choose him.”
“They couldna help it,” replied the brigadier. “Lord Derwentwater was the right man, yet being a Papist, he wouldn’t do.”
Attended by Lord Charles Murray, Lord Nairn, Major Forbes, and Logie Drummond, the brigadier stepped forward to meet General Forster, who was closely followed by Lord Derwentwater and the other Northumbrian officers.
At the same time Lord Kenmure came forward, and presented the two commanders to each other.
The meeting was very friendly, and the brigadier praised
Forster’s troops, but told him plainly he ought to get different saddles and better swords.
“So we will, as soon as we can procure them,” replied Forster. “But they are not to be had.”
The English officers were next presented to the brigadier, who seemed best pleased with Lord Derwentwater. From the first moment, the rough old soldier conceived a friendship for the young noble, which he never afterwards lost.
The various troops marched past the three commanders, who remained for some time longer in the market-place, and then proceeded to their quarters.
III. – SUNDAY AT KELSO
After the junction of the confederate forces had been effected, it was found that they formed an army of two thousand men, of whom the majority were Highlanders.
Though the force was still small, so much confidence was now felt in Mackintosh, and such strong hopes were entertained that large additions would soon be received, that no misgivings were felt.
On the day of the junction, the commanders and officers dined together, and the best feeling was manifested. All old jealousies, if any had existed, were banished. A warm tribute was paid by Lord Derwentwater to the valour and skill of Brigadier Mackintosh, with which the veteran warrior was much gratified.
Next day, being Sunday, great discretion had to be used by the leaders of an army composed of Presbyterians, High Church Tories, and Roman Catholics.
That such discordant elements could be reconciled – even for a brief season – seemed impossible. Nevertheless, by the judicious management of Lord Kenmure, who retained the command of the confederate force so long as it continued in Scotland, the thing was accomplished.
At this time, three clergymen were attached to the expedition – the Reverend William Irvine, chaplain to the Earl of Carnwath, an Episcopalian and Nonjuror – the Reverend Robert Patten, of Allendale, who belonged to the High Church, and had just been appointed chaplain to General Forster – and the Reverend Mr. Buxton, likewise a Church of England divine, who might be considered chaplain to the entire English force, since there was no Roman Catholic priest.
By Lord Kenmure’s orders all the officers and men attended at the Great Kirk, where the Church of England service was performed.
The large congregation thus assembled presented an extraordinary sight, and the behaviour of the men was extremely decorous – that of the Highlanders especially so. They nearly filled the body of the sacred edifice, and listened with devout attention to the discourse of Mr. Patten, who took for his text, “The right of the firstborn is his” – applying it to the cause for which they were fighting.
In the afternoon, an equally large congregation assembled, consisting chiefly of Highlanders, to hear the Reverend William Irvine, the Scottish Nonjuror, who treated them to a sermon he had preached to Lord Dundee before the battle of Killiecrankie.
It was thought that this fiery sermon was given in deference to the wishes of Brigadier Mackintosh; and it would almost seem so, since the old Highlander listened to it with profound attention, and afterwards expressed his satisfaction to the preacher.
A very favourable impression was produced on the Kelso folk by the exemplary conduct of the troops on the Sabbath; but they were not quite so well pleased when Mackintosh next morning, while searching for arms, discovered several barrels of gunpowder concealed in the vaults of the kirk, and swore if he could catch the traitors who had placed them there, he would hang them like dogs.
The brigadier was likewise extraordinarily active in foraging and plundering, and seized all the public revenues without scruple.
Under other circumstances, Lord Derwentwater would have enjoyed his visit to Kelso, but his mind was so troubled, that even Roxburgh Castle, Floors, or the charming views of the Tweed and the Teviot afforded him very little pleasure.
His heart was at Dilston.
IV. – A COUNCIL OF WAR
On the third day after their arrival at Kelso, one of the scouts sent by Lord Kenmure to watch the movements of the Government troops, brought word that General Carpenter had reached Wooler with a force of nine hundred men, consisting of Hotham’s regiment of foot, and three regiments of dragoons, and intended next day to attack Kelso.
On receipt of this important intelligence, a council of war was immediately summoned, which was attended by all the commanders and officers.
The main point to be considered was whether they should await the English general’s attack at Kelso, and barricade the town, or cross the Tweed, and meet him.
Lord Derwentwater was decidedly of opinion that the latter course should be adopted, and maintained that their force being double that of Carpenter, the result of an engagement could not be doubtful – although the Government general possessed three regiments of experienced dragoons.
But his advice, though approved by General Forster and the English officers, was opposed by the Earl of Wintoun.
“As Scotsmen,” said his lordship, “we are best able to serve the king’s cause in our own country, and are therefore most reluctant to cross the Border. Is it not so?” he added, appealing to his compatriots – all of whom assented except Mackintosh.
“But you have the Earl of Mar’s orders to advance,” remarked General Forster. “How can you disobey them?”
“The Earl of Mar is not aware of our exact position,” replied Lord Wintoun, “or his orders would be countermanded. At present, all communication with him is difficult, and if we enter England it will be entirely cut off. But it may be opened – and this is the plan of operation I would recommend. Falling back to the north-west, attacking Dumfries and Glasgow on our way, we shall be able to join the Western Clans, and, combining with them, can either cross the Firth above Stirling, or proceed as the Earl of Mar may direct.”
This proposition was manifestly to the taste of the Scottish leaders, most of whom signified their approval of it.
“But why throw away our present chance?” cried the Earl of Derwentwater. “Why not attack Carpenter when we can do so with every advantage? From the report just received he is greatly our inferior in numbers, and his troops are exhausted. The prestige of a victory would be of immense service to the cause.”
“We do not care to cross the Tweed,” again objected Lord Wintoun.
“If you won’t cross the Tweed, my lord, General Carpenter will,” rejoined Lord Derwentwater, contemptuously.
“He will gain little by the movement,” retorted Lord Wintoun. “He will find Kelso evacuated, and will not dare follow us.”
“Is this the sort of fighting we are to expect?” cried Lord Derwentwater. “Are we always to retreat on the appearance of the foe? We Northumbrians did not come to Scotland to join the Western Clans, but to meet our brave ally Brigadier Mackintosh, who is pledged to march with us to London, and we claim fulfilment of his promise. As to General Carpenter, if our allies won’t help us, we will attack him alone. Do I not express your sentiments, general?” he added to Forster.
“My opinion decidedly is, that Carpenter ought to be met by the whole confederate force,” said Forster. “My own division is not strong enough to encounter him, and would incur certain defeat.”
“Again, I say, the Scots will not cross the Tweed,” remarked Lord Wintoun. “If our English allies choose to sacrifice themselves, we may grieve, but we cannot help it.”
Restraining himself with difficulty, the Earl of Derwentwater turned to Mackintosh, who had not hitherto spoken, and said:
“Do you mean to desert us, brigadier?”
“No, my lord,” was the reply.
“Then let the Lowlanders join the Western Clans if they will,” said the earl. “We can do without them.”
Lord Wintoun placed his hand upon his sword, and the other Lowland leaders would have fiercely resented the remark, if Lord Kenmure had not interposed.
“We must have no quarrels among ourselves,” he said. “When Lord Derwentwater becomes calmer, he will regret having spoken thus hastily. As yet, I am chief in command of the whole insurgent force, and my orders must be obeyed.”
“They shall be obeyed by me, my lord,” said General Forster. “But I pray you not to take us further into Scotland. My troops will assuredly revolt.”
“We will come to a decision at Jedburgh,” said Lord Kenmure, somewhat evasively. “Meantime, precise information must be obtained as to the movements of the enemy. You shall go on the errand, Captain Gordon,” he added, addressing a tall, exceedingly handsome young man in the Lowland garb.
Captain Gordon, an officer in the Merse troop, commanded by the Honourable Captain Hume, and distinguished for his courage and activity, seemed well pleased at being chosen for the dangerous expedition.
“I will rejoin your lordship at Jedburgh,” he said. “But if I find General Carpenter and his force on the move, you will see me sooner.”
With this he bowed and quitted the room, and almost before the council had broken up he was on the other side of the Tweed.
“Brigadier,” said General Forster, addressing Mackintosh, after some further discussion had taken place; “before we separate I must ask you plainly if you mean to march with us to London?”
“I will answer frankly, general,” replied Mackintosh. “My men will never enter England unless they are certain of their pay.”
“Is that the only difficulty?” said Lord Derwentwater. “I feared from what has been said, that they might be averse to a campaign in England.”
“So they are, my lord,” replied the brigadier. “But possibly their aversion may be overcome by the certainty of good pay.”
“Make them quite easy on that score,” said Lord Derwentwater. “I will provide the money.”
“When my men learn your lordship’s generous promise,” said Mackintosh, “I doubt not they will be very grateful.”
“‘Tis but a small subsidy to the king,” said Lord Derwentwater. “I would give my whole property to set him on the throne.”
“Truly, your lordship sets us all a good example, which we ought to follow,” said Lord Kenmure. “And now for Jedburgh!”
About an hour later, much to the relief of the inhabitants, who began to fear that a battle would be fought under their walls, the whole insurgent force quitted Kelso, having stayed there three days.