Preston Fight: or, The Insurrection of 1715
TextV – FURTHER DISSENSIONS
The Northumbrians reached their destination first, and as the others did not arrive, they rode back to see what had happened to them and found the South Country Scots drawn up on the road about two miles from the town, and waiting for the Highlanders, who, in their turn, had halted to receive General Carpenter – believing he was in pursuit. These false alarms caused some delay, but eventually the whole force reached Jedburgh.
Next day another council of war was held, and the same dissension prevailed as before, threatening to end in a rupture among the chiefs.
Previously to the meeting Lord Wintoun, who had had a private conference with Mackintosh, was persuaded that the brigadier would support him. But he was mistaken – the old warrior would not desert the Northumbrians, though it was evident he himself was unwilling to quit Scotland.
While they were still engaged in angry and fruitless discussion, Captain Gordon returned.
“What news do you bring us, sir?” demanded Lord Kenmure. “Has General Carpenter crossed the Border?”
“He has, my lord,” replied Captain Gordon; “and the greater part of his force is quartered at the Yetholms within eight miles of this place. Troops are cantoned at Hounham, Mendrum, Town-Yetholm, Kirk-Yetholm, and Morbattle, as I myself have ascertained. I ventured so near them at Morbattle, that I was discovered and pursued by a dozen of Churchill’s dragoons, within two miles of Jedburgh, when they gave up the chase. No doubt they believed we were still at Kelso, but they must now have found out their mistake.”
“Captain Gordon,” said Mackintosh, “so far as you can judge, what is the condition of the enemy?”
“Their horses are jaded, or I should not have escaped,” replied Gordon, “and I am certain the foot, of whom there must be five or six hundred, are fatigued with their long march. I therefore feel convinced there will be no general attack to-day, and I think we might surprise them.”
“You hear what Captain Gordon says, my lord?” cried Mackintosh, turning to Lord Kenmure. “From the observations he has just made he is of opinion we may surprise the enemy.”
“General Carpenter himself is at Kirk-Yetholm,” remarked Captain Gordon.
“So much the better,” said the brigadier. “Having taken up a position there, he will make no further advance to-day. Our whole force is in marching order. Let us make the attack at once. By using the utmost expedition we shall take him unprepared.”
“That is certain,” said Captain Gordon; “and I do not for a moment doubt that the attack will be successful.”
“I hope the plan meets with your lordship’s approval?” said Lord Derwentwater to Kenmure.
The chief commander, however, made no direct answer, but turning to the Northumbrian leader, observed:
“What says General Forster?”
“‘Tis a bold step, and requires consideration,” replied the other.
“The blow must be struck at once, or not at all,” said Mackintosh. “While we are deliberating the chance will be lost.”
“We have not sufficient horse,” rejoined Forster.
“We have enow for our purpose,” said Lord Derwentwater. “My lord, in the king’s name, I ask you to make the attack.”
“Ha! this sounds like a command,” cried Lord Kenmure, angrily. “Your own general hesitates – if he will go on, I will.”
“For Heaven’s sake come to a speedy decision!” said the earl to Forster. “Every minute is precious. There is no risk.”
“I don’t know that,” replied Forster. “I won’t run headlong into a danger that can be avoided. We may find General Carpenter better prepared for us than we expect. His dragoons are far more numerous than our cavalry.”
“But our horses are fresh, general,” observed Captain Gordon. “I repeat my opinion that a prompt attack would be successful.”
“I won’t hazard it,” said Lord Kenmure.
“Then your lordship refuses to lead us to certain victory,” said Lord Derwentwater.
Lord Kenmure shrugged his shoulders.
“I have given you my decision, and I shall adhere to it.”
Lord Derwentwater could not repress an exclamation of rage.
Mackintosh looked equally angry, but felt it was useless to interfere.
“We shall be better prepared on some future day,” observed Forster.
“Never!” exclaimed the brigadier, contemptuously. “Never shall we be better prepared than now! Never shall we have the enemy at greater advantage!’’
“At all events, let us stay where we are,” said Lord Derwentwater. “General Carpenter will think we are retreating if we march to Hawick.”
“Nor will he be far wide of the truth if he does think so,” said Mackintosh.
But these expressions of disapproval were entirely unheeded, and the march to Hawick took place, greatly to the annoyance of Lord Derwentwater.
Determined to reconnoitre the enemy, his lordship requested Captain Gordon to accompany him, and set off with a small party of horse towards the Yetholms.
Nothing occurred to indicate that the enemy were on the move till he came within a couple of miles of Kirk-Yetholm, when from the brow of a hill he distinguished their vanguard, and at once comprehended that a part of the force, if not the whole, must be marching to Kelso.
Satisfied with what he had seen, and beginning to be of opinion that General Carpenter would not have been so easily surprised as he imagined, he turned back, and riding quickly, overtook the insurgent army before it reached Hawick.
It afterwards appeared that the earl had narrowly escaped capture, and that he and his companions were indebted for their escape to the swiftness of their horses. Had he descended the hill whence he descried the enemy, he must have been taken prisoner.
VI. – THE HIGHLANDERS REFUSE TO CROSS THE BORDER
Next day symptoms of revolt began to appear among the Highlanders, who had been told by Lord Wintoun that if they went to England they would infallibly be defeated by the superior force brought against them, and would either be cut to pieces, taken prisoners and hanged, or sold as slaves to the plantations.
Assembling on the Moot Hill, at the head of the town, they refused to come down, even at the orders of their chief, and told him if they were led against the enemy they would fight, but that they would not cross the Border.
“Wherefore not?” he cried. “Why the devil are you afraid to fight the Southrons on their aim ground? You are ready to meet them here, but not south of the Solway Firth. Your pay is assured you, and it will be your ain faut if ye dinna double it.”
“But they tell us we shall never come back,” rejoined the sergeant, who acted as spokesman.
“Who tells you so?” demanded the brigadier.
“One who knows what he says, and wouldn’t deceive us,” replied the sergeant.
“Zounds, man! do you think I would deceive you?” cried the brigadier. “I tell you that in England you will get plenty to eat and drink – plenty of plunder – whereas in Scotland you have nothing but starvation to expect. Now choose! Will you follow me, who have led you on thus far triumphantly, and will lead you on to further conquest – or desert me, when I most need your services, for one who has neither the will nor the power to reward you?”
“We will follow you, brigadier,” shouted the majority of the men. “Take us where you will.”
“I will first take you where each of you can get a mutchkin of whisky to drink the king’s health. You will then prepare to march to Langholm, on the road to Long-town!”
After resting for the night at Langholm, where they had some difficulty in finding quarters, the insurgents continued their march next day, uncertain whether they should proceed to Langholm or Ecclefechan, when a decision was unexpectedly brought about.
VII. – LORD WIDDRINGTON RETURNS FROM LANCASHIRE
While crossing a wide moor, they perceived a party of horsemen coming towards them, and understood from the shouts of these persons that they must be friends.
On a nearer approach the insurgents discovered that the leader of the party was Lord Widdrington. He had just returned from his visit to Lancashire, and had brought with him a very important document, which he was extremely anxious to show to the leaders of the expedition, as it could not fail to govern their future plans.
Upon this, a general halt was called, and the commanders and officers having assembled, Lord Widdrington read his paper to them.
It was to the effect, that if the combined forces of the Scottish Lowlanders and Highlanders, who had risen for King James the Third, would direct their march to Lancashire, the High Church Tories of Manchester and the neighbourhood, and the whole of the Roman Catholic gentry of Lancashire and Cheshire, would rise in a mass, and join them with an army of twenty thousand men.
“Twenty thousand men!” exclaimed Lord Kenmure. “Are you certain of this, my lord?”
“I am certain that our appearance in Lancashire will be the signal of a general rising,” replied Lord Widdrington. “There is a very strong Jacobite feeling throughout the county. But the inhabitants will not rise till we appear.”
“Then we must go to Lancashire,” said Lord Kenmure.
“In three days we shall be in the heart of the county,” said General Forster.
“And surrounded by a host of friends,” cried Lord Widdrington. “I have had promises from all quarters. And you will see that this document bears a number of important names. The first signature is that of my brother-in-law, Mr. Townley, of Townley. The second is that of Mr. Ralph Standish, of Standish. Next follows Sir Francis Anderton, of Lostock. Then come Mr. Shuttle-worth, of Shuttleworth, Mr. Richard Chorley, of Chorley, Mr. Gabriel Hesketh, of Whitehall, near St. Michael’s-le-Wyre, and Mr. John Leyburne, of Natesby – all men of good family.”
“But all Roman Catholics, I suppose?” said Lord Ken-mure.
“True, my lord – but they are none the worse for their religion. But there are many other names on the list. Pray look at the document.”
“It is not needful,” replied Lord Kenmure. Then turning to the others, he added, “I am of opinion that we ought forthwith to quit Scotland and march to Lancashire. How say you, my lords and gentlemen? Shall it be so?”
A hearty response was given in the affirmative, with but one dissentient voice – that of Lord Wintoun.
“I am still as much opposed to the plan as ever.” said his lordship. “I have entire faith in Lord Widdrington’s representations. I know he is incapable of deceiving us; but I place no reliance on the promises of support he has received. If the Lancashire Jacobites meant to rise, they would not wait for our coming.”
“You do not know them as well as I do, my lord,” said Lord Widdrington. “I can assure you they are in earnest.”
“If you despair of the expedition, my lord, leave it,” said Lord Derwentwater. “But do not throw cold water upon it.”
“No, it shall never be said that the Earl of Wintoun deserted King James’s cause,” rejoined the other. “But the day will come when you will bitterly regret that you did not follow my counsel.”
“Meantime, we are well content to march to Lancashire,” said Lord Derwentwater.
“Ay, to Lancashire! to Lancashire!” cried several voices.
The matter being now settled, orders were given to march to Langholm.
Brigadier Mackintosh, however, had a difficult task to get his men to move. When they understood it was decided that the force should march into England, a portion of the Highlanders again rebelled, and refused to proceed further.
Once more the brigadier tried the effect of persuasion, and partly by promises – partly by threats – induced the men to follow him.
They went on very reluctantly for three or four miles, till they drew near the Esk, when the mutineers separating themselves from their comrades, ran towards the river, with the intention of crossing it and flying towards Ecclefechan.
But the brigadier was beforehand with them, and plunging into the stream, drew his sword, and swore he would cut down the first who entered the water.
His aspect was so grim and terrible that he held them in check for a few minutes, during which he was able to reassert his authority, and eventually he succeeded in driving a great number of them back to the ranks.
The confederate forces halted at Langholm, but did not rest there for the night, as it was deemed advisable by the Scottish leaders to enter England without delay. Accordingly they marched on to Longtown, in Cumberland.
On that very day, Brigadier Stanwix, Governor of Carlisle, with sixty militiamen, had ridden over to Longtown, but could obtain no precise information respecting the movements of the rebels. They had been heard of at Hawick, but it was thought they would turn to the west, and crossing the mountains, join the Earl of Mar. No suspicion was entertained that they were marching into England. In fact, as we have shown, their own plans were undecided, until they met Lord Widdrington.
General Carpenter likewise was misled by the intelligence he received, and followed the insurgents no further than Jedburgh. Receiving no further tidings, and being in great want of forage for his troops, he then returned to Newcastle.
Thus owing to a variety of circumstances, the rebels gained two days on their enemies. They took every possible precaution to prevent their arrival at Longtown from becoming known, and were marching joyously to Brampton, in Gilsland – a small place near Naworth Castle – before it was even suspected they were in England.
END OF BOOK THE FIFTH
BOOK THE SIXTH – THE MARCH FROM PENRITH TO PRESTON
I. – THE ROUT ON PENRITH FELL
Having achieved a great point, as they thought, the insurgents were now in very good spirits.
Even the Highlanders had quite recovered from their superstitious dread of crossing the Border, and gazed with curiosity at the country as they marched along – thinking it very like Scotland. But they abstained from any acts of pillage. The inhabitants regarded them with terror, and fancied they were the first part of a large invading army.
Brampton offered them very poor quarters and a scanty supply of provisions, and they thought of seizing Naworth Castle, which was only a mile and a half distant, but some prudential considerations deterred them.
James the Third having been proclaimed, Mr. Forster opened his commission to act as General of the Confederate Forces in England, and Lord Kenmure resigned the post in his favour.
Next day, the insurgents quitted Brampton betimes, and continued their march along the banks of the Eden. At Kirkoswald they halted in expectation of being joined by Mr. Dacre, a Roman Catholic gentleman, with forty men.
While at Kirkoswald, they received information from Captain Gordon, who had gone on to reconnoitre, that Lord Lonsdale commander of the militia of Westmoreland, Cumberland, and Northumberland, with five or six hundred horse militia, and accompanied by the Bishop of Carlisle, and Sir Christopher Musgrave, high sheriff of the county, with an immense posse-comitatus, consisting probably of eight or ten thousand men, armed with bills and pitchforks and such implements as they could procure were assembled on Penrith Fell, to dispute their further advance.
Little danger was to be apprehended from this vast but disorderly host, in Captain Gordon’s opinion, as, except the militia, which formed only a small proportion of it, the men were entirely undisciplined, and scarcely under control.
Since it was clear from this statement that the hostile force would be as easily dispersed as a mob, strict orders were given that no injury should be done to the common men, except in Case of resistance.
All eagerness for the fight – if fight there was to be – the insurgents set forward, Lord Denventwater commanding the advanced guard, and having with him – besides his brother – Colonel Oxburgh and Captain Gordon.
General Forster commanded the main force, and rode with Lord Widdrington and Lord Kenmure. Neither commanders nor officers had the slightest anxiety as to the result of the engagement, and felt as if they were going to a race, while the Highlanders were in very good spirits, fancying they should obtain some booty.
After passing through a woody district, they came to a common, when they perceived the immense host described by Captain Gordon, drawn up on the side of Penrith Fell – the horse militia being stationed in front.
As soon as the rebels came in sight, the Royalists set up a great shout, and a charge being ordered by Lord Lonsdale, the militia dashed forward, sword in hand, as if meaning to cut down the invaders.
But when they beheld Lord Derwentwater at the head of his troop, galloping to meet them, they suddenly stopped, and despite Lord Lonsdale’s remonstrances, fairly turned round, and fled.
Their cowardice saved the rebels the trouble of dispersing the multitude behind them, for no sooner did the militia fly, than the others took to their heels, and throwing down their weapons, hurried off in every direction.
Ere many minutes the whole common was covered with fugitives, crying out piteously for quarter if a Highlander pursued them and offering all they had – which was not much – if their lives were spared. A great number of prisoners were taken.
Amongst the foremost to save themselves were Lord Lonsdale and the Bishop of Carlisle. Both were greatly afraid of being captured. Sir Christopher Musgrave made a vigorous effort to check the flight of the posse-comitatûs, but being utterly unable to do so, he rode off himself.
In less than half an hour the plain was completely cleared of all but the confederate forces and their prisoners. Several horses belonging to the militia were taken, a few swords and pistols, and a vast number of pitchforks.
When the prisoners, who amounted to three or four hundred, were brought before General Forster, he upbraided them – though in a good-humoured manner – with their folly in opposing their friends, saying they – the so-called rebels – were come to deliver them from a tyrannical usurper, and restore their lawful king to the throne.
“To prove that we mean you no harm,” he said, “not one of you have been injured – not a single man has been killed in the conflict. Had we caught Lord Lonsdale, or the Bishop of Carlisle, who ought not to have appeared on a field of battle, or Sir Christopher Musgrave, we might have made each of them pay a heavy ransom; but we shall deal differently with you. You are free. Return quietly to your homes. Take back your implements of husbandry, and employ them to a better purpose in future.”
This speech produced a very good effect on the countrymen to whom it was addressed. They huzzaed loudly, and shouted:
“God save King James the Third, and prosper his merciful army!”
Their pitchforks were then given back to them, and they departed, rejoicing.
Three parties of horse were next sent off in different directions.
The first was commanded by Colonel Oxburgh, whose orders were to proceed to Lowther Castle, which was not more than three or four miles distant, and search for his lordship, and take him prisoner.
The second party, commanded by Captain Wogan attended by the Reverend Mr. Patten, who was acquainted with the country, had orders to proceed to Rose Castle, the residence of the Bishop of Carlisle, and arrest him.
The third party was commanded by Captain Gordon, who had displayed extraordinary zeal of late, and had risen greatly in favour with General Forster and Lord Derwentwater. Captain Gordon’s orders were to proceed to Edenhall, and make Sir Christopher Musgrave prisoner. He was also to bring away any arms he might find at the hall.
Charged with these orders the three officers in question immediately rode off.
Elated by their success, the insurgents marched on to Penrith, and entered the town with colours flying, drums beating, bagpipes playing.
II. – MADAM BELLINGHAM
The news of their victory had preceded them, and disposed the inhabitants – many of whom were Jacobites – to receive them cordially. Even by the leading men of the opposite party the greatest civility was shown them.
In anticipation of the defeat of the rebels, a plentiful supper had been provided at the principal inn for the Bishop of Carlisle, Lord Lonsdale, Sir Christopher Musgrave, and their chief followers.
To this supper General Forster and the whole of the insurgent leaders – except those absent on duty – sat down; and as circumstances gave peculiar zest to the entertainment, they passed the merriest evening they had done for some time.
The party sat late, and had not broken up when Colonel Oxburgh and the two other officers returned. Some arms were brought from Lowther Castle and Edenhall – but no prisoners. Lord Lowther, it appeared, had fled to Yorkshire. What had become of the Bishop of Carlisle and Sir Christopher Musgrave could not be ascertained.
General Forster was greatly disappointed, as he felt that the capture of three such important personages – or even one of them – would have given him great credit. However, he was fain to be content with the success he had achieved.
Next day, the general performed an act that raised him considerably in the estimation of the inhabitants. Having found out that some High Church Tories belonging to his own division intended to pull down, or burn a Presbyterian meeting-house in the town, he peremptorily forbade them, declaring he would punish any who disobeyed his orders.
“I will never sanction religious outrages,” he said. “We must now show the country that all sects can live tranquilly together. My maxim is toleration. Though I differ from the Presbyterians, I will, on no account, allow them to be molested.”
This expression, which was repeated, did him great service.
During their stay in Penrith, the insurgents were very well treated, and made many friends. They expected to be joined by several important Roman Catholics – Mr. Howard of Corby Castle. Mr. Warwick of Warwick Hall, Mr. Henry Curwen of Workington, and Sir James Graham of Inchbrachy – but learnt to their dismay that they had all been arrested by the Governor of Carlisle, and secured in the castle. Before quitting Penrith, they collected five hundred pounds.
At the charming town of Appleby, always noted for its loyalty, they were very well received, and took possession of the church and castle.
General Forster immediately caused James the Third to be proclaimed, and so much enthusiasm was manifested that it might have been thought that the inhabitants were all devoted to the Stuarts.
Gratified by their reception, and delighted by the beauty of the town, the insurgents passed their time very pleasantly, and were reluctant to proceed on their march.
At Appleby, Mr. Wyburgh, captain of the train-bands, was taken prisoner, and Lord Nairn, a relation of Sir James Graham, wished to effect an exchange, but the Governor of Carlisle would not listen to the proposal.
Several persons, suspected of being spies, were seized and detained, and an impracticable officer was confined in the Moot Hall till he confessed where the excise money was lodged.
Their next march was to Kendal, where General Forster was quartered at the house of Alderman Simpson, in Strickland Gate. It chanced that his god-mother, Mrs. Bellingham, was staying there at the time, and hearing this the general desired to pay his respects to her, but she refused to see him. However, as he was going up-stairs to his room, she rushed forth, and met him on the landing. Alarmed by the furious expression of her countenance, Forster would have; turned back, but she commanded him to stay.
Thinking to deprecate her wrath, the general expressed his great pleasure at seeing her, and hoped she was quite well.
“Quite well!” she cried. “How can I be well when I’m driven almost out of my senses by your shameful proceedings. Oh! Tom, Tom! never did I think you would serve the Pretender!”
“I serve King James the Third, madam,” he replied. “And however disagreeable it may be to you to hear it, I must say that I look upon the Elector of Hanover as a usurper, and I shall do my best to drive him from the kingdom.”
“You may try, but you’ll never succeed,” cried Mrs. Bellingham, becoming still more exasperated. “Now, I’ll tell what you’ve lost by your folly. I meant to leave you all my fortune; but you shan’t have a penny. I’ll leave it all to Dorothy.”
“I’m sorry to have offended you, madam, but it can’t be helped. I scarcely think you can have heard of our great success at Penrith Fells, or you wouldn’t speak so disparagingly of us.”
“I’ve heard that you dispersed an army of peasants,” she rejoined, contemptuously. “But when you face a regular army, the result will be very different.”
“You are mistaken, madam,” he rejoined, beginning to feel angry himself, for he saw Lord Derwentwater, Lord Widdrington, and Colonel Oxburgh at the foot of the stairs, and felt sure they must be laughing at him. “Before a month we shall be in London.”
“Yes,” she replied; “but you will be a prisoner. You and the rebel lords will be safely lodged in the Tower, and if you come out, it will only be to have your heads cut off. And you will richly deserve your fate.”
A good word may be said for the Highlanders. It was reported that the muskets of the militia were concealed in the church, and a party of these brave fellows went in search of them. They discovered no arms, but they found the plate in the vestry, and left it untouched.
Next day, being Sunday, the insurgents marched early to Kirkby-Lonsdale. Service was performed at the church in the afternoon by the Reverend Mr. Patten, and as Lord Derwentwater and Lord Widdrington were standing in the churchyard contemplating the beautiful view it commands of the valley of the Lune, they were surprised by the unexpected appearance of Lord Widdrington’s brother, who had just returned from Lancaster, whither he had been sent to prepare the inhabitants for the approach of the insurgent force.
Charles Widdrington’s report was that there was a strong feeling in their favour, and that they would certainly be joined by many gentlemen of the county. Moreover, he brought a letter to Lord Widdrington from Mr. Charles Beswicke, of Manchester, in which the writer mentioned that King James the Third had just been proclaimed in that town, and a troop of fifty men raised and armed. Mr. Beswicke hoped to join the insurgent army with some volunteers at Lancaster.
This satisfactory intelligence was immediately communicated to the other chiefs and officers, and greatly raised their spirits.
Before leaving Kirkby-Lonsdale, they were joined by an important Roman Catholic gentleman, Mr. Carus, of Halton Hall, and his two sons, who were appointed officers in Lord Derwentwater’s troop.