Finding that the entrance to the Churchgate avenue was inconveniently crowded so that the troops could not act, Carpenter made a different disposition of the troops; and deeming it probable that a most determined attempt at escape might be made from the north of the town, he caused this outlet to be still more strongly guarded.
When all these orders had been executed, and every outlet was blocked up, the two generals divided their forces, and completely surrounded the town.
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III
General Forster wishes to capitulate
FROM his post on the church-tower, Captain Gordon had witnessed these proceedings and reported them to Brigadier Mackintosh.
Though not disheartened, the brave old Highlander felt that the situation was one of the utmost peril, and could perceive only one way of extricating himself from it, but this he was unwilling to adopt, unless joined by his English allies, and he felt sure that Forster had not resolution enough for such a course of action.
His men, however, could hardly be restrained. No sooner did they discover that they were pent up in the town, than they wished to sally forth, sword in hand, and cut their way through the enemy.
The brigadier told them it was too soon-that they must wait till night-and if nothing happened in the interim, he would lead them forth.
Colonel Mackintosh’s men were equally impatient, and though they saw the squadrons of dragoons posted near the Lancaster avenue, they would have attempted to cut a passage through them, if allowed.
Meanwhile a conference took place at the Mitre between General Forster, the Earl of Derwentwater, Lord Widdrington, and Colonel Oxburgh.
As it was now evident that the town was completely blocked up, and could not hold out long, it was necessary that some terms of surrender should immediately be made.
Lord Derwentwater recommended that a council of war should be called at once, at which all the Scottish leaders should assist, but Forster would not accede to the proposition.
“If Mackintosh and the rest are consulted, we shall never be able to make good terms with Carpenter and Wills,” said Forster. “Let them treat for themselves.”
“But it will not be fair to treat without them,” observed the earl.
“Nothing whatever will be done, if Mackintosh is consulted,” said Lord Widdrington. “Our estates I fear will be confiscated, but we must make an effort to save our lives.”
“I fear the attempt will be useless,” said Lord Derwentwater. “And I would die rather than do aught dishonourable.”
“There is nothing dishonourable in what I propose,” said Forster; “but I feel certain the Scots will never consent to a surrender.”
“Yes, they would consider themselves degraded by such submission,” said Lord Derwentwater.
“If they choose to throw away their lives they must do so,” said Lord Widdrington. “But do not let us act thus rashly.”
“I am acquainted with General Wills,” said Colonel Oxburgh, “and if you desire it, I will propose a treaty to him. Rest assured, I will assent to no disgraceful terms.”
Lord Derwentwater was still very unwilling that the step should be taken without consulting Brigadier Mackintosh, but he yielded at last to the representations of Lord Widdrington and Forster.
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IV
Colonel Oxburgh proposes Terms of Surrender to Wills
ABOUT half an hour later, Colonel Oxburgh, preceded by a trumpeter on horseback, rode out of the Fishergate.
He was immediately stopped by the guard, but on explaining his errand, was conducted by a sergeant and two dragoons to Wills’s tent, which was about a quarter of a mile off.
General Wills was seated at a small table in the centre of the tent, when Colonel Oxburgh was announced by a sentinel.
Wills raised his head, and looking at him very sternly, demanded his business.
“You will guess it without difficulty, I think, general,” replied Oxburgh. “I am come to propose that the insurgent force shall lay down their arms in the confident expectation that you will recommend them for pardon to the king.”
“Entertain no such expectation, sir,” rejoined Wills, still more sternly. “I will not treat with rebels. Those for whom you plead have killed many of the king’s subjects, and deserve death.”