Aware that 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.
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By whom the Countess and Dorothy were liberated
THE leader of the troop seemed an important personage, since he was treated with marked deference by Parson Woods. After putting a few questions in an undertone to the minister, he turned to the ladies, and said:
“Am I to understand that I am addressing Lady Derwentwater and Miss Forster?”
“You are, sir,” replied the countess. “And if you are satisfied on the point, I presume we shall not be detained?”
The officer made no direct reply, but said rather bluntly: “Who are these persons with you?”
“One is Lord Derwentwater’s chaplain,” replied the countess. “The other is a private servant.”
“Your ladyship must excuse me if I appear inquisitive, but I am obliged to ask where you are going?” said the officer. “Moreover, I must request a precise answer to the inquiry?”
“It is not my habit to equivocate, sir,” replied she. “My destination is Dilston, and if we are allowed to proceed, Miss Forster will accompany me.”
“I presume your ladyship thinks Preston unsafe, or you would not quit it in this manner?” remarked the officer.
Lady Derwentwater made no reply.
“That question ought not to have been put,” said Dorothy. “We are not called upon to explain the cause of our departure.”
“But when General Forster’s sister flies, it may be presumed that the place is not likely to hold out long,” remarked the officer.
“You may draw any inference you please,” rejoined Dorothy. “My own opinion is that General Wills will be driven away to-morrow. He has certainly had the worst of it to-day.”
“Then you will have an opportunity of witnessing his defeat,” said the officer; “for I propose to send you back to the town. Parson Woods,” he added to the minister, “since you have made this important capture, you shall conduct the ladies to the Fishergate avenue. I will send a party of horse to sustain you.”