“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. Shuttleworth, 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 Kenmure.
“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.