GREAT was the mortification of Rigby, when he found that the engine, with which he had hoped to accomplish the destruction of Lathom House, had been taken from him; and additional sharpness was added to the stroke by the fact that Colonel Holland had been invited to witness his triumph, and had used great despatch to arrive in time.
Unable to invent any excuses, Rigby was obliged to confess the truth—neither could he conceal the fact that such great discontent prevailed among his soldiers, that a mutiny was threatened. More than two hundred had run away from the trenches that morning, and these added to the large number killed in the attack of the Royalists, or malignants, as he termed them, made a very serious loss. Nor did he see how the reduction of the garrison could now be accomplished, except by starvation or want of water. He believed that their stock of provisions was getting low, and hoped to drain their well, but so many failures in his plans had occurred that he did not feel very sanguine. The siege might drag on till the countess obtained assistance from the king, or from the Earl of Derby, who he understood had quitted the Isle of Man, and was now in Chester.
After thus explaining his position, he requested Colonel Holland to send him an immediate reinforcement from Manchester.
“I want five hundred men without delay to replace those I have lost,” he said. “I am no longer equal to the task given me. The sorties of the enemy are so frequent, that the soldiers are obliged to guard the trenches for two nights running—sometimes more. By this last attack I have lost more than two hundred of my best men, and at least twenty engineers. I would fain have another mortar, in order that I may make a fresh attempt to burn down the house. I should likewise feel well pleased if you would send Colonel Rosworm to me. He might render me great assistance.”
“I am unable to comply with the latter request,” replied Colonel Holland. “I have already spoken to Rosworm on the subject, but he absolutely refuses to lend any further aid against the Countess of Derby, and does not seek to disguise his hope that she may be able to hold out. I will bring you the five hundred men you require with as little delay as possible, though their withdrawal from the Manchester garrison will greatly reduce our strength—but I cannot promise you another mortar. However, it is time this long siege should be brought to a close. The heroic defence made by the countess—for heroic it is—is the talk of the whole county, and is damaging our cause while it raises the hopes of the malignants. We must compel her to surrender.”
“I see not how that can be accomplished,” rejoined Rigby. “I have tried every means, but hitherto without success. After the defeat of today matters will become worse. As I have just explained to you the soldiers refuse to work in the trenches, and many of them have taken to flight. Another such month as I have gone through would compel me to raise the siege. The labour is beyond my strength.”
“Well, you shall have the reinforcement you require, and that speedily,” replied Colonel Holland. “But you must not relax in your exertions.”
“I shall remove the demi-cannon and the culverin from the batteries, or the enemy will obtain possession of them next,” said Rigby.
“That will be judicious,” rejoined Colonel Holland. “The cannon can be taken back again when I arrive with the reinforcement.”
“But by that time the batteries may be destroyed,” remarked Rigby.
“Others must then be reared,” said Colonel Holland. “Do not let the countess suppose you are discouraged. Keep up a bold appearance. When I come back we will send her another summons to surrender.”
“If we do, she will hang the messenger.”
“No, I will take it myself,” replied Colonel Holland. “Bold as she is, she will not venture to hang me.”
“I am not sure of it,” said Rigby. “But I would as soon enter a lion’s den as into her mansion. I should expect to be torn in pieces. She is often on the Eagle Tower. I wish a shot could reach her.”
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