|As soon as it began to grow light next morning, Captain Gordon mounted
the church-tower to survey the town.
All seemed quiet--besieged and defenders. The Highlanders were still
lying stretched on their plaids near the barricade; but the greater
part of the troops, who did not possess the hardihood of the Scots,
had quitted the churchyard, and sought shelter in some of the adjacent
houses.
No signs of movement were visible in the two large houses in possession
of the enemy; but the sentinels were at their posts, and no doubt the
men could be summoned instantly to arms.
The street presented a ghastly sight--the dead not having been removed,
and the ground being covered with blood.
Turning from this painful spectacle he surveyed the fields outside
the town, but could not perceive that any change had been made in the
disposition of the enemy.
A mist arose from the marshy ground in the neighbourhood of the river,
and partially concealed the militia stationed near the bridge, but the
two squadrons of Pitt's dragoons could be distinguished in the fields.
Whatever might be the design of the enemy, it seemed to Captain Gordon
that no immediate attack was intended.
But while he continued his survey, and carefully reconnoitred the
outskirts of the town, he perceived some dismounted dragoons creeping
along the Wigan lane towards the town.
Watching them carefully for a few minutes, during which it got lighter,
he found their numbers increase, and became convinced that they were the
head of a large party.
He therefore quickly descended from the tower, and gave the alarm to
Brigadier Mackintosh, whom he found at his post, and who ordered him to
proceed at once to the Fishergate barrier--the only outlet not blocked
up--and take a troop of horse and attack them.
Captain Gordon instantly obeyed--nor was he detained at the barrier in
question.
Fifty stout Borderers, who were sleeping beside their steeds, bridle
in hand, were quickly in the saddle. A horse was found for him, and the
party sallied forth.
The Wigan lane was about a quarter of a mile off, and to reach it they
had to cross the field on the south side of the town. They got there
just as the dragoons had quitted the lane, but had not formed, and
immediately charged them--throwing them into confusion by the suddenness
of the attack.
The conflict only lasted for a few minutes, and ended in the complete
rout of the dragoons, several of whom were killed, including the
captain. Very little loss was sustained by the insurgents.
Quite surprised with what he had done, and fearing his retreat might be
cut off if he attempted pursuit, Captain Gordon galloped back as hard as
he could to the Fishergate avenue.
He was only just in time. The encounter had been witnessed by the two
squadrons of Pitt's dragoons stationed near the river, and they both
endeavoured to intercept him, but he and the Borderers were safe behind
the barriers before either could come up.
Captain Gordon gained great credit by this achievement, which was one of
the last performed by the insurgents.