|Preparations were made by the insurgent leaders at all the barricades
for a renewal of hostilities, and Brigadier Mackintosh had just given
orders to Tom Syddall to commence the demolition of the two large
houses in Church-street, when word was brought that a very large force,
consisting of more than two thousand horse, could be seen approaching
from the north.
No doubt could be entertained that this force belonged to General
Carpenter, who must have made an early march from Clitheroe in order to
effect a junction with Wills before the attack was resumed.
All was now consternation among the besieged, who felt that some
immediate step must be taken, or they would be shut in.
Colonel Mackintosh proposed to sally forth with his men, and consulted
the brigadier, who dissuaded him from the attempt, declaring it
impracticable.
As usual, General Forster was completely undecided.
Half an hour later, General Carpenter arrived, and took up a position on
the north side of the town. He was accompanied by the Earl of Carlisle
and Lord Lumley, and rode at the head of Churchill's, Molesworth's, and
Cobham's dragoons.
With these were several regiments of horse, making a total of two
thousand five hundred men.
No wonder such an accession of force should have utterly extinguished
the hopes of the insurgents.
Immediately on his arrival, General Carpenter rode up an eminence, and
was looking at the Windmill barricade, when a shot fired from the cannon
planted on that barrier fell very near him, and caused him to shift his
position.
While he was giving some directions to Colonel Churchill, General Wills
rode up, attended by Colonel Pitt, and expressed his satisfaction at
seeing him.
“In resigning the command of the force to you, general,” he said,
“I hope you will approve of the manner in which I have conducted the
operations of the siege. Even if I had not had the advantage of your
assistance, I doubt not that I should have been able to conclude the
affair to-day. The rebels, I am bound to say, have fought very bravely,
and have made a very gallant defence, especially the Highlanders; but
I have determined, at any cost, to take the barricade commanded by
Brigadier Mackintosh, and then they must surrender.”
“You have done very well, general,” replied Carpenter. “Nothing could be
better. Retain your command. I will not deprive you of the victory you
have so nearly achieved.”
“I thank you, general, and am proud to receive your commendation,”
replied Wills. “But I bow to your experience, and any suggestions you
may offer shall be immediately adopted. Before the decisive attack is
made, I should wish you to survey the town.”
“I propose to do so,” replied Carpenter.
Having posted six squadrons of dragoons under the command of Colonel
Churchill to prevent any attempt at flight from the Windmill barricade,
General Carpenter rode down towards the south side of the town with
Wills.
They were attended by a strong guard, and accompanied by the two
noblemen previously mentioned. On the way they met Sir Henry Hoghton
with a party of militia, and while General Carpenter was conversing with
Sir Henry, Parson Woods and a dozen of his men came up from the ford,
with some fugitive insurgents, whom they had just captured.
Learning from Woods that constant escapes were taking place from the
Fishergate avenue, General Carpenter gave orders that the outlet should
be effectually blocked up without delay, so as not only to check any
further flight, but prevent supplies of provisions from being brought
in.
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.