|From his post on the church-tower, Captain Gordon had witnessed these
proceedings and reported them to Brigadier Mackintosh.
Though not disheartened, the brave old Highlander felt that the
situation was one of the utmost peril, and could perceive only one way
of extricating himself from it, but this he was unwilling to adopt,
unless joined by his English allies, and he felt sure that Forster had
not resolution enough for such a course of action.
His men, however, could hardly be restrained. No sooner did they
discover that they were pent up in the town, than they wished to sally
forth, sword in hand, and cut their way through the enemy.
The brigadier told them it was too soon--that they must wait till
night--and if nothing happened in the interim, he would lead them forth.
Colonel Mackintosh's men were equally impatient, and though they saw the
squadrons of dragoons posted near the Lancaster avenue, they would have
attempted to cut a passage through them, if allowed.
Meanwhile a conference took place at the Mitre between General Forster,
the Earl of Derwentwater, Lord Wid-drington, and Colonel Oxburgh.
As it was now evident that the town was completely blocked up, and could
not hold out long, it was necessary that some terms of surrender should
immediately be made.
Lord Derwentwater recommended that a council of war should be called at
once, at which all the Scottish leaders should assist, but Forster would
not accede to the proposition.
“If Mackintosh and the rest are consulted, we shall never be able to
make good terms with Carpenter and Wills,” said Forster. “Let them treat
for themselves.”
“But it will not be fair to treat without them,” observed the earl.
“Nothing whatever will be done, if Mackintosh is consulted,” said Lord
Widdrington. “Our estates I fear will be confiscated, but we must make
an effort to save our lives.”
“I fear the attempt will be useless,” said Lord Derwent-water. “And I
would die rather than do aught dishonourable.”
“There is nothing dishonourble in what I propose,” said Forster; “but I
feel certain the Scots will never consent to a surrender.”
“Yes, they would consider themselves degraded by such submission,” said
Lord Denventwater.
“If they choose to throw away their lives they must do so,” said Lord
Widdrington. “But do not let us act thus rashly.”
“I am acquainted with General Wills,” said Colonel Oxburgh, “and if you
desire it, I will propose a treaty to him. Rest assured, I will assent
to no disgraceful terms.”
Lord Derwentwater was still very unwilling that the step should be taken
without consulting Brigadier Mackintosh, but he yielded at last to the
representations of Lord Widdrington and Forster.