|About half an hour later, Colonel Oxburgh, preceded by a trumpeter on
horseback, rode out of the Fishergate.
He was immediately stopped by the guard, but on explaining his errand,
was conducted by a sergeant and two dragoons to Wills's tent, which was
about a quarter of a mile off.
General Wills was seated at a small table in the centre of the tent,
when Colonel Oxburgh was announced by a sentinel.
Wills raised his head, and looking at him very sternly, demanded his
business.
“You will guess it without difficulty, I think, general,” replied
Oxburgh. “I am come to propose that the insurgent force shall lay down
their arms in the confident expectation that you will recommend them for
pardon to the king.”
“Entertain no such expectation, sir,” rejoined Wills still more sternly.
“I will not treat with rebels. Those for whom you plead have killed many
of the king's subjects, and deserve death.”
“But since they are willing to submit, general, I hope that
consideration may be shown them,” said Oxburgh.
“Expect none from me, sir,” rejoined Wills, harshly. “Clemency is thrown
away on rebels. Go back to those who sent you. Tell them, if they lay
down their arms, and submit themselves prisoners at discretion, I will
prevent my soldiers from cutting them to pieces, and spare their lives
till his majesty's pleasure is known. That is all I will promise.”
“Do you require an immediate decision, general?”
“I will give you an hour--no more,” replied Wills.
“I am greatly disappointed, general,” said Colonel Oxburgh. “I expected
very different terms from you.”
“I have already told you that I will make no terms with rebels such as
you,” rejoined Wills. “If you are not satisfied, return to the town,
and an hour hence--to the minute--I will attack you, and put you to the
sword.”
“Do you mean me to understand, general,” said Oxburgh, looking at him
steadfastly, “that King George will show us no mercy?”
“I do not say that,” replied Wills. “Nor do I hold out any promise. Your
best chance of obtaining mercy is by surrendering yourselves prisoners
at discretion.”
Finding nothing more could be obtained, Colonel Oxburgh departed.