Gordon saw at a glance that it would be impossible to break through such
a cordon.
In the Churchgate and Fishergate the barricades were undisturbed, but no
preparations were made for the renewal of the fight.
Brigadier Mackintosh was no longer at his post, and most of the
Highlanders had retired to the houses, anxious to snatch a few hours'
rest, and certain they would be summoned when required.
No sound of bagpipes was heard.
The neglected batteries, deserted streets, and dejected air of such
troopers as could be seen, offered a marked contrast to the formidable
appearance of the besiegers. Captain Gordon felt that the contest was
over, and desired to see no more.
Later on, all the English and Scottish leaders, with the exception of
the two who had surrendered themselves as hostages, assembled at the
Mitre, where it was finally agreed that the terms of the treaty should
be accepted.
“My men are willing to submit,” said Mackintosh. “But they look upon
themselves as sacrificed. Bitterly do I now reproach myself that I ever
brought them to England against their will, and that I did not turn back
at Lancaster. They might have helped the Earl of Mar to win a battle.
Poor fellows! they will now be transported and sold as slaves. My heart
bleeds for them.”
“We Scots have all cause to regret that we ever crossed the Border,”
said Lord Kenmure. “But we have done our best for King James, and if
we had been supported, we might have succeeded. We have had a High Tory
general, yet not one of the party has joined us.”
“No one can have been more disappointed than myself,” said Forster. “If
we had only reached Manchester----”
“Why did we not reach that town? tell us that,” cried Brigadier
Mackintosh.
“I admit we ought not to have stayed so long in Preston,” said Forster.
“But you all seemed unwilling to quit your quarters, and I apprehended
no danger.”
“'Tis idle to regret the past,” said Lord Widdrington; “you have
complained of the absence of the High Church Tories, my lord,” he added,
to Lord Kenmure. “But you cannot say that the Roman Catholics have
failed you.”
“No, they have proved our staunchest friends,” replied Lord Kenmure.
“And a braver and a better commander cannot be found than Lord
Derwentwater.”
“In that we all agree,” said Lord Nithsdale and the other Scottish
nobles.
“The hour at which the armistice expires is close at hand,” said
Forster, “and we must therefore prepare to conclude this painful
business properly. We will remain here, but all the officers--English
and Scotch--must forthwith assemble within the churchyard to deliver up
their arms. Let immediate orders be given to that effect,” he added
to Charles Radclyffe and Captain Dalziel, who at once departed on the
errand.