Preston Fight Part 18

III.

Sunday at Kelso

AFTER the junction of the confederate forces had been effected, it was found that they formed an army of two thousand men, of whom the majority were Highlanders.

Though the force was still small, so much confidence was now felt in Mackintosh, and such strong hopes were entertained that large additions would soon be received, that no misgivings were felt.

On the day of the junction, the commanders and officers dined together, and the best feeling was manifested. All old jealousies, if any had existed, were banished. A warm tribute was paid by Lord Derwent.w.a.ter to the valour and skill of Brigadier Mackintosh, with which the veteran warrior was much gratified.

Next day, being Sunday, great discretion had to be used by the leaders of an army composed of Presbyterians, High Church Tories, and Roman Catholics.

That such discordant elements could be reconciled-even for a brief season-seemed impossible. Nevertheless, by the judicious management of Lord Kenmure, who retained the command of the confederate force so long as it continued in Scotland, the thing was accomplished.

At this time, three clergymen were attached to the expedition-the Reverend William Irvine, chaplain to the Earl of Carnwath, an Episcopalian and Nonjuror-the Reverend Robert Patten, of Allendale, who belonged to the High Church, and had just been appointed chaplain to General Forster-and the Reverend Mr. Buxton, likewise a Church of England divine, who might be considered chaplain to the entire English force, since there was no Roman Catholic priest.

By Lord Kenmure's orders all the officers and men attended at the Great Kirk, where the Church of England service was performed.

The large congregation thus a.s.sembled presented an extraordinary sight, and the behaviour of the men was extremely decorous-that of the Highlanders especially so. They nearly filled the body of the sacred edifice, and listened with devout attention to the discourse of Mr. Patten, who took for his text, "The right of the first-born is his"-applying it to the cause for which they were fighting.

In the afternoon, an equally large congregation a.s.sembled, consisting chiefly of Highlanders, to hear the Reverend William Irvine, the Scottish Nonjuror, who treated them to a sermon he had preached to Lord Dundee before the battle of Killiecrankie.

It was thought that this fiery sermon was given in deference to the wishes of Brigadier Mackintosh; and it would almost seem so, since the old Highlander listened to it with profound attention, and afterwards expressed his satisfaction to the preacher.

A very favourable impression was produced on the Kelso folk by the exemplary conduct of the troops on the Sabbath; but they were not quite so well pleased when Mackintosh next morning, while searching for arms, discovered several barrels of gunpowder concealed in the vaults of the kirk, and swore if he could catch the traitors who had placed them there, he would hang them like dogs.

The brigadier was likewise extraordinarily active in foraging and plundering, and seized all the public revenues without scruple.

Under other circ.u.mstances Lord Derwent.w.a.ter would have enjoyed his visit to Kelso, but his mind was so troubled, that even Roxburgh Castle, Floors, or the charming views of the Tweed and the Teviot afforded him very little pleasure.

His heart was at Dilston.

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IV.

A Council of War

ON the third day after their arrival at Kelso, one of the scouts sent by Lord Kenmure to watch the movements of the Government troops, brought word that General Carpenter had reached Wooler with a force of nine hundred men, consisting of Hotham's regiment of foot, and three regiments of dragoons, and intended next day to attack Kelso.

On receipt of this important intelligence, a council of war was immediately summoned, which was attended by all the commanders and officers.

The main point to be considered was whether they should await the English general's attack at Kelso, and barricade the town, or cross the Tweed, and meet him.

Lord Derwent.w.a.ter was decidedly of opinion that the latter course should be adopted, and maintained that their force being double that of Carpenter, the result of an engagement could not be doubtful-although the Government general possessed three regiments of experienced dragoons.

But his advice, though approved by General Forster and the English officers, was opposed by the Earl of Wintoun.

"As Scotsmen," said his lordship, "we are best able to serve the king's cause in our own country, and are therefore most reluctant to cross the Border. Is it not so?" he added, appealing to his compatriots-all of whom a.s.sented, except Mackintosh.

"But you have the Earl of Mar's orders to advance," remarked General Forster. "How can you disobey them?"

"The Earl of Mar is not aware of our exact position," replied Lord Wintoun, "or his orders would be countermanded. At present, all communication with him is difficult, and if we enter England it will be entirely cut off. But it may be opened-and this is the plan of operation I would recommend. Falling back to the north-west, attacking Dumfries and Glasgow on our way, we shall be able to join the Western Clans, and, combining with them, can either cross the Firth above Stirling, or proceed as the Earl of Mar may direct."

This proposition was manifestly to the taste of the Scottish leaders, most of whom signified their approval of it.

"But why throw away our present chance?" cried the Earl of Derwent.w.a.ter. "Why not attack Carpenter when we can do so with every advantage? From the report just received he is greatly our inferior in numbers, and his troops are exhausted. The prestige of a victory would be of immense service to the cause."

"We do not care to cross the Tweed," again objected Lord Wintoun.

"If you won't cross the Tweed, my lord, General Carpenter will," rejoined Lord Derwent.w.a.ter, contemptuously.

"He will gain little by the movement," retorted Lord Wintoun. "He will find Kelso evacuated, and will not dare follow us."

"Is this the sort of fighting we are to expect?" cried Lord Derwent.w.a.ter. "Are we always to retreat on the appearance of the foe? We Northumbrians did not come to Scotland to join the Western Clans, but to meet our brave ally Brigadier Mackintosh, who is pledged to march with us to London, and we claim fulfilment of his promise. As to General Carpenter, if our allies won't help us, we will attack him alone. Do I not express your sentiments, general?" he added to Forster.

"My opinion decidedly is, that Carpenter ought to be met by the whole confederate force," said Forster. "My own division is not strong enough to encounter him, and would incur certain defeat."

"Again, I say, the Scots will not cross the Tweed," remarked Lord Wintoun. "If our English allies choose to sacrifice themselves, we may grieve, but we cannot help it."

Restraining himself with difficulty, the Earl of Derwent.w.a.ter turned to Mackintosh, who had not hitherto spoken, and said: "Do you mean to desert us, brigadier?"

"No, my lord," was the reply.

"Then let the Lowlanders join the Western Clans if they will," said the earl. "We can do without them."

Lord Wintoun placed his hand upon his sword, and the other Lowland leaders would have fiercely resented the remark, if Lord Kenmure had not interposed.

"We must have no quarrels among ourselves," he said. "When Lord Derwent.w.a.ter becomes calmer, he will regret having spoken thus hastily. As yet, I am chief in command of the whole insurgent force, and my orders must be obeyed."

"They shall be obeyed by me, my lord," said General Forster. "But I pray you not to take us further into Scotland. My troops will a.s.suredly revolt."

"We will come to a decision at Jedburgh," said Lord Kenmure, somewhat evasively. "Meantime, precise information must be obtained as to the movements of the enemy. You shall go on the errand, Captain Gordon," he added, addressing a tall, exceedingly handsome young man in the Lowland garb.

Captain Gordon, an officer in the Merse troop, commanded by the Honourable Captain Hume, and distinguished for his courage and activity, seemed well pleased at being chosen for the dangerous expedition.

"I will rejoin your lordship at Jedburgh," he said. "But if I find General Carpenter and his force on the move, you will see me sooner."

With this he bowed and quitted the room, and almost before the council had broken up, he was on the other side of the Tweed.

"Brigadier," said General Forster, addressing Mackintosh, after some further discussion had taken place; "before we separate, I must ask you plainly if you mean to march with us to London?"

"I will answer frankly, general," replied Mackintosh. "My men will never enter England, unless they are certain of their pay."

"Is that the only difficulty?" said Lord Derwent.w.a.ter. "I feared from what has been said, that they might be averse to a campaign in England."

"So they are, my lord," replied the brigadier. "But possibly their aversion may be overcome by the certainty of good pay."

"Make them quite easy on that score," said Lord Derwent.w.a.ter. "I will provide the money."

"When my men learn your lordship's generous promise," said Mackintosh, "I doubt not they will be very grateful."

"'Tis but a small subsidy to the king," said Lord Derwent.w.a.ter. "I would give my whole property to set him on the throne."

"Truly, your lordship sets us all a good example, which we ought to follow," said Lord Kenmure. "And now for Jedburgh!"

About an hour later, much to the relief of the inhabitants, who began to fear that a battle would be fought under their walls, the whole insurgent force quitted Kelso, having stayed there three days.

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V.

Further Dissensions

THE Northumbrians reached their destination first, and as the others did not arrive, they rode back to see what had happened to them, and found the South Country Scots drawn up on the road about two miles from the town, and waiting for the Highlanders, who, in their turn, had halted to receive General Carpenter-believing he was in pursuit. These false alarms caused some delay, but eventually the whole force reached Jedburgh.

Next day, another council of war was held, and the same dissension prevailed as before, threatening to end in a rupture among the chiefs.

Previously to the meeting Lord Wintoun, who had had a private conference with Mackintosh, was persuaded that the brigadier would support him. But he was mistaken-the old warrior would not desert the Northumbrians, though it was evident he himself was unwilling to quit Scotland.

While they were still engaged in angry and fruitless discussion, Captain Gordon returned.

"What news do you bring us, sir?" demanded Lord Kenmure. "Has General Carpenter crossed the Border?"

"He has, my lord," replied Captain Gordon; "and the greater part of his force is quartered at the Yetholms within eight miles of this place. Troops are cantoned at Hounham, Mendrum, Town-Yetholm, Kirk-Yetholm, and Morbattle, as I myself have ascertained. I ventured so near them at Morbattle, that I was discovered, and pursued by a dozen of Churchill's dragoons, within two miles of Jedburgh, when they gave up the chase. No doubt, they believed we were still at Kelso, but they must now have found out their mistake."

"Captain Gordon," said Mackintosh, "so far as you can judge, what is the condition of the enemy?"

"Their horses are jaded, or I should not have escaped," replied Gordon, "and I am certain the foot, of whom there must be five or six hundred, are fatigued with their long march. I therefore feel convinced there will be no general attack today, and I think we might surprise them."

"You hear what Captain Gordon says, my lord?" cried Mackintosh, turning to Lord Kenmure. "From the observations he has just made, he is of opinion we may surprise the enemy."

"General Carpenter himself is at Kirk-Yetholm," remarked Captain Gordon.

"So much the better," said the brigadier. "Having taken up a position there, he will make no further advance to-day. Our whole force is in marching order. Let us make the attack at once. By using the utmost expedition, we shall take him unprepared."

"That is certain," said Captain Gordon; "and I do not for a moment doubt that the attack will be successful."

"I hope the plan meets with your lordship's approval?" said Lord Derwent.w.a.ter to Kenmure.

The chief commander, however, made no direct answer, but turning to the Northumbrian leader, observed: "What says General Forster?"

"'Tis a bold step, and requires consideration," replied the other.

"The blow must be struck at once, or not at all," said Mackintosh. "While we are deliberating, the chance will be lost."

"We have not sufficient horse," rejoined Forster.

"We have enow for our purpose," said Lord Derwent.w.a.ter. "My lord, in the king's name, I ask you to make the attack."

"Ha! this sounds like a command," cried Lord Kenmure, angrily. "Your own general hesitates-if he will go on, I will."

"For Heaven's sake, come to a speedy decision!" said the earl to Forster. "Every minute is precious. There is no risk."

"I don't know that," replied Forster. "I won't run headlong into a danger that can be avoided. We may find General Carpenter better prepared for us than we expect. His dragoons are far more numerous than our cavalry."

"But our horses are fresh, general," observed Captain Gordon. "I repeat my opinion that a prompt attack would be successful."

"I won't hazard it," said Lord Kenmure.

"Then your lordship refuses to lead us to certain victory," said Lord Derwent.w.a.ter.

Lord Kenmure shrugged his shoulders.