Brigadiers Dormer and Munden with the regiments under their command, then rode off to the north side of the town to attack the Lancaster Avenue; while Lord Forrester led Preston's foot towards the upper end of the Wigan Avenue, followed by the dismounted dragoons, and sustained by Brigadier Honeywood's regiment. Shortly afterwards, sharp firing announced that the attack had commenced on both sides of the town. END OF BOOK THE SEVENTH. _BOOK THE EIGHTH_--THE DEFENCE [Illustration: 0234] I.--THE BARRICADES. |RUDELY awakened from his slumbers at a far earlier hour than he usually allowed himself to be disturbed, by the intelligence that Wills was marching to attack him with his whole force, and scarcely able, even then, to credit the unwelcome news, and with an aching head, General Forster attired himself in haste, and, ordering a small troop of horse to attend him, rode forth to reconnoitre. On reaching the Ribble Bridge, he found a party of Highlanders placed there, and was informed by Colonel Farquharson, who commanded them, that the king's army was certainly approaching. Still doubting, the general rode on for a few miles further, when he descried the vanguard of the enemy, and quickly turned back. In the interval the Highlanders had left the bridge, their place being taken by three hundred of Lord Derwentwater's men, under the command of Captain Shaftoe. Angry that this change should have been made without his sanction, Forster ordered Shaftoe to abandon the bridge and return to the town. The order was very reluctantly obeyed. Captain Shaftoe would fain have proceeded to Penwortham to dislodge Parson Woods, but was not allowed. Immediately on his return to the town, General Forster summoned a council of war, which was attended by all the English and Scottish leaders. They were quite alive to the danger of their position, and evidently had very little reliance either on the judgment or skill of their commander. Under these circumstances the advice of Brigadier Mackintosh was urgently requested by Lord Derwent-water and others. “You have greater military experience than any of us, brigadier,” said the earl. “What plan do you suggest?” “Will you follow out my plan, if I offer it?” said the brigadier. “We will,” replied the earl. “If we waste time in discussion, the enemy will be upon us.”