With marvellous despatch Atherton rode across the country and brought the intelligence to Charles, who had arrived at Leek. No change, however, was made in the prince's plans. He did not desire an engagement with the duke, but rather to elude him. Accordingly, he pressed on, and on the fourth day after leaving Manchester, arrived with his entire forces at Derby. Charles was still full of confidence, and as he was now a day's march nearer London than the enemy, he persuaded himself that he should be able to reach the capital without hazarding a battle. Though he had been coldly received at all places since he left Manchester, and had not obtained any more recruits, he was not discouraged. He fixed his head-quarters at a large mansion in Full Street, which has since been demolished. On the morning after his arrival at Derby, he rode round the town, attended only by Colonel Ker and Captain Legh, and was very coldly received by the inhabitants--no cheers attending his progress through the streets, and many of the houses being shut up. Much dispirited by this unfavourable reception, he returned to his head-quarters, where a council of war was held, which was attended by all the leaders of his army. The general aspect of the assemblage was gloomy, and far from calculated to raise his spirits. Sir Thomas Sheridan alone seemed to retain his former confidence. Graciously saluting them all, Charles said: "I have summoned you, my lords and gentlemen, simply to inform you that after halting for another day in Derby to refresh my troops, I shall proceed with all possible despatch, and without another halt, if I can avoid it--to London--there to give battle to the usurper. From the feeling evinced towards me, I doubt not I shall obtain many recruits during the hurried march, and perhaps some important reinforcements--but be this as it may, I shall persevere in my design." He then looked round, but as he encountered only gloomy looks, and all continued silent, he exclaimed sharply: "How is this? Do you hesitate to follow me further?"