Finding it impossible to force his men to attack the barricade in the face of this incessant fire, Lord Forrester did not attempt any further advance for the present, but retiring to the end of the street, where he was sustained by the dismounted dragoons and Honeywood's regiment, directed Captain Preston to lead a party of men through a narrow passage which he had observed to the back of the street, and, if possible, get possession of Sir Henry Hoghton's house.
Captain Preston at once obeyed the order, but on reaching a thoroughfare, called the Broadway, at the back of the houses, he found his advance checked by the small barrier commanded by Captain Wogan. However, he unhesitatingly attacked it, but was repulsed.
While heading a second assault he was struck down by a shot, and would have instantly been cut to pieces if Captain Wogan, at the hazard of his own life, had not dashed to his assistance, and saved him from the swords raised against him.
Having succeeded in bringing off his wounded foe, the generous Wogan consigned him to the care of a surgeon. But all aid was unavailing. Preston, than whom there was not a better or braver officer in the king's service, was dead.
Hitherto General Forster had taken no part in the defence, but during a cessation of firing he rode up to the Churchgate battery, and called out to Mackintosh in a loud authoritative tone.
“Brigadier! sally out at once with your Highlanders upon the enemy.”
“Na, na, general,” replied Mackintosh. “Were I to part my foot from the horse they might be cut off.”
“I don't see why that should be,” rejoined Forster. “But if you are of the foot, sally out with the horse.”
“I cannot obey you, general,” replied the brigadier; “and for this reason. In sallying out, as you suggest, the cavalry wad have to pass through the fire of our ain foot to their great detriment; and if they failed in the attempt, they would be unable to retreat, and thus the Highlanders would be pent up in the town.”
“I don't see the reason,” cried Forster, angrily; “but I perceive you are resolved not to obey me.”
“I won't sacrifice my men, general,” rejoined the brigadier.
“Then you will take the consequences, sir,” said Forster; “for, by Heaven! if I survive this day, and the king comes to his own, I'll have you tried by a court-martial.”
Mackintosh shrugged his shoulders contemptuously.
Just then the firing recommenced, and Forester withdrew to vent his anger elsewhere.
Learning that Mackintosh had stationed Captain Innes with a party of Highlanders in Sir Henry Houghton's house, he immediately removed them, without alleging any reason for the step, and ordered Captain Maclean, with a company of gentlemen volunteers, to take the post.