It was then
considered that it would be advisable to march the army direct to
London; but the men were so fatigued with the rapidity of the march up
to the present time, and the weather was so warm, that it was decided
in the negative; and as Worcester was a town well affected to the
king, and the country abounded with provisions, it was resolved that
the army should march there, and wait for English re-enforcements.
This was done; the city opened the gates with every mark of
satisfaction, and supplied the army with all that it required. The
first bad news which reached them was the dispersion and defeat of the
whole of the Earl of Derby's party, by a regiment of militia which had
surprised them at Wigan during the night, when they were all asleep,
and had no idea that any enemy was near to them. Although attacked at
such disadvantage, they defended themselves till a large portion of
them was killed, and the remainder were taken prisoners, and most of
them brutally put to death. The Earl of Derby was made a prisoner, but
not put to death with the others.
"This is bad news, Chaloner," said Edward.
"Yes; it is more than bad," replied the latter; "we have lost our best
officers, who never should have left the army; and now the
consequences of the defeat will be, that we shall not have any people
come forward to join us.
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