His majesty called to several of the officers by name, but they
paid no attention; and so great was the panic, that both the king and
his staff, who attended him, were nearly overthrown, and trampled
under foot.
Cromwell had passed a large portion of his troops over the river
without the knowledge of the opponents, and when tho attack was made
in so unexpected a quarter, a panic ensued. Where General Middleton
and the Duke Hamilton commanded, a very brave resistance was made; but
Middleton being wounded, Duke Hamilton having his leg taken off by a
round-shot, and many gentlemen having fallen, the troops, deserted by
the remainder of the army, at last gave way, and the rout was general,
the foot throwing away their muskets before they were discharged.
His majesty rode back into the town, and found a body of horse, who
had been persuaded by Chaloner to make a stand. "Follow me," said his
majesty; "we will see what the enemy are about. I do not think they
pursue, and if so, we may yet rally from this foolish panic."
His majesty, followed by Edward, Chaloner, and several of his personal
staff, then galloped out to reconnoiter; but to his mortification he
found that the troops had not followed him, but gone out of the town
by the other gate, and that the enemy's cavalry in pursuit were
actually in the town.
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