It was needful that something should be done, some decisive blow struck;
for, according to the historian, "Chaunges of tymes are the most fitt
for brave attempts, and delayes they are dangerous, where softnes and
quyetnes draweth more danger than hazarding rashly."
"A hard choice either to kill or be killed;" but such was their case.
The Countess therefore proposed that the next morning, a little while
after daybreak, they should make a sortie; and though ordnance was
planted against every passage, yet that they should sally forth, and
stake their all upon one desperate throw.
On the 26th April, about four o'clock, before sunrise, the action
commenced. Captain Chisnall and Captain Fox, with Lieutenants Brettargh,
Penketh, Walthew, and Woorrall, were appointed for the service. Captain
Ogle had the main-guard to secure a retreat at the southern gate, while
Rawsthorne had the charge of the sally-gate to secure a retreat on the
eastern side. Captain Ratcliffe had the command of the marksmen and
musketeers on the walls, while Farmer, with the reserve, stood ready at
the parade, to relieve any of them in case of necessity.
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