"
This proved a sore disaster to the besiegers. The soldiers, too, began
to cry out for their pay. The long-expected plunder of Lathom had
hitherto kept them quiet; but they were now willing to leave this
precious booty to the next comers, and content themselves with their
stated allowance.
Rigby, fearful of the crumbling away and dispersion of his army, made
shift to furnish some small arrears of their pay, declaring that it had
cost him L2000 of his own moneys during the siege; but how he got such
great store of gold we are not informed, safe that "he was once a
lawyer, and a bad one!"
Still there were many deserters, escaping even in the open day; not a
few of them coming over with valuable intelligence to the garrison.
Wearied with duty, and sorely perplexed, Rigby sent for Col. Holland,
from Manchester, to his assistance. Many days now elapsed, during which
little happened worth recording on either side. On the 23d May, Captain
Moseley brought another message to her ladyship, desiring, in terms of
great courtesy and respect, that she would grant him an interview. He
was received with great ceremony; for she abated not a whit of the
dignity belonging to her high birth and station.
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