CHAPTER XXVI.
HOW CROMWELL THREW A FLYING BRIDGE OVER THE TEME.
The first person to cross over was no other than Cromwell himself.Under the Lord General's personal superintendence the pontoon bridgehad been constructed with the utmost rapidity, and, strange to say,almost without opposition. He crossed the river on foot, at the head ofthe column of men we have described, and at once prepared for action,for he saw Pitscottie advancing with his regiment of Highlanders toattack him. With the promptitude which he ever displayed, the LordGeneral took up an excellent position, and after a sharp conflict,during which he was reinforced by a detachment of horse, he drove backthe Highlanders with great slaughter.
Pitscottie retreated towards Pitmarston, and satisfied with routinghim, Cromwell marched towards the Teme, his object being to throw aflying bridge across that river, so as to allow reinforcements to besent to Fleetwood and Ingoldsby during their attack upon Montgomery atPowick.
When this important manoeuvre was accomplished, he felt he should bemaster on the west side of the river, since a quick and uninterruptedcommunication could be kept up with his generals. His progress,however, towards the Teme was not unopposed, but, on the contrary, wasseriously obstructed by the Royalist infantry. He had to pass througha meadow, the hedges of which were lined with soldiers, who fired onhis men as they marched on. But these obstacles were removed by thetroopers, and the Teme being reached, a flying bridge across it wasspeedily constructed. Thus Cromwell's able plan was accomplished, andhe inwardly exulted at its success.
Without a moment's loss of time he sent Dighton, with a detachment, toFleetwood, to acquaint that general with what had been done.
"Say to him," he added, "that the enemy is now compassed about, and bidhim destroy them in the Lord's name."
Though he had no fear that the flying bridge across the Teme could bereached by the enemy, he left a sufficient guard for its protection,and then returned with the rest of his troops to the bridge of boatsacross the Severn.
The communication between the two bridges was now unobstructed, theenemy having been completely driven off. Cromwell, however, posted abattalion on the west bank of the Severn to defend this important pass.
Before crossing the river, he awaited Dighton's return. This activemessenger brought him very satisfactory intelligence.
Fleetwood and Ingoldsby had reached the village of Powick, and werepreparing to attack Montgomery's brigade. Lambert was bringing up hisregiment to reinforce them, so that their success appeared certain.
"It is rumoured that Charles Stuart himself, with the Duke ofBuckingham, the Earl of Derby, and some others of the malignantleaders, are with General Montgomery," observed Dighton. "From what Icould learn they have only just arrived, and will not tarry long."
"They may tarry long enough to see Montgomery driven from the bridge,"rejoined Cromwell, with a grim smile. "But no--I do Montgomery wrong.He is brave, and will hold his post as long as it can be held. ColonelGeorge Keith, also, is a good soldier. Mark me, Dighton. Charles Stuartwill hurry back to the city as soon as he has given his orders. I willfind him employment there."
As he spoke, sharp firing was heard in the direction of Powick Bridge.
"Ha! the attack has commenced," cried Cromwell, to whose ears the soundwas music. "Would I were with them. Yet they do not need me. I have nobetter general than my son-in-law Fleetwood, unless it be Lambert, andhe is with him. Together they are resistless."
After listening for a few minutes to the rattle of musketry, which wasnow mingled with the sound of heavier guns, Cromwell raised his hands,as if invoking a blessing, and exclaimed aloud, so that all might hear:
"The Lord of Hosts go with them, and give them a glorious victory!"
He then crossed the pontoon bridge, and mounting his charger which wasin readiness for him, rode up the pleasant slopes of Bunn's Hill, everand anon turning to look at the conflict going on at Powick Bridge.
Halting for a short time at Red Hill, he gave his final instructions toLilburn and Lord Grey of Groby, both of whom were arrayed for battle,and then rode on to Perry Wood.
On arriving there, he gave instant orders that the largest guns in thebattery should open fire on Fort Royal--preparatory to storming thefort.
The order was instantly obeyed. The engineers on the fort at oncereplied to the cannonade, and what would now be called an "artilleryduel" commenced. The outposts of the royal army were likewise firedupon from other points, but no general attack was made on either side.
Boscobel; or, the royal oak: A tale of the year 1651 Page 29