Hours later, Adam thought of his father’s blazing fireplace as the weather turned miserable. Instead of polite April showers, blustering gusts of drenching rain embraced Adam and Pegasus as they led his fifteen hundred men across the plains a few miles from Derry.
As he rode, Adam considered the situation. Confusing rumours were trickling out of the city, mostly to do with Robert Lundy’s lack of faith in holding it. And Gabriel was right; this lack of faith was spreading and it was dangerous. Adam heard that a captain and an officer in Derry had been murdered because they had decided that the city was done for and prepared to board a ship that was returning to London.
Adam was shocked by the absence of discipline and loyalty of everyone involved. Lundy’s game-playing, if that’s what it was, was backfiring on him. The people were running out of patience.
‘Sir?’
Adam looked around. Three figures were coming towards them. He recognised two of them to be his own men. The third one was in uniform and looked familiar.
He greeted Adam and introduced himself. ‘I’m Captain Neville, sir. We’ve met before in the city.’
Adam got down from Pegasus and shook his hand.
Captain Neville said, ‘Your men thought it best that I tell you myself what is happening.’
‘I see,’ said Adam, wondering if the captain was fleeing Derry or requesting to join his regiment.
Looking slightly sheepish, Captain Neville admitted, ‘I’ve been locked out since last night, but I’m hoping to get back in. The night guard, a man I dislike, pretended not to recognise me.’
Adam was suspicious. ‘Why would he pretend that?’
The captain hesitated, aware of the large number of ears that were attempting to eavesdrop. Spying a large tree to their right, Captain Neville suggested that he and Adam shelter from the rain, hoping that Adam would understand that this was a conversation for his ears only.
Adam did and agreed, electing only to bring Pegasus with him as a neutral observer. He told his men to continue their march to Brookhall, a couple of miles away, where they were to make camp; he would follow them as soon as he could.
Some of the men demurred, one of them asking if Adam was sure the captain meant him no harm. Adam raised his eyebrows at Captain Neville who rushed to reassure them that he was one of King William’s men, just like they were. This satisfied Adam’s soldiers who saluted him and moved on.
As Captain Neville, Pegasus and Adam strolled towards the tree, Adam asked, ‘Are you carrying any weapons?’
Too polite to point out that Adam really should have asked that question when he was surrounded by his own men, Captain Neville raised his arms, saying, ‘You can search me if you like. I’m not armed but I’ve a good excuse why not.’
Captain Neville reached out to pat Pegasus on the neck. The horse shucked her head in thanks or perhaps it was irritation. Pegasus disliked windy weather; it made her grumpy.
They reached the tree, the rain slapping the leaves in such a way that it sounded like applause. Perhaps neither man noticed the wonderful smell. The tree was so generous in size and coverage that they could have closed their eyes and been fooled into thinking they were in the middle of a forest.
Adam merely glanced at the captain who needed no further persuasion. ‘Yesterday,’ began Captain Neville, ‘I was part of a group of three that was sent to parley with the Jacobite camp.’ Adam was not expecting this but didn’t interrupt. ‘Lieutenant-Colonel Lundy said that the city should be surrendered.’ The captain shrugged at the expression of disgust on Adam’s face. ‘Anyway, three of us were selected to meet with Talbot’s man, Colonel Richard Hamilton, to ask about King James’s demands and find out what terms he would grant us.’ Here, the captain rubbed water off the bridge of his nose. ‘It was actually a good meeting, to be honest. We were received with graciousness and told if we surrendered, and handed over all our weapons and horses, not a drop of blood would be shed. Colonel Hamilton was adamant about that.’
Adam stared at Pegasus who stared back. The captain continued, ‘Hamilton gave us a day to consider our answer and promised us that no Jacobite troops would approach our gates while the leaders were deliberating their response.’
Adam stayed silent. He did not … that is, he could not … well, he just wasn’t sure how he felt. To be promised clemency if we surrendered? That the city would be allowed to continue in peace if it submitted to James, who – it would appear – didn’t want any harm done to her. Does that even make sense?
Oblivious to Adam’s inner turmoil, the captain described how the meeting took no more than a couple of hours. ‘But while we were gone there was trouble. I’m not exactly sure what happened, but it seems that fear took hold in the city. Somebody, or bodies, is possibly exaggerating the size of the army that is accompanying James to Derry.’
Adam had heard that James was coming north but wasn’t sure whether to believe it or not. It struck him as the act of either a pathetic man or a stupid one.
Captain Neville said, ‘Afterwards the three of us presented ourselves at the gate, gave the password but were denied entry without an explanation. I think a little power can be a dangerous thing.’ He looked to Adam for agreement, but Adam was saying nothing yet. Undaunted, the captain continued, ‘We demanded to see an alderman, any of them, but the guards refused to fetch them. Finally my two companions were allowed inside but Colonel Whitney, who was supervising the nightwatch, abused me shamefully and the gate was shut in my face.’
Adam didn’t look particularly sympathetic when Captain Neville said he was forced to spend the night in a stranger’s filthy cabin. ‘Then, this morning, I heard the most peculiar thing. During the night someone found two of the gates unlocked and the keys were missing. Can you imagine the panic that might have caused?’
Adam’s eyes narrowed and he offered, ‘Somebody left the gates open for the Papists to sneak in and spy on us?’
His companion gazed at him. ‘That’s what I thought, only there was no sign that any Jacobites had been inside.’
Adam shook his head, saying, ‘That doesn’t mean anything. A few of them could have made their way inside, to convince people to surrender. They could have disguised themselves as ordinary folk and done as much damage with words as with guns and swords.’
Captain Neville was struck dumb for a moment. What Adam said made perfect sense. Running his fingers along the trunk of the tree, the captain murmured, ‘Hundreds of strangers living on the streets. Yes, it would be all too easy to mingle amongst them and start one little rumour about atrocities that might befall them if Derry doesn’t surrender. That’s all it would take.’
Nodding in grave agreement, Adam asked, ‘When is James expected?’
Captain Neville looked embarrassed and his voice shook as he gulped his reply, ‘Today!’
There was no time to lose. Adam heaved himself back up onto Pegasus, who seemed surprised at her master’s urgency. The horse had hoped to escape the rain for a while longer.
It was the captain’s turn to ask a question. ‘What are you going to do, Colonel?’
Adam didn’t pretend to have a plan. ‘I don’t know yet but I have to do something.’ With that, he directed Pegasus towards Derry. The city was about four miles away and the ground would be soggy from the rain. He spurred the horse into action, thinking, how could they just give up like that? Have they no pride?
As Pegasus thudded against the soft earth, sending clods of mud flying in her wake, Adam ordered himself to stay calm. The first thing he had to do was reach Derry before the Papist king.
Chapter Fifteen
King James wondered if the atrocious weather was in league with his French advisors in not wanting him to reach his destination. Drops of rain cascaded down his large nose, but he paid no heed to them. From beneath his wide-brimmed hat, a glorious wig, dark in colour, full of bounce and ringlets, generously framed a long pale face that was no longer young. King James had never been handsome but that, one would assu
me, is not important when one is king.
And surely he deserved to be king if only for the fact he had to put so much effort into being one. He had received a rapturous welcome in Dublin, where the people – indeed, his people – lined the streets to cheer him on. These loyal subjects made him feel like a true king, something he hadn’t felt for a while.
On the wet and windy journey north, James had had plenty of time to think. He had lost the love and respect of his two daughters. Goodness knows how many enemies he had in England, but still, he was here for the sake of his baby son. This precious infant ensured there would be a Catholic on the throne of England for many years to come. He’s my chance to start over again. I owe it to him!
The king’s plan was a simple one, as the best ones normally are. The difficulties with Derry did not worry him unduly. In truth he was confident that once the Protestants, Presbyterians, and whoever else was behind the stand-off, saw him that they would appreciate the respect he was showing them, by presenting himself in person. He wasn’t entirely sure what would happen next but he daydreamed of being shown around the city and meeting its now cheering inhabitants. Of course he would show them how gracious he was, that he could forgive them all for their recent transgressions.
Perhaps the city needed money for new buildings and roads. He determined to give serious consideration to whatever they asked of him, as their king. Perhaps he would throw a banquet; yes, why not, to prove there were no hard feelings. Who could resist a king who was willing to dine and sleep among them? He would befriend the poor, just as Jesus did in Jerusalem.
Really, his French advisors worried too much. It was understandable; they’re French after all, and foreign to these lands. But these people are mine, it is only natural that I understand how best to deal with them. James nodded his agreement to the thoughts in his head.
The Count of Avaux, his chief advisor, was appalled at the idea of a king journeying all the way to an obstinate and sulky city. Rubbing his hands together as if he were washing them, he pleaded, ‘Sire, I fear this is beneath you. You are submitting yourself to an ungrateful population but it is they who should be submitting to you.’
King James smiled patiently at the little man whose constant expression was a heavy frown as if he was always perplexed by the world he lived in. ‘There, there, Avaux, you must trust me. A true king knows when to bend and when to stand strong. Some peoples just need a little more care than others.’
The Frenchman looked gloomier than ever. His sodden moustache drooped, as did his mouth, as if he was displaying a double expression of woe. Always particular about his appearance, Avaux loathed the Irish weather for its dire treatment of his clothes.
His job was proving far more difficult than he had anticipated. He had been tasked by his own king, Louis XIV, to help James in his campaign to take back the English throne. However, it was frustrating when James behaved as if he knew more than anyone else. Furthermore, Avaux was in competition for the king’s ear. The Irish lieutenants were filling his head with nonsense, encouraging him to crawl on his knees to a city that Avaux had never even heard of before now.
As if the conversation was not going badly enough, the king said, ‘You know, I actually admire these people. All they are doing is standing up for themselves and their religion.’
‘Mon dieu!’ Avaux muttered beneath his breath.
When they were a couple of miles from the city, King James was told Derry was preparing to surrender. Ah, this must be the sign he had prayed for. Yes, he thought, a banquet is the perfect way to portray myself as a noble monarch and allow the people to benefit too. The businessmen – the butchers, the shopkeepers, the taverns – would surely appreciate supplying their wares for a generous price.
‘Your Majesty, there is the city before us.’
James was intrigued to see at last this place he had heard so much about. In fact, he could hardly believe he was here. The walls were mighty and impressive. Of course it was nowhere near as big and grand as Paris and London; still this was a city, or a fortress to be reckoned with. He could appreciate that, even at this distance.
His advisors moved up to ride alongside him. ‘My lord, what do you wish to do now?’
King James was perplexed. ‘Why, I want to go there immediately. What else would you have me do?’
There was a tense silence until Avaux said, ‘Your Majesty, might I suggest we make camp at the next town so that you can rest? We can send word that you will visit tomorrow morning.’
Nobody was the least bit surprised when James drew himself up and declared, ‘Nonsense! I want to go now!’
There was a collective bowing of heads accompanied by a morose chorus of ‘Yes, Your Majesty!’
Meanwhile, the French lieutenant-general, de Rosen, had been ordered to take his men to within a mile of the Ship Quay Gate. Didn’t anybody alert him and his company to the fact that Colonel Richard Hamilton had promised to keep all other Jacobite regiments four miles from the gates? It didn’t seem so, although it may have made no difference to the haughty and impatient Lieutenant-General de Rosen. He was one of the most senior of the French officers to accompany King James from King Louis’s majestic castle in Versailles, and he much preferred to be feared than respected. It is doubtful that Lieutenant-General de Rosen would have adhered to the ‘four miles from the wall’ agreement had he known about it.
All in all, this was a serious error, whoever was to blame for it. The people of Derry had allowed Lieutenant-Colonel Lundy and his men inside the walls because they had been promised that no other troops would approach any of the gates. It seemed that King James and his men had reached their destination without informing or communicating their whereabouts to Colonel Hamilton.
Oblivious to all this, King James innocently urged his horse to the south-west of the city, towards Bishop’s Gate, closely followed by his trumpeter, advisors and secretary. His presence was causing quite a stir amongst the guards on the walls and around the gate, but he hadn’t expected anything less. The sight of an actual king was surely a thrilling one for ordinary people so far from London.
His companions looked nervous. Ordinarily, this might have annoyed him. Today, however, was different. Today they would provide a sharp contrast to his own relaxed features. The people of Derry should see that he did not display any doubt about his reception.
The rain got heavier while James waited for Derry to make her move. He expected that whoever was in charge would present themselves and unlock the gate to him. Where was Lord Lieutenant Talbot’s man, Lundy? He waited and waited.
Nothing happened, except that a crowd of soldiers and people seemed to be gathering on the other side of the gate.
There was only one thing to do and he knew better than to ask Avaux’s opinion at this point. The truth was he needed this city; he needed this island in its entirety in order to strengthen his quest for the whole of England. So, this would be where he’d make his mark and whatever he had to do would be worth it. Tipping his horse gently, he gestured for his trumpeter to accompany him. They went right up to the gate, watched by the rest of the party and battalion.
A voice roared out, ‘Halt! Who goes there?’
At last, thought King James, someone to engage with. Aloud he said, ‘I wish to speak with your governor, Lieutenant-Colonel Lundy.’
The trumpeter, a young lad of nineteen years or so, would not allow his king to humble himself further. He called out, ‘His Majesty, King James, wishes to enter your city!’
‘Huh!’ said one of the guards, ‘Robert Lundy is no leader of ours!’
The trumpeter was at a loss. The status of Lundy was not the most pressing matter. Wishing that one of the French advisors would join them, the trumpeter tried again. ‘Can one of your other leaders come to the gate, then? His Majesty is tired from his journey.’
A fierce whispered conversation followed. King James stared ahead, trying to hide his bewilderment. Eventually the answer was given. ‘No! They’re in the coun
cil’s chamber and can’t be disturbed.’
Behind the walls there was quite a fuss. Henry Campsie was slow to believe that King James was outside. ‘Are you sure it’s him?’
James Morrison winked. ‘See for yourself. He’s not wearing a crown but he’s dressed like a king and his trumpeter says it’s him.’
Robert Sherrard asked, ‘Should we fetch the churchmen?’
Henry shook his head. ‘Absolutely not. From what I hear they’ll surrender to him. I’ll wager that’s what they’re meeting about now.’ Henry paused to think. ‘No, we’ll handle this ourselves.’
Robert was surprised. ‘What? Are you going to go and talk to him? I’ll come with you; I’ve never seen a king before.’
Henry snapped, ‘What king? It’s not William of Orange out there, is it?’
Daniel wanted to box Henry’s ears when he saw the embarrassment on his brother’s face. He couldn’t help himself; he glanced around hoping to see one of the aldermen or Reverend Walker, or even Lieutenant-Colonel Lundy. He felt the situation required one of the elders, even an unpopular one such as Lundy. There was something about the redness of Henry’s cheeks and the feverish look in his eyes that made Daniel uneasy. Unfortunately all he could see were guards and young lads like himself, and, of course, the curious who began to throng the gate, wanting to see James in the flesh, as it were. What a spectacle!
Then, to Daniel’s immense relief, Henry also cast about for a second opinion. ‘Where’s Adam Murray?’ he asked.
The group brightened up at the mention of Adam’s name. Yes, Adam Murray! He’ll know what to do!
Behind the Walls Page 10