ntent themselves with scythes
lashed to the end of stout poles, still these would prove formidable
weapons in the hands of stout men. He rode back at the head of his
little troop to join his brothers and other young gentlemen, some acting
as officers, some as privates, at breakfast, not in those days a meal of
toast, eggs, butter, and tea, but of beef, bread, and beer. They were
still seated at table when the trampling of horses outside announced the
arrival of another party. On running to the window they saw a
grey-haired personage of no very aristocratic appearance, though mounted
on a fine steed, at the head of about forty horsemen; but he was old Mr
Dare, paymaster to the forces. He was one of the two persons who had
landed at Seaton on the morning of the 11th, and had gone inland at no
little risk to apprise Mr Speke of the Duke's arrival. He was a bold
man with much intelligence, and was one of the moving spirits of the
rebellion. As he arrived before the George Inn the Duke went out to
meet him, and welcomed him cordially. The levies came in faster than
ever, and it was as much as the Battiscombes, and other young gentlemen
who could write, could do to take down their names and send them off to
the regiments now forming, called after various colours, as was the
custom in those days. Stephen's zeal was remarked by Fletcher of
Salton, the principal officer of military experience who had joined the
Duke, a man of great talents, but possessed of a hasty and irritable
temper. "I see who will be among our future colonels," he observed, as
he rode by, mounted on a somewhat sorry hack, to dine with the Duke of
Monmouth. Thus encouraged, Stephen continued his labours. His
disappointment was very great when he found that the arms and ammunition
were already running short, and that no weapons were to be procured to
put into the hands of the eager recruits. Numbers had to return home,
fortunately for themselves, who would gladly have fought for the cause.
In the afternoon information was received that a strong body of Dorset
militia had occupied Bridport, and that another regiment, under Sir
William Portman, was expected to disperse these forces. In the hopes
that a large number would come over to him with their arms, the Duke
determined on sending an expedition against the town. It was intended
that Fletcher and Lord Grey should command the horse. The former, after
dining with the Duke, sallied out to make the