But the idea
of treating only inflamed the more violent. On the 21st a council was
called which began in mutual recrimination and abuse, and ended in a
furious quarrel. Hamilton drew his sword, vociferating that it was drawn
as much against the King's curates and the minions of the Indulgence as
against the English dragoons, and left the meeting followed by Cargill,
Douglas and the more violent of his party. Disgusted with the scene, and
convinced of the hopelessness of a cause supported by such men, many
left the camp and returned to their own homes. Welsh and the moderate
leaders resolved to take matters into their own hands. On the morning of
the 22nd Monmouth had reached Bothwell. His advance guard held the
little town about a quarter of a mile distant from the river: his main
body was encamped on the moor. Shortly after daybreak he was surprised
by a visit from Welsh, Hume and another of their party, Fergusson of
Caitloch. Monmouth received them courteously, and heard them with
patience while they read to him a paper (known in Covenanting annals as
the Hamilton Declaration) they had drawn up detailing their grievances
and their demands. The first were indisputable: the second were, as has
been said, moderate. Monmouth was, however, forced to answer that he
could not treat with armed rebels.
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