The queen's troops felt confident of victory.
In point of numbers they were superior to their antagonists, and had the advantage of a strong position.

Sir Thomas Tresham had, as he proposed, left his wife and son at Exeter when the force marched away.
"Do not be despondent, love," he said to his weeping wife, as he bade her goodbye.

"Everything is in our favour, and there is a good hope of a happy termination to this long struggle.

But, win or lose, be assured it is the last time I will draw my sword.

I have proved my fidelity to the House of Lancaster; I have risked life and fortune in their cause; but I feel that I have done my share and more, and whichever way Providence may now decide the issue of the struggle, I will accept it.