The governor and council at once sent Archdeacon Hamilton to the royal camp, to excuse themselves for what had happened, and to explain that the firing was the action of a turbulent body of men, whom they were unable to restrain, and whom they represented as drunken rebels.

The better class of citizens, they said, were all resolved to surrender dutifully, and were doing all they could to persuade the common people to do the same.
As the royal artillery had not yet arrived, James drew off his troops to Saint Johnston.

Murray, with a body of horse, went out and skirmished with them, but returned into the town on hearing that the council still intended to surrender, and again harangued the people.
Eight thousand men assembled on the parade, and, after listening to a passionate harangue, declared that they would resist to the last.

They at once chose a preacher named Walker, and a Mr.Baker, as joint governors, appointed Murray as general in the field, divided themselves into eight regiments, and took the entire control of the city into their hands.
Archdeacon Hamilton, Lundy, and several of the principal citizens at once left the town, in disguise, and were allowed to pass through the besieging army.
John Whitefoot had been present at all the events which had taken place that day, and, although he had quite agreed with his cousin that resistance would do no good to the cause, and would entail fearful sufferings on the besieged, he was carried away by the general enthusiasm, and shouted as loudly as any in reply to the exhortations of Murray.

The tanner was also present.