His active courage, full of resources, immediately prompted him to find the proper remedy.

Though surrounded with enemies in these disaffected counties, he assembled a small body of troops, in whom he could confide; and he put them under the command of the duke of Bedford.

He joined to them all his own attendants; but he found that this hasty armament was more formidable by their spirit and their zealous attachment to him, than by the arms or military stores with which they were provided.

He therefore gave Bedford orders not to approach the enemy; but previously to try every proper expedient to disperse them.

Bedford published a general promise of pardon to the rebels, which had a greater effect on their leader than on his followers.