The near approach of the royal troops only increased the quarrelling and confusion in the insurgent camp, which was pitched now at Hamilton.  Some friends at Edinburgh had sent word to them that Monmouth might be found not indisposed to treat; and that it would be best for them to stand off for a while, and not on any account be drawn into fighting.  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.  If they would lay down their arms and surrender at discretion, he promised to do all he could to gain them not only present pardon but tolerance in the future.  Meanwhile, he said, they had best return to their camp, report his message, and bring him back an answer within half an hour’s time.  They returned, only to find confusion worse confounded, and their own lives even in some danger from the furious Hamilton.

The half-hour passed, and no further sign of submission was made.  Monmouth bid the advance be sounded, and the Foot Guards, commanded by young Livingstone, Linlithgow’s eldest son, moved down to the bridge.  Just at that spot the Clyde is deep and narrow, running swiftly between steep banks fringed on the western side with bushes of alder and hazel.  The bridge itself was only twelve feet wide, and guarded in the centre with a gate-house.  The post was a strong one for defence, and had there been any military skill, or even unity of purpose, among the defendants, Monmouth would have had to buy his passage dear.  Hackston of Rathillet had thrown himself with a small body of determined men into the gate-house, while Burley, with a few who could hold their muskets straight, took up his post among the alder-bushes.  The rest stood idly by while their comrades fought.  For about an hour Hackston held the gate till his powder