This done, he ordered two attacks to be made simultaneously upon the town; one by Brigadier Honeywood from the Wigan Road on the south—the other by Brigadiers Dormer and Munden from the Lancaster Road on the north.
His directions were thus conveyed to Honeywood:
“You will have with you Preston's regiment of foot to be commanded by Lord Forrester, likewise two hundred and fifty dismounted dragoons, commanded by five captains. These are to support Preston's foot. You will sustain the whole with your regiment.”
“Your orders shall be obeyed, general,” replied Honeywood.
Wills then gave similar directions to Brigadiers Dormer and Munden, telling them they would have under their joint command three hundred dismounted dragoons for the attack on the Lancaster Avenue, which would be sustained by two mounted regiments.
Then, addressing the brigadiers, he added:
“Obtain possession of the ends of the town as speedily as may be, and set fire to the houses, in order to dislodge the rebels, who no doubt occupy them. Next make lodgments for your own men, so as to prevent the sallying forth of the rebels upon them, and check the escape of the enemy.”
“It shall be done, general,” said Brigadier Dormer.
“Before commencing hostilities, however, I shall send a summons of surrender to General Forster,” said Wills. “But I do not think he will comply with it.”
Scarcely were the words spoken, than several shots were fired from a farm-yard near the town, by which an orderly near the general was killed, and another officer wounded.