Duke's forces marched to Ilminster, about four miles off, and
encamped in a field about half a mile beyond the town; still he was
looking forward to the arrival of fresh levies headed by men of
consequence. None, however, arrived, though labouring men in vast
numbers would have joined his standard if arms could have been found for
them. Bad news also arrived from Lyme; the king's frigate had sailed
into the harbour and had captured the _Pink_ and another vessel which
had on board numerous barrels of gunpowder, and several thousand breast
and head pieces for cavalry, though, considering that there were no
horses or men to wear the defensive armour, it was not of much
consequence. Thus far there had been no success. The Duke now resolved
to march to Taunton, that celebrated and beautiful little town which had
endured so heroic a siege under Blake. It was here that during his
progress he had been received with such remarkable honours, and he fully
expected now to receive a similar treatment. Taunton was densely
populated, and was the seat of the trade in serges, and as most of the
manufacturers were Dissenters, they were universally in favour of the
Duke of Monmouth. As Monmouth approached Taunton several persons came
out from the town, who informed him that it had been occupied till the
day before by Royal troops, but they, hearing of the disorder into which
the militia had been thrown between Axminster and Chard, about midnight,
a drum sounding both officers and men, had marched out, having received
orders to appear at Bridgewater. Messengers also promised a cordial
reception to the Duke should he come. The Duke, having encamped his
forces outside the town, prepared to enter it. He was met by a large
body of men on horseback, every person who possessed a steed going out
to meet him, while the rest of the inhabitants on foot rent the air with
applause and acclamations. The streets through which he passed were
strewed with flowers; the windows were thronged with spectators, all
eager to gaze on the hero they had been taught to admire. The Duke's
spirits rose higher than they had been since he landed. The Duke had
taken up his residence at the house of Captain Hucker. The following
morning it was announced to him that a procession was approaching to do
him honour. He descended the steps in front of the house, when he saw
coming towards him a band of young maidens, each carrying banners of
different colours, wh