Sir Jacob, also a veteran of the Thirty Years War, suggested withdrawing into woods further back, which would neutralise the Scottish artillery, but this advice was rejected. While waiting for low tide, Leslie asked Conway to allow his army across to 'deliver a petition to the king', which was refused; Conway then received instructions from Strafford, ordering him to prevent a crossing of the ford. In retrospect, retreat may have been a better option; taking Newcastle would take time, and English prisoners later reported the Scots had only enough rations for three days.