Charles stalled for time hoping that either his supporters in alliance with one or more of the other parties would succeed in restoring him to his throne with little or no change to his constitutional position.

The faction known as the Kirk Party, strongly influenced by the General Assembly were opposed, arguing against an agreement which didn't include the permanent adoption of Presbyterianism and attacked the Parliament of Scotland for proceeding in matters of religion without consulting them.

[5] In April 1648 the Engagers took control of the Scottish Parliament, and they authorised the sending of an army, under the command of James, Duke of Hamilton, south to implement the agreement.

[7][8][9] Following the celebration 2,000 armed Kirk party supporters gathered on the Mauchline Moor, choosing leaders in evident preparation of making their dissatisfaction with the Engagement known.

[7] The Kirk party supporters had in their company seven ministers who managed to obtain assurance from the Engager leaders that if their group surrendered, there would be an amnesty.