Cawdor, Colby, and the Royal Navy assemble a response

Cawdor immediately gathered the Pembroke Yeomanry and other troops who happened to be assembled for a funeral. Lieutenant Colonel Colby mobilized about 250 Pembroke militia at Haverfordwest, while Captain Loft marched roughly 150 sailors and nine cannon from Milford Haven. Loft left six guns to secure Haverfordwest Castle and took the remaining artillery toward Fishguard. Haverfordwest became the organizing point where separate local responses could be formed into a field force. Lord Milford gave Cawdor overall authority because he had shown initiative, possessed political standing, and appeared capable of coordinating the improvised command.