The Skaggs-Files

On the Scots rising in arms under the famous William Wallace, second son of Sir Malcolm Wallace, of Ellerslie, in I297, Warrenne received the King's orders to raise the militia in the northern parts and chastise the .insurgent s. Warrenne at once sent his nephew, Henry de Percy, at the head of an army of 40,000 foot and 300 horse, to Galloway, who surprised the Scotch at Irvine, and compelled them divided amongst themselves, to capitulate and promise hostages, while Wallace, in anger and disgust, retired with a few tried and veteran followers to the north. But the Scots were irresolute and contradictory-too jealous to act with Wallace, they were too proud to submit to Warrenne. Only William Douglas and the Bishop of Glasgow submitted meanwhile the great number allied themselves with Wallace. Edward was dissatisfied, superseded Warrenne, and appointed Brian Fitzalan Govemor of Scotland in his stead. Smarting under this indignity, and, in consequence, more than ever at variance with Cressingham, the treasurer, proud and violent churchman, who preferred the cuirass to the cassock Warrenne marched with his army towards Stirling, and on reaching the south bank of the river Forth, spanned by a long, narrow wooden bridge he found that Wallace had already occupied the high ground on the other side, above Cambuskenneth. Lennox, the Steward of Scotland, was with the English army, and asked Warrenne to delay the attack until he had attempted to bring Wallace to terms. He failed in his purpose, and a scuffle arose between foraging parties, which, but for the command of Wallace to wait until the morning, would have drawn on an engagement that night. The morning was already far advanced before Warrenne rose from his bed and drew up his army in battle array. Wallace had not however, been idle; he had tampered with his English soldiers, drawn away his Scotch, acquainted himself with the numbers of his men, and mature his measures. Warrenne ordered his infantry to cross the bridge, but another delay arose owing to a fancied overture from Wallace for peace, but none came; and two friars, sent to him to propose terms, brought back a scornful refusal : " Return to your friends and tell them we came "here with no peaceful intent, but ready for battle, and determined to " avenge our own wrongs, and set our country free. Let your masters " come and attack us, we are ready to meet them beard to beard." Sir Richard Lundin-a Scottish knight, who had with his followers joined the army of Percy at Irvine, and was, therefore, well acquainted with the country-urged him , not to try the bridge, but to send part of his army by a ford which he offered to shew, while the rest occupied the bridge in front. Warrenne hesitated. " Why do we protract the war and " spend the King' s money ?." cried Cressingham, in a taunting voice, "let " us pass on as becomes us, and do our duty." Stung by this reproach, Warrenne ordered the advance. Sir Marmaduke Twenge led half the army over the bridge, and charged the Scots at the top of the hill; but Wallace seized the opportunity and despatched a portion of his men, occupied the foot of the bridge dividing the English force, while he himself charged from the high ground, and thus assailing Twenge and Cressingham in front and rear, threw them into confusion. Many were slain; many drowned attempting to swim the river on their horses, to rejoin. Warrenne. The standard bearers, and a body of men who crossed the bridge to their relief, were cut to pieces. Sir Marmaduke Twenge set spurs to his horse, and driving him into the midst of the enemy, with his nephew and armour-bearer, cut his way through the thickest of the Scottish columns and rejoined the English. Lennox threw off the mask, and with his followers attacked and plundered the flying English. Cressingham was killed, his body mangled, his skin torn from his 1imbs, and made, it is said, into garters for the soldiers, and a sword-belt for Wallace. Half the English army was cut to pieces. Warrenne breaking down the bridge left Twenge in command, and promising to return within ten weeks in case of need, rode with such haste to Berwick that his horse died; and putting that place in defence proceeded to London to consult with Prince Edward, the King being still abroad.