Page:History of Sir William Wallace, the renowned Scottish champion.pdf/16

16 den overthrow and destruction of their companions they hastily burned the bridge to secure their retreat, and, fleeing with the utmost rapidity they scarcely halted till they had reached Berwick, leaving all their baggage and other ammunition in the hands of the victors. Few among the Scots fell in this engagement. This battle, so fatal in its issue to the English, took place on the 11th September 1297. Wallace pushed on with rapid steps to Dundee, which in a short time capitulated. One stronghold after another fell into the hands of the patriots and the country was soon freed from the tyranny of her oppressors. By reason of bad seasons and want of cultivation, the country was reduced to a most deplorable state of privation and want, amounting almost to famine. To relieve in some measure the general pressure, as well as to retaliate on the invaders, an expedition into England was put under the command of Wallace, and the young Sir Andrew Murray, whose father fell at Stirling. The Scots poured into the northern counties, Berwick was taken, and the whole country completely overrun and wasted ; and so great was the revenge of the Scots at this time, that Wallace himself and the other commanders were altogether unable to restrain their excesses.