Exploit of Sir James Douglas

This leader, having discovered a ford at a considerable distance from both encampments, passed the river at midnight with five hundred horse; with these he gained unperceived the rear of the English camp, and contrived to deceive the outposts by assuming the manner of an English officer going his rounds, and calling out, "Ha, St George! no watch!" He thus passed the barriers, and whilst one part of his men made an attack on a different quarter, Douglas and his party fell so fiercely and suddenly upon the enemy, that three hundred were slain in a few minutes; still pressing on, and putting spurs to his horse, he penetrated to the royal tent, cut the tent-ropes, and would have carried off the young monarch, but for the resistance of the royal household. The king's chaplain bravely defended his master, and was slain; others followed his example, and shared his fate; but the interval thus gained gave Edward time to escape, and roused the whole army, so that Douglas found it necessary to retreat. Blowing his horn, he charged through the thickening mass of his enemies, and, with inconsiderable loss, rejoined his friends. Disappointed of his prey, this veteran leader, on being asked by Randolph what speed they had made, replied, "They had drawn blood, but that was all."

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