The Shasta courier., 1868-09-05
THE RED HALL,

Somewhat more than five hundred Years
ago, and Berwick-upon-Tweed was the most
wealthy and flourishing city of Great Britain
Its commerce was the most extensive, its
merchants the most enterprisiLg and success
fni. London IN some measure strove to be its
rival, but it possessed not a tenth of the
natural advantages, and Berwick continued
to bear the palm aione-being styled the Alex
andria of the nations, the emporium of COM
merce, and one of the first commercial cities
OF the world. This state of prosperity it
owed almost solely to Alexandria Ill, who
did more for Berwick than any sovereign thai
has since claimed its allegiance. He brought
over colony of wealthy Flemings, for whom
he erected IAN immense building, called the
Red Hall Situated where the Wool-market
now stands, and which at once served as
dwelling houses, factories, and fortress
The terms upon which he granted charter to
this company of merchants, were, that they
should defend, even unto death, their Red
Hall against every attack of an enemy, and
the English in particular Wool was the
staple commodity of their commerce but
they also traded extensively in silks and in
foreign manufactures. The people of Ber.
wick understood Free Trade in those days. :
In this state of peace and enviabe prosperity,
it continued until the Spring of 1896. The
bold, the crafty, and revengeful Edward L..
meditated an invasion of Scotland and Ber
wick from its wealth, situation. and impor-
tance, was naturally anticipated to be the
first object of his attack. To defeat this
Baliol, whom we can sometimes almost ad
mire-though generally we despise and pity
him-sent the chief men of Fife and their
retaincrs to the assistance of the town.
Easter week arrived, but no tidings were
heard of Edwards movements, and business
went on with its wonted hustle. Among the
merchants of the Red Hail. was one known by
the appelation of William the Fleming, and
he had daughter, an heiress and only child,
whose beauty was the theme of Berwick's
minstrels when rhyme was beginning to be-
gin. Many knee was bent to the rich and
beautiful Isabella but she preferred the
humble and hatfield passion of Francis Scott,
who was one of the clerks in the Red Hall,
to all the chivalrous declamations of prouder
lovers. Francis possessed industry and per
severance and these, in the eye of her faith
er. we're qualifications precious as rubies.-
These, with love for bis daughter, overcame
other mercenary objections, and the day for
marriage had arrived. Francis and Isabella
were knee1ng before the alter, and the priest
was pronouncing the service-the merchant
was gazing fondly at his child-when sud
den and hurried peal from the Bell Tower
broke upon the ceremony-the cries of the
Epglishl to arms ~ were heard from the
street. The voice of the priest faltered-be
stopped-WilIiam the Fleming placed his
hand opon his sword-the bridegroom started
to his feet, and the fair Isabella clung to his
side. "Come, children, " said the merchant
let us to the Hall-a happier hour may bless
your nuptials-this is no moment for bridal
Ceremony" And, in silence, each man grasp
ing his sword, they departed from the chapel,
where the performance of the marriage rites
was broken by the sounds of invasion. The
ramparts were crowded with armed citizens,
and large English fleet was seen bearing
round Lindisferne. In few hours the hos
tile vessels entered the river and commenced
furious attack upon the town. Their aseult
was returned by the inhabitants as men who
were resolved to die for liberty. For hours
| the battle ragged, and the Tweed became as a
sheet of blood. But while the conflict rose
iercest, again the Bell Tower seIt forth its
! sounds of death Edward, at the head OF
thirty five thousand chosen troops, being cross
| ed the river at Coldstream, was now seen en-
camping at the foot of Halidon Hill. Part
of bis army Immediately descended upon the