The Salt Lake tribune. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1890-current, 1910-06-24

The Battle Of eannockburn.
FRIDAY, JUNE "a, 1910,

On June "a, 1871 was fought the IA
nous battle of Bannockburn. between
King Edward H. OF England and King
Robert the Bruce OF Scotland The Eng
lish king was not as wise and as brave
man as his father. He was influenced
by unworthy favorites, and for that rea-
son he allowed Bruce time to collect n
large force and thoroughly fortify him
self against the English, while he indo-
lently looked on.
When Edward found ono place after
another falling from his possession he
assembled one Of the greatest armies
which a king OF England ever command
ed There were not less than 100000
men.
on the other sIdo Bruce summoned all
his mobiles and barons TO join him when
he heard OF the great preparations
which the king OF England was making.
He was only able to muster to his sup
port about 10000 mon. but then Robert
was one OF the most expert generals
OF his time. and he had good officers
under him
Bruce studied how he might supply by
address and stratagem what he wanted
In number and strength With this pur-
pose In mind he led his army down into
near which. and beneath 1t, the English
army must needs pass through hogsy
country. broken with water courses,
while the Scots occupied hard, dry
ground. He then caused all the ground
upon the front OF his line OF battle,
where cavalry were likely to act. to be
aug lul OF noleS, ABOUT as deep as a
mans knee. They were filled with light
brushwood. and the turf was laid on the
top, so that II appeared as n plain field.
When the Scottish army was drawn
UP the line stretched north and south.
On the south II was terminated by the
banks Of the brook called Bannockburn
Bruce rode along the line of his army
He told them he was determined to win
the battle or lose his life, and those who
were not willing 10 do the same should
withdraw before the fight began.
On June 23 tho van Of the English
army came In sight. and number of
what the Scots were doing. The next
morning the battle began in terrible
earnest. The Abbot OF Incbaffray walked
through their ranks barefooted. and ex-
horted them to fight for their freedom.
They kneelcd down as he passed and
prayed to Heaven for victory. King Ed"
ward. who saw this. called out; They
kneel down-they are asking forgive
ness" Yes said a celebrat ted English
baron, but they ask IT from God, not
from us-these men VIII conquer or die
upon the field"
On sudden, while the battle was OBJ
stinatelv maintained on both sides, an
event happened which decided the vic
tory, The servants and attendants on
the hill for safety But when they saw
their countrymen getting the worst of
the fight they rushed from their places
OF concealment with such weapons as
llltS cDul1 get, anu lnS EUSllSI, SStlIS
them come suddenly over the hill. mis-"
took this disorderly rabble for a new
army coming up 10 sustain the Scots.
and, losing all heart began to shift ev-
cry man for himself Edward himself
left the field as fast as he could ride
The English army was entirely routed
and never before or afterward, whether
In France or Scotland lost so dreadful
n battle as that Of Bannockburn, nor did
the Scots ever gain one of more impor-
tance, Many OF the best and bravest
Of the English nobility and gentry lay
dead the field: a great many more
were made prisoners, and the whole OF
King Edwards S immense army was dis
persed or destroyed.
On June "a, 1885, Jays treaty with
England was ratified by the senate. To-
day Is the birthday OF William Hull
brigadier- general of the revolution GI53),
and of Henry Ward Beecher QS13). II
Is the date of the assassination of NJ. F,
s. Carnot. OF France, in 1864 and the
date of the death Of Vespasian, Roman