Family records of the Bruces and the Cumyns

142 KING ROBERT THE BRUCE.
It was Edward Bruce, however, who really led the army, King Robert only
appearing on horseback to encourage his troops ; for we are told that he was
supported by a soldier on each side.
The Earl of Buchan's party was entirely routed and dispersed, and pursued
as far as Fyvie.
Brechin fled to his own castle in Angus, which was soon besieged and taken
by the young Earl of Athol (son of him who had been hanged on the high scaf-
fold of honour by Edward I.) After a time Sir David de Brechin was par-
doned and received into favour by his uncle ; but it appears from his conduct
in after years that he still held treasonable relations with the enemy.
Aberdeen was taken, notwithstanding reinforcements sent to its aid by Edward
II. ; but the citizens were in favour of Bruce and liberty, and, assaulting the
castle, expelled the English garrison and destroyed the fortifications. Forfar
Castle was taken, and Perth threatened.
The Earl of Richmond was now recalled, and Robert de Umphraville, Earl
of Angus, William de Ross, and Henry de Beaumont, were appointed by Edward
joint-guardians of Scotland.
John Cumyn,* Earl of Buchan, and other great nobles, retained the govern-
ment of their own districts.
Edward Bruce now invaded Galloway, which was held by English troops under
the command of Sir Ingelram de Umphraville (who had joined the English in
1305) and Sir John de St John, assisted by the Macdowalls, or M'Dougals, Lords
of Galloway, who had formerly taken the two younger brothers of Bruce prison-
ers. Edward Bruce defeated the English troops, and compelled the inhabitants
to swear allegiance to his brother. Umphraville and St John escaping to the
Castle of Butel, on the coast, afterwards returned to the charge at the head of
1 500 men, but they were again routed by Edward Bruce with a much inferior force,
(une 29, Roland M'Dougal and Donald of the Isles came against Edward on the banks
1 3°8- of the Dee (near Kirkcudbright), but he dispersed their army, killing Roland
and several other chiefs, and taking prisoner the Lord of the Isles in the pursuit.
Thirteen castles and forts in Galloway were taken possession of by Edward
Bruce, and the country completely subjected to his brother.
About the same time, Sir Thomas Randolph, the king's nephew, and Alex.
Stewart of Bonkyll, then in the interest of England, but afterwards the most
trusty adherents of the Bruce, were taken prisoners by Sir James Douglas, who
treated them with great kindness, and soon after made their peace with the king.
Bruce next marched against the Lord of Lorn, not forgetting his attack upon
* Henry de Beaumont afterwards marrying John Cumyn's niece and co-heiress, became in her right
"Earl of Buchan."