Annals of such patriots of the distinguished family of Fraser, Frysell, Sim-son, or Fitz-Simon, as have signalised themselves in the public service of Scotland

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liol, lay at Annan, his paternal inheritance, where he
thought himself quite secure, and intended to keep a
merry Christmas ; of which the Scots chiefs having
intelligence, Sir John Randolph Earl of Murray, son
to the great Thomas the regent, Archibald Douglas
Lord of Galloway, and Sir Simon Fraser * at the
head of 1000 horse, attacked and surprised the ene-
my, and put most of them to the sword. The Pre-
tender escaped with great difficulty on horseback
without either saddle or bridle f ; but that young
and valiant Lord Henry Baliol, his brother, was kill-
ed on the spot, the 25th of December 1332.
Thus these brave patriots retrieved in one day, with
one blow, and the bravery of 1000 horse, the repeated
losses of five months ; and in this manner, and in so
short a time, did the Lord Edward Baliol win and
lose his crown.
During these transactions, the young King David
and his Queen Jean were sent by these noble pa-
triots to the castle of Dumbarton, believed to be im-
pregnable, where they were kept in safety by Sir
Malcom Fleming the governor, till after the battle of
Hallidon hill, that he conveyed them to France.
King Edward purposes to invade Scotland with a
powerful army. The Scots were not behind with
* Major, lib. iv.
t All our historians (Buchanan, lib. ix.)