Douglas book > Angus memoirs

PRESENT AT THE BATTLE OF GOKRIGHIE, 1562. 369
acted, it is said, a conspicuous part in the battle of Oorrichie, in which that
Earl was defeated. Among those who had joined the royal standard were a
number friendly to Huntly, aud they, on the day of battle, proved traitors.
Advancing to the fight they suddenly turned and fled, throwing away their
spears, and attempting by the impetuosity of their rush to break the ranks
of their own supports. According to Godscroft, the Earls of Murray and
Morton, seeing this treasonable conduct, and despairing of victory with
such troops, were about to leap on their horses and secure safety by flight,
when William Douglas cried out, " No horses, my lords. We are strong
enough for Huntly, and these men, though they flee, will not fight against
us. Let us level our spears to keep them out of our ranks, and the rest will
be easy." By this means Douglas prevented a panic, and his advice being
acted upon, victory was secured. The traitors, finding their ruse of no
avail, again turned upon Huntly's troops, and by their valour wiped out
much of the disgrace of their treason. 1 Several years after this battle,
William Douglas joined, with other barons of the Mearns, in a bond to the
Master of Marischal, as lieutenant of the district, against George, Earl of
Huntly, who was the champion of the Eoman Catholic interest in Scotland
at this time. 2
In 1570, he succeeded his father as third Laird of Glenbervie. A few
years later he was served heir of line to his grandfather, Sir William
Douglas, first Laird of Glenbervie. 3 As a northern baron he maintained a
steadfast loyalty to King James, and after the pacification in 1573 between the
partisans of that king and those of Queen Mary, he joined in a bond to the
1 Godsoroft's History, edition 1644, p. 284. edition, vol. ii. p. 356 ; Calderwood, vol. ii.
Knox and Calderwood botli ascribe this advice p. 198.]
to the Laird of Pitarrow, the Master of Lind- 2 Vol. iii. of this work, p. 265. 16th
say, and the Tutor of Pitcur, but say nothing March 1568.
of any purpose of flight on the part of either 3 July 30th, 1575. Vol. iii. of this work,
Murray or Morton. [Knox's History, Laing's p. 270.
VOL. II. 3 A