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Wallace (SIR WILLIAM a Scotch patriot)

SIR WILLIAM, a Scotch patriot; born in Ayrshire, Scotland about 1270. Having slain the son, and several of the retainers of the English sheriff of Dundee, for an insult offered to him, Wallace fled to the woods, and was outlawed. Gathering together a number of followers he drove the English out of Aberdeen, Forfar, Brechin, and elsewhere, and in 1297 defeated the English army at the battle of Stirling bridge-thus liberating his country for a time. He was chosen one of the commanders-in-chief of the Scotch army, and afterward guardian of the kingdom, during the captivity of Baliol. He penetrated into England, and ravaged Durham with fire and sword. Edward I., then in Flanders, immediately hastened home, and marched against Wallace, who was defeated. He carried on a guerrilla warfare against the English during several years, was betrayed, and executed in London, Aug. 24, 1305.