OS1/4/23/115
| List of names as written | Various modes of spelling | Authorities for spelling | Situation | Description remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Site of BATTLE OF MORTLACH A.D. 1010 | Battle of Mortlach | Continued | [continued from page 114] however, to expel such intruders, he now returns upon them from the south, with a powerful force; and the Danes, having intelligence of his motions came forward to give him battle. The armies get their first sight of one another not far from the church of Mortlach; and a very little to the northward of it they engage. In the beginning of the attack, while pushing on with too ardent an impetuosity, Kenneth, Thane of the Isles; Dunbar, Thane of Laudian; and Graeme, Thane of Strathern are unfortunately slain. On the loss of three of their generals, the Scotch are struck with a panic, and go into confusion. Everything was now in a most doubtful suspense, and too likely to be decisive. The King, who has the character of a brave, sensible and pious man, is most reluctantly along with the retreating crowd, till he was opposite to the church, then a chapel dedicated to Molocus. The narrowness of the passage here abated a little the career of the pursuing Danes; the flying army got a minute to breathe; and, from the very situation of the ground, were again almost necessarily collected. On a mere incident, a presence of mind, or a happy thought, under providence, often depends the fate of war. The monarch was seized, perhaps from the very appearance of the consecrated walls in that aera of superstitiution, with a devotional impulse. He prays, pays his homage to the Virgin Mary, and the tutelary saint, according to the manners of the times, makes a vow, is inspired with a confidence of the aid of Heaven, and addresses himself, in an animating speech, to his countrymen and fellow soldiers. It was the critical moment - his crown, his all was at stake, and the Danes were a cruel enemy. He immediately takes the lead; presses on the foe; throws Erictus, one of the Danish generals, from his horse, and kills him with his own hand. Without a certain degree of enthusiasm, there is nothing great to be done. The charge, without delay, is generally and vigorously renewed; and, under the mingled influence of patriotism and religion, the Scotch carry everything before them, and win the day. And a bloody day it is reported to have been, though a glorious one, for Malcolm and his victorious troops. Some [continued on page 116] |
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[Page] 115Co. [County] of Banff -- Parish of Mortlach
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Bizzy- Moderator, Jeannie Thow
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