He took his position on a commanding ground about half a mile from
Stirling, near to the Abbey of Cambus-Kenneth. The Forth lay before
him, crossed by a wooden bridge, over which the enemy must pass to
reach him, the river not being fordable in that part.
He ordered the timbers which supported the bridge to be sawed at the
bottom, but not displaced in the least, that they might stand perfectly
firm for as long as he should deem it necessary. To these timbers were
fastened strong cords, all of which he intrusted to the sturdiest of
his Lanark men, who were to lie concealed amongst the flags. These
preparations being made, he drew up his troops in order of battle.
Kirkpatrick and Murray commanded the flanks. In the center stood
Wallace himself, with Ramsay on one side of him, and Edwin, with
Scrymgeour on the other, awaiting with steady expectation the approach
of the enemy, who, by this time, could not be far distant.
Cressingham was not less well-informed of the advance of De Warenne;
and burning with revenge against Wallace, and earnest to redeem the
favor of De Valence by some act in his behalf, he first gave secret
orders to his lieutenant, then set forth alone to seek an avenue of
escape, never divulged to any but to the commanders of the fortress.
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