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In a few days a strong force was collected at Alnwick; but, though
chafing at the news of the terrible devastations, that were being made
by the Scots in Cumberland and Durham, the Earl and Hotspur could, at
present, do nothing. The invasion was, indeed, one of the most
disastrous that had ever taken place; and after having almost
devastated the two counties, Douglas, with the united force, and an
enormous train of waggons laden with plunder, great quantities of
cattle, and other spoil, turned north again, at the end of the second
week of September.
In the meanwhile, Percy's force had been steadily growing. He had early
resolved that upon the return of the Scots the battle must be fought,
and contented himself with sending small bodies, of well-mounted
knights and horsemen, to hover in the neighbourhood of the Scotch army;
and to keep him informed of their intentions, and the route they seemed
disposed to take.
Douglas had carried his devastations up to the walls of Newcastle, but
had not attempted to attack that strongly-defended town. He had,
indeed, gathered as much spoil as could possibly be taken along; and he
moved north in a quiet and leisurely way, being greatly hampered by the
enormous train of loaded waggons.
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