192 LOCHFERGUS. 



most active Galwegians, so as to be at Chester on Sunday next, 

 after the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin, Alan to place over 

 them a constable, who knows how to keep peace in the King's 

 army, and to harass the enemy. The King will provide their 

 pay." In confirmation of this letter, the following entries appear 

 in the Kalendars, Record Office :—" 8 July, 1212, 55s allowed flor 

 expenses of twenty horsemen sent from Galloway." "15 July, 

 Ralf de Cambray going to Alan of Galloway with a letter." 

 Alan not .only found the men, but their services were so efficient 

 that, in addition to the stipulated pay, he also received a gift of 

 500 merks to pay his squires who had come with him to the King's 

 service in the army in Wales. Thus we see that all through 

 history Galloway men have been renowned as splendid fighters, 

 and ever in the front when fierce engagements were anticipated. 



Alan seems not only to have had the command of men, but 

 also the ships, because he made a raid on the Isle of Man, the 

 Hebrides, and Ireland, despoiling the country and carrying off 

 much booty. Olave, the King of Man, was unable to withstand 

 his attacks, so he appealed to the King of Norway for assistance, 

 stating at the same time that Alan had despoiled churches, 

 butchered the inhabitants, and reduced the whole country to a 

 state of desolation. Alan even threatened to invade Norway. 

 The King of Norway, therefore, provided Olave •with a fleet of 

 ships and men. This powerful fleet swept round the north of 

 Scotland, and down through the western isles, plundered Cantire, 

 and laid the Island of Bute under tribute. Olave then resolved to 

 proceed to the Isle of Man, but learning that Alan was lying in 

 wait for him behind the Mull of Galloway prudently fell back on 

 Cantire. In 1215 Alan not only held up an English ship at Kirk- 

 cudbright, but he actually despatched it to Dublin to bring some 

 merchandise for himself. And to show the hold which Alan must 

 have had over the English King, even when he was in the field 

 against him, the King signed a mandate as follows : — " The King 

 commands the Archbishop of Dublin, Justicier of Ireland, to 

 allow the men of Alan of Galloway to come to Dublin, and to 

 return with the merchantshij^ that Alan took at Kirkcudbright, 

 and allow Alan to have his merchandise in the said ship till the 

 owner of the vessel shall come over to speak to the King." 



In 1216 Alan, along with his "Wild Scots of Galloway," 



