The king attended by the other great lords who had come with him, went from Senlis to Crespy, and thence, by Sens and Burgundy, to Touraine; for the truce between the Burgundians and French did not expire until Easter. The passage of the Pont de St Maixence, of which the French now had possession, was again intrusted to the hands of Regnault de Longueval,—so that all that part of France was at this time sorely distressed by the french and english garrisons making daily inroads on each other; in consequence of which, the villages were deserted, by the inhabitants retiring to the strong towns.
DUKE PHILIP OF BURGUNDY CONDUCTS HIS SISTER BACK TO PARIS, IN GREAT POMP TO HER LORD THE DUKE OF BEDFORD.
On the 20th of September in this year, the duke of Burgundy left Hêdin, with his sister the duchess of Bedford, grandly accompanied, and lay that night at Dourlens. They proceeded the next day to Corbie, where they remained some days to wait the arrival of men at arms who were coming to them from all quarters.
From Corbie they went to Mondidier, and thence to Chastenay, quartering the men at arms, who amounted to from three to four thousand, in the country round. They crossed the river Oise at Pont St Maixence, and, passing by Senlis, were lodged at Louvres-en-Parisis.
The duke marched his men in handsome order, sir John de Luxembourg commanding the van, and the duke the main body. Near to him was his sister, mounted on a good trotting horse, attended by eight or ten ladies on hackneys. The lord de Saveuses and other knights, with a certain number of men at arms, followed by way of rear-guard.
The duke was much looked at by the French, who had come out of Senlis in great numbers on foot and on horseback, armed or not as they pleased on account of the existing truce. He was completely armed except the head, and mounted on a beautiful horse, and handsomely dressed and equipped, followed by seven or eight pages on excellent coursers.
The archbishop of Rheims, chancellor of France came first to meet and do him reverence in the plains without Senlis, and shortly after came the count de Clermont, with about sixty knights. When they had drawn near to the duke they both pulled off their hoods, bowed their heads, and addressed each other in obliging terms, but did not embrace through love and joy, as those nearly allied by blood are accustomed to do.
After these first salutations, the count de Clermont went to embrace his sister-in-law the duchess of Bedford, who was on the right hand of his brother-in-law the duke of Burgundy,—and having made a short acquaintance with her he returned to the duke; but observing that he did not seem willing to enter into any conversation, or have much to say to him, they took leave of each other and separated on the spot where they had met. Charles de Bourbon and the chancellor went back to Senlis, and the duke pursued his march to Louvres, where as I have said, he intended to pass the night.
On the morrow, he directed his march toward Paris, whither the duke of Bedford was returned from Normandy. On their meeting, joyous was the reception on both sides, and great and numerous were the embracings.
The men at arms of the duke of Burgundy were drawn up in array near to Paris, where they waited a considerable time before the harbingers had settled their quarters within the town. This done the princes and the duchess made their public entry with their men at arms. The Parisians were highly delighted at the arrival of the duke of Burgundy, and sung carols in all the streets through which he passed. They conducted the regent and his duchess to the palace of the Tournelles, and then the duke to his hôtel of Artois.
Great councils were held on the following day respecting the present state of public affairs; and, among other things the duke of Burgundy was required by the Parisians to be pleased to take on him the command of Paris, whose inhabitants had so strong an affection for him, and were ready and willing to support his and his late father's quarrels. They added, that it was absolutely necessary that he should comply with their wishes, considering the very many weighty matters the regent had on his hands in Normandy and elsewhere.
The duke of Burgundy granted their request until the ensuing Easter, but it was very much against his inclinations. The two dukes then determined to bring forward all their forces about Easter, in the spring of the year, to reconquer those towns in the Isle of France and on the Oise which had turned against them. Having arranged these matters, the duke of Bedford, with his duchess and the English, departed from Paris.
The duke of Burgundy appointed the lord de l'Isle-Adam governor of Paris, with a small number of men at arms at St Denis, the Bois de Vincennes, at the bridge of Charenton, and at other necessary posts. Having settled this business, and tarried in Paris the space of three weeks, he took leave of the queen of France, mother to king Charles, and returned, by the same route by which he had come, to Artois, and thence to Flanders. With him departed several of the burghers of Paris and some merchants.
THE FRENCH AND BURGUNDIANS ATTACK EACH OTHER, NOTWITHSTANDING THE TRUCE.
Although a truce had been concluded between king Charles and the duke of Burgundy, it was very little respected on either side, for they frequently attacked each other. To cover their proceedings, some of the Burgundians joined the English, with whom no truce had been made, and thus carried on open war against the French.
The French acted in the same way, by making war on the Burgundians, under pretence of mistaking them for English, so that the truce afforded no manner of security. Among others, a gallant act was done by a valiant man at arms from England, called Foulkes, with whom some of the Burgundians had united themselves; and they were quartered in a handsome castle at Neuville le Roi, which they had repaired.
They formed a plan to surprise the town of Creil and plunder it, and placed an ambuscade near that place, that if the enemy should pursue them, they might fall into it. What they had supposed did happen; for sir James de Chambannes, the governor, hearing a disturbance, instantly armed, and, mounting his horse, galloped into the plain, to attack the English. At the first onset, Georges de Croix was made prisoner, and several unhorsed.
A grand skirmish ensued; but, in the end, by the valour and perseverance of the said Foulkes, sir James and two other knights were made prisoners, together with some of their ablest men. In this action, however, Foulkes was struck on the uncovered part of his neck with the sharp point of a spear, so that he instantly died, though the wound was very small.
All those of his party who knew him greatly lamented his death, and were sorry at heart, for they looked on him as one of the most valiant and expert men at arms in England.
The remaining English now collected together, under their leaders, Bohart de Boyentin and Robinet Eguetin, and returned with the prisoners to their castle. Within a few days they concluded a treaty with sir James de Chabannes, giving him his liberty on his paying a certain sum of money, and delivering up Georges de Croix.
The duke of Bedford perceiving that Château Gaillard, from its situation and strength, greatly annoyed the adjacent countries in Normandy, resolved to have it besieged before the enemy could revictual it, or reinforce it. The siege lasted from six to seven months, and it was then surrendered from want of provisions,—and the garrison were allowed to march away with their baggage and effects.
THE LORD DE SAVEUSES AND THE BASTARD DE ST POL ARE MADE PRISONERS BY THE FRENCH, NEAR TO PARIS.—A PARTY OF FRENCH GAIN THE TOWN OF ST DENIS BY SCALADO.
About this time, the duke of Burgundy sent the lord de Saveuses and John de Brimeu, with five hundred combatants, to assist the Parisians against the French, who were daily making excursions on all sides of the town, to the great loss of the inhabitants.
They quartered themselves in St Denis, and gained several advantages over the enemy in their many skirmishes; but one day, the French, having formed a junction with some of the garrisons on the side of Montlehery, advanced to Paris, leaving a detachment in ambuscade at a small village. At that time the lord de Saveuses and the bastard de St Pol were in Paris, and, hearing the disturbance, hastily mounted their horses, and set out instantly in pursuit of the enemy with few attendants, and without waiting for their men at arms. The French, in their flight, made for the ambuscade, where these two knights, finding resistance vain, were taken prisoners by them, and carried away, with a few of their attendants, to one of their castles.
The bastard de St Pol was badly wounded in the neck by a lance before he was taken, and was some time in danger of his life. The two knights, however, on paying a heavy ransom, soon returned to Paris, to the great joy of the inhabitants.
On the other hand, the French, under the command of Allain Geron, Gaucher de Bruissart, and other captains, advanced, at the break of day, to St Denis; in which town, John de Brimeu was lately arrived with some men at arms, whom he had brought from Artois, and he had also some of the men of the lord de Saveuses. A party of the French gained admittance by means of ladders, and, opening one of the gates, their whole body rushed in, shouting, 'Town won!' and, battering down the doors and windows of all the houses wherein they thought there were any Burgundians, who, on hearing the noise, were much alarmed.
Some retreated to the strong parts of the town, and John de Brimeu with many to the abbey; the bastard de Saveuses to the gate leading to Paris, and others saved themselves under different gates; while great part, sallying out of their quarters to join their captains, were made prisoners or slain. Among the prisoners were Anthony de Wistre, Thierry de Manlingehem, and from twelve to sixteen others, mostly gentlemen. Thevenin de Thenequestes, Jean de Hautecloque, and a few more were killed.
While the affray was going on, John de Brimeu and his companions recovered their courage, and began to assemble in different parts where they heard their war-cries; and having introduced a valiant man at arms, called Guillaume de Beauval, he collected a body of men and attacked the enemy, who were more intent on pillaging than on keeping good order, and drove them out of the town, with the loss of eight or ten of their men.
The lord de Saveuses, then in Paris hearing of this attack, assembled in haste as many men as he could, and galloped off to succour his friends at St Denis; but before his arrival, the French were gone, and had retreated toward Senlis, and others of their garrisons, carrying with them many horses from those in St Denis.
At this same time, the English besieged the lord de Rambays in his castle of Estrepaigny, the inheritance of the count de Tancarville,—and remained so long battering it with their engines that the lord de Rambays, hopeless of succour, treated with the English for its surrender, on condition that he and his men should depart in safety with their baggage.
THE ENGLISH MAKE MANY CONQUESTS.
In this year the duke of Bedford had the castle of Torcy besieged, which was the best built and strongest in all that part of the country. The command of the besieging army was given to the bastard of Clarence, who by his cannon and other engines, which he kept continually playing against it, greatly damaged the walls. At the end of six months, the besieged seeing no hope of relief, and finding that their provision began to fail, entered into a treaty with the bastard of Clarence for their surrender, on condition that some of the principal inhabitants might depart whither they pleased with their effects; and that from ten to twelve others, who had formerly been of the english party, but who had even aided the French to win the castle, should remain at their pleasure. These were very cruelly put to death, and the castle was then demolished and razed to the ground.
In the month of January of this year, sir Thomas Kiriel, an Englishman, with four hundred combatants, most part of whom were his countrymen, marched from Gournay in Normandy, where they had been in garrison, passing by Beauvais toward Beauvoisis and the county of Clermont. He committed much mischief in those parts, seized many cattle, especially horses, and made several prisoners. He advanced even to the suburbs of Clermont, and then set out on his return to his garrison.
The count de Clermont was then at Beauvais, and hearing of this enterprise of sir Thomas, quickly collected from all the neighbouring garrisons attached to king Charles eight hundred or more combatants. To these were added a multitude of peasants, as well from Beauvais as from the adjacent parts,—and all of them hastened to meet and fight the English.
Sir Thomas had heard from his scouts of their coming, and had drawn up his men in battle-array, about a league off Beauvais, to wait for them. They were on foot, having a wood on their rear, and sharp stakes in front to prevent the horse from charging without great danger to themselves. The French, nevertheless, began the attack, and very severe it was on both sides, but, as they were on horseback, were soon repulsed by the arrows of the archers, and thrown into confusion: the English then, seizing their opportunity, rushed on them with such courage that the enemy were defeated, very many being slain, and upward of a hundred of these peasants made prisoners. They gained the field of battle,—for the horsemen had retreated, very melancholy at their loss, to Beauvais. Sir Thomas, rejoiced at his victory, carried his prisoners and plunder safe to his garrison of Gournay.
The earl of Suffolk, about this time laid siege to the castle of Aumale, of which the lord de Rambures was governor, having under him six score combatants. The castle was surrounded on all sides; and at the end of twenty-four days it was constrained to surrender, on condition that the lord de Rambures and his men should have their lives spared, with the exception of about thirty who were hanged, because they had formerly taken oaths of fidelity to the English and had been of their party. Soon afterward, the lord de Rambures was carried to England, where he remained prisoner five or six years before he could obtain his liberty. The castle was revictualled and regarrisoned. Thus did the English regain, this year, many strong places which the French had won, with scarcely any loss of men.
THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY MARRIES, FOR THE THIRD TIME, THE LADY ISABELLA, DAUGHTER TO THE KING OF PORTUGAL.
On the 9th day of January, in this year was solemnised in the city of Bruges, in a house that had been expressly prepared for that purpose, the marriage of Philip duke of Burgundy with the lady Isabella, daughter to the king of Portugal. The feast was very grand and magnificent: all the principal streets of the town were hung with rich cloths and the finest tapestry; and there were present at it his two sisters, the duchess of Bedford and duchess of Cleves, the countess of Namur, the countess of Lielse, the countess of Conversan, sir John de Luxembourg, the lady of Beaurevoir, the bishop of Liége, and many other great lords and ladies.
These personages displayed the richest dresses, themselves, their attendants and horses being each day clothed in different liveries, more especially the bishop of Liége, John bastard de St Pol, sir John d'Hornes and others. When the duchess landed (for she had been brought by sea by one of her brothers, together with the ambassadors from the duke of Burgundy, the principal of whom were the lord de Roubais and master Gilles d'Escornay provost of Harlebecque,) near to Bruges, the burghers in great pomp went out to meet her. They had with them one hundred and sixty-four trumpets which sounded very melodiously.
With regard to the various entertainments, which were continued for about eight days, it would take too much time to detail them. Suffice it to say, that there was the greatest profusion of meats and wines, and representations of unicorns and other beasts, from which flowed rose-water, wines, and different liquors, for the entertainment of the guests at this feast. The duke had never made such a display of magnificence at any of his former marriages,—and this was the third. There were tiltings, and various amusements, for many days, between knights and esquires of name and renown; and this feast must have cost the duke immense sums of money.
ESTIENNE DE VIGNOLLES, SURNAMED LA HIRE, SURPRISES AND TAKES THE TOWN OF LOUVIERS, IN NORMANDY.
In these days, Estienne de Vignolles, surnamed La Hire, took the town of Louviers, in Normandy, by surprise, having entered it with scaling ladders. He had with him from five to six hundred men, who found therein such plenty that they were greatly enriched. On their entrance, about thirty townsmen, English and others, were killed. After the capture, the majority of the inhabitants took the oaths of allegiance, to whom La Hire restored their houses and the greater part of their effects: the rest saved themselves as well as they could, leaving their wealth behind them.
La Hire and his companions soon made a severe warfare on the districts around, and at times even advanced as far as Rouen. The poor people were much harrassed by them, to the great vexation of the English, for at the time they could not assist them by reason of the more weighty matters they had on hand.
THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY INSTITUTES, THIS YEAR, THE ORDER OF THE GOLDEN FLEECE.
In this year, the duke of Burgundy established, in honour of God and St Andrew, whose cross he bore in his arms, an order or fraternity of twenty-four knights without reproach, and gentlemen from four generations, to each of whom he gave a collar of gold handsomely wrought with his device, namely, 'Du Fusil,'—to each of which, collars were suspended in front, like as great ladies wear crosses, clasps or diamonds,—and in the centre thereof was a golden fleece, similar to what Jason conquered in old times as is written in the history of Troy, and which no Christian prince had ever before made use of. The duke, therefore, called this order, The Order of the Golden Fleece.
He, in conjunction with his council selected twenty-four knights to be of this order: the names of some of them follow First, the duke, the founder, then William de Vienne lord de St George, sir Regnier Pot lord de la Roche, the lord de Roubaise, the lord de Montagu, sir Roland de Huquerque, sir Anthony du Vergy count de Dammartin, sir David de Brimeu lord de Ligny, sir Hugh de Launoy lord de Santes, sir John lord de Commines, sir Anthony de Toulongeon marshal of Burgundy, sir Petro de Luxembourg count de Conversan, sir John de la Trimouille lord de Jonvelles, sir John de Luxembourg lord de Beaurevoir, sir Gillebert de Launoy lord de Villerval, sir John de Villiers lord de l'Isle-Adam, sir Anthony lord de Croy and de Renty, sir Florimont de Brimeu lord de Massincourt, sir Robert lord de Mamines, sir James de Brimeu lord de Grigny, sir Baudouin de Launoy lord de Moulembais, sir Peter de Bauffremont lord de Chargny, sir Philip lord de Ternant, sir John de Crequi, sir John de Croy lord de Tours sur Marne.
These knights and their successors were, on receiving the order, to enter into and sign solemn statutes and engagements for its preservation, and the maintaining it in due splendour, which shall be hereafter more fully detailed when the order shall have had its full number of knights,—for after the first institution of it, many others were added to those above named. The heirs of any knight were bounden, on his decease, to deliver up the collar of the order to the duke of Burgundy, for him to give it to another knight.
THE LORD DE CREVECOEUR AND SIR ROBERT DE SAVEUSES ARE ATTACKED BY THE FRENCH ON THEIR MARCH TO CLERMONT IN THE BEAUVOISIS.
In the month of February of this year, the lord de Crevecoeur, governor of Clermont in Beauvoisis, set out from Amiens to go thither, accompanied by sir Robert de Saveuses and about eight score combatants, as an escort to carts and cars laden with provision for Lent, and other matters.
Having passed St Just, near to St Remy en l'Aire, they were watched by the French, who knew of their coming and instantly attacked. The leaders of the French were sir Theolde Valperghue, sir Regnault de Fontaines, sir Louis de Vaucourt and others, having a much superior force to the enemy. Notwithstanding this, the lords de Crevecoeur and Saveuses dismounted with their men, the greater part of whom were archers, and defended themselves valiantly for the space of four hours or more, during which many men and horses were killed and severely wounded on both sides. At length, the French seeing their loss, and that they could not conquer the enemy, returned to their garrisons, and the lord de Crevecoeur and sir Robert de Saveuses continued their march to Clermont, where they remained until the ensuing year waiting for the coming of the duke of Burgundy.
FIVE FRENCHMEN COMBAT FIVE BURGUNDIANS AT ARRAS,—AND OTHER MATTERS.
On the 20th of February, in this same year, a combat took place in the great market-place at Arras, in the presence of the duke of Burgundy as judge of the field, between five Frenchmen of the party of king Charles and five Burgundians, who had challenged each other to break a certain number of lances. The french knights were sir Theolde de Valperghue, Poton de Saintrailles, sir Philibert d'Abrecy, sir William de Bes, and l'Estandart de Nully: the Burgundians were sir Simon de Lalain, the lord de Chargny, sir John de Vaulde, sir Nicolle de Menton and Philibert de Menton.
This Tournament lasted five days; and a large spot was inclosed for the purpose covered with sand, and the lists constructed with wood, with a division so that the horses of the two knights could not run against each other. The first day, sir Simon de Lalain and sir Theolde de Valperghue performed gallantly against each other; but toward the end sir Theolde and his horse were struck to the ground. In like manner were the ensuing days employed, and very many lances were broken. The lord de Chargny, however at the thirteenth course against sir Philibert d'Abrecy, struck off the vizor of his helmet, and drove the lance into his lace, so that he was instantly carried to his lodgings in the utmost danger.
On the last day, sir l'Estandart de Nully was hit exactly in the same manner, by the same Philibert de Menton, and, like the other was conducted to his lodgings in such great pain that he could with difficulty sit his horse: he had behaved with much gallantry, and had broken several lances against his adversary.
The French were served with lances by an expert and active man at arms called Alardin de Mousay, and most of the Burgundians by sir John de Luxembourg. Each day the duke came to the seat prepared for him grandly attended by his chivalry, and nobly dressed.
When this tournament was over, and the French had been well entertained, and presented with handsome gifts by the duke, they departed from the town of Arras for Compiègne, very disconsolate that they had been so unsuccessful. They left the two wounded knights behind, to be attended by the duke's surgeons, who in the end cured them.
In these days, the French on the borders of Beauvoisis, on the river Oise, made daily excursions against those of the Burgundy-party, who returned the compliment, although a truce had been sworn to last until the ensuing Easter; and these continual excursions caused the villages and country to be nearly deserted.
Duke Philip of Burgundy summoned a large body of men at arms to meet him at Peronne, where he and his duchess solemnised the feast of Easter. This done, he marched them to Mondidier, where he remained some days.
During these tribulations, the town and castle of Melun surrendered to king Charles. It had been given in charge to the lord de Humieres, who had appointed some of his brothers to defend it with a certain number of men at arms, but the inhabitants rose against them and drove them out of the town. King Charles and his party were much rejoiced at this event, because they could, by means of its bridge, cross the Seine when they pleased, and it was beside the strongest place in all that part of the country.
CHAP. LXXXIII.
THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY QUARTERS HIS ARMY AT GOURNAY SUR ARONDE.
At the commencement of this year, the duke of Burgundy marched his army from Mondidier, and fixed his quarters at Gournay sur Aronde, in front of the castle, which belonged to Charles de Bourbon count de Clermont, his brother-in-law. He summoned Tristan de Maguillers, the governor, to surrender, or he would storm it. Tristan, seeing he could no way hold out against the duke's forces, concluded a treaty, by which he engaged to yield it up on the first day of next August, if he was not before relieved by king Charles or his party: he also promised, that neither he himself nor his garrison would, during that time, make war on any of the duke's partisans,—and by this means Tristan remained in peace.
This compromise had been hastily concluded, because the duke and sir John de Luxembourg had received intelligence to be depended upon, that the damoiseau de Commercy, Yvon du Puys and other captains, with a very large force, had besieged the castle of Montagu. Commercy, to whom this castle belonged, had marched thither secretly a great number of combatants, with bombards, veuglaires and other warlike engines, intending, by an unexpected and sharp assault, to recover the place; but it was well defended by those whom sir John de Luxembourg had placed therein. The principal leaders of the garrison were two notable men at arms, one of whom was an englishman, and the other Georges de la Croix.
They were frequently summoned to surrender, but would not listen to the summons, for they had not a doubt but that they should be very shortly succoured. At length, the besiegers having learnt that the duke of Burgundy was marching against them, and that they must stand the chance of a battle, were panic-struck, and so great was their fear that they marched away about midnight for their own garrisons, leaving their cannon, bombards, and all their stores behind. Information of this was instantly dispatched to the duke and sir John de Luxembourg, who made all diligence to attack them, and the duke marched his whole army to Noyon.
In these days sir John de Luxembourg advanced against Beauvais, and on the countries of the enemy, particularly against sir Louis de Vaucourt and his men, who had remained there for a considerable time during the winter, and set fire to a castle which they had repaired. The enemy retired within the town of Beauvais; and sir John encamped before the castle of Prouveulieu, which some Englishmen had refortified, and, by their excursions from thence, frequently oppressed the town of Mondidier, and the territories of the duke of Burgundy. They were soon forced to submit to sir John, who had the greater part executed and the rest sent to different prisons: having done this, he returned to the duke of Burgundy at Noyon.
THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY LAYS SIEGE TO THE CASTLE OF CHOISY, WHICH HE CONQUERS IN A FEW DAYS.
When the duke of Burgundy had remained for about eight days in Noyon, he departed, to lay siege to the castle of Choisy sur Oise, in which was Louis de Flavy, holding it for sir William de Flavy. The duke's engines did so much mischief to the walls of the castle that the garrison capitulated, on being allowed to march away with their baggage in safety. So soon as they had quitted the castle, it was demolished and razed to the ground.
The duke built a bridge over the Oise, to enable himself and his army to cross toward Compiègne on the side of Mondidier. During this time, the lord de Saveuses and John de Brimeu had been appointed to guard the suburbs of Noyon, with their men, and those of the lord Montgomery and of other English captains quartered at Pont l'Evêque, to prevent the garrison of Compiègne from cutting of the supplies from the duke's army.
It happened on a certain day, that those in Compiègne, namely, Joan the Maid, sir James de Chabannes, sir Theolde de Valperghue, sir Regnault de Fontaines, Poton de Saintrailles, and others of the French captains, accompanied by about two thousand combatants, came to Pont l'Evêque between day-break and sun-rise, and attacked the quarters of the English with great courage. A sharp conflict took place; and the lord de Saveuses with John de Brimeu, with their men, hastened to their support, which renewed the vigour of the English; they together repulsed the French, who had made good progress in their quarters. About thirty were killed on each side,—and the French retreated to Compiègne, whence they had come. The English from that day strengthened their position on all sides, to avoid a similar attack.
Shortly afterward, John de Brimeu going to the duke of Burgundy with about one hundred combatants, was suddenly attacked by a party of French in the forest of Crespy in the Valois, who had come from Attichy for this purpose, and to seek adventures, and without much defence made prisoner. The reason of his being thus taken was because his men followed in a file, and were unable to form into battle-array until the attack had commenced. He was put into the hands of Poton de Saintrailles, who, in the end, gave him his liberty on paying a heavy ransom.
When the duke of Burgundy had demolished the castle of Choisy, he quartered himself in the fortress of Coudun, within a league of Compiègne, and sir John de Luxembourg was lodged in Claroi. Sir Baudo de Noielle was ordered to post himself with a certain number of men at arms on the causeway of Marigny, and the lord Montgomery and his men were quartered along the meadows of La Venette. The duke was joined by some reinforcements from his different countries, having the intention to besiege the town of Compiègne, and reduce it to the obedience of king Henry of England.
JOAN THE MAID OVERTHROWS FRANQUET D'ARRAS, AND HAS HIS HEAD CUT OFF.
At the beginning of the month of May, a valiant man at arms named Franquet of Arras, attached to the duke of Burgundy, was overthrown and taken. He had made an excursion with about three hundred combatants toward Lagny sur Marne, but, on his return, was met by Joan the Maid and four hundred French. Franquet and his men attacked them valiantly several times; and, by means of his archers whom he had dismounted, made so vigorous a resistance that the Maid, finding they gained nothing, sent hastily for succours from the garrisons of Lagny and other castles under the dominion of king Charles. They came in great numbers with culverines, cross-bows and other warlike instruments, so that in the end the Burgundians, after doing great mischief to the enemy's cavalry, were conquered, and the better part of them put to the sword. The Maid even caused Franquet to be beheaded, whose death was exceedingly lamented by his party,—for he was a man of most valiant conduct.
RÉNÉ DUKE OF BAR LAYS SIEGE TO CHAPPES, NEAR TO TROYES IN CHAMPAGNE.
About this period, the duke of Bar, called Réné of Sicily, collected from his duchies of Lorraine and Bar, and the borders of Germany, a considerable force of men at arms, commanded by that prudent and valiant knight the lord de Barbasan, who, as has been said, was detained by the English for a long time prisoner. The duke's troops might amount to three or four thousand combatants; and he led them to besiege the town of Chappes, three leagues from Troyes in which were the lord d'Aumont, his brother and many warriors, who diligently applied themselves to its defence.
They also sent to the lords of Burgundy, to entreat that they would come to their aid in this time of need. In consequence, sir Anthony de Toulongeon marshal of Burgundy, the count de Joigny, sir Anthony and sir John du Vergy, the lord de Jonvelle, the lord de Chastellux, le veau de Bar, and in general the greater part of the burgundian nobles, to the number of four thousand combatants, assembled, and advanced toward the quarters of the duke of Bar, to offer him battle.
The duke, knowing of their coming, was drawn up ready to receive them, when the Burgundians were soon thrown into disorder, and returned to their own country. About sixty were killed or taken: of the latter number were the lord de Plansi and Charles de Rochefort. The lord d'Aumore was also made prisoner, with several of his men, when sallying out of the town to support his friends. His brother was likewise taken, and he was forced to deliver up the castle to the duke of Bar, who completely destroyed it.
THE MAID IS TAKEN PRISONER BY THE BURGUNDIANS BEFORE COMPIÈGNE.
During the time that the duke of Burgundy was quartered at Coudun, and his men at arms in the villages between Coudon and Compiègne, it happened, that about five o'clock in the afternoon, on Ascension-eve, the Maid, Poton and other valiant french captains, having with them from five to six hundred combatants horse and foot, sallied out of Compiègne by the gate of the bridge leading to Mondidier, with the intent to attack the post of sir Baudo de Noielle, at the end of the causeway of Marigny.
At this time, sir John de Luxembourg, the lord de Crequi, and eight or ten gentlemen, but with very few attendants were with sir Baudo. They had rode thither to consult with him on the best mode of directing their attacks on Compiègne.
The French were very near to Marigny, before the greater part of the men who were unarmed could prepare themselves; but they soon collected together, and a severe conflict commenced,—during which the cries of 'To arms!' were echoed through all the english and burgundian quarters. The english, who were encamped on the meads of Venette, formed themselves into battle-array against the French, and were near five hundred men.
On the other hand, sir John de Luxembourg's men quartered at Claroi, hastened to the relief of their lord and captain, who was engaged in the heat of the skirmish, and under whom the most part rallied. In this encounter the lord de Crequi was dangerously wounded in the face.
After some time, the French, perceiving their enemies multiply so fast on them, retreated toward Compiègne, leaving the Maid, who had remained to cover the rear, anxious to bring back the men with little loss. But the Burgundians, knowing that reinforcements were coming to them from all quarters, pursued them with redoubled vigour, and charged them on the plain. In the conclusion, as I was told, the Maid was dragged from her horse by an archer, near to whom was the bastard de Vendôme, and to him she surrendered and pledged her faith. He lost no time in carrying her to Marigny, and put her under a secure guard. With her was taken Poton the Burgundian, and some others, but in no great number.
The French re-entered Compiègne doleful and vexed at their losses, more especially for the capture of Joan: while, on the contrary, the English were rejoiced, and more pleased than if they had taken five hundred other combatants, for they dreaded no other leader or captain so much as they had hitherto feared the Maid.
The duke of Burgundy came soon after from Coudun to the meadows before Compiègne, where he drew up his army, together with the English and the troops from their different quarters, making a handsome appearance, and with shoutings and huzzas expressed their joy at the capture of the Maid. After this, the duke went to the lodgings where she was confined, and spoke some words to her; but what they were I do not now recollect although I was present.
The duke and the army returned to their quarters, leaving the Maid under the guard of sir John de Luxembourg, who shortly after sent her, under a strong escort, to the castle of Beaulieu, and thence to that of Beaurevoir, where she remained, as you shall hear, a prisoner for a long time.
YOUNG KING HENRY OF ENGLAND DISEMBARKS AT CALAIS AND COMES TO FRANCE.
In this year, king Henry of England, then about eight years of age, disembarked about ten o'clock in the morning of St George's day, from his vessel at Calais. Having mounted his horse, he went to hear mass at the church of St Nicholas attended by the cardinal of Winchester, the duke of York, the earls of Huntingdon, Warwick, Stafford, Arundel and Suffolk, the counts de Bonneterre, de Hemme, the lords de Roye, de Beaumont, d'Escaillon, de Grez, and many more.
He was likewise accompanied by master Pierre de Cauchon, bishop of Beauvais, who had been sent to meet him. His attendants then followed; and he was escorted from Calais to Rouen by his army, where he remained a long time.
AFTER THE CAPTURE OF THE MAID, THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY ENCAMPS HIS ARMY BEFORE COMPIÈGNE.
On the morrow of the feast of the Ascension, the duke of Burgundy changed his quarters from Coudun to La Venette, where he was lodged in the abbey, and his men in the town and near to it. Sir John de Luxembourg was quartered at Marigny. They had soon erected an earthen bulwark within a bow-shot from the outworks of Compiègne, and huts of wood and earth were built still nearer to the ramparts, in which men at arms kept guard day and night. They had a deep ditch of communication sunk from the bulwark to these huts, so that the guard could safely pass and repass, without fear of the guns from the walls, which were continually firing.
The duke had some large engines pointed against the gates of the town, which, by the huge stones they cast, did great damage to the gates, bridges and mills: some of the last were rendered quite useless, to the great distress of the inhabitants. Among other mischiefs done by these machines, a young gentleman of twenty-two years old, called Louis de Flavy, son to sir William de Flavy governor of Compiègne, was struck dead. All present were much grieved at this accident on account of sir William, who, although he was much affected, concealed his feelings, to avoid discouraging his men, and soon after, by way of heartening them, caused his minstrels to sound before him as usual; and ordered the ramparts to be more diligently defended notwithstanding they had been greatly damaged by these engines.
There had been constructed within the ditch small wooden huts, in which the guard were sheltered from danger. Some mines were also begun on by orders of sir John de Luxembourg, which, though very deep and well concealed, were of little service, but had cost much.
While these different measures were pursuing, many skirmishes took place, in which the besiegers had numbers killed and wounded. The principal persons among the dead were sir John de Belles, knight, Alain d'Escaussines, Thibault de Caitigines, and many others, as well Burgundians as English.
THE LIEGEOIS RAISE A LARGE ARMY, AND INVADE THE COUNTRY OF NAMUR.
At this time, the Liegeois were instigated by some arrogant men attached to the party of king Charles, such as John de Beaurain, John de Saumain, Everard de la Marche, with others, and, by the hatred and malice they had long borne the duke of Burgundy on account of former quarrels, which have been already detailed in the preceding part of this work, to rise in arms, and invade the territories of the duke, more especially the county of Namur, and despoil it. John de Heneberg, their bishop, remonstrated with them strongly on this subject; but his attempts to dissuade them from executing their plans were vain, although he plainly shewed that very great misfortunes might befall Liége in consequence. The Liegeois were much displeased with these remonstrances, and being determined to pursue hostile measures against the duke of Burgundy, the bishop considered, that should he not take part and support them, he might be deprived of his bishoprick. He therefore, having advised with his council, resolved to save his own honour, by sending letters of defiance to the duke before he made war upon him. The tenour of these letters was as follows.
'Most high, most noble, and most puissant prince Philip, duke of Burgundy, count of Artois, Flanders and Burgundy, palatine of Namur, &c.
'Notwithstanding that I, John de Heneberg, bishop of Liége and count de Loz, in virtue of certain statements that have passed between us, have made frequent applications to you for reparation according to the claims declared in these aforesaid statements, which have been but little attended to, and that divers great and abominable outrages have been committed by your captains and servants on my country and subjects, which, if it may please you to remember, have been fully detailed in the complaints that were made to you thereon.
'Nevertheless, most high, noble and puissant prince, although your answers have been very gracious, and although you declare your intentions of preserving a good understanding between us, your promises have hitherto been without effect; and these matters are now so much entangled with others, no wise concerning them, that it is very grievous to us, and most highly displeasing.
'Most high, noble and puissant prince, you must, in your wisdom, know, that by reason of my oath to remain faithful to my church and country, it behoves me to support and defend their rights against all who may attempt to infringe them, with the whole force I shall be possessed of.
'For this reason, most high, noble and puissant prince, after my humble salutations and excuses, I must again inform you of these things, and, should they be continued, opposition will be made thereto, so that my honour may be preserved.
'Given under my seal, appended to these presents, the 10th day of July, in the year 1430.' Then signed, by command of my lord, 'J. Berrard.'
In like manner were challenges sent to the duke from different lords, allies and friends of the bishop, namely, the count de Beaurienne, Picard de la Grace lord de Quinquempoix, Rasse de Rabel, Gerard d'Edevant, John de Valle, Henry de Gayel, John de Boilleur, John de la Barre, John de Gemblais, Corbeau de Belle-Goule, Thierry Ponthey, and several others.
THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY SENDS THE LORD DE CROY TO THE COUNTY OF NAMUR AGAINST THE LIEGEOIS.
When the duke of Burgundy learnt that the bishop of Liége and the Liegeois were preparing to invade his county of Namur, he determined with his council to send thither the lord de Croy to guard and defend the town and castle of Namur, and the whole of that country. The lord de Croy, in consequence, departed from before Compiègne, having about eight hundred men under his command, and entered Namur, where the Liegeois had already commenced the war, by taking of Beaufort and setting fire to it.
The lord de Croy remained inactive in Namur, for about ten days: after this, he began his operations, by the storming of the town of Fosse, which he burnt, with the exception of the monastery. On the ensuing day, from forty to eighty Liegeois were put to death at Florennes, and forty made prisoners.
With the lord de Croy were his brother sir John de Croy, the lords de Mainsnèe, de Rambures, de Fauquemberg and de d'Juselle, le Galois de Roly, the lord de Framesant, Robert de Neufville and other nobles. The lord de Rambures was ordered to Polvache, where in a sally, he was mortally wounded and made prisoner. The lord de Senlis was then sent thither, who surrendered the place to the Liegeois, and they set fire to and burnt it.
The Liegeois were led by their bishop, and amounted to fifty thousand men. When they had gained Polvache, they laid siege to Bouvines, and took and burnt Golesme. While they were thus engaged, the lord de Croy made frequent attacks on them, and in these different skirmishes slew and took from seven to eight hundred.
THE EARL OF HUNTINGDON COMES TO THE AID OF THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY BEFORE COMPIÈGNE.
About this time, the earl of Huntingdon, de Robersac, and others, with a thousand archers from England, came to the assistance of the duke of Burgundy before Compiègne. They were quartered in the town of la Venette, where the duke had lodged before he had moved to the fort between Compiègne and Marigny: the duke's men were posted at Marigny, whence the governor, sir John de Luxembourg, and his people had dislodged and gone to Soissons, which, through some connexions he had in the town had surrendered to him, with other places in those parts.
On the arrival of the earl of Huntingdon, the lord Montgomery marched his English back to Normandy. The duke of Burgundy laboured diligently day and night, to destroy a rampart in front of the town-bridge, which much annoyed his men, and which had held out for upwards of two months. At length by an unexpected attack made at night it was won, and from eight to ten men taken in it, who made no great defence although well supplied with stores.
After its capture, the ditches were filled, and its batteries turned against the town, and manned by a strong force of men at arms. During the assault, some were drowned in the Oise from being in too great a hurry to escape.
The duke had a bridge thrown over the Oise near to la Venette, and well guarded, which the English and Burgundians frequently crossed in their excursions to skirmish with the French near to Pierrefons. The earl of Huntingdon one day passed this bridge with all the English, and advanced to Crespy in the Valois, and thence to Sainctrines, which submitted to his obedience. He then marched to quarter himself for the night at Verberie, and made a sharp attack on the church whither the peasants had retreated, who in the end were constrained to yield themselves to his mercy. He hanged one of them, called Jean de d'Ours, who was their leader, because he had refused to obey his first summons. The rest of the peasants escaped by paying ransoms, and losing all their effects. The earl then returned with what he had gained to his quarters before Compiègne.
During all this time, the lord de Crevecoeur and Robert de Saveuses remained with their men at Clermont in the Beauvoisis, to guard that frontier against the French in Creil and Beauvais, and to prevent the escorts with wine and other necessaries going to the duke's army, from being cut off.
The duchess of Burgundy had fixed her residence with her household at Noyon, whence she from time to time visited her lord the duke. The period for the surrender of Gournay now approached, and the duke marched his army thither to keep the appointment: he was accompanied by the duke of Norfolk and the earl of Huntingdon, with about a thousand combatants, to support him, should there be occasion; but when the day came, no one from the french king appeared: the governor, therefore, seeing no hope of succour, yielded the place into the hands of the duke of Burgundy, who made the lord de Crevecoeur governor of it.
The duke then returned to his siege of Compiègne with the earl of Huntingdon, having left a sufficiency of men at arms to keep the garrison in check, and to guard his camp. The duke of Norfolk went to Paris.
AN ADVENTURER NAMED TOUMELAIRE, WITH SOME OF THE TOWNSMEN OF RHEIMS, LAYS SIEGE TO THE CASTLE OF CHAMPIGNEUX
In these days, an adventurer called Toumelaire, whom king Charles had appointed provost of Laon, having collected five or six hundred men from the town of Rheims and that neighbourhood, led them to besiege the castle of Champigneux, in which were some English and Burgundians that much harrassed the country of Champagne.
He instantly laid close siege to it on all sides, expecting to gain possession thereof; but that did not happen, for within a few days, William Corain, an Englishman, and Georges de la Croix, then at Montagu, assembled as many men as they could, and, without delay, gave battle to these peasants, who unable to make any good defence, were soon conquered, and the greater part killed or taken.
Toumelaire, however, and some others escaped; but there remained from six to seven score dead on the field, and a party of them were burnt in a house whither they had retreated. They left behind many cannons, cross-bows, and other warlike stores, which they had brought with them. William Corain and Georges de la Croix, having repaired the castle, returned to Montagu much rejoiced at their victory.
THE DEATH OF PHILIP DUKE OF BRABANT. THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY TAKES POSSESSION OF HIS DUCHY.
At this time, duke Philip of Brabant, who had for a long time before been in a languishing state, died in the town of Louvain. Some of his domestics were suspected of having caused his death, and several of them were severely tortured, in divers manners, to force them to a confession; but the matter was not the more cleared up. Physicians declared, that he died of a natural death, occasioned by excesses in his younger years in tilting and other things. He was buried by the side of his ancestors.
His death was soon notified to the duke of Burgundy at the siege of Compiègne, because the nobles of the duchy of Brabant and the greater part of the commonalty considered him as the lawful successor to the late duke Philip, for he had never been married; while others said, that the countess-dowager of Hainault, aunt to these two dukes, was the nearest of kin, and of course that the succession was hers.
The duke of Burgundy, on hearing of this event, appointed some of his most confidential captains to carry on the siege of Compiègne, namely, sir James de Brimeu marshal of the army, sir Hugh de Launoy, the lord de Saveuses and some others, who were to co-operate with the earl of Huntingdon and his Englishmen. He likewise sent messengers with letters to recal sir John de Luxembourg from the Soissonois, and to entreat that he would, without delay, return to Compiègne to take the chief command of the army, relating to him, at the same time, the event that had happened, and the necessity there was for him to set out instantly for Brabant.
When these matters were done, the duke of Burgundy having provided every thing for the continuance of the siege, and well garrisoned the great fort opposite to the gate of the town, of which he made sir Baudo de Noyelle captain, he first took leave of the earl of Huntingdon and set out for Noyon. He thence, after some days, went to Lille, and having held a council of his most confidential advisers, resolved to take possession of the duchy of Brabant and its dependancies.
The duchess of Burgundy, when the duke left her, returned to the country of Artois. The duke was received in all the towns of Brabant as their lord, although the countess-dowager of Hainault, as I have said before, laid claim to the succession of duke Philip; but when she considered the great power of the duke of Burgundy, and that the nobility and principal towns had acknowledged him for their lord, she desisted from further pursuing it.
At the same time, the lady of Luxembourg, sister to count Waleran, now advanced in years, and who was at the castle of Beaurevoir, under the wardship of sir John de Luxembourg, her nephew, seized and took possession, in his name, of all the lordships that had formerly belonged to the said count Waleran, her brother, and which were now again escheated to her, as the heiress, by her father's side, to her fair nephew the duke of Brabant, lately deceased. All the oaths of the officers were renewed to her,—and from that time she was called the countess of Ligny, and of St Pol. From her great affection to her nephew, sir John de Luxembourg, she bequeathed to him the greater part of these estates after her decease, which was very displeasing to the count de Conversan lord d'Enghien, elder brother to sir John, and they had many quarrels concerning it,—however, in the end, they made up their differences, and were good friends.
SIR JOHN DE LUXEMBOURG TAKES THE COMMAND OF THE SIEGE OF COMPIÈGNE.—THE ORDERS HE GIVES,—AND OTHER EVENTS.
Soon after the departure of the duke of Burgundy from the siege of Compiègne. Sir John de Luxembourg and his men arrived, and he took the chief command of the siege, according to the commands of the duke. He lost no time in strengthening the fort in front of the bridge, and erected two smaller ones on the river toward Noyon: the command of one he gave to Guy de Roye and Aubert de Folleville,—and that of the other to a common man from the Boulonois, named Branart, who had under him some genoese and portuguese cross-bows, and other foreigners.
Having done this, sir John crossed the river by the bridge at la Venette, and went to lodge at the abbey of Royaulieu. He was followed by sir James de Brimeu marshal of the army, sir Hugh de Launoy, the lord de Crequi, the lords de Saveuses, de Humieres, sir Daviod de Poix, Ferry de Mailly, sir Florimont de Brimeu and several other noble men, who were lodged as well in the abbey as in the village, which was much deserted, and among, the vineyards and gardens in that neighbourhood.
The earl of Huntingdon remained in his quarters at la Venette. During this time the besieged made many sallies on foot and on horseback, when some were killed and wounded on both sides, but in no great number. This caused the besiegers to erect another great fort a bow-shot and a half distant from the town, near to the gate of Pierrefons, the guard of which was given to the marshal, the lord de Crequi, sir Florimont de Brimeu, having under them three hundred combatants: they lodged themselves within it before it was quite finished, and remained there a long time.
The besieged now suffered severely from famine, and no provisions were to be had in the town for money, since, for the space of four months, none had been publicly sold in the markets. Several messengers were in consequence sent to the marshal de Bousac, to the count de Vendôme, and to other captains of king Charles, to inform them of their distress, and to require instant aid if they wished to save the town and its inhabitants.
While this misery was suffered, the marshal de Bousac, Poton de Saintrailes, Theolde de Valperghue, and other french leaders, laid siege to Proissy sur Oise, in which was the bastard de Chevereuse, with about forty combatants. They were soon forced to submit, and the most part were put to death by the guisarmes of the marshal, and the castle totally demolished. In like manner were subjected the strong monastery of Cathu le Chastel, and some other places, and those found within them were generally put to death. The marshal and his companions, however, did not make any attempt on the besieging army of Compiègne, as is usual in similar cases, until the last, when the siege was raised, as shall be hereafter told.
At this period, the duke of Norfolk, commanded a powerful army in the countries bordering on Paris, and subjected many towns to the obedience of king Henry, such as Dammartin and others. On the other hand, the earl of Stafford took by storm the town of Bray-comte-Robert: the castle, which was exceedingly strong, immediately surrendered. The earl then crossed the Seine, and foraged the whole country so far as Sens in Burgundy, and returned with a great booty to the place whence he had set out, without meeting with the least opposition, or even seeing the enemy. He took, soon after, Le Quene en Brie, Grand Puys and Rappelton: he had four score handed of those whom he found in Le Quene.
He also took the strong tower of Bus, which, with the other places, were dismantled. Sir James de Milly and sir John de la Have were in Bray-comte-Robert, when it was taken, and made prisoners, but afterward obtained their liberty by paying a large ransom.
THE PRINCE OF ORANGE IS CONQUERED BY THE FRENCH.
On Trinity-day in this year, the prince of Orange, having assembled about twelve hundred fighting men marched them into Languedoc, where he gained many castles from the partisans of king Charles. He did the same in Dauphiny, which displeased the king and his council so much that they resolved to oppose him, and that the lord de Gaucour, governor of Dauphiny, sir Ymbert de Grolée, seneschal of Lyons, and Roderick de Villandres, should collect their forces, and with the loyal nobles and gentlemen defend the country against these Burgundians. On mustering their forces, they amounted to about sixteen hundred combatants, whom they marched to lay siege to a castle called Colomier, which in a short time submitted to them.
In the mean time, the prince of Orange had retreated, knowing that his enemies, with a superior force, had taken the field and moreover had won a castle garrisoned by his men. He lost no time in sending messengers with letters to the nobles and gentry in Burgundy, and to his friends and allies, to request aid. He was so diligent that, within few days, he collected very many of the nobles, whom he led to those parts where he knew the enemy was, in hopes of regaining the castle of Colomier.
The French having been apprised by their spies of the coming of the Burgundians, had made preparations for receiving them, and in handsome array advanced to meet them, which they did between Colomier and Autane. The Burgundians, having a wood to pass through, could not immediately form in battle-array, nor instantly resist the vigorous charge of the French. The combat was however, severe, and the victory long disputed. Among those who were dismounted on the part of the Burgundians was a valiant knight called sir Louis de la Chapelle: he was soon slain, and the French remained masters of the field by the defeat of the enemy.
Two or three hundred were left dead of the Burgundians and six score, or more made prisoners. The principal among the last were the lord de Bussy, son to the lord de St Georges, the lord de Varembon, whose nose was cut off by a stroke of a sword, sir John Louis son to the lord de Conches, the lord de la Frete, Thibault de Rougemont, the lord de Ruppes, the lord d'Escabonne, sir John de Vienne, the lord de Raix, John de Baudè, sir Duc de Sicon, Gerard de Beauvoir and others, to the number before stated.
On the day of battle, many of the Burgundians, to the amount of sixteen or eighteen hundred combatants, fled in great disorder, the principal were the prince of Orange, (who was pursued as far as Autane, wherein with difficulty he saved himself) the count de Fribourg, the lord de Montagu, by name sir John de Neuf-Chastel, who bore the order of the Golden Fleece, but of which he was afterward deprived, the lord de Pesmes, and many more notable gentlemen, who fled different ways.
This engagement, in which Roderick de Villandras, who commanded the van of the French behaved most gallantly, took place about eight o'clock in the morning. When the business was over, the French assembled together in great joy, and returned thanks and praises to the Creator for the happy issue of the day. In consequence of this victory, they won many towns and castles from the Burgundians: one was Aubrune, belonging to the prince of Orange, which after its capture was demolished.
THE FRENCH MARCH TO COMPIÈGNE AND RAISE THE SIEGE.
The earl of Huntingdon and John de Luxembourg laboured long at the siege Compiègne, and, by cutting off all provision from entering the town, and by their continued attacks from the forts, were in daily hopes of forcing the garrison to submit to their will. But on the Tuesday before All-Saints' day the French, to the number of four thousand fighting men, under the command of the marshal de Bousac, the count de Vendôme, sir James de Chabannes, Poton de Saintrailles, sir Regnault de Fontaines, the lord de Longueval, sir Louis de Vaucourt, Alain Giron and other captains, who had frequently been most earnestly pressed by William de Flavy, the governor, and inhabitants of Compiègne, to come to their assistance, at length quartered themselves at La Verberie, attended by a multitude of peasants with spades, mattocks, saws, and other implements, to repair the roads which the Burgundians had destroyed, by felling down trees, digging deep ditches, and various other hindrances to the march of an army.
The besiegers were soon made acquainted with their arrival, and a council was holden of the chiefs, to consider whether it would be more advantageous to advance and offer them battle or wait for them in their entrenchments. Many were for fighting them before they proceeded further; but others offered solid reasons why it would be better to strengthen their camp and wait their arrival,—adding, that should they quit the siege, to march to the French, and leave their forts unprotected, the besieged who were impatient to get out of their distressed situation, would demolish them, or at least they would make their escape from the town to a place of safety. This had such weight that the majority of the council agreed to it; and they resolved unanimously to wait the event, and exert themselves to the utmost to resist their enemies.
The following orders were issued. The earl of Huntingdon was to cross the river very early on the morrow, Wednesday, with his Englishmen, at the new bridge, and march to Royaulieu, where he was to draw up in order of battle, with sir John de Luxembourg, leaving in the abbey of La Venette, which was strong, all useless hands, with the horses and baggage, with a few of his men to guard them and defend the passage of the bridge.
Item, all carts, cars, merchandise and stores were to be secured in the abbey of Royaulieu, and the guard of it was given to sir Philip de Fosseux and the lord de Cohen.
Item, sir James de Brimeu with three hundred combatants were to remain in their fort, on promise from the lords, that should they be attacked, they would hasten to their support, having agreed on the signal they were to make, should they require aid.