Chapter IV: Part 4

'In truth, if I am not assisted by you, and if proceedings shall be carried on against me without my being heard in my defence, I know not to whom to apply, nor have I any hope of being treated with justice, which must cause me to suffer the utmost grief. I refer you for all other particulars to the bearers of this letter, the before mentioned Taillemonde and Huet, either of whom can relate to you the details of every charge.

'Very dear brothers and companions, if there be any thing you would wish me to do, let me be made acquainted therewith, and I will perform it most willingly, as the Lord knows, to whose holy keeping I commend you.

'Written at my hotel at Bohain on Candlemas-day.'

Such were the contents of the letters sir John de Luxembourg sent to the different knights-companions of the order of the Golden Fleece, the greater part of whom were very desirous to mediate with the duke of Burgundy that sir John might remain in his good graces. They daily remonstrated with the duke on this subject, and that he ought not to be so much displeased; but new matters of quarrel arose between them, and various tales were continually carried to the duke against him.

It happened, at this time, that in the provostship of Peronne a heavy tax was ordered to be collected, and, among others, some villages within the lordships of Ham and Neel, then in the possession of sir John de Luxembourg, were taxed, who was very much discontented that such levies should be raised on his subjects; but, as the deed was done, he made an appeal against the officers of the duke of Burgundy who had laid the tax, and wanted to collect it.

The duke, dissatisfied on his part that this right should be questioned, sent a body of archers to support his officers in collecting the tax, who, on their arrival, carried the edict very rigorously into execution, by seizing all they could lay hands on,--insomuch that the sufferers went to Ham to make complaint to Jacotin de Bethune then in garrison.

On hearing what had passed, he instantly ordered his men to mount and go and see what could be meant by it, while he followed soon after. They advanced to where the duke's archers were, and, without further enquiry beat them soundly: a sergeant from Mondidier was wounded in many places; but when Jacotin came up, and saw that they belonged to the duke of Burgundy, he put an end to the affray, and made excuses for what had happened, saying, that he had taken them for a party of the Skinners attached to king Charles.

They were, however, very ill treated, and speedily returned to the duke their lord, to whom they made heavy complaints about what had passed.--The duke was so indignant with sir John de Luxembourg for this that he resolved to force him to make amends for it, cost what it would.

He wrote shortly after to sir John to order him to send to him Jacotin de Bethune and the others who had committed this offence; but sir John refused, excusing himself, by saying, that he did not think that his people should be meddled with. Thus was their quarrel mutually increased.

Not long after this, Jacotin overthrew with the garrisons under his charge, a body of men belonging to the counts de Nevers and d'Estampes; when a gentleman, called La Perriere, was killed, together with others, at which the above named lords were greatly vexed. Sir John de Luxembourg was, however, much feared, because he was possessed of some very strong places, such as, Coussy[26], Beaulieu[27], Ham sur Somme[28], Neel[29], La Ferté[30], St Goubain[31], Marle[32], Arsy[33], Montaigu[34], Guise[35], Herison[36], Bouchain[37], Beaurevoir[38], Honnecourt[39], Oisy[40], and others, all of which had numerous garrisons. He had not as yet broken off his connexions with the English: on the contrary, he depended much on their support,--for which reason many who were inclined to injure him, were afraid to attack any parts of his territories, lest he should fill his towns and castles with English, which would be the total ruin of the country. For fear of this, all who hated him dissembled their feelings; nevertheless, he did not slacken in providing means of defence, but retained in his different towns and castles men at arms, ready to oppose all who should wage war against him, as well French as Burgundians. These warriors, however, harrassed the country much, more especially the Cambresis.

The english garrisons of Creil[41] and of other places, under pretence of being his men, made frequent excursions, taking many prisoners, and collecting all they could find, which they drove away to places under their obedience. Several of sir John's captains were connected with the English; one in particular, called Perrinet Quatre-Yeux, who was from near Beauvais in the Cambresis, who had served them as a guide to make prisoners and ransom some rich men in those parts, but it happened that, in the course of these wicked pursuits, he had come to a farm near Oisy, called Gourgouche; which being told to Sir John de Luxembourg then in the castle of Oisy, he instantly sent thither his archers, who put him to death, and buried him in a ditch,--and sir John gained great praise from all the country for so doing.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 26: Coussy. Q. Courcelles? a town in Picardy.]

[Footnote 27: Beaulieu,--a town in Picardy.]

[Footnote 28: Ham sur Somme,--a town in Picardy.]

[Footnote 29: Neel,--a village in Picardy.]

[Footnote 30: La Ferté. Q. La Ferté-Milon? a town in Picardy.]

[Footnote 31: St Goubain. Q. St Gobin? a town in Picardy.]

[Footnote 32: Marle,--a town in Picardy.]

[Footnote 33: Arsy. Q. A town in Picardy.]

[Footnote 34: Montagu,--Montaigu, a town in Picardy.]

[Footnote 35: Guise,--a town in Picardy.]

[Footnote 36: Herison,--a town in Picardy.]

[Footnote 37: Bouchain. Q. Bohain, a town in Picardy.]

[Footnote 38: Beaurevoir,--a town in Picardy.]

[Footnote 39: Honnecourt,--a town in Picardy.]

[Footnote 40: Oisy,--a village in Picardy.]

[Footnote 41: Creil,--situated on the Oise, ten leagues from Paris.]

CHAP. XXIX.

THE COUNT DE RICHEMONT, CONSTABLE OF FRANCE, GAINS THE TOWN OF MEAUX IN BRIE FROM THE ENGLISH.

While these things were passing, Arthur of Brittany count de Richemont and constable of France, collected about four thousand combatants, under the command of La Hire, Floquet, the lord de Torcy, sir Giles de Saint Simon, and other french captains, as well from Champagne as from other parts, whom he marched about the beginning of July before the town of Meaux in Brie, then in the possession of the English.

He first fixed his quarters at Champ-commun[42], which is a very large village, and, shortly after, erected a blockhouse, fronting the gate of Saint Remy at Meaux, and lodged his men in the convent of the Cordeliers at St Faron-les-Meaux, and in other places near. He erected another blockhouse on the island opposite the town,--and one was placed by sir Denis de Chailly at the gate of Cormillon, leading toward Brie. Five others were afterwards erected on two islands near the court of Supletes, and opposite to the market-place, all of which were filled with men at arms.

Several large engines were also pointed against the gates and walls, which damaged them greatly. Having continued these attacks on the place for about three weeks, the constable consulted his officers and determined to storm the town, for which the men were very eager,--and it was won with but little loss to the assailants. The bastard de Thian was made prisoner in the town, who was instantly beheaded together with another gentleman called Carbonnel de Haule, and some others. The besieged lost about sixty men,--and from forty to fifty were made prisoners on their retreat to the market-place. The constable now quartered himself and the greater part of his army in the town of Meaux, leaving, however, very strong garrisons in the blockhouses.

The chief commanders for the English in the market-place of Meaux were sir William Chamberlain, sir John Ripley and others, with about five hundred combatants. Prior to the siege, they had sent information to the government at Rouen of the intentions of the French to besiege them, and required to be reinforced as speedily as possible.

The earl of Cambridge, at that time governor of the duchy of Normandy for the king of England, accompanied by sir John Talbot, the lord Falconbridge, sir Richard Woodville, and other english captains, with about four thousand fighting men, began their march from Rouen to raise this siege, and arrived before the town of Meaux. The constable, hearing of their intentions, had, however, withdrawn into the town before they came all his men and stores; and lucky it was, for had they remained in the field great mischiefs must have happened on both sides,--for the English desired nothing more than to fight the French.

They made many proposals to the constable to this effect,--but he refused to listen to them, or consent to a general action. Several skirmishes, however, took place, in one of which the English gained from the French twenty boats laden with provision; and in another quarter a blockhouse, under the command of the lord de Moy, was abandoned.

The English attacked and took one of the blockhouses, on the island opposite to the market-place, in which from a hundred to six score French were slain, and the rest made prisoners. After various attempts, finding the French unwilling to combat them, and that it was impossible to hurt them in their present situation, they made preparations to return to Normandy the same way they had come, after having revictualled their countrymen in the castle of the market-place.

When they were departed, the constable renewed his attacks on the market-place with greater vigour, and with so many engines that after three weeks sir William Chamberlain capitulated to surrender the place, on having the lives and fortunes of the garrison spared. When this treaty was concluded, the English marched to Rouen, under passports; but on their arrival, their commander was much reproached for his surrender of Meaux which was so well provided with stores and provision, and was one of the strongest places of France: he was committed to prison in the castle of Rouen,--but, after some time, he found means of excusing himself to the lords of his party, who set him at liberty.

At this period, a gentleman named Jean de la Fange attached to the constable, was beheaded and quartered, on being convicted of holding communications with the English, to the prejudice of the king of France and his realm. A sergeant of the Châtelet was also quartered with this Jean de la Fange.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 42: Champ-commun--in the MS. corrections in M. du Cange's copy of Monstrelet in the imperial library at Paris: it is Chant-conin from the life of the constable; but I cannot find either of these names in the Gazetteer nor in Cassini's large map of France.]

CHAP. XXX.

SIR JOHN DE LUXEMBOURG SENDS LETTERS TO EXCULPATE HIMSELF, TO THE GREAT COUNCIL OF THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY. THEIR CONTENTS.

Sir John de Luxembourg, count de Ligny and de Guise was duly informed how much the duke of Burgundy was displeased with him, and chiefly for the offence committed by Jacotin de Bethune against his archers, as has been before mentioned. In order, therefore, to exculpate himself as well as the said Jacotin, he wrote letters to the grand council of the duke, of the following tenour.

'Most reverend fathers in God, very dear and beloved cousins, and my most especial friends,--I believe it is within your knowledge that a sudden quarrel has accidentally arisen between some archers of my most redoubted lord the duke of Burgundy and the men of Jacotin de Bethune, in my town of Ham.

'This has raised the indignation of my most redoubted lord against me,--for which I am more grieved than I can express. I shall therefore explain the matter fully to you, that you may be made acquainted with the whole, and exculpate me from any blame.

'Prior to this quarrel with the archers, the officers of my most redoubted lord imposed a tax on the land, without calling together a competent number of the three estates to authorize it,--and this tax they wanted to raise on my possessions. Some of my officers made an appeal against this conduct, and matters remained in this state,--when a body of those called Skinners, from the Valois, and other men at arms, showed a disposition to make war on me.

'These appearances obliged me to reinforce my strong places with men at arms,--and I sent Jacotin de Bethune to guard my town of Ham. Some time afterward, certain persons on horseback made an inroad on my villages near to Ham, and carried away horses, cows, and whatever they could lay hands on: in consequence, many women hastened to Ham and complained of these outrages,--upon which Jacotin concluded they must be the Skinners, and instantly sent a party after them, when a scuffle ensued. But as Jacotin followed his men, finding that they belonged to the duke of Burgundy, he immediately put an end to the affray, and was exceedingly distressed that it had happened,--for he could never have supposed that they had belonged to my most redoubted lord, considering that an appeal was then lying in his courts against this tax being laid.

'They had shown great mockery as they had passed by Ham, and had also declared, prior to this, that they had not been ordered to insult my territories; from which it plainly appears, that the dispute was sudden and unpremeditated, although my most redoubted lord summons me on this account to deliver up to him Jacotin de Bethune and his men. I have, consequently, had the matter legally examined into, in the presence of the king's notary-public, and have had the result laid before my most redoubted lord, by which it appears that the said Jacotin and his men have not been so blameable as my lord duke has been told,--but that the fault lies with these archers, and other officers of justice, for having acted illegally.

'At the same time, I entreated him, in consideration of this body of evidence to withdraw his anger, and to suffer the affair to be treated judicially; adding that he might send whomsoever he pleased to take fresh examinations,--and that if I should be found guilty of having done any thing wrong, after having been heard in my own defence, I would make such amends as should be judged proper, or ask his pardon.

'I have also, for greater humiliation, and to take away all suspicions he may have conceived against me, (who have never done him wrong) frankly made offer to ask his mercy, which offer he has not been pleased to accept, but has seized on the lands I and my wife possess in Flanders and in Brabant. This I think extremely hard, considering that I am no way culpable in the above affair, and have, besides, proposed to refer the whole to a court of justice: should I be found guilty, (which cannot be the case) there can be no reasonable ground for the confiscation of my lands, even according to the laws and usages of those countries.

'All these things I have fully declared to the lord de Santhois, who, of his courtesy, has come to visit me; and I have entreated of him to remonstrate with my lord duke, beseeching him that he would, out of his good grace, refer the whole matter to a court of justice, for that I was ready to appear in my defence before my said lord the duke of Burgundy, my lords companions of his order, and in the presence of his council,--or before the three estates of Flanders and Brabant,--or before the judges within whose jurisdictions my lands lie.

'I supplicated at the same time my most redoubted lord, that he would accede to one of these proposals, and set my lands at liberty; for I am unwilling to fly from the justice of my said lord, or to seek other princes and judges than those to whom I have already offered to submit myself.

'It seems to me that, under God, justice, and nobility, what I demand, ought not to be refused me; for I do not think I can offer fairer terms, or show greater duty, than to submit myself to be judged by my said lord, who is a prince of such high renown, by my lords companions of his order, who are his brethren, relations or friends, or persons selected for their valour and wisdom, or by his council, and by the three estates and judges of his countries of Flanders and Brabant, who are persons of consummate learning and prudence; offering, at the same time, to present myself and beg pardon of my said renowned lord the duke, notwithstanding that I have never, in any one instance, done him wrong, as I have said before.

'Nevertheless, I have heard from some, who have purposely come to me, that the duke will not receive my offers until I shall have given up to his pleasures Jacotin de Bethune,--which is a thing impossible for me to do, as he is not within my power: and it is not to be supposed that any person who knew that he had incurred the anger of so powerful a prince as my most redoubted lord would suffer himself to be arrested, when certain martyrdom would be the consequence.

'Now, very dear and especial friends, I have stated to you the whole truth of the case, that you may be fully acquainted therewith, and consequently exert yourselves to procure my justification,--for you must now see how undeserving I am of blame,--and I entreat you most humbly to remonstrate with my said lord that I may be restored to his favour, and that he would take away his officers from my lands.

'I must beg that you would obtain me the means of exculpating myself in a court of justice, considering that during my youth I loyally served my late lord, duke John, whose soul may God pardon! and that I never failed, as is known to every one, in my services to my present lord, in assisting him to guard and defend his countries,--for he wrongfully detains my possessions without even attempting to demonstrate the legality of such confiscation, which, in fact, is due to all who demand it by every lover of justice.

'I pray you, therefore, to have in remembrance the duties I have performed and the offers I have made, which I have more amply detailed in the former part of this letter. Reverend fathers in God, very dear and beloved cousins and most especial friends, if there be any thing you would wish me to do, acquaint me therewith,--and, as the blessed Son of God knows, it shall be done with a hearty good will,--and to his holy keeping I now leave you. Written in my castle of Vendeuil[43], this 13th day of April.'

The direction was, 'To my very dear and very beloved cousins and especial friends, the members of the great council of my most redoubted lord, my lord the duke of Burgundy.'

When these lords had received their letters, they met together to consult on the best mode of proceeding relative thereto,--particularly the knights of the order of the Golden Fleece, of which order sir John de Luxembourg was one. They were very anxious to reconcile him with his lord; for they were afraid, should hostilities commence, very great inconveniences would arise to the territories of the duke. They also knew that he was a man of determined courage and enterprise, well provided with strong towns and castles, that would enable him to protract the war to a great length of time. He was likewise still connected with the English, who had promised to supply him with men and stores as often and in what quantities he should require.

They considered the valuable services he had done the duke and his country for a very long period,--and, on the other hand, that the French were daily making encroachments on the territories of the duke, and according to their opinion, very ill observed the articles of the treaty concluded at Arras. Weighing all these circumstances, they thought it would be much better that sir John should be received into favour on making the satisfaction he had proposed than otherwise.

After this matter had been debated several times, they determined to wait on the duke in a body, and endeavour to bring it to the conclusion they had agreed on. They addressed him at length pointing out the necessity for a reconciliation, more particularly sir Hugh de Launoy lord of Santois, who had the business much at heart, as well as some others.

Nevertheless, at first they found the duke very shy and cold in his replies, for he was indignant at sir John's conduct, more especially respecting the attack on his archers, which seemed to have angered him more than all the rest. The counts de Nevers and d'Estampes were also highly displeased with Jacotin de Bethune for slaying their men, and not indeed without cause.

These lords, however, by persevering, brought the matter to this issue, that no objection would be made to hearing sir John and the others in their defence, in consideration of the proposals made by him. At length, a day was fixed on for bringing the two parties together in the city of Cambray.

Thither came, on the part of the duke of Burgundy, the bishop of Tournay, master Nicholas Raoulin, lord of Authun[44] his chancellor, sir Hugh de Launoy, the lord de Saveuses, and other persons of rank. Sir John de Luxembourg was there, accompanied by many noble persons, as well knights as esquires and counsellors at law,--and even Jacotin de Bethune was there also.

Within a few days after their arrival, the business was entered upon relative to the insults which were said to have been offered to the duke of Burgundy by sir John de Luxembourg, and others of his party. On the charges being declared, sir John made his reply, and exculpated himself from the greater part of them, offering likewise, by himself and council, to make whatever advances should be deemed proper.

After a long discussion, it was agreed to put down in writing such articles as should be thought reasonable to be complied with by each party, for the conclusion of peace. They were shown to sir John de Luxembourg, who corrected some of the articles that displeased him, and were then laid before the chancellor, and the other members of the council, who likewise made alterations. On their being brought back to sir John, he was so indignant thereat that, in his rage, he tore the paper into pieces, and said aloud, that the bishop of Tournay and the chancellor should not manage him at their pleasure. However, through the interference of the other lords on each side, his heat was shortly after calmed, and matters were brought to an amicable conclusion, provided it met the approbation of the duke, to whom they were to carry the treaty.

Among other articles, Jacotin de Bethune was to surrender himself, in one of the public prisons, to the duke's mercy,--but the lords at Cambray, on the part of the duke, promised him to insist with their lord that he should be pardoned, and received into favour. When these matters had been thus concluded, the members of the council were grandly feasted, with the rest of the lords, at the hôtel of sir John de Luxembourg. All the adjoining countries were greatly rejoiced when they heard of this peace being concluded.

Soon afterwards, both parties left Cambray; and the commissioners from the duke of Burgundy laid before him what they had done, with which he was satisfied. Within a certain time, Jacotin de Bethune waited on the duke, in his town of Hèdin, and surrendered himself to his mercy, requesting that, if he bore any anger against him, he would be pleased to pardon him,--but the duke sent him away a prisoner. It was not long, however, before he obtained his liberty, on certain conditions, that were granted him through the pressing intercessions of some lords of high rank, and of great weight in the duke's council.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 43: Vendeuil,--a village in Picardy, near to Mondidier.]

[Footnote 44: Authun. He was lord d'Ainneries and a native of Authun, and thus he styled himself, _Du Cange._]

CHAP. XXXI.

KING CHARLES OF FRANCE SENDS THE PRINCESS CATHERINE, HIS DAUGHTER, TO THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY, CONFORMABLY TO THE TREATY OF MARRIAGE AGREED ON WITH THE COUNT DE CHAROLOIS HIS SON.

In the month of June, of this year, king Charles of France sent from his palace the lady Catherine, his daughter, to the duke of Burgundy, having consented to her marriage with his son the count de Charolois. She was grandly and honourably accompanied by the archbishops of Rheims and of Narbonne, the counts de Vendôme, de Tonnerre, and de Dunois, the young son of the duke of Bourbon, called the lord de Beaujeu, the lord de Dampierre, and other noble personages, knights and esquires, together with an escort of about three hundred horsemen. She was attended by the lady of Rochefort, and several noble dames and damsels.

On their arrival at Cambray, they tarried in that city three days, and were grandly feasted by the clergy, the magistrates and inhabitants. The counts de Nevers and d'Estampes, the chancellor of Burgundy and numbers of the nobility, were at Cambray ready to receive her, together with the countess of Namur, the lady of Crevecœur, the lady of Hautbourdin, and many other ladies of birth. Very great honours and attentions were shown by each of the parties respectively. The young princess, who was but ten years old, was carried on a rich and highly ornamented litter,--and in all the towns through which she passed, of France as well as Burgundy, the greatest honours were shown her. At the gates of the great towns, ten or twelve of the principal gentlemen were commonly in waiting to receive her, and kept their hands on the litter until she descended from it at the hôtel prepared for her.

On leaving Cambray, she arrived, after some days travelling, at Saint Omer, where the duke of Burgundy was holding his court. On her approach, he advanced out of the town grandly attended by his knights, and paid her every respect when they met, as did all who had accompanied him. He then led her into the town of St Omer where the marriage was fully confirmed.

Very great feasts took place in consequence, with tournaments, balls, music, and every other amusement. The lord de Crequy was tenant of the lists, on the part of the duke of Burgundy, against all comers.

They remained a considerable time at St Omer, on account of a conference that was about to be holden by ambassadors from the kings of France and of England, between Gravelines and Calais, of which I shall shortly make mention.

CHAP. XXXII.

THE BASTARD OF BOURBON TAKES THE TOWN OF LA MOTHE IN LORRAINE.

In this year, the bastard of Bourbon left Jargeaux with about four hundred combatants, whom he marched by many days journeys to La Mothe[45] in Lorraine, and took it by storm. Every thing portable was seized on by his men,--and he remained there for a month, making excursions and pillaging all the country round. He even attempted the town of St Nicholas de Varengeville, which for a long time had not been attacked by any men at arms of either party.

Upon this, the governors of Lorraine, foreseeing the total ruin of that country, treated with the bastard of Bourbon to surrender the town of La Mothe and quit those parts, on receiving a large sum of money. When the money was paid, the bastard departed, and set out, with all his men, to return to the place whence they had come; but as he was marching near to Langres[46], he was pursued and overtaken by sir John du Vergy, Anthony de Gelet, Philippot de Sainginis, who attacked and conquered him, and won from him all his plunder. Upwards of six score remained dead on the field; the rest, or the greater part of them, were made prisoners.

Thus those who had been robbed were in some measure avenged on their marauders,--but they did not recover what had been taken from them.--With regard to the said bastard, he was neither killed nor made prisoner.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 45: La Mothe,--four leagues NNW. from La Marche.]

[Footnote 46: Langres,--a large city in Champegne, the capital of Bassigny-françois.]

CHAP. XXXIII.

MANY NOBLE AMBASSADORS FROM THE KINGS OF FRANCE AND ENGLAND MEET BETWEEN GRAVELINES AND CALAIS, TO HOLD A CONFERENCE ON THE SUBJECT OF PEACE.

In this year, many noble ambassadors were assembled at the same place where, the preceding year, a conference had been holden on the parts of the kings of France and England and the duke of Burgundy. Among others, there came, on the part of the king of France, the archbishop of Rheims high chancellor, the archbishop of Narbonne, the bishop of Châlons, the counts de Vendôme and de Dunois, the lord de Dampierre, sir Regnault Girard, governor of la Rochelle, master Robert Mailliere, and Andry le Boeuf.

On the part of the duke and duchess of Burgundy came the bishop of Tournay, master Nicholas Raoulin his chancellor, the lord de Crevecœur, the lord de Santois, master Pierre Bourdin, master Philip de Nanterre, and others.

From the king of England came the cardinal of Winchester, the archbishop of York, the bishop of Norwich, the bishop of St David's, the bishop of Lisieux, the dean of Salisbury, the duke of Norfolk, the earl of Stafford and his brother, the lord de Bressuire, the earl of Oxford, sir Thomas Kiriel, with several others of the nobility.

They held several meetings to consider if they could not bring about a general peace between the two kings and their allies, and also respecting the deliverance of the duke of Orleans, who had remained a prisoner in England since the battle of Azincourt. But they could not agree on any conclusion worth speaking of; for the English refused to treat with the king of France unless the duchy of Normandy, together with all their other conquests, remained to them independant of the crown of France.

Another meeting was appointed for the ensuing year, and the conference was broken up, when they all separated without doing any thing further. The English had come thither in great pomp, and magnificently dressed; but the cardinal of Winchester outshone all in the splendour of his tents and pavilions, and the richness of his gold and silver plate, and in all other necessaries and luxuries. He nobly feasted the duchess of Burgundy, his fair niece, before they all separated, and returned to the places they had come from, without transacting any other business.

CHAP. XXXIV.

THE ENGLISH MAKE AN EXCURSION INTO THE COUNTRY OF SANTOIS[47], WHERE THEY GAIN THE CASTLE OF FOLLEVILLE[48], AND COMMIT MANY RAVAGES AND CRUELTIES.

About the beginning of Lent, in this year, the earl of Somerset, the lord Talbot and other captains, collected about two thousand combatants, as well horse as foot, in the country of Normandy, near to Rouen, whom they marched, with all their baggage, provision and stores, toward the country of Santois. Having crossed the Somme near the town of Montrieul[49], they quartered themselves before the castle of Folleville, then under the government of Bon de Saveuses, in right of the lady-dowager, whom he had married.

In consequence of the garrison making a sally, and killing a particular favourite of the earl of Somerset, whom he much loved, he swore a great oath that he would not march away until he should have conquered the castle, and reduced all within to his power.

He ordered an excellent small bombard, with other engines, to be pointed against it,--and their first discharge killed the governor. He continued his attacks with such courage that the garrison were glad to surrender the place and every thing it contained, and to pay a large sum as ransom for their lives. The earl had the castle repaired, and regarrisoned it with his men, who did great mischiefs to all the country round.

On the morrow of the surrender of this castle, the earl of Somerset departed with the remainder of his forces, and followed the lord Talbot, who was already far advanced into the country of Santois. They fixed their quarters at Lihons[50], wherein they found abundance of every thing, as well as in the surrounding country,--for the inhabitants, not suspecting their coming, had not driven away their cattle and flocks to places of security.

At Lihons, there was a small fort and large church wherein the inhabitants had retired, on perceiving the English near the town. The earl summoned those in the church to surrender, or he would order an assault. They refused to comply, and, in consequence, on the morrow, a very severe attack commenced; but the English, finding from its continuance that they could not otherwise obtain their end, set the church on fire, which was wholly burnt with all it contained,--and upwards of three hundred persons, men, women and children, were thus pitilessly destroyed, for very few escaped who had therein taken refuge.

Those who had fled to the fort, witnessing the cruel manner in which their poor brethren had been treated, entered into capitulation with the commissaries of the earl, and saved their lives and the town from being destroyed, by paying a larger sum of money. They gave many hostages, women as well as men, for the due payment of their ransom, who were long prisoners at Rouen and elsewhere, from the delays in the payment. One of these hostages was a gentleman called Noiseux de Sailly, who died in prison.

While the English remained at Lihons, they made frequent inroads on the adjoining countries, whence they brought large booties to their quarters. They took also the castle of Harbonnieres[51], and the lord within it,--who, to ransom himself and his vassals, and to prevent the castle from being destroyed as others had been, agreed to pay one thousand golden saluts[52].

During this time, the English met with no opposition,--but the count d'Estampes had arrived at Peronne, and instantly sent summonses to the principal persons in Picardy, Hainault, and the adjacent countries, to hasten to him with as many men as they could collect. They joined him in great numbers,--among whom were the lord de Croy, the lord de Humieres, the lord de Saveuses and his brothers, Waleran de Moreul, Jean de Brimeu, at that time bailiff of Amiens, sir Jean de Croy, bailiff of Hainault, the lord de Hautbourdin, the lord de Barbenson, sir Simon de Lalain, and very many more from the countries aforesaid, who, when they were assembled in Peronne and the towns round about, amounted to full three thousand well-tried combatants.

These lords held a council, to consider how they should act. Many wanted to fight the English without more loss of time; but others were of a contrary opinion, and gave good reasons, why they ought not to fight them. At length, it was determined to take the field during the night, and form an ambuscade near to Lihons in Santois, while some of the captains were to beat up the quarters of the English, and set fire to the outskirts of the town,--when they would consider, from the movements of the enemy, how it would be most expedient for the main body in ambush to act.

After this determination, every one was ordered to be ready to mount instantly after midnight,--and this order was obeyed. The count d'Estampes issued, immediately after, out of Peronne,--but they had scarcely advanced half a league from that town, when it became so very dark that they had difficulty to keep their road; they were, therefore, forced to move about until it was lighter, so that their enterprise failed, and they returned back to Peronne. On this same day, about twelve o'clock, the count d'Estampes received certain intelligence that the English had dislodged from Lihons, and were on their march back to Normandy by the same road they had come.

When the English had remained for about ten days in Lihons, ransoming and despoiling the country as I have said, they marched back to Normandy, without meeting with any opposition worth mentioning, carrying with them much plunder, and hostages for payment of the composition-money. On repassing Folleville, they reinforced the garrison with a strong body of men.

During the stay of the English in Santois, and when they were quartered in Lihons, those attached to, and dependant on, sir John de Luxembourg went backward and forward, and had much communication with them, to the great astonishment of the count d'Estampes, who as well as the other lords with him were not very well pleased,--but they could not prevent it at that time. On the departure of the English for Normandy, the men at arms who had obeyed the summons of the count d'Estampes began to retire, each to the place he had come from.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 47: Santois,--a small fruitful country of Picardy, to the south of the Somme and Peronne. Mondidier is the capital.--_Gazetteer._]

[Footnote 48: Folleville,--a village in Picardy, election of Mondidier.--_Gazetteer._]

[Footnote 49: Montrieul. This must be a mistake, for Montrieul is not on the Somme, and is quite out of their line of march.]

[Footnote 50: Lihons,--a town in Picardy, near Peronne.--_Gazetteer._]

[Footnote 51: Harbonnieres,--a town in Picardy, near Corbie.--_Gazetteer._]

[Footnote 52: Saluts,--old french crowns, of the value of five shillings sterling.--_Cotgrave._]

[A.D. 1440.]

CHAP. XXXV.

THE DAUPHIN, THE DUKE OF BOURBON, AND MANY OF THE GREAT LORDS QUIT IN DISGUST THE COURT OF KING CHARLES[53].

At the commencement of this year, the king of France assembled a large body of nobles and men at arms to march into the Bourbonnois, and conquer the duke of Bourbon and destroy his territories; because he had, to his great vexation, seduced and carried off his son the dauphin, who had, until then, been lodged in the castle of Loches[54].

The count de la Marche was governor of the castle of Loches, and was in the town at the time the dauphin went away, unsuspicious that he would do so without first speaking to him. The bastard of Bourbon, however, with Anthony de Chabannes and other captains, with a large body of men at arms, entered the castle, and, with the dauphin's consent, carried him away to the town of Moulins[55] in the Bourbonnois.

Thither followed the duke of Bourbon, the duke d'Alençon, the count de Vendôme, the lords de la Trimouille, de Chaumont, de Prie, and other nobles and great lords, whose intentions were to invest the dauphin with the sole government of France, and to put king Charles in wardship to be managed by them.

In order to have aid to accomplish their plans, they summoned barons and gentlemen from divers countries, to whom they disclosed their intentions, and required them to make oath that they would serve the dauphin against all who should attempt to injure him. In this number came the great lords of Auvergne, who on hearing the proposal, made answer by the mouth of the lord de Dampierre, that they would cheerfully serve him in every thing, excepting against the king his father; adding, that should the king come with an army into their country, and require their support, and a free entrance into their towns and castles, they would not dare to refuse him,--and this those who made them the request must expect to see done, should the case happen.

This answer was not agreeable to the dauphin, nor to the other lords, who now began to suspect they should fail in their enterprise, and that it would turn out badly for them. They had also received exact intelligence that the king was marching a great power against them, and had already entered the Bourbonnois, carrying on a severe war against the towns and castles of the duke of Bourbon and his adherents, and had reduced several to his obedience.

In the mean time, the dauphin and his advisers had sent messengers to the duke of Burgundy to know if he would receive them in his territories, and afford them assistance to carry on their plans. The duke, after he had consulted with his ministers, replied, that his territories and fortune were at the disposal of the dauphin whenever he might please to come thither, but that upon no account would he afford him any assistance to carry on a war against the king his father,--and would be at all times ready to aid him in the recovery of his father's affections. He added, that he advised him to take this step without loss of time,--for the continuance of this warfare was disgraceful to those concerned in it, and would be the most effectual means of completely ruining the kingdom of France.

To put an end to this quarrel, the duke of Burgundy sent ambassadors to the king of France, who mediated between the parties; and a treaty of peace was concluded, on condition that the dauphin, the duke of Bourbon, and their adherents should appear with all humility in the presence of the king, and beg pardon for their offences. However, before this could be accomplished, the greater part of the estates of the duke of Bourbon and of his partisans were totally destroyed by the warriors of the king, who had marched thither a large army.

On the 19th day of July, the king being at Cusset[56] the dauphin and duke of Bourbon, accompanied by the lords de la Trimouille, de Chaumont, and de Prie were on the road to present themselves before him,--but when they were half a league off, a messenger from the king met them, and said, that the king would not promise them safety, and ordered them not to approach nearer to him.

The dauphin on hearing this, turned round to the duke of Bourbon, and said, 'My good friend, you could not have guessed how things would have turned out, or that my father would not have pardoned those of my household.' He then swore a round oath, that he would not return to his father. The duke of Bourbon replied, 'My lord, all will go well: do not doubt it: but you cannot go back, for the van of the king's army, is on the road.' He would, however, have attempted it, had not the count d'Eu, and other lords who had come from Cusset, to meet him, strongly remonstrated on the impropriety and danger of such proceedings.

The three lords aforesaid then went to Moulins; and the dauphin, with the duke of Bourbon, entered Cusset, and dismounted at the hôtel of the king. On entering the king's apartment, they kneeled three times as they approached; and at the third they begged of him with great humility, to be pleased to lay aside his anger. The king then addressed his son, and said, 'Louis, you are welcome; you have been long absent. Go and repose yourself for to-day at your lodgings: to-morrow we will talk with you.'--After this, he conversed long and wisely with the duke of Bourbon, saying, 'Fair cousin, we are much displeased at the fault you have committed against our majesty, and which has been repeated five different times,' (mentioning when and where he had been guilty of it). 'Were it not for the honour and love we bear to some persons, whom I will not name, I would have made you feel severely my displeasure. Take care, therefore, that you be not guilty of the like again.'

After this conversation, the dauphin and the duke of Bourbon retired to their lodgings, where they remained until the morrow, and when the king's mass was ended, they again waited on him. In the presence of the members of the council, they again most humbly requested the king that he would have the goodness to pardon them and the lords de la Trimouille, de Chaumont, and de Prie. The king made answer, that he would do no such thing, but was satisfied that they should return to their houses and estates. The dauphin replied, 'My lord, I must then go back to them, for such has been my promise.' The king displeased at this speech, instantly said, 'Louis, the gates are open to you,--and should they not be wide enough, I will have thrown down sixteen or twenty fathoms of wall that you may have sufficient room to go whithersoever you please. You are my son, and cannot bind yourself under promises to any one without my leave and consent: but should you wish to go away, go,--for, under God's pleasure, we will find some of our blood who will assist us in the maintenance of our honour and power with more firmness than we have hitherto done.'

The king turned away from him on the conclusion of this speech, and went toward the duke of Bourbon, who instantly took the oath of allegiance to be true to him henceforward for ever. The king discharged all the officers of the household of the dauphin, except his confessor and cook.

The duke of Bourbon, in consequence of the terms of the treaty, promised to restore to the king, within a few days, the towns of Corbeil, Vincennes, Sancerre, and the castle of Loches, which were in his possession; but the king would not permit his army to quit the Bourbonnois and Auvergne until these places were fairly given up. The king also pardoned the duke d'Alençon, the count de Vendôme, and many other princes and nobles, who had taken part with the dauphin. When all these things were accomplished, the dauphin was satisfied to remain with the king his father, and peace was proclaimed in the following terms.

'We make known to you, by the king's command, that my lord the dauphin and my lord the duke of Bourbon have appeared before his majesty in all humility and obedience; that the king has affectionately received them into his good graces, and pardoned every thing. By these presents, the king wills and ordains, that all quarrels and warfare cease, and that no prisoners nor captures of cattle, or of other effects, be made, or injuries done to any one by taking castles or towns, or otherwise,--but that all persons do now attend to their affairs, and go about their business without any interruption whatever,---and he forbids any places belonging to the duke of Bourbon or to others, being demolished.--Given at Cusset, the 24th of July, in the year 1440.'--It was subscribed at the bottom by order of the king and his great council, and signed 'Jugon.'

Within a few days after, the king gave to the dauphin the government of Dauphiny,--and ordered his army to march from the estates of the duke of Bourbon, toward Orleans and Paris.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 53: This quarrel was caused by reforms which the king wanted to make in his army, that devoured the country, and was very displeasing to the nobles, who fattened on the misery of the people. The commotion was called _La Praguerie_. The dukes of Alençon, Bourbon, Vendôme, and even the bastard of Orleans, the count de Dunois, entered into it. They complained that the king intrusted the government of the realm only to two or three private persons, and formed a league against the ministers. The duke of Alençon seduced the dauphin, then only sixteen years of age,--but whose turbulent disposition readily inclined him to make part of the conspiracy, in order to get rid of the count de Perdriac, his tutor.--_Mezeray._]

[Footnote 54: Loches,--a town in Touraine, on the Indre, ten leagues from Tours.]

[Footnote 55: Moulins,--capital of the Bourbonnois, 43 leagues from Lyons.]

[Footnote 56: Cusset,--a town in the Bourbonnois, near St Gérond.]

CHAP. XXXVI.

THE FRENCH OVERRUN THE LANDS OF NEEL, BELONGING TO SIR JOHN DE LUXEMBOURG.

In the month of July, of this year, while sir John de Luxembourg count de Ligny was at Neel in the Vermandois, the garrisons of Crespy in Valois[57], of Ver[58], and other places, to the amount of about one hundred combatants, advanced thither having crossed the Oise at the bridge of Saint Maixence, under the command of Gilbert de la Roche, a companion of arms to sir John de Luxembourg. They overran the country round Neel, belonging to the count de Ligny, and made great prizes of peasants, cattle, horses, and of all they could seize,--after which, they set out with their plunder, on their return home.

Intelligence of this was carried to sir John de Luxembourg, who was very indignant thereat,--for it was not the first time such pillaging had taken place. He instantly assembled, from his nearest towns and castles, about a hundred fighting men, whom he sent in pursuit of them. The principal captains were sir David de Poix governor of Guise, Guyot de Bethune, Antoine de la Baniere governor of Ham, Antoine du Belloy, and other gentlemen, who, riding full speed, overtook them below Compiégne, opposite to Royaulieu[59], where they had sent across the river, by means of a boat which they had found there, good part of the cattle and horses,--and about twenty were in the boat crossing, when they saw their adversaries arrive, and vigourously attack those who had remained behind. Wishing therefore, to assist their companions, they turned the boat toward the shore they had come from, but it was useless; for no sooner did it approach than such numbers, from fright and surprise, leaped into it that it overset, and many were drowned and their effects lost. The rest were defeated, and several slain: in this number was Gilbert de la Roche. Rassillé saved himself by flight, with only about eight or ten of his men.

The conquerors now crossed the river to seek for the plunder,--and, by another road, drove the cattle, &c. to Neel, where sir John de Luxembourg came out to meet them, much rejoiced at their good success. They brought with them five prisoners, the majority of whom were hanged.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 57: Crespy in Valois--capital of the Valois, six leagues from Senlis.]

[Footnote 58: Ver,--a village in Picardy, diocese of Senlis.]

[Footnote 59: Royaulieu,--a convent in the diocese of Soissons, near Compiégne.]

CHAP. XXXVII.

THE EARL OF SOMERSET BESIEGES HARFLEUR WITH A POWERFUL ARMY OF ENGLISH.

About the end of April, in this year, six thousand english combatants were assembled near to Rouen, under the command of the earls of Somerset, of Dorset[60], and of Falconbridge, they having with them the lord Talbot, sir Francis the Arragonian, Matago, Jacquemin, Vacquier, Thomas Heniton, the bailiff of Rouen, and some other captains, who marched thence, and besieged Harfleur by sea and land.

The governor for the king of France was John d'Estouteville, having with him his brother Robert and others, to the amount of four hundred fighting men, who, with the townsmen and sailors, made every preparation to receive their adversaries with courage. They strengthened every weak part of the fortifications, and made some sallies, in which they took prisoners, or slew several of their adversaries.

The besiegers on their side, were not idle in securing their camp with deep ditches all round, and with strong hedges, to prevent any surprise, leaving, at proper intervals, openings for their own convenience to sally forth. They pointed bombards, and other destructive engines, against the gates of Harfleur, which harrassed the town much, and for so long a time that the inhabitants suffered greatly. They were also oppressed by a famine, caused from a want of all necessaries. They sent several messengers to king Charles to state their situation and solicit succour, which he promised to send: but, from the many weighty affairs on his hands, he was unable to do it so soon as they required.

However, at the end of about four months that this siege had lasted, and when the countess of Somerset and other ladies and damsels were come thither to see the conclusion of it, the count d'Eu was ordered to march, with the promised succour, to the relief of the town. He had with him the count de Dunois bastard of Orleans, the bastard de Bourbon, the lord de Gaucourt, La Hire, sir Giles de St Simon, the lord de Penerach, Pierre de Broussac, and other experienced captains, with about four thousand combatants.

John d'Estouteville had in the town about four hundred fighting men, whose captains were John de Bressay, sir James de Hincourt, Hector de Fol, Guillot de Las and John Gentil. The succours sent him were all picked men: they marched through the country near Paris, then suddenly turned toward Amiens and Corbie, where they crossed the river Somme, and thence through Ponthieu, came to Abbeville, where they held a council on their future proceedings. As they marched through Picardy, they were joined by all the vassals of the lords d'Auxi and de Humieres, John d'Ailly lord of Araines, Guillaume le Jeune lord of Cousay[61], and many other gentlemen.