named, on hearing of the near approach of the king's army, were so much
frightened, from dread of the French, that they suddenly left the town
in the utmost disorder, and without waiting for each other, abandoning
the command of it and the castle to the common people. This caused
great confusion; and they mostly withdrew to Guise and other fortified
places of the count, who was much enraged at their cowardice, more
especially with those to whom he had intrusted its defence.
On this same day, or on the morrow, the French came before Ribemont,
to whom, in the name of king Charles, was the town surrendered, and
admittance given them. They found it full of wealth, and helped
themselves to it at their pleasure; and Joachim Rohault entered with
the rest, as governor of the place.
Shortly after, the French advanced to the town of Marle[85], which
they surrounded on all sides with their whole force. The governor in
the town for the count de St Pol was a gentleman diligent and expert
in war, called George de Croix, having with him sixty combatants,
including those of the town. He was regularly and often summoned to
surrender the place to the king of France; but he always replied, that
without the knowledge and consent of the count de St Pol, he would not
yield it up.
The besiegers, in consequence, sent on their heavy artillery, and
pointed many cannon against the walls and gates, which damaged them so
much that they intended very soon to storm it. In the mean time, the
count de St Pol, considering that it would be impossible for him to
hold out against the power of France, especially as he had been told
that he must not look for aid from the duke of Burgundy, began to turn
his thoughts to the best means of appeasing the king, particularly
as the principal gentlemen about him advised him, by all means, to
negotiate a peace and remain in the quiet possession of his estates.
The countess-dowager, his mother, first opened the business, with
others of his friends, who had a little before gone to wait on the
king at Laon.--The count went also thither himself, and was graciously
received by the king and the dauphin, and by the lords of the court. He
shortly after requested and obtained from the king a suspension of arms
between the army before Marle and the garrison, until a fixed day, when
a treaty should be opened to accommodate the business.
A treaty was concluded, after the king had holden several councils,
and after the count de St Pol had been heard in his defence. It was
agreed, that the count should remain in the good graces of the king,
on consideration that he did immediate homage for the lands he held in
France, and also for those of the countess of Marle and of Soissons,
his lady, in the usual manner in which homage was done by other
vassals. He was likewise to place the town of Marle under the king's
obedience, and deliver it to such commissioners as should be appointed,
sending those now within it away. He was beside to give certain
declaratory letters, signed and sealed by him, the contents of which
shall be specified farther on.
When this matter had been finished, the king sent commissioners to take
possession of the town of Marle: they carried with them passports for
George de Croix and his men, who, on their departure, marched to La
Ferté-sur-Oise, by orders from the count de St Pol. The commissioners
on entering Marle, received the obedience of the inhabitants; and
having executed all they had been commanded, the town was, soon after,
restored to the count de St Pol, with the king's approbation, on the
same terms on which he had before held it.
The army now dislodged, and advanced further into the Vermandois,
Hainault and Cambresis, greatly oppressing the poor people. The count
de St Pol, after the conclusion of the peace, increased much in favour
with the king and the dauphin: he was particularly beloved by the
latter, whom he promised to serve faithfully, henceforth, in all his
wars with the English. The count remained at Laon a considerable time;
and before he quitted it, delivered to the council the declaratory
letter before mentioned, the tenour of which was as follows.
'Louis de Luxembourg, count de St Pol, de Ligny, de Conversan, de
Braine and de Guise, lord of Anghien and of Beaurevoir, and Castellan
of Lille, to all to whom these presents shall come, greeting.
'Be it known that I have promised, and by these presents do promise, on
my faith and corporal oath, and under penalty of confiscation of all
my effects, full and entire obedience to the king our lord, and to all
his officers, as well legal as civil, touching his finances, taxes, and
other matters respecting his royal domains, and to put an entire end to
all bonds of alliance in opposition to him that I may have contracted
within these last twenty years.
'I also promise, by these presents, to make restitution to the king,
or to whomsoever he may appoint, of what remains of the artillery, and
other stores, that were taken from the king's servants, by the garrison
of Ribemont, and what may remain of the king's horses and carts taken
by those of Marle.
'I likewise promise to make answer in the court of parliament to
whatever the king's attorney shall maintain and require from me,
touching the succession of my late lord, the count de Ligny, my uncle,
whose soul may God pardon! as well in regard to the personal effects of
my said uncle, on the day of his death, as to the inheritances which
have fallen to me as his heir in the countries of Ligny, Guise, and
elsewhere; and I hold myself bounden to obey whatever judgement that
court shall pronounce.
I have, in consequence, fixed on the 15th day of July, at which time I
hold myself adjourned to appear before the said court of parliament,
to make my reply to the king's attorney, that he may instantly proceed
thereon.
'I do promise generally, by these presents, to conduct myself toward
the king my sovereign lord, in a manner becoming a loyal subject,--and
that I will not suffer the smallest damage to be done, by any of my
garrisons, to any of the king's vassals, or to his territories. I also
promise faithfully to restore all I may hold that belongs to others on
account of the war; and in regard to Montaigu, my full powers shall be
exerted for its restoration.
'All these things I promise most strictly to perform, without the
infringement of any one article. In testimony whereof, I have signed
these presents with my own hand, and sealed them with the seal of my
arms, this 20th day of April, in the year 1441.'
FOOTNOTES:
[Footnote 84: Ribemont,--a town in Picardy, four leagues from St
Quentin.]
[Footnote 85: Marle,--a town in Picardy, five leagues from Guise.]
CHAP. XLVI.
THE DUCHESS OF BURGUNDY WAITS ON THE KING OF FRANCE AT LAON, TO MAKE
SOME REQUESTS TO HIM.--OTHER MATTERS.
In the month of April, in this year, the duchess of Burgundy, daughter
to the king of Portugal, waited on king Charles at Laon, honourably
attended by knights, ladies and damsels. As her health was but
indifferent, she was carried in a litter. The constable, who had
married a sister of the duke of Burgundy, came out a league from Laon
to meet her, and conducted her to the town, and to the king, who, as
well as the dauphin and courtiers, received her with every attention.
After this ceremony, she retired to the abbey of St Martin, where she
was lodged. She had several interviews with the king, respecting a
general peace, and also respecting the duke of Orleans.
At this time, the castle of Montaigu was held by Villemet de
Hainault, and others that had belonged to the late sir John de
Luxembourg, who had boasted that they would not surrender it to the
king's commissioners without the consent of the duke of Burgundy.
In consequence of this refusal, a large detachment had been ordered
thither to reduce it to obedience, and, if necessary, to besiege
it. This had, however, been delayed, in the expectation that an
accommodation would have been brought about before the duchess should
leave Laon,--who indeed had made many requests to the king, but few, if
any, were granted her. Nevertheless, she celebrated Easter there, kept
great state, and was visited by the nobles and other persons of note in
the king's household.
In like manner was the king visited while at Laon by Jeanne de Bethune,
countess of Ligny and viscountess of Meaux, who did him homage for her
lands. The king was well pleased at her coming, and received her most
kindly. She concluded a treaty, through her commissioners, respecting
the personal effects which her late husband had left her, which it
was said were confiscated because he had died while an enemy to the
king, and paid down for their release a sum of money: by this means
she remained unmolested, and received letters patent confirming the
agreement. During the time she staid at Laon, she was strongly urged to
remarry with the count d'Eu,--but she excused herself from compliance.
Soon after she had finished her business, she departed for her castle
of Beaurevoir, and thence to Cambray.
During this time, persons came daily to do homage to the king, and
to offer him their services, whom he retained, promising to be very
liberal toward them,--for he was then occupied with a plan of raising a
very large army, to combat his ancient enemies the English.
In this year, one of the esquires of the stables, named Dunot, was
charged before the duke of Orleans with an attempt to poison him, at
the instigation, as it was said, of some of the great lords of the king
of France's household. He was closely examined, and severely tortured,
and afterward drowned by night in the river Loire. Little, however,
was made public of the reality of the charges against those who had
been suspected.
About this period, eight score pillagers from the household of king
Charles went to a town in Hainault, called Haussy[86], which had a fair
castle, wherein they quartered themselves for three days. Many of the
adjacent towns and villages, as well in Hainault as in the Cambresis,
paid them protection-money to a large amount.
While this was passing, sir John de Croy, bailiff of Hainault,
assembled some men at arms in Quênoy, and advanced to attack them.
Part of them instantly retired within the castle, which was directly
stormed,--in the doing of which, an elderly gentleman of much note,
called Lordennois d'Ostern, was slain. They capitulated with the
bailiff to depart, on leaving all they had received behind, and to pay
a sum of money down for liberty to march away in safety. Many of them
were killed, that had not taken shelter in the castle. On their march
toward Laon, they were met near the bridge of Nouvion, by a party of
the count de St Pol's men, who robbed them of all they had, and slew
the greater part of them beside.
FOOTNOTES:
[Footnote 86: Haussy,--near Quênoy.]
[A.D. 1441.]
CHAP. XLVII.
THE DUCHESS OF BURGUNDY LEAVES KING CHARLES AT LAON, AND RETURNS TO
THE DUKE HER LORD AT QUÊNOY.
King Charles, having celebrated the festival of Easter at the bishop's
palace at Laon, held several councils on the requests which the duchess
of Burgundy had made, at the conclusion of which (as I have before
said) few if any were granted. She was much displeased at this, and
saw clearly, as well as those who had accompanied her, that the king's
ministers were not well inclined toward the duke of Burgundy or his
concerns.
Perceiving that her stay was no longer profitable, she took leave of
the king, and thanked him for the honourable reception he had given
her,--but added, 'My lord, of all the requests I have made you, and
which seemed so very reasonable, you have not granted me one.' The king
courteously replied, 'Fair sister, this has weighed on my mind more
than you conceive, and I am much hurt that it cannot be otherwise; for,
having laid the whole of them before my council, where they have been
fully discussed, they have determined that it would be very much to my
prejudice were I to accede to them.'
After this conversation, she took her leave of the king and the
dauphin, and went to St Quentin with her attendants. She was escorted
by the constable, and others, a considerable way. From St Quentin, she
departed on the morrow to dine at the castle of Cambresis. While she
was there, some of the king's men had entered Hainault on a foraging
party, and were carrying away great numbers, of cattle, sheep, horses,
and other effects; but they were sharply pursued by the duchess's men,
who killed three or four on the spot: the rest saved themselves by
flight, except two, who were overtaken, made prisoners, and carried to
Quênoy, where they suffered death.
The duchess pushed forward to Quênoy, where the duke was, to whom she
related all that had passed between her and the king and his ministers.
In truth, the greater number of the nobles who had accompanied her were
not so much attached to the french interest on their return as they
were when they had set out, on account of what they had seen and heard
while at Laon.
The duke weighed well these matters in his own breast, and considered
with his council on the best means of securing his dominions, which
seemed likely on the first fair opportunity, to be attacked. He had,
however, about him many prudent and valiant men, who exerted themselves
to the utmost to preserve peace and union,--and in particular, on
the part of the French, the archbishop of Rheims, lord chancellor of
France, was very active to preserve the peace from being infringed.
And although the duchess of Burgundy had left the king in an ill
humour, there were daily communications between well-intentioned men on
both sides, to bring to an amicable conclusion what differences might
exist between the king of France and the duke of Burgundy.
CHAP. XLVIII.
THE FORTRESS OF MONTAIGU[87], BELONGING TO THE LORD OF COMMERCY,
IS DESTROYED, AND RAZED TO THE GROUND, BY ORDERS FROM THE DUKE OF
BURGUNDY.
Sir Robert de Sallebruche, lord of Commercy, pressed the king of France
and his council for the restoration of his castle of Montaigu; but this
lord de Commercy was not in the good graces of the duke of Burgundy,
whose indignation he had incurred by injuries done to his country and
subjects. He would not therefore consent that this castle should be
restored in its present state, and insisted on its being demolished.
The towns of Laon, Rheims, St Quentin, and others joined in this
request, because the garrison had made very oppressive inroads on
all the country round. It was, therefore, concluded, with the king's
approbation, that those within it should give security to the king for
its due surrender in the beginning of June in such state, entire or
demolished, as it might please the duke of Burgundy.
The duke instantly sent a numerous train of workmen, to destroy the
castle: but, while this was doing, the lord de Commercy practised
secretly to get possession of it from those to whose care it was
intrusted by means of bribes. It was discovered,--and those suspected
of being concerned were arrested, four of whom were beheaded: one of
them was the governor of the town of Montaigu. In revenge for this
attempt, the fortress was razed to the ground. It was seated very
strongly on a high mountain, and the adjacent countries had suffered
greatly from it.
FOOTNOTES:
[Footnote 87: Montaigu,--a town in Picardy, near Laon.]
CHAP. XLIX.
THE KING OF FRANCE LAYS SIEGE TO, AND CONQUERS, THE TOWN OF CREIL[88].
When the king of France had resided about a month in Laon, he departed
thence, and went, through Soissons and Noyon, to Compiégne, where he
tarried some time to wait for his army that he was raising to march to
Creil.
Although William de Flavy, governor of the town of Compiégne, had
obtained his pardon from the king for the death of the lord de Rieux,
marshal of France who had died in his prisons, he would not appear
before the king,--and, from fear of the marshal's friends, went off
with the lord d'Offemont, for the greater security of his person.
The king was joined at Compiégne, by numbers from all parts of France,
in obedience to his summons; and a few days after he quitted Compiégne,
and went to Senlis, where he made a short stay, and thence marched
his army before Creil, then held by the English. He fixed his quarters
near the town, on the side toward Paris,--and the constable and other
captains posted themselves on the opposite side, in front of the bridge.
Many skirmishes took place on their arrival; but soon after, when the
king's artillery, that had been pointed against the walls and gates,
opened their batteries, the fortifications were so much damaged that
the garrison began to fear the event of a storm,--so that, at the end
of twelve days, they desired to capitulate, which was granted to them.
They agreed to surrender the town and castle to the king, on condition
of being allowed to march away in safety with all their money, and
as many of their effects as they could carry on their backs. Having
received passports, they marched out on foot through the gate leading
to the bridge, taking the road toward Beauvais. Their commander was sir
William Chamberlain.
On the departure of the English, the king entered the castle,--and the
other captains were lodged in different parts of the town. Yvon du Puys
was appointed captain of the garrison.
FOOTNOTES:
[Footnote 88: Creil,--a town on the Oise, and on the road from Amiens
to Paris.]
CHAP. L.
THE KING OF FRANCE MARCHES TO BESIEGE THE TOWN AND CASTLE OF PONTOISE.
When the king of France had resided some days at Creil, he marched
his whole army to Pontoise and arrived there about the middle of May.
He was lodged in the abbey of Maubuisson, a noble convent having many
fine edifices. His household was quartered there with him, and also the
constable and marshals of France, namely the lord de Solignes[89] and
de Lohiac: the other commanders were lodged in divers parts.
The artillery was soon brought to bear on a large bulwark at the end
of the bridge, opposite to Maubuisson[90], which so much damaged it
that it was taken by storm. From fourteen to sixteen were killed on
the kings side, and many wounded: the English suffered nearly an equal
loss. The king had this bulwark repaired and strengthened, and gave the
guard of it to sir Denis de Chailly, and Michael Durant, with their men.
In another quarter, a bridge was thrown over the river Oise, opposite
to the abbey of St Martin, which was surrounded by a low wall, and
fortified like a blockhouse. The lord Charles d'Anjou and the lord de
Cotivy[91], admiral of France, took possession of it with three or four
thousand combatants. A strong blockhouse was also erected at the end of
this new bridge, for its defence. The French could now pass over the
river at their pleasure, without fear of danger from the enemy.
While these approaches were carrying forward, the king was joined by
great numbers of nobles and gentlemen, and likewise by the burghers
from the chief towns, in obedience to his summons. In the number were
six score combatants from the city of Tournay, all picked men, and
excellently appointed. These were chiefly cross-bow men, and under the
command of three persons of note in Tournay, namely Symon de St Genoix,
Robert le Boucher, and John de Cour, who were most graciously received
by the king. Numbers came from Paris handsomely equipped, and from all
the other great towns; and, as they arrived, they were received by the
king's officers, and suitably lodged.
Louis de Luxembourg, count de St Pol and de Ligny, who had been some
time assembling his men, arrived before Pontoise about a week after
Midsummer-day, with six hundred men well appointed and arrayed. As the
weather was very hot, he drew up his men in order of battle near to the
king's quarters, who, with several of the princes and others, came to
see him and were greatly rejoiced at his arrival. The king feasted him
much, and was profuse his thanks to him for having come thither with
so handsome a company.
There came with the count de St Pol the lord de Vervins, sir Colart
de Mailly, Louis d'Anghien, sir Ferry de Mailly, John de Hangest, sir
Daviod de Poix, Jacotin de Bethune and his brothers, George de Croix,
and many more gentlemen, who suffered much this day from the excessive
heat; insomuch that one gentleman, called Robert de Frisomen, died of
it.
After the king had reviewed them they went to lodge at a village hard
by, and shortly after encamped with the besieging army. The count de
Vaudemont came also thither with one hundred or six score combatants,
with whose arrival the king was well pleased. In truth, there were at
this siege most of the great lords of France,--such as the dauphin,
the count de Richemont constable of France, the two marshals and the
admiral, before named, the lord Charles d'Anjou, the counts d'Eu de la
Marche, de St Pol de Vaudemont, d'Albreth, de Tancarville de Joigny,
the vidame de Chartres, the lord de Châtillion, the lord de Moreul in
Brie, Poton de Saintrailles, the lord de Bueil, La Hire, the lord de
Ham, sir Heincelin de la Tour, the lord de Mouy, Claude de Hangest,
Regnault de Longueval, the lord de Moyencourt, the lord de la Suze,
sir Theolde de Valberg, Anthony de Chabannes, Charles de Flavy, sir
Giles de St Simon, Hugh de Mailly, Olivier de Cointiny, the lord de
Pennesach, Blanchefort, Floquet, Broussach, Joachim Rohault, Pierre
Regnault, the lord de Graville, sir John de Gapondes, Geoffry de la
Hire, the bastard de Harcourt, and many others of great weight and
authority,--so that, according to an estimate made by persons well
informed, it was thought that the king's army amounted to from ten to
twelve thousand combatants, the flower of his chivalry, each of whom
was personally anxious to conquer the town and castle of Pontoise.
While the French were thus employed, the duke of York, the lord Talbot,
and others of the english commanders then at Rouen, took council
together how they could best relieve their companions in Pontoise. It
was resolved that the lord Talbot should first attempt to revictual
it, and reconnoitre the position and appearance of the French. In
consequence lord Talbot marched away with about four thousand fighting
men, as well horse as foot, and had with him a long train of carts and
cattle for the supply of the garrison.
After some days march, he took up his quarters at a town called
Cheurin[92], not far distant from Pontoise, where he lay two
nights,--and, during that time, threw his supplies into Pontoise
without hinderance from the French; for the king had determined in
council to avoid combating the English, unless he could do so highly to
his advantage.
Having accomplished this business, lord Talbot retreated to Mantes[93],
and quartered his men without the town: thence he returned to Normandy.
In the mean time, the artillery of the king of France, as well in the
blockhouse of St Martin as elsewhere, played continually on the walls
and gates of Pontoise, and damaged them greatly; but the besieged
repaired them in the night, as well as they could, with beams of wood
and old barrels: they also made frequent sallies, in which several were
killed and wounded on both sides. The king was desirous of inclosing
the town all round,--but could not well do it from the danger of an
attack from the english army, and of his troops being cut off from
succouring each other when thus separated; for he knew how near the
enemy were, and in great force, preparing to make him raise the siege.
It was from this cause that the French delayed surrounding the town
closely on all sides. A huge blockhouse was ordered to be instantly
built in the forest of Compiégne, and floated down the Seine to
Pontoise, where they would fix it as they should judge expedient,--and
William de Flavy was commanded to see that this was immediately done.
Some time after, the lord Talbot came a second time and revictualed
the town, and supplied it with all sorts of stores in abundance. Each
time, he took away those who had been wounded, leaving reinforcements,
from his own men, and, as before, met with no interruption or
opposition in his return.