CHAP. L.
THE EARL OF SALISBURY ARRIVES IN FRANCE WITH GREAT REINFORCEMENTS TO THE DUKE OF BEDFORD.—THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY ESCORTS THE DUCHESS JACQUELINE INTO HAINAULT.
IN the month of May ensuing, the earl of Salisbury, a knight very expert, and of great renown in arms, by orders from king Henry and his ministers, assembled a force of six thousand combatants, men tried in war, great part of whom he was to carry to France to the aid of the duke of Bedford, who styled himself regent of that kingdom. The earl sent off a detachment of three thousand to Calais, whence they marched to Paris, to carry on the war against king Charles.
About Midsummer-day, the earl followed with the remainder of his men, and, crossing to Calais, marched by St Pol, Dourlens and Amiens, to Paris, where he was joyfully received by the duke of Bedford and the council of France attached to the interests of king Henry.
Instantly on his arrival, many councils were held respecting the war; and it was resolved that the earl, after having subdued some trifling towns held by the enemy, should lay siege to Orleans, which they said had done them great injury.
On the council breaking up, orders were issued for the Normans, and others of the english party, to assemble immediately; and such diligence was used, that within a very short time the earl of Salisbury had upward of ten thousand combatants. The principal captains were the earl of Suffolk, the lord Scales, the lord de Calaboche, the lord Lisle, Classedach, and many valiant and expert men in arms. When they had been well feasted and honoured in Paris, they departed, under the command of the earl of Salisbury, to besiege the town of Nogent le Roi, which was soon conquered, and great part of the garrison put to death: the rest escaped by paying large ransoms. The earl marched thence to Gergeau.
While this was passing, the duke of Burgundy had returned to Holland with his most faithful adherents, to make further arrangements with his cousin the duchess Jacqueline, and to receive the oaths of fidelity from divers others of the nobles and towns of that country. After these matters were finished, the duke, and duchess Jacqueline went into Hainault; and in all the towns through which they passed they received similar oaths to what had been given in Holland and Zealand, from the nobles, clergy and commonalty. In some places, they were received with honour and respect, although very many were much dissatisfied with these arrangements, but at present they saw no means to remedy them.