CHAP. LXXII.
THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY SENDS AMBASSADORS TO AMIENS, TO KEEP UP HIS INTEREST WITH THE INHABITANTS.
IN these days, the duke sent, as ambassadors, to Amiens, the bishops of Noyon, of Arras, the vidame of Amiens and others to remind the mayor and townsmen of the good affection which he and his predecessors had ever shewn them; and to say, that if there was any thing he or his friends could do for them, they were at their commands; requesting them, in return, to persevere in their attachment to his interests, like good friends and neighbours.
The townsmen of Amiens, seeing themselves thus honoured and courted by such ambassadors from so mighty a prince were in the highest spirits, and said among themselves, that it would be well to put their town under his protection, on his abolishing all taxes. They replied to the ambassadors, that they would shortly send commissioners, to the duke to declare their intentions. They did send commissioners, in conjunction with deputies from Abbeville, Montrieul, St Riquier, Dourlens and others, who were instructed to demand an abolition of taxes. This was not granted by the duke; but he promised them his support and assistance to obtain their demand from king Henry.
At this time, the duke of Burgundy summoned, from Picardy and the adjacent parts, all those who had been accustomed to bear arms, to be ready prepared to join and march with him where he might please to lead them. They were soon assembled in great bodies, and passed muster at Beauquêne, where they took the oaths before sir James de Brimeu, constituted marshal for this purpose. They advanced toward Abbeville and St Riquier, where they remained a considerable time waiting for the duke of Burgundy, which was a heavy oppression to those parts.