CHAP. V.
THE CAPTAINS OF KING CHARLES ASSEMBLE IN GREAT NUMBERS TO RAISE THE SIEGE OF MEULAN.—THE DUKE OF BEDFORD TREATS WITH THE GARRISON.
TOWARD the end of February, a large body of combatants attached to king Charles, from the country of Berry, assembled under the command of the count d'Aumarle, the earl of Buchan, a Scotsman, the viscounts de Narbonne, d'Annechy, de Châtel Breton and others: they amounted to about six thousand men, and were marched to within six leagues of Meulan, where they formed themselves in battle-array; but a quarrel arose among their leaders, so that they broke up in a very disorderly manner, and departed without advancing farther. They lost great numbers of men from the sallies made by the garrisons of Chartres, and other places in the hands of the English, while retreating in such disorder.
The besieged in Meulan, hearing of what had happened, were exceedingly enraged that they had failed of having the promised succour. In their rage, they tore down the banner of king Charles that had been displayed over the gate, and flung it to the ground. Many gentlemen ascended the battlements, and in sight of the English tore to pieces the crosses they had worn as badges of king Charles, and loudly abused those who had been sent to their relief for perjured traitors.
The garrison was not long before they held a parley with the duke's officers; and persons were chosen on each side to conclude a treaty. On the part of the English were deputed the earl of Salisbury, sir John Fastolfe, sir Pierre de Fontenay, sir John de Poulligny lord de la Motte, Richard Widville, Nicholas Bourdee, grand butler of Normandy, and Pierre le Verrad. The deputies from the town were sir John de Grasville, sir Louis Martel, sir Adam de Croisines, knights, John d'Estainbourg, Jean de Mirot, Roger de Boissie, Oudin de Boissie and Jean Marie, esquires. These deputies having met several times, at length agreed to a treaty, the terms whereof were as follow.