CHAP. LIX.
THE LORD D'OFFEMONT ENTERS ST RIQUIER.—THE ADVENTURE OF THE LORD DE COHEN, GOVERNOR OF ABBEVILLE.—OTHER EVENTS THAT HAPPENED IN THESE TIMES.
THE LORD D'OFFEMONT ENTERS ST RIQUIER.—THE ADVENTURE OF THE LORD DE COHEN, GOVERNOR OF ABBEVILLE.—OTHER EVENTS THAT HAPPENED IN THESE TIMES.
Duringthe time that the duke of Burgundy was on his march, and when he was with the king of England, the lord d'Offemont and Poton de Saintrailles collected about twelve hundred horse, and, passing through Vimeu, crossed the Somme at Blanchetaque, where they were met by sir James de Harcourt: they thence proceeded to St Riquier, and gained admittance into the town through the influence of sir James.
They treated successfully with Nycaise de Boufflers for the surrender of the castle of La Ferté, which was given up to them, as was that of Drugy, belonging to the abbot of St Riquier. When they had established themselves in these places, they overran the adjacent country, and even sailed on the river Canche, to a large village called Conchy, and completely burnt the whole, together with a very handsome church, into which the principal inhabitants had retreated with their effects, the greater part of whom were led prisoners to St Riquier.
In another part, the strong fort of Dourier proudly seated on the river Authie, was surrendered to Poton de Santrailles; and, by means of this acquisition, the town and neighbourhood of Montrieul were greatly harrassed.
The duke of Burgundy heard, on his return with his army, at a town called Croissy, that the lord d'Offemont and Poton de Santrailles had gained possession of St Riquier, and how they were proceeding. On this he assembled his council; and it was determined that men at arms should besummoned from all parts, and cross-bowmen from the towns under the dominion of the king of France, that St Riquier might be besieged. With this intent he went to Amiens, and solicited succours, which were granted to him. He thence dispatched his messengers to different towns, to make similar requests: the greater part of them promised to serve him liberally.
When the duke departed from Amiens, he went through Dourlens, to fix his quarters at Auxi, on the river Authie, within three leagues of Saint Riquier. He was there rejoined by sir John de Luxembourg, who had been detached with a certain number of combatants, through Dourmart in Ponthieu, toward St Riquier, to make inquiry as to the number and situation of the Dauphinois.
The duke remained three days at Auxi, to wait the arrival of his reinforcements. While these things were passing, the lord de Cohen, governor of the town of Abbeville, going one night after supper to visit the guard, attended by only six persons, but preceded by his servants, carrying lighted torches, was suddenly attacked by threeor four persons, who were lying in wait for him, and severely wounded him in the face. They also struck an advocate, called John de Quex, who was in his company, mounted on a handsome horse: he was stunned with the blow, and, in his fright, stuck spurs into his horse, who galloped off against a chain that had been stretched across the street from two posts. One of them, by the great strength of the horse, was torn from the ground, but the shock flung the advocate with such force that he died shortly after, of the bruises. The lord de Cohen was carried home by his servants, thus wounded, and was unable at first to discover the perpetrators of this deed. They were, however, of Abbeville, and, by means of friends, escaped secretly, and went to Crotoy, to relate what they had done to sir James de Harcourt, who was well pleased thereat, and retained them in his service. Some few years afterward, however, they were taken, and executed for this and other crimes.